India

Keir Starmer to resign as MP for Holborn and St Pancras after decade in seat

Former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras. Starmer, who has represented the constituency since 2015, said he plans to redirect his focus toward international matters and efforts to combat violence against women. He expressed pride in what was achieved for the local community during his time in the role. His departure will trigger a by-election in a seat that has traditionally been held by the Labour Party.

Indian Army Launches Long-Delayed Full Overhaul of Arjun Mk-1 Tanks

The Indian Army has finally initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its domestically built Arjun tanks, six years behind schedule. Two Mk-1 tanks will undergo upgrades as part of a pilot program to guide the refurbishment of the remaining 124 vehicles in the fleet. The exercise is aimed at improving the operational readiness of the Arjun tank force. Meanwhile, the upgraded Arjun Mk-1A variant continues to face delivery setbacks due to engine supply constraints. The development highlights ongoing challenges in India's defense manufacturing sector despite sustained efforts toward self-reliance.

Afridi slams PCB over mass shake-up after heavy losses to England

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has sharply criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to overhaul the national team following heavy defeats against England. The PCB removed seven players and coaching staff in response to the poor performances. Five uncapped players were named in the squad for the final Test match. Meanwhile, former captain Misbah-ul-Haq reportedly stepped down from the selection committee amid the turmoil. Pakistan now face the difficult challenge of avoiding a series whitewash in the remaining Test.

SC quashes FIRs against NEET protesters, but with a caveat for 'hardened criminals'

BJP to Launch 10-Team Nationwide Outreach Drive on PM Modi's Birthday

The BJP is planning a large-scale nationwide outreach campaign to coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The initiative will span 30 days and involve 10 teams traveling across the country. Each convoy will consist of more than 10 bikers accompanied by party workers. The teams will cover towns, villages, and districts along their designated routes.

India's Manufacturing PMI Hits Five-Year Low at 52.8 in August

India's manufacturing sector recorded its slowest growth in five years during August, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) falling to 52.8. Both production output and new orders declined during the month, pushing activity to its weakest level since August 2021. The slowdown also triggered a contraction in factory employment for the first time in two and a half years. Overseas demand weakened overall, despite a marginal uptick in purchasing activity. Business confidence improved slightly but stayed below long-term historical averages.

Child's Preference Not Sole Factor in Custody Decisions, Rules High Court

A High Court has ruled that a child's preference for one parent cannot be the sole determining factor in custody cases. The court delivered this judgment while deciding a custody dispute between two parents. Custody of the child was ultimately retained with the mother following the ruling. The court also put in place structured visitation rights to ensure the father maintained access to the child. The decision underscores that multiple factors, not just the child's stated preference, must guide custody determinations.

Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi get slight relief as Pak HC bars solitary confinement

Hurricane Helene moved a Virginia bridge; its $195.5M replacement opens

'Keeping future of students in mind': Nadda after quashing of FIRs against NEET protesters

NJ Woman Fights Eminent Domain After Paying $40,000 for Land Eyed for Housing

A South Jersey woman is legally challenging her township's attempt to seize land she purchased for $40,000. Middle Township authorities want to acquire the property to make way for a 340-home residential development. The woman argues that the forced acquisition does not serve a genuine public interest. Despite ongoing legal proceedings and negotiations, no resolution has been reached between the two parties. The case highlights broader concerns about the impact of eminent domain on marginalized communities.

6 Killed, 14 Hurt as Vehicle Hits Truck on Haryana Expressway

A deadly road accident on a Haryana expressway left six people dead and fourteen others injured. The collision occurred when a vehicle rammed into a stationary or moving truck on the expressway. Police have launched a preliminary investigation into the cause of the crash. Early findings suggest the vehicle's driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the accident.

Pietersen jokes about Pakistan's sweeping squad overhaul after two Test defeats

Pakistan made sweeping changes to their squad after losing the first two Tests, dropping seven players and removing two coaches. Former England star Kevin Pietersen mocked the scale of the shake-up, joking that the captain's pre-match toss interview could take unusually long given the number of changes. The restructured side is now focused on avoiding a clean sweep in the third Test. The overhaul reflects the team management's urgency to turn around a difficult series.

Teen wild card Thea Frodin, Serena's film body double, makes US Open debut

Seventeen-year-old Thea Frodin has earned a wild card entry into the US Open singles draw, marking her debut at the Grand Slam tournament. She is set to face world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in her opening match in New York. Before her rise on the tennis circuit, Frodin appeared in the 2021 biographical film 'King Richard,' serving as Serena Williams' body double. Frodin has stated that tennis remains her primary focus, though she is open to revisiting acting should future Hollywood opportunities arise.

Pakistan power crisis deepens as Karachi reels from 24-hour blackouts

India's GDP Grows 7.8% in Q1, Driven by Domestic Demand and Services

India recorded a GDP growth rate of 7.8% in the first quarter, demonstrating strong economic resilience. The expansion was primarily fueled by robust domestic demand and a thriving services sector. A pickup in investment activity further supported the overall growth momentum. The performance is particularly notable given ongoing global geopolitical tensions and financial market volatility. The result reinforces India's position as the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

OBC creamy layer: SC agrees to hear Centre's plea against income-only criteria

PM Modi Departs Bishkek After Attending 26th SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left Kyrgyzstan and is heading back to India following his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The 26th SCO Summit was held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The summit was conducted under Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship this year. Modi attended the high-level gathering as part of India's continued engagement with the SCO bloc.

Hyderabad Mechanic Arrested for Rape and Murder of Nurse in Pahadishareef

A bike mechanic has been arrested in Hyderabad's Pahadishareef area for the rape and murder of a nurse. Investigators say the accused had allegedly surveilled the victim for nearly a month before entering her room through a window to commit the crime. After the assault, he reportedly returned to his garage and went back to sleep, a behavior that puzzled investigators. Authorities cracked the case using mobile data and forensic evidence. Police are now reviewing the suspect's criminal history in Bihar.

Mamata Banerjee's Niece Found Dead at Home in West Bengal's Birbhum

Brishti Mukherjee, a niece of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has died by suicide. Her body was discovered hanging on the first floor of her residence in Kusumba village, located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. The incident has drawn attention given her close family ties to the state's top political leader. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding her death are yet to be officially disclosed.