India

Pan Am Flight 73 Survivor Recalls 1986 Hijacking and Road to Recovery

A survivor of the 1986 Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking has shared her harrowing account of the ordeal, decades after the event. During the attack, she was moved into the aircraft's interior amid the chaos of the hijacking. A flight attendant named Sunshine played a key role in helping her escape via an emergency slide. Rather than avoiding reminders of the trauma, the survivor chose to continue travelling as a way to confront and overcome her fears. Her story highlights how facing painful memories, rather than retreating from them, can be central to the healing process.

NYC Council summons Mayor Mamdani over encrypted messaging use by his team

The New York City Council has called Mayor Mamdani to account after his administration was found to have used an encrypted messaging platform for influencer communications. The council is now reviewing the use of such covert communication channels by city officials. In response, a proposed bill has been introduced to strengthen transparency around city-run messaging campaigns. The legislation would require all paid influencer posts to be clearly disclosed to the public. The bill also extends its scope to cover both compensated and voluntary social media content creators.

British-Nigerian influencer Igho Ubiribo, 43, dies in Thailand after cosmetic surgery

British-Nigerian entrepreneur and social media influencer Igho Ubiribo died in Thailand at the age of 43. His death resulted from complications following a cosmetic penile enlargement procedure. A coroner's report confirmed the cause of death as a pulmonary embolism. Ubiribo was widely known for documenting a lavish lifestyle and luxury goods on his platforms. His funeral was attended by family members and several prominent figures from the entertainment industry.

Ujjain's 42 Ancient Skeletons from 3rd Century BC Await Modern Scientific Analysis

Forty-two skeletons unearthed at Kumhar Tekri in Ujjain remain scientifically unexamined nearly nine decades after their discovery. The remains, dating to around the 3rd century BC, were found alongside shell jewelry and urns, deepening the archaeological mystery. Researchers are seeking permission to excavate a nearby site containing a large stupa, which may provide crucial historical context. Modern techniques such as DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating could help identify the ancient community these individuals belonged to.

Nepomniachtchi praises Niemann's chess but criticises his personality and victim mentality

Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi has described Hans Niemann as a 'very good and formidable player' while making clear he dislikes the American's personality. Speaking exclusively to the Times of India, Nepomniachtchi responded to Niemann's recent demand that FIDE take action against players who make public accusations. The Russian GM accused Niemann of repeatedly playing the victim and likened his public image to that of combat sports figure Conor McGregor. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions surrounding Niemann, who has been at the centre of controversy in the chess world over cheating allegations.

Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu Dies of Heart Attack

Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Jharkhand's Higher Education Minister, passed away following a heart attack. He represented the Giridih constituency as a legislator. In addition to Higher Education, Sonu held charge of several portfolios including Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs. His death marks a significant loss for the Jharkhand government.

Bhupesh Baghel Removed as Congress Punjab Observer Amid Internal Revolt

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was appointed as Congress observer for Punjab to help stabilize the party's internal situation. His tenure, however, was marked by growing unrest that escalated from private grievances to open street protests. The rebellion within the Punjab Congress unit intensified during Baghel's statewide organizational tour rather than subsiding. The situation deteriorated to the point where Baghel himself was ultimately removed from the observer role. His exit marks a significant setback for Congress's efforts to manage factional tensions in the state.

China mudslide: One missing person found dead as death toll rises to two

Lab-Grown Diamonds Offer Up to 90% Savings Over Natural Stones

Lab-grown diamonds are emerging as a cost-effective alternative to naturally mined diamonds. These synthetically produced gems can be priced significantly lower than their natural counterparts. In some instances, the price difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds can reach as much as 80 to 90 percent. This growing affordability is drawing consumer attention to the lab-grown diamond market as a potentially smarter purchasing option.

UN Declares November 27 as Day Against Child and Forced Marriage

The United Nations General Assembly has officially designated November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage. The move marks a significant global commitment to addressing the widespread issue of underage and coerced unions. Assam, an Indian state that has been notably proactive in cracking down on child marriages, stands to benefit from the added international recognition of this cause. The UN designation is seen as a boost to ongoing efforts by governments and organizations working to end the practice worldwide.

Indonesia: Ash plume soars 50,000 feet as Krakatau volcano explodes; flights hit

PCB Confiscates Players' Phones Before England Test Amid Integrity Concerns

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has seized mobile phones from its players ahead of a Test match against England. The board has not officially disclosed the reason behind this unusual decision. The move is consistent with ICC regulations that restrict phone use in certain match zones to protect the integrity of the game. This marks an unprecedented step by the PCB and adds further controversy to what has already been a turbulent tour for Pakistan.

Odisha Sisters Clear NEET 2025 Through Self-Study, No Coaching

Two sisters from Odisha have successfully cleared the NEET medical entrance examination without any formal coaching support. Facing poor connectivity in their area, they would climb hilltops to access mobile networks and attend online classes. Despite the family's limited financial means, their parents remained committed to supporting their education. One sister cleared the exam on her third attempt while the younger cleared it on her first. Their success has drawn attention to the determination of rural students in overcoming systemic barriers to pursue higher education.

Nepal Looks to Tourism as Economic Lifeline After Devastating Floods

Nepal is banking on its tourism sector to help revive its economy following severe flood damage. Tourism plays a crucial role in the country's finances, contributing a significant portion to national income. The sector also supports a large portion of the workforce, both directly and indirectly. Authorities and analysts see renewed focus on tourism as a key strategy for post-flood economic recovery.

'May have to': Joe Biden's son Hunter hints at running for president in 2028

101-Year-Old Torani Maintains Zero-Layoff Policy Despite AI Disruption

Torani, a US company founded over a century ago, has maintained a strict no-layoff policy even as artificial intelligence displaces millions of workers globally. CEO Melanie Dulbecco leads the firm's cautious approach to AI integration, ensuring new technology does not come at the cost of employee job security. The company prioritizes workforce well-being over short-term profit gains. Torani also shares financial success with employees through profit bonuses and an employee stock ownership plan. This people-first philosophy is credited with fostering trust, loyalty, and long-term innovation within the organization.

Delhi Imposes Traffic Curbs for BRICS Summit Rehearsal Ahead of September Meet

India, holding the BRICS Chair for 2026, is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12-13 in New Delhi. The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam, a prominent convention centre in the capital. Ahead of the event, a rehearsal is being conducted, prompting traffic restrictions across several key routes in Delhi. Commuters have been advised to plan their travel accordingly to avoid disruptions during the rehearsal period.

CJP activist faces police complaints over alleged remarks on Hindu deities

Two advocates have filed police complaints against a CJP activist and her father, alleging they made objectionable remarks about Hindu deities online. The activists are seeking police action against the duo. The CJP activist has strongly denied the allegations, calling the demands illegal and unethical. She also appealed that her father should not face imprisonment over the matter. The advocates have indicated they may pursue further complaints against both individuals.

'Permanently disabled': US shares video of strike on Iranian tanker, issues warning

Egyptian TV presenter Sarah Khalifa among 12 sentenced to death in drugs case