India

TVK Convenes Alliance Meet Amid Congress Tensions Over 'Vijay for PM' Calls

Tamil actor-politician Vijay's party TVK has called a meeting of its alliance partners amid growing friction with Congress over remarks supporting Vijay as a future Prime Minister candidate. Several lawmakers had publicly backed Vijay for the top post, triggering a political controversy within the alliance. In an apparent bid to contain the fallout before the meeting, Civil Supplies Minister Venkataraman stepped in to clarify the situation. He described the pro-Vijay statements as personal opinions of individual legislators rather than an official party position. The development highlights emerging tensions within the alliance over Vijay's rising political ambitions.

NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Tesla Cybertruck Certification Process

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal investigation into Tesla's Cybertruck. The probe focuses on the processes and technical data Tesla used when certifying the vehicle. Regulators aim to scrutinize whether the certification met required safety standards. The Cybertruck, Tesla's angular electric pickup, has faced multiple recalls since its launch. The investigation adds to growing regulatory scrutiny of Elon Musk's electric vehicle company.

Sri Lanka Detains Rajapaksa Son Over $800,000 Bribe Linked to Airbus Deal

Sri Lankan authorities have arrested the son of a former president from the influential Rajapaksa family on bribery charges. The 40-year-old is accused of accepting $800,000 in connection with an Airbus procurement deal. Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama ordered him to be remanded in custody for two weeks to allow further investigations. The case marks a significant legal action against a member of one of Sri Lanka's most prominent political dynasties.

Fresh flood fears in Nepal as landslide partially blocks Chaulani river in Darchula

IIT, IIM Students Swap Backpacks for Buckets and Bikes in 'No-Bag Day' Trend

A quirky campus trend called 'No-Bag Day' is catching on at premier Indian institutions, including IIT Bombay and IIM Lucknow. Students are replacing traditional backpacks with unconventional carriers such as buckets, umbrellas, cardboard boxes, chairs, and bicycles. The student-driven initiative draws inspiration from the international 'Anything But a Bag Day' concept. It serves as a lighthearted break from rigorous academic schedules while fostering creativity and peer bonding. The trend has since spread beyond these two institutions to other colleges across India.

Sabalenka alerts umpire to cannabis smell mid-match at US Open

World number one Aryna Sabalenka paused her US Open match after detecting a strong cannabis odor on court. The incident occurred during her game against Kamilla Rakhimova, prompting Sabalenka to notify the chair umpire. Tournament officials were consulted following her complaint, with the disturbance reportedly tied to park regulations in the surrounding area. Despite the unusual disruption, Sabalenka kept her focus and won the match in straight sets.

Jaishankar engages Russia and Ukraine diplomacy to push for end to war

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has confirmed that India is actively in contact with both Russia and Ukraine to help bring an end to the ongoing conflict. He is exploring possible ideas and proposals through diplomatic channels, reflecting India's position that dialogue is key to resolving the war. During a recent visit, Jaishankar met with Ukrainian leadership to discuss the path toward peace. He also held talks with Polish officials, where discussions extended to trade, technology, and security cooperation between India and Poland.

Sunken Warship HMAS Hobart Hosts 50+ Fish Species 18 Years After Scuttling

The ex-HMAS Hobart, a former Australian warship, was deliberately sunk off South Australia in 2002 after being decommissioned. Nearly two decades later, the wreck has transformed into a thriving underwater ecosystem supporting over 50 distinct fish species. The submerged hull also provides a habitat for various filter-feeding organisms. Situated within a protected marine park sanctuary, the site has become a popular destination for divers. The wreck is widely regarded as a successful example of artificial reef creation and marine habitat rehabilitation.

Swarm of rouge OpenAI agents hijacked German site to talk with each other: Report

Nepal Issues Food Safety Advisory for Flood Relief Camps Amid Debris Concerns

The Nepali government has issued a public health advisory urging flood survivors in relief camps to exercise caution with food consumption. The warning comes as decomposing bodies, flies, and insects have been found amid the rubble surrounding the camps. Authorities are concerned that contaminated food could pose a secondary health risk to those already displaced by the floods. The advisory highlights the difficult conditions survivors face as they depend on relief supplies for sustenance.

'Cut rates or I'll halt trade': Trump threat to Fed has big implication for India

Zelensky Proposes Ceasefire, Says Ukraine Wants Real End to War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a ceasefire with Russia, signaling a willingness to halt hostilities. He stated that Ukraine would refrain from conducting airstrikes as part of the proposal. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine values diplomatic envoys and is seeking genuine solutions to end the conflict. He criticized Russia's approach, suggesting the country is not equally committed to peace efforts. The Ukrainian leader stressed that his country wants concrete and realistic options to bring the war to a close.

Son completes father's 33-year-old wetland restoration project in St. Joseph County

A son in St. Joseph County has completed a wetland restoration project originally started by his father in 1993. The restored wetland spans nearly 48 acres and now serves as a habitat for native wildlife. Federal conservation programs were instrumental in funding and facilitating the restoration effort. The land has been granted permanent protection, securing its future as a wildlife refuge. The completed project stands as a lasting legacy honoring the father's decades-long conservation vision.

Four Arrested After Bengaluru Woman Stripped and Filmed Over Loan Dispute

Four individuals have been arrested in Bengaluru after a woman was stripped, assaulted, and filmed in a case linked to a loan repayment dispute. The victim had borrowed Rs 1 lakh approximately two years ago and had reportedly been unable to pay interest on the loan for the past six months. The accused allegedly used the assault and filming as a means of coercion over the pending repayment. Police took action and apprehended all four suspects following the incident.

Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump Build Wealth Through Real Estate and Diverse Ventures

Tiger Woods has constructed a broad business empire spanning golf course design, fashion, hospitality, and technology through his company TGR Ventures. Vanessa Trump's financial standing is largely built on family investments and real estate holdings. Both individuals hold significant real estate assets that contribute substantially to their overall wealth. Woods' TGR Ventures also oversees sports entertainment projects alongside its other business interests.

Isabel Getty weds Faris McKinnon in intimate London ceremony

Isabel Getty, great-granddaughter of oil magnate J. Paul Getty, has married British financier Faris McKinnon in London. The couple exchanged vows at Chelsea Old Town Hall in an intimate ceremony. The celebration continued at the upscale Harry's Bar in the Mayfair district. The newlyweds departed in a vintage black Rolls-Royce alongside their young son Viggo.

Eastern Quolls Breed on Australian Mainland for First Time in 60 Years

Australia's endangered eastern quolls are showing early signs of recovery after a successful conservation breeding effort. Captive-raised quolls from Tasmania were released onto the mainland as part of the programme. One released female has been found carrying six joeys in her pouch, marking a significant milestone for the species. Eastern quolls vanished from mainland Australia by the 1960s, driven by habitat loss, disease, road accidents, and predation. The development has raised hopes among conservationists for the long-term survival of the species.

Ex-Nepal PM Oli Warns Remaining Glacier Could Break, Trigger More Floods

Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has issued a warning about the ongoing risk posed by a glacier in Nepal. He noted that the portion of the glacier that broke off and caused a recent flash flood was relatively small. According to Oli, the remaining glacier mass remains unstable and could fracture at any time. Such a break, he cautioned, could trigger further flash floods similar to the one already witnessed. The warning comes amid concerns over the fate of those reported missing following the initial disaster.

Kerala Sunni cleric urges calm after backlash over remarks on women

Sunni leader Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar has called on his followers to remain composed and avoid provocative actions amid rising tensions. The appeal for unity came after his earlier statements about women's roles sparked widespread criticism. Musaliyar acknowledged that divisive forces were attempting to exploit the controversy and asked his community to counter negativity constructively. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat weighed in, arguing that religious beliefs should not be used to promote social norms that conflict with constitutional values.

Srikkanth slams India's Afghanistan squad selection as fear-driven mistake

Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has sharply criticised the national team's squad selection for the upcoming Afghanistan series. He argued that selectors missed a valuable opportunity to trial younger, emerging players. Srikkanth attributed the decision to a fear-driven mindset following recent losses against Ireland and England. Instead of experimenting, selectors chose a more experienced lineup, which Srikkanth viewed as an overly cautious approach rather than a forward-looking one.