India

Sabalenka flags cannabis smoke, Alcaraz has wardrobe issue on quirky US Open day

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka raised concerns about cannabis smoke during her US Open match, echoing similar complaints previously made by Casper Ruud about the smell at the New York venue. Sabalenka went on to defeat Kamilla Rakhimova in straight sets despite the distraction. Carlos Alcaraz made an on-court clothing adjustment after encountering a wardrobe issue during his match. Meanwhile, the Williams sisters suffered a doubles loss after squandering a substantial lead. The day's events combined on-court action with off-court oddities, making for an unusual session at Flushing Meadows.

Punjab HC Stays Demolition of Lawyer's Property Amid CBI Probe PIL Row

A Punjab lawyer who filed a PIL seeking a CBI investigation into Enforcement Directorate communications involving aides of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has received relief from a High Court. The court stayed the demolition of the lawyer's property, providing temporary protection. This development follows the High Court recently seeking the Punjab government's response to the PIL. The PIL specifically concerns an ED communication sent to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. The case highlights growing legal scrutiny over the conduct of officials linked to the state government.

BRS Chief KT Rama Rao Unhurt After Lorry Clips His Car in Telangana

BRS president KT Rama Rao was involved in a minor road incident at Alugunuru junction in Telangana. A lorry brushed against the rear door of his vehicle as it was being opened. Rama Rao was present inside the car at the time but escaped without any injuries. The collision caused slight damage to the car door and momentarily caused panic at the scene. Despite the mishap, the BRS leader proceeded with his scheduled engagements as planned.

Masked protesters block Dover port roads in anti-immigration demonstration

Several dozen masked men dressed in black blocked roads leading to Dover, Britain's busiest ferry port, on Saturday morning. The demonstrators shouted 'stop the boats,' indicating the action was an anti-immigration protest. Port officials confirmed that all traffic entering and leaving the port had been halted as a result. The blockade caused significant traffic congestion around the major cross-Channel hub. Videos of the incident circulated showing the scale of the disruption caused by the protesters.

7-year-old killed as brick column collapses at Dahi Handi event in Mumbai

A seven-year-old boy lost his life during a Dahi Handi celebration in Malad West, Mumbai. The incident occurred at Ekta Welfare Society in Chikuwadi, Malvani, when a brick column collapsed on the child. He was immediately taken to Malvani General Hospital for emergency treatment. Medical staff at the hospital, however, declared him dead on arrival.

Judge clears cull of 2,500 mule deer on California's Catalina Island

A judge has dismissed a legal challenge, paving the way for a large-scale cull of approximately 2,500 mule deer on Catalina Island, California. The deer were originally introduced to the island in the late 1920s and have since grown into a population that threatens native plant life. Conservation authorities say the animals also contribute to elevated wildfire risks on the island. The cull is part of a broader strategy to protect the island's natural ecosystem and reduce fire hazards. Though the plan has proven controversial, it is now set to move forward following the court's ruling.

German tourist returns 2,400-year-old Olympia relic more than 50 years later

Google Turns 28: How Page and Brin Named Their Tech Empire

Google, co-founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is celebrating its 28th anniversary as one of the world's most influential technology companies. Originally launched as a search engine, Google has grown far beyond its roots into a wide range of tech ventures. The company now operates under a parent entity called Alphabet, a name chosen by Sergey Brin, while Larry Page had originally named the core search product Google. The restructuring under Alphabet was designed to separate Google's primary services from its broader experimental and innovative projects.

Delhi HC fines DTC Rs 1 lakh for pursuing 32-year legal battle over Rs 67

The Delhi High Court has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) for prolonging a 32-year legal dispute with a former bus conductor. The case centered on the conductor's claim for 17 months of unpaid wages following his dismissal. The High Court dismissed DTC's challenge to a tribunal ruling that had favored the conductor. The court condemned the decades-long litigation as an abuse of the judicial process.

Houthi Attack on Vessel Kills Pakistani, Indonesian Crew Members in Yemen Waters

A maritime attack on a vessel called the Tihamah resulted in the deaths of six people, according to Yemeni authorities. Among the victims were three Pakistani crew members and one Indonesian crew member. Two Yemeni rescuers who responded to the incident also lost their lives. The attack highlights ongoing dangers faced by civilian maritime workers in conflict-affected Yemeni waters.

Washington DC Housing Market Weakens as One in Five Homes Sell Below Purchase Price

Washington DC's housing market is experiencing a notable downturn, with nearly 20% of currently listed homes priced below their original purchase value. The decline is being driven primarily by weakening buyer demand rather than an oversupply of available properties. Affordable condominiums are among the hardest-hit segments, facing significant pressure to attract prospective buyers. In contrast, luxury properties in the region continue to show resilience, with prices in upscale areas still trending upward.

AAP Cries Vendetta in Delhi While BJP Points to Punjab Corruption Probes

The Aam Aadmi Party has framed the legal troubles of its leader Manish Jain as politically motivated persecution by the BJP-led central government. AAP cited Jain's release as evidence that the cases against its leaders amount to political vendetta. However, the BJP has countered this narrative by pointing to ongoing corruption investigations in Punjab, where AAP is in power. The BJP argues that these Punjab probes undermine AAP's claims of being a victim of targeted political action.

Hayden says Pakistan cricket's persistent chaos wastes its natural talent

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has offered a candid assessment of the state of Pakistan cricket, describing it as perpetually unstable. He argued that the ongoing turmoil within the system makes it difficult for players to deliver consistent performances. Despite acknowledging Pakistan's abundant natural cricketing talent, Hayden believes structural issues prevent the country from realising its full potential. He suggested that unless the chaos is addressed, Pakistan will struggle to establish itself as a dominant force in world cricket.

Sanders Bill Seeks Jail Time for AI CEOs, Bans Superintelligent Systems

US Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced new legislation targeting leading artificial intelligence companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic. The bill proposes criminal penalties, including potential imprisonment, for the chief executives of such firms. Sanders is calling for a permanent prohibition on the development of AI systems that surpass human-level intelligence. The senator has also reiterated his earlier demand for a halt on the advancement of powerful AI technologies. The move reflects growing legislative concern in the US over the unchecked pace of AI development.

NIA Court Convicts All 10 Accused in 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist Attack

A special NIA court has found all ten accused guilty in connection with the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district. The deadly ambush had claimed 29 lives, among them several senior Congress leaders. The court recorded testimonies from 101 witnesses over the course of the trial. Sentencing has been scheduled for September 16. Defence lawyers have announced their intention to challenge the conviction before a higher court.

NYC Mayor Mamdani Partners With Influencers to Spread City Messaging

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been collaborating with social media content creators to communicate with residents. The mayor's office has engaged hundreds of influencers as part of this outreach strategy. The initiative aims to promote the administration's key priorities through digital platforms. By leveraging social media, the office seeks to reach New Yorkers who may not follow traditional news channels.

Goa's Kritadnyata Nidhi Scheme Offers Artists Up to Rs 25,000 for Disaster Home Repairs

The Goa government's Kritadnyata Nidhi scheme provides financial assistance of up to Rs 25,000 to artists whose homes are damaged by natural calamities. To be eligible, applicants must be Goan citizens aged 50 or above with an annual family income under Rs 2 lakh. The scheme goes beyond housing support, also covering medical needs and other artist welfare services. In special circumstances, the age eligibility criterion can be relaxed for those with specific needs. The initiative reflects the state's broader effort to safeguard the livelihoods and well-being of its artistic community.

Iraq faces acute fuel shortages as Hormuz tensions disrupt tanker imports

Iraq is experiencing severe petrol shortages, with long vehicle queues forming at fuel stations across the country. Regional conflicts are disrupting tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for the country's fuel imports. As a member of OPEC, Iraq still depends heavily on imported fuel to bridge gaps in its domestic production capacity. The supply disruptions have triggered panic buying, further straining an already stretched fuel supply chain. In response, Iraqi authorities are actively working to secure additional fuel shipments to stabilize reserves.

CBI books Subhash Chandra, others in Rs 1,322 crore LIC Housing Finance fraud case

Court Convicts 10 Over 2013 Maoist Ambush on Congress Leaders in Bastar

A court has convicted 10 individuals in connection with the deadly Maoist attack that occurred on May 25, 2013, in Jhiram Valley, Bastar. The attack involved an ambush on a convoy of Congress leaders travelling along a national highway in the region. The incident, one of the deadliest political attacks in Chhattisgarh's history, resulted in multiple fatalities among senior Congress party figures. The conviction marks a significant legal development in a case that had remained a major point of concern for over a decade.