India

Govt Official Defends 7.8% GDP Figure, Cites Transparent Data Sources

A senior government official has defended India's reported 7.8% GDP growth figure, asserting that the data sources used are fully transparent and publicly accessible. The official made these remarks in an exclusive interview, stating that anyone with doubts can independently cross-check the underlying data. The statement comes amid scrutiny over the methodology and reliability of the GDP estimates. The official emphasized that the sources used for calculating the figure are available for public verification.

BCCI Secretary Backs Rohit Sharma, Dismisses Speculation Over ODI Future

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has publicly defended Rohit Sharma's place in the Indian ODI setup, citing his continued high-level performances. Saikia questioned the basis of ongoing speculation surrounding the veteran captain's future in the team. Sharma himself has previously said that external noise does not affect his concentration or commitment. The board's statement comes with the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, making succession planning an increasingly relevant topic for Indian cricket.

Dalit Voters in Punjab Torn Between Caste Identity and Religious Conversion

In Punjab, the issue of Dalit religious conversion resurfaces prominently during every election cycle. Videos of Dalit men undergoing Christian baptism routinely circulate on social media during campaign seasons. Caste discrimination is cited as a key driver pushing Dalit communities toward conversion as a means of social escape. The intersection of casteism and religious identity has placed Dalit voters at a complex political crossroads in the state.

Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff reply to Maharashtra FDA notice over elaichi ad

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issued notices to Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, and Shah Rukh Khan over their appearances in an elaichi advertisement. Authorities raised concerns that the ad may be indirectly promoting Vimal Pan Masala, a product that is currently banned in Maharashtra. Devgn and Shroff have submitted their responses to the FDA, while Khan's reply is still awaited. The FDA is expected to take further action once all responses have been received.

Former Detroit Lions Player Alphonso Smith Jr. Found Dead, Final Note Hints at Childhood Abuse

Former Detroit Lions player Alphonso Smith Jr. has been found dead, according to a report by the Times of India. His final written note reportedly contained references to childhood abuse he had experienced. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been fully detailed in available reports. The revelation in his last message has drawn attention to the long-term impact of childhood trauma on mental health.

Putin Denies Plans for Fresh Military Mobilisation Against Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed reports of a new troop deployment against Ukraine as disinformation. He stated that Russia has no current plans to mobilise additional soldiers for the ongoing conflict. Putin's last mobilisation order came in 2022, when he called up reservists following a series of Russian military setbacks in Ukraine. That partial mobilisation was a significant and controversial move that prompted widespread public unease within Russia.

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman extends Janmashtami greetings, calls for religious harmony

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conveyed Janmashtami greetings to the country's Hindu community. He emphasized that Bangladesh belongs equally to all its citizens regardless of religion. Rahman called for strengthening religious harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect across communities. He also cautioned against elements seeking to foment division and communal unrest. As part of the occasion, the Prime Minister distributed honorariums to priests and sebaits.

Nepal Floods: Bodies Still Recovered 9 Days After Bhote Koshi Disaster

Floodwaters in Nepal have been carrying bodies downstream through a chain of rivers, from the Bhote Koshi through the Trishuli and into the Narayani. The recovery effort has stretched into its ninth day, with victims still being found along the river system. Temporary graves have been marked with numbers to help identify and track the recovered remains. The ongoing discovery of bodies underscores the scale of the devastating flood event that struck the region.

SkyMall founder lists self-sufficient Arizona ranch for $9.475 million

Bob Worsley, the entrepreneur who founded SkyMall, has put his family ranch in Heber, Arizona up for sale. The 35-acre off-grid estate is listed at $9.475 million and features a main lodge, multiple cabins, and a natural lake. The property operates entirely on solar energy and draws water from its own well, making it fully self-sufficient. Situated away from Arizona's desert heat, the ranch offers a cooler, scenic escape.

‘Kim Jong-un Era 2.0.’: North Korea drops reunification goal from party charter

Delhi govt offices to shut on Sep 11 for 18th BRICS Leaders Summit

Central and Delhi government offices will remain closed on September 11, 2026, ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit in New Delhi. India is hosting the high-profile event under its 2026 BRICS chairmanship. Leaders from around 30 countries are expected to attend both the summit and an accompanying business forum. Authorities are undertaking extensive security and logistical preparations to manage the large-scale international gathering.

Acid Rain Fix in New Hampshire Forest Triggers 30x Nitrogen Surge in Streams

Researchers in New Hampshire conducted a forest restoration experiment aimed at countering the damaging effects of acid rain. They applied calcium-rich minerals to the watershed, which initially improved tree health and growth. However, the treatment had an unintended consequence: nitrogen levels in nearby streams rose to roughly 30 times those found in untreated areas. The spike in inorganic nitrogen highlighted how complex ecosystems can respond unpredictably to human intervention. The findings serve as a cautionary example for future large-scale environmental restoration efforts.

Travis Kelce brushes off 'dad bod' criticism ahead of 14th NFL season

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce faced social-media criticism after reportedly returning to training camp with a changed physique following his wedding to Taylor Swift. Rather than taking offense, Kelce dismissed the body-shaming comments, describing the online reaction as 'pure comedy.' Head coach Andy Reid also came to his player's defense, stating that Kelce had returned to camp in good physical condition. The 14-year NFL veteran is now focused on preparing for the upcoming season with the Chiefs.

Sabarimala Gold Theft SIT Probe Nearly Complete After 11 Months

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft cases is close to wrapping up its investigation after 11 months. SIT chief S Sasidharan informed the court that the inquiry into the Kattillappali case, involving a gold-clad door frame, has been fully completed. The probe into the Dwarapalaka idol case is currently in its final stage. A final report in the matter is expected to be submitted soon.

Nobel Chemistry Laureate Hideki Shirakawa, Pioneer of Conductive Plastics, Dies at 90

Japanese scientist Hideki Shirakawa, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, has died at the age of 90. Shirakawa made a landmark scientific contribution alongside American researchers Alan Heeger and Alan MacDiarmid. Together, the three scientists demonstrated that plastic materials could conduct electricity in a manner similar to metals. This groundbreaking discovery opened the door to new applications of conductive polymers in electronics and related fields.

Pennsylvania 16-year-old opens second restaurant while finishing high school

Gage Klein, a 16-year-old from Pennsylvania, has opened his second restaurant, Driftwood at the Fairgrounds, in West York. This follows the launch of his first venture, Driftwood at the Lake, over a year ago. His father Kris supports him in managing the business side of operations. Klein plans to enroll in culinary school after completing high school and has ambitions to expand his restaurant portfolio further.

DNA Test Reveals Woman's Father Is Not Her Biological Parent After Family Joke

Payton Lee, a 29-year-old American woman, took a home DNA test after her family joked about her being adopted. The results revealed she does not share the same biological father as her four younger siblings. This meant the man she had considered her father for her entire life was not her biological parent. Her father responded with understanding, assuring her that their bond remained intact. The experience led Payton to caution others about the unexpected consequences of taking DNA tests casually.

PCB Chief Naqvi Defends Pakistan Cricket Amid Poor Results and Selection Criticism

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the national team's recent performances and selection changes in the face of growing criticism. He argued that a few losses should not be seen as a crisis, pointing out that other top teams, including India, have also suffered unexpected defeats. Naqvi highlighted Pakistan's improving white-ball rankings as evidence of progress under current management. He also pushed back against former players who have publicly questioned the board's approach to team selection and squad building.

Tim Cook to Step Down as Apple CEO, John Ternus Set to Take Over

Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced he will be stepping down from his role after 15 years at the helm of the company. He will transition into the position of executive chairman, maintaining a presence in the organization. John Ternus, a long-standing Apple insider, is set to take over as the new CEO of the tech giant. Cook also revealed a longstanding daily habit of reading customer emails each morning, a practice he has maintained for 15 years. He credited this ritual with keeping him grounded and closely connected to Apple's user base.

Leaked Files Reveal Uganda's Secret Defence Deals With Israel

Leaked documents have exposed covert defence agreements between Uganda and Israel, according to a report by NDTV. The files shed light on undisclosed military or security arrangements between the two countries. The revelation comes at a particularly sensitive moment, as Uganda is reportedly preparing to deploy troops to Gaza. The deployment would be part of a proposed international stabilization force for the region. The timing of the leak raises questions about Uganda's geopolitical positioning amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.