India

From marble inlay, silk to Mahabharata: What PM Modi gifted leaders at SCO summit

FSSAI Suspends Food Licences of Blinkit Outlet and Mumbai Hotel Over Hygiene Violations

Indian food safety authorities have suspended the food licences of a Blinkit outlet and a Mumbai hotel following hygiene lapses found at both establishments. The action was taken by the food regulator as part of increased scrutiny of food joints and quick-commerce stores. Blinkit, a rapid grocery delivery platform, was among those targeted in the latest enforcement drive. The suspensions reflect growing regulatory pressure on food businesses to maintain hygiene and safety standards. Authorities have signalled that such inspections and actions are likely to continue across the food and quick-commerce sector.

BJP-SP Trade AI-Backed Video Attacks in UP Ahead of Elections

A political war of videos has erupted in Uttar Pradesh between the BJP and Samajwadi Party, with AI tools reportedly being used to amplify competing narratives. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav made a 'chillum' remark targeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which BJP countered by accusing him of insulting Sanatan Dharma. BJP defended Yogi Adityanath, describing him as not merely a chief minister but a revered saint. The BJP also responded to a circulating video allegedly showing theft at a temple, using it to bolster their counter-narrative. The exchange reflects the increasingly digital and AI-assisted nature of political messaging in the run-up to state elections.

Sudhikaran row: BJP SC Morcha performs ‘buddhi-shuddhi’ ritual for Rahul Gandhi

East Zone reach Duleep Trophy final after four-wicket win over Central Zone

East Zone advanced to the Duleep Trophy final by defeating Central Zone by four wickets in their semifinal clash. Vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a vital attacking innings that gave East Zone the momentum needed during their run chase. Pacers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar were destructive with the ball, tearing through Central Zone's batting order. Mukesh Kumar was awarded Player of the Match honours for his impressive seven-wicket haul across the game. The win sets up East Zone's appearance in the tournament's final.

Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, poised to be first queen in 600 years

Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, has taken on a historic role as Norway's heir to the throne following King Haakon's accession. With Haakon's constitutional oath now taken, Ingrid Alexandra becomes the first adult heir at the time of succession in the country's modern history. Should she eventually ascend to the throne, she would become Norway's first reigning queen in more than six centuries. Her position marks a significant moment in the Scandinavian nation's royal history.

How a Rs 25,000 Salary Can Build a Rs 1 Crore EPF Corpus Over Time

Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) savings can grow significantly over a career through the power of compounding interest. As contributions accumulate, the interest earned itself begins generating additional returns, accelerating overall corpus growth. A salaried employee earning Rs 25,000 per month can potentially build a retirement corpus of Rs 1 crore or more by making consistent EPF contributions over a long period. The key factor is time — the longer the contributions are maintained without withdrawal, the greater the compounding effect. Financial experts highlight that disciplined, long-term participation in EPF is one of the most accessible paths to retirement wealth for salaried workers in India.

Faridabad Student Dies by Suicide After School Punishment Over Biryani Dispute

A girl studying at Navodaya Vidya Niketan Senior Secondary School in Faridabad died by suicide following an incident at her school. The tragic event occurred on Tuesday at the Faridabad institution. The student had reportedly been punished by the school in connection with a fight that broke out over biryani. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the punishment and the student's subsequent death.

All 5 Punjab Parties Hold Rival Rallies on Same Day in Baba Bakala

In a rare display of electoral competition, all five major political formations in Punjab — Congress, AAP, BJP, SAD, and Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) — held separate rallies simultaneously in Baba Bakala. The town has historically been a venue for rival political gatherings, but this year marked an unprecedented convergence of all five parties on the same day. The event highlights the increasingly fragmented political landscape in Punjab ahead of the state elections. Baba Bakala's role as a political battleground reflects the intense multi-cornered contest shaping up across the state.

Armed Men Torch Houses in Manipur Village, Local Authority Reports

Armed men set fire to several houses in a village in Manipur, according to local authorities. The attack resulted in the destruction of food grains, household belongings, and other properties. The village authority has officially alleged the incident, though further details on casualties or suspects remain unclear from initial reports. The incident adds to the ongoing tensions in the conflict-affected northeastern state of Manipur.

Delhi Voter Roll Revision Cuts 47.56 Lakh Electors, a 32.8% Reduction

A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Delhi's electoral rolls has resulted in the exclusion of approximately 47.56 lakh voters. This represents an overall reduction of 32.8 per cent in the total registered electorate. The scale of exclusions in Delhi has drawn attention as it reportedly surpasses the proportion seen in other states. The revision process has raised questions about the criteria and methodology used to remove voters from the rolls.

Germany Accuses Russia of Attempted Drone Attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport

Germany has blamed Russia for an attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport that took place last month. The airport is a significant international freight hub and plays a key role in supporting Ukraine. It regularly handles Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft, making it a strategically sensitive location. The incident marks a serious escalation in alleged Russian sabotage activities on European soil.

Japan Cricket CEO clarifies teams can self-arrange Asian Games accommodation

Japan Cricket CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has addressed concerns over accommodation at the Asian Games, stating that while hotel stays are offered, teams are free to make their own lodging arrangements. The logistical challenges being faced are not unique to cricket but are affecting multiple sports at the event. The Korogi Sports Park cricket venue was constructed from the ground up within a tight schedule. Despite these constraints, organisers remain confident that cricket will leave a positive mark at the Asian Games.

Chhattisgarh plans complete mineral value chain within state: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Renovated 1979 Michigan dome home flipped from $87K to $499,900 asking price

A concrete dome home built in 1979 in Brighton, Michigan, was purchased in 2023 for just $87,000 in a state of disrepair. The new owners undertook a thorough renovation, transforming the property into a four-bedroom residence with modern and eco-friendly features. The revamped home has now been listed on the market at an asking price of $499,900. Its distinctive dome architecture combined with energy-efficient upgrades has drawn interest from buyers seeking unconventional living spaces.

UK's First Imagination Library Recipient Recalls Meeting Dolly Parton as a Newborn

Emma Jarman, now 18, was just one day old when she met country music legend Dolly Parton at Rotherham Hospital in 2007. Parton was visiting the UK at the time to launch her Imagination Library, a childhood literacy programme. Emma holds the distinction of being the first UK recipient of the initiative. Nearly two decades later, she has opened up about the extraordinary encounter and the lasting influence Parton has had on her life.

Rs 100 Crore Defamation Suit: HC to hear plea on Dhoni deposition; venue of recording in focus

China accuses Anthropic of unethical practices ahead of US-China AI talks

Chinese state media has made serious allegations against American AI firm Anthropic, questioning its ethical and safety standards. The accusations come as bilateral AI negotiations between the US and China are set to take place ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the United States. Beijing is demanding that Washington address domestic AI safety concerns before any formal discussions proceed. Anthropic's AI models are facing heightened scrutiny, particularly over privacy and security issues, amid the growing geopolitical tension surrounding artificial intelligence.

Krunal Pandya hopeful of India comeback after missing Afghanistan T20I squad

Krunal Pandya has expressed optimism about returning to international cricket despite being left out of India's squad for the upcoming Afghanistan T20I series. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to rejoin the team, subject to a satisfactory fitness assessment on his knee injury. Several other players, including Nitish Kumar Reddy, have been conditionally included pending their own fitness clearances. Hardik Pandya will miss the series due to a leg injury that has disrupted his comeback plans.

UPI Sets Record with 24.51 Billion Transactions in August 2024

India's Unified Payments Interface recorded its highest-ever monthly transaction volume in August, reaching 24.51 billion transactions. Festive occasions such as Raksha Bandhan drove a surge in peer-to-peer transfers during the month. Transaction values also approached previous record highs, reflecting strong momentum in India's digital payments ecosystem. UPI has expanded its global footprint and is now accepted across eleven countries worldwide. Emerging use cases, including credit-based payment options within UPI, are expected to fuel further growth in the platform's adoption.