India

Workers Rescued from Nepal Tunnel After 9 Days Trapped Underground

A group of workers were successfully rescued after being trapped for nine days inside a 4.5-kilometer-long tunnel in Nepal. Experts monitoring the rescue operation confirmed that the workers survived due to a stable air pocket deep underground that contained breathable oxygen. Trapped water was also present in the underground section, further aiding their survival. The rescue operation was closely followed by authorities and specialists throughout its duration.

Texas mom seeks legal action after 5-year-old left school unnoticed, found blocks away

A five-year-old student walked off Rufino Mendoza Elementary School in Texas unnoticed during school hours. A passerby found the distressed child several blocks away and returned him to safety. The school initially told the family that staff had intercepted the boy before he left campus, which contradicted what actually happened. The child's mother says the school failed to provide full and accurate details about the incident. She is now pursuing legal action, citing serious concerns about her son's safety at the school.

Dasgupta backs Samson-Sooryavanshi opening pair for India's Afghanistan T20I series

Sanju Samson has been recalled to India's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has proposed pairing Samson with young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at the top of the batting order. Sooryavanshi recently drew the attention of selectors with his performances in the Zimbabwe series. Dasgupta emphasized that trying out new batting combinations is essential as India builds toward World Cup preparations.

NC Whirligig Park draws 194K visitors, generates $5.3M in annual regional sales

A retired North Carolina farm machinery repairman, Vollis Simpson, transformed scrap metal into large wind-powered sculptures over the course of his lifetime. Thirty of his restored whirligigs were relocated to downtown Wilson, where the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park officially opened in 2017. The park has since evolved into a significant cultural landmark and economic asset for the region. In 2024 alone, it attracted approximately 194,300 visitors and contributed an estimated $5.3 million in annual regional sales.

Kiara Advani Drops New Behind-the-Scenes Photos from Film 'Toxic'

Kiara Advani has shared previously unseen images from the upcoming dark gangster film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups'. She plays a character named Nadia in the film, which is set against a gritty underworld backdrop. Co-star Yash praised Kiara's dedication and hard work throughout the demanding shoot. The film has now entered its second weekend at the box office, having posted strong earnings on its opening day and in worldwide collections.

OpenAI's New AI Model Astra Crosses Critical Cybersecurity Capability Threshold

OpenAI has launched a new AI model called Astra, which the company describes as its most intelligent to date. Cybersecurity has been identified as a primary focus area for the model. OpenAI confirmed that Astra has reached its Critical cybersecurity capability threshold, a significant internal benchmark. This means the model is capable of identifying vulnerabilities and developing functional exploits in hardened systems. The development raises both potential security applications and concerns about misuse of such capabilities.

FBI adds India-origin Manjit Singh Bedi to most-wanted list over $600K fraud

The FBI has added Manjit Singh Bedi, a man of Indian origin, to its most-wanted fraudsters list. He is accused of fraudulently obtaining over $600,000 in government benefits by illegally converting customer EBT cards into cash rather than food purchases. After facing criminal charges, Bedi allegedly fled first to Canada and subsequently to India to evade law enforcement. The FBI is offering a substantial reward for any information that leads to his arrest and capture.

Influencer Claims Self-Defense After Hitting Student Protester's Father in Delhi

An influencer named Swatantra Bhardwaj has claimed he struck a student protester's father on the head with a kada during demonstrations in Delhi. Bhardwaj asserted the act was carried out in self-defense. The incident occurred amid ongoing protests linked to the Chief Justice of India. The influencer has also reportedly stated he would repeat the action under similar circumstances.

Nepal Clarifies It Has Not Sought Flood Compensation From India

Nepal's Foreign Minister has clarified that the country has not requested any flood-related compensation from India. The statement comes amid ongoing search, rescue, and rehabilitation operations in flood-hit areas of Nepal. The clarification appears to address speculation or reports suggesting Nepal had made such a financial demand. Authorities continue to focus on relief efforts in the regions affected by the flooding.

Silver prices drop 40% from peak, but demand remains weak in India

Silver prices in India have fallen sharply by around 40% over the past seven months after a remarkable rally that had pushed the metal over 300% higher year-on-year. The metal had hit a historic milestone in January when it crossed Rs 4 lakh per kg on the Multi Commodity Exchange for the first time. Despite the significant price correction, buyer interest has not rebounded as might be expected following such a steep decline. The lack of demand could result in an estimated 2,000 tonnes of silver accumulating as unsold inventory within the country.

PM Modi congratulates 'friend' Meloni on becoming longest-serving postwar Italian PM

ISRO Chief Backs Private Sector Role, Says Agency Alone Cannot Meet Space Demands

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan has defended the growing role of private players in India's space sector. He stated that ISRO alone is not capable of meeting the country's expanding space needs. Narayanan explained that the government's space sector reforms are designed to encourage wider industry participation. He added that ISRO will continue to provide the necessary support and guidance to private entities entering the sector.

Ex-bureaucrat Ashish Joshi denied FIR copy during Delhi Police interrogation

Former bureaucrat Ashish Joshi was questioned by Delhi Police over a social media post concerning election officials. During the interrogation, Joshi requested a copy of the FIR filed under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita but was denied access to it. He also raised concerns about not being allowed to notify his family about the questioning. Police, however, maintained that they had followed all legal procedures throughout the inquiry.

Adani Ports to Open Dedicated Empty Container Yard at Mundra Port

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd is set to launch a dedicated empty container yard at its Mundra facility. The move is part of the company's long-term 'Ambition 2031' strategic roadmap. Mundra port has been identified as the primary growth hub within Adani Ports' wider network. The initiative reflects significant capacity expansion investments the company is making across its operations.

UFC Lightweight Champion Gaethje Names McGregor as Dream Legacy Fight

Justin Gaethje, 37, won the UFC lightweight title in June and has since revealed Conor McGregor as his ideal next opponent. The American fighter had initially considered rematches against Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira before changing his preference. Ilia Topuria's victories over both men influenced Gaethje's shift in thinking. Gaethje described a potential bout with McGregor as 'fun' and offered a direct explanation for his choice.

HarperCollins to publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir 'Belonging' after Penguin backs out

Carpooling and Hybrid Work Could Slash G20 Carbon Emissions by 20%

A new report finds that combining carpooling, increased bus usage, and hybrid work arrangements could reduce G20 carbon emissions by up to 20%. The study projects that raising average car occupancy by 50% above current levels could deliver annual savings of approximately 237 million tonnes of CO2 by 2050. These behavioral and mobility shifts are seen as practical, low-cost interventions that complement broader decarbonization strategies. The findings highlight the significant emissions impact of everyday commuting choices across the world's largest economies.

Why EOS-05 matters: Isro breaks Gisat jinx, returns to flight & gets 1st success of 2026

Scientists discover how trees sense a tilt and straighten themselves

West Bengal's Nijashree Scheme Offers Affordable Flats to Low and Middle-Income Families

The West Bengal government has launched the Nijashree Housing Scheme to provide ownership flats to low and middle-income households. Eligible applicants can apply for 1BHK or 2BHK units, which are allocated through a lottery system. To qualify, applicants must meet specified income criteria and must not already own a pucca house anywhere in West Bengal. The scheme's pricing excludes land costs and certain infrastructure expenses, making units more affordable. Construction on a project is initiated only after at least 80% of its flats have received confirmed bookings.