India

Virginia teen dug pond for school project; 9 years later, wildlife thrives

Ken Kesey's iconic Furthur bus returns to San Francisco for restoration

Ken Kesey's legendary 'Furthur' bus has returned to San Francisco after several decades away. The psychedelic vehicle was famously used by Kesey and his Merry Band of Pranksters during their 1964 cross-country trip, which played a key role in spreading counterculture and psychedelic ideas across America. The bus is now the centerpiece of a new Grateful Dead exhibition in the city. The display also includes Jerry Garcia's BMW, and the event will mark the launch of a formal effort to restore the heavily deteriorated bus.

Gangster-Turned-Politician Gurpreet Singh Sekhon Joins AAP Before Punjab Elections

Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, a gangster-turned-politician, has joined the Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the upcoming Punjab assembly elections. The move is seen as a strategic addition by AAP as it looks to strengthen its presence in the state. Sekhon's entry into the party has drawn attention from political observers across Punjab. Analysts suggest that AAP may field Sekhon as its candidate from the Zira assembly constituency.

Maharashtra FDA clarifies festival food order targets adulteration, not celebrations

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has clarified the scope of a recently issued food safety directive. The order is designed to monitor and curb food adulteration at festivals and public gatherings across the state. It mandates that food served at such events complies with existing food safety laws. The framework operates year-round to ensure consistent enforcement rather than selective intervention. Mundhe emphasized that the directive aims to protect public health while allowing festivals to proceed as normal.

Middle East Tensions, Crude Prices and Fed Policy to Drive Markets This Week

Global markets are bracing for a potentially volatile week as several major economic and geopolitical factors come into play. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their impact on crude oil prices. US inflation data is expected to be a key focal point, alongside the Federal Reserve's evolving policy direction. Strong recent US jobs numbers have fueled speculation about the Fed's likely course of action at its September meeting.

Pakistan cricket in crisis as coaches reshuffled and Misbah quits roles

Pakistan cricket is facing significant turmoil following a series of major personnel changes within the team setup. Seven players along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been sent home from the squad. White-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been reassigned to oversee the red-ball team in an interim capacity. Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has stepped down from the national selection panel and also vacated his batting consultant position at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The sweeping changes have drawn sharp criticism from former cricketers, who describe the current state of Pakistan cricket as an all-time low.

Students Trapped After Delhi Building Collapse, Rushed to AIIMS Trauma Centre

A building collapse in Delhi left several students trapped, prompting an emergency rescue response. Injured victims were transported to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for urgent medical treatment. Their condition was reported to be critical. A BJP MLA raised the alarm, noting that trapped students were making phone calls from inside the debris. The incident has drawn attention to building safety concerns in the area.

China's Type 100 Tank Debuts Unmanned Turret and Hybrid-Electric Propulsion

China has unveiled the Type 100, a next-generation main battle tank representing a major evolution in its armored warfare capabilities. The vehicle features an unmanned turret, reducing crew requirements while integrating active protection systems for enhanced survivability. Its hybrid-electric propulsion system is designed to lower the tank's acoustic and thermal signatures on the battlefield. The Type 100 is built for networked operations, enabling coordination across modern digital combat environments and deep assault missions. The platform signals a deliberate strategic shift in how China intends to deploy armored forces in future conflicts.

Can US really make Hormuz safe? The dangerous battle against Iran’s sea mines

VFS Global CEO assures biometric data deleted after visa application processing

VFS Global CEO Zubin Karkaria has stated that the company does not retain applicants' biometric data after the visa application process is complete. Speaking to NDTV, Karkaria described VFS Global as a 'made in India' company with a global footprint. He explained that the company's primary goal is to improve efficiency in visa processing. VFS Global aims to bridge the gap between the high demand for visas and the limited capacity of governments to handle applications.

Mexican Security Forces Kill 15-Year-Old Cartel Gunman in Shootout

A 15-year-old alleged cartel assassin was killed during a gunfight with Mexican security forces. The minor was reportedly a member of Carteles Unidos, a criminal organization operating in Mexico. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of cartels recruiting minors into their ranks. In February 2025, the United States designated Carteles Unidos as both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

Why People Compulsively Check Phones Even Without Boredom, Studies Explain

Research suggests that compulsive phone-checking is not always driven by boredom but by a deeper discomfort with unstructured, quiet time. Smartphones provide instant engagement that suppresses self-reflection and inner thought. Studies have linked this behavior to a higher susceptibility to boredom and an underlying desire for social connection. Feelings of loneliness and ingrained behavioral habits also play a significant role in habitual phone use.

Over 19.5 Lakh Affected as Ganga Breaks Flood Record in Bihar

Severe flooding has hit 11 districts across Bihar, affecting more than 19.57 lakh people. The Ganga river has crossed its previous record flood level at Gandhi Ghat in Patna, prompting authorities to issue alerts for downstream areas. Relief operations have been intensified in response to the worsening situation. Multiple other rivers in the region are also flowing above danger levels, compounding the crisis. Further rainfall is forecast, raising concerns that flood conditions may deteriorate further.

Iran Targets US Naval Drone After American Strikes on Oil Tankers

Iran attacked a US naval drone in a fresh escalation of hostilities between the two nations. The incident followed American airstrikes on oil tankers carried out the previous week. These exchanges mark the latest round of clashes in an ongoing conflict that has lasted approximately six months. The confrontations continue amid a deadlock, with neither side achieving a decisive resolution to the dispute.

Verstappen set F1 records at Monza 2025 but qualifies fifth for 2026 Italian GP

Max Verstappen delivered a historic performance at Monza during the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, setting two Formula 1 records. He clocked the fastest qualifying lap in F1 history, averaging 264.682 km/h, while the 2025 race itself became the quickest in the sport's history. Despite those achievements, Verstappen's form at the same circuit has not carried over into the following season. The Dutch driver will start only fifth on the grid for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix.

‘Adjacent building also caved in’: Eyewitnesses recall Delhi collapse horror

Fuel Tanker Crash and Explosion in Western Iran Kills 11, Injures 7

A fuel tanker crashed and subsequently exploded in western Iran, resulting in 11 deaths and seven injuries. The incident caused significant casualties in the affected area. Details regarding the exact location within western Iran and the precise cause of the crash have not been provided in the available information. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision and blast.

Seattle light rail linked to deaths of 2,000 fish in Lake Washington

Cleveland's 90-Year-Old Bridge Shut Indefinitely After Severe Beam Damage Found

A bridge in Cleveland, Ohio, built in 1933, has been closed until further notice following the discovery of more extensive floor beam deterioration than previously known. The closure was announced by the Ohio Department of Transportation, which cited public safety as the primary reason for the decision. The findings emerged during assessments ahead of a planned major rehabilitation project. Construction for that rehabilitation had been tentatively scheduled for 2028. The worsening structural condition prompted authorities to act immediately rather than wait for the planned repairs.

Virgin Atlantic London Flight Returns to Bengaluru After Mid-Air Technical Issue

A Virgin Atlantic flight bound for London made an emergency landing in Bengaluru after developing a technical problem shortly after takeoff. The aircraft departed Kempegowda International Airport at approximately 8:20 am before the crew detected the snag. Rather than continuing the journey, the crew circled the aircraft near Tumakuru for over 30 minutes before deciding to turn back. The flight ultimately returned safely to Bengaluru airport as a precautionary measure.