India

As vultures disappear, minister calls for 'safe zones'

5-state polls set for Feb-March, with UP voting 2 months before term ends

UP 2 months early, P 14

Relief in Congress as all factions accept Pilot as Punjab handler

Perth woman, 102, sells home she built for $3,080 after seven decades

Elaine Keesing, a 102-year-old resident of Salter Point, Perth, has sold the only home she ever lived in after nearly 70 years. She and her late husband constructed the three-bedroom house in 1956 at a cost of approximately $3,080. The land on which the property was built originally cost between £50 and £100. Keesing is now set to transition into aged care as she parts ways with the family home filled with decades of memories.

Uttarakhand waqf board bid to align nikahnama with UCC draws opposition

1929 Oleander Hotel in Louisiana gets new life as Grand Isle Museum

Govt in a tangle over Supreme Court ruling on 'creamy layer'

After meeting Bihar youth, Rahul slams PM Modi, Samrat Choudhary

PM Modi's remark triggers Kharge-Nabin exchange

Cong

India, China Corps Commanders meet in Arunachal Pradesh

Agency won't be privatised or its role diminished: Isro

Bradley Carlisle becomes first professional Santa Claus with Down syndrome in the US

Bradley Carlisle has made history by becoming the first professional Santa Claus with Down syndrome in the United States. He completed formal training at a performer school and was inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. Carlisle overcame a childhood fear of Santa before pursuing the role, supported by his mother and an outreach program from a Santa association. His achievement highlights the importance of inclusivity and showcases the potential of individuals with Down syndrome in professional performance roles.

LSU Student Misses Both Shots at $1M Field Goal Prize on Pat McAfee's GameDay

An LSU student named Bruce got a rare shot at winning $1 million during a College GameDay broadcast backed by sports personality Pat McAfee and Home Depot. Randomly selected from the crowd, Bruce was given two attempts at a 33-yard field goal but failed to convert either kick. The contest is part of McAfee's broader $6 million commitment to GameDay prize challenges this season. In past seasons, similar contests have seen students successfully win large cash prizes, with portions also donated to charity.

Rajnath to visit Sri Lanka from Tuesday, focus on bilateral, defence ties

Pennsylvania Couple Permanently Protects 78 Acres, Halts Plans for 109 Homes

Paul and Cynthia Black, a Pennsylvania couple, purchased 78.3 acres in 2022 with the intention of preserving the land from development. The property has since been permanently safeguarded through a conservation easement, extending a protected natural corridor to 236 acres. Their combined conservation work across three connected projects has blocked the construction of 88 houses and 21 condominiums. The preserved land includes farmland, woodland, and clean water sources. The Blacks' efforts represent a significant private contribution to environmental conservation in the region.

Sonoma Mountain Ranch Sells for $38.5M After $33M Eco-Restoration

A sprawling 1,100-acre estate on Sonoma Mountain in California has sold for a record $38.5 million. The property was developed by tech entrepreneurs Mark and Debra Leslie, who transformed previously undeveloped land into a self-sustaining retreat. The couple invested approximately $33 million into environmental restoration and agricultural infrastructure on the estate. The ranch features a modern main residence with panoramic views. The sale reflects rising demand for secluded, off-grid properties along the California coast.

Amazon-linked Boeing 767 crashes off Miami runway, huge smoke plume seen in video

Delhi Building Collapse Sparks Safety Concerns, Student Groups Stage Protest

A building collapse in Delhi has triggered serious questions about structural safety and regulatory oversight. Authorities are facing scrutiny over how the building was permitted to be reoccupied after having previously been vacated. Concerns have been raised about whether adequate safety and structural inspections were carried out before residents were allowed to return. Student organisations have taken to the streets to protest against the incident, demanding accountability.

Indian Companies to Raise Rs 7,200 Crore Through IPOs in Upcoming Week

Indian capital markets are gearing up for a busy week as multiple companies prepare to launch initial public offerings. The combined fundraising target across these IPOs stands at approximately Rs 7,200 crore. The activity comes amid growing anticipation around high-profile upcoming listings, including those of NSE and Jio Platforms. Dalal Street sentiment appears to be warming up in the lead-up to these significant market events. The flurry of IPO activity signals continued investor appetite and confidence in Indian equity markets.

Punjab Congress Power Struggle Claims Baghel Amid Internal Factional Tensions

Punjab Congress is witnessing a deepening internal power struggle involving key party figures. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who served as the party's Punjab in-charge, has become a casualty of the state's fractious political dynamics. The conflict highlights longstanding rivalries within the Punjab Congress unit that have repeatedly destabilized its leadership structure. Questions are now being raised about whether the state party president could be the next to face political consequences. The situation underscores the ongoing challenge the Congress party faces in maintaining organizational unity in Punjab.