India

Pandya, Reddy Fit for India vs Afghanistan T20s; Bumrah, Sundar Near Return

India's preparations for the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan have received a boost with Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy both cleared for selection. Washington Sundar is close to receiving fitness clearance and may soon rejoin the squad. Jasprit Bumrah continues his recovery and could be available for the Asian Games if progress holds. Meanwhile, selectors are reportedly weighing Krunal Pandya as an option to fill the left-arm spinner's role in the side.

Nepal Sought Early Flood Warnings From China Days Before Deadly Disaster

Nepal had requested early warning information from China as flood risks increased in the region. Twelve days before the disaster struck, China's World Meteorological Centre sent an email to Nepali officials forecasting a monsoon depression. The forecast, seen by Reuters, warned of the weather system expected to affect the area between August 14 and 19. The communication highlights the cross-border coordination efforts that were underway ahead of the flooding event.

South Korean 12-year-old wins national award for fire-escape breathing device

Kim Ji-on, a 12-year-old from South Korea, has invented a phone grip that doubles as a fire-escape breathing device. The gadget is equipped with filters capable of absorbing toxic gases and trapping harmful particles, buying users critical time to evacuate during a fire. Her invention recently earned her a national award in South Korea. Kim has announced plans to donate her prize money to support people in developing countries.

Drunk Pilot Steals Cessna, Breaches Hungary Nuclear Plant No-Fly Zone Before Crashing

A drunk pilot stole a Cessna 172 aircraft and flew it into a restricted no-fly zone near the Paks nuclear power plant in southern Hungary. The unauthorized flight was detected by military radar as the aircraft approached the sensitive nuclear facility. The pilot subsequently crash-landed the plane in a field after the unauthorized flight. The incident raised serious security concerns given the proximity of the flight path to the nuclear installation.

Delhi Daycare Staff Booked Under POCSO After 3-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Abused

A three-year-old boy was allegedly tied to a chair, slapped, and physically assaulted at a daycare facility in Delhi. The incident took place at Makoons Play School located in the Maujpur area of Northeast Delhi. Delhi Police has registered a formal case in connection with the alleged abuse. Authorities have invoked the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the matter.

US Strikes Iranian Rocket Launchers on Larak Island; Trump Targets Kharg

The US military conducted air strikes on Iranian rocket launchers located on Larak Island, a small landmass in the Strait of Hormuz. These were the first American attacks on Iran since late July. Following the strikes, President Trump posted on Truth Social, directing a new threat toward Iran's Kharg Island. The posts came hours after the military operation was carried out. Kharg Island is a critical hub for Iran's oil exports, making Trump's remarks strategically significant.

Nepal Floods Destroy or Damage 69 Schools, Disrupting Education for 19,000 Children

Severe flooding in Nepal has destroyed or damaged at least 69 schools across the worst-hit districts. The disaster has disrupted education for nearly 19,000 children in the affected areas. The scale of destruction poses a significant long-term challenge to restoring normal schooling. Authorities and relief agencies are assessing the damage as part of broader flood recovery efforts.

Washington watershed sees chum salmon surge as river restoration nears completion

Alaska eliminates invasive pike and restocks lake with 6,836 Arctic char

Over 200 HIV Cases Found in 31 Assam Prisons in Four Months

More than 200 HIV cases have been reported across 31 jails in Assam within a span of four months, according to official sources. The cases came to light following HIV screening conducted among prison inmates across the state. The screening drive covered all 31 jails, revealing a significant presence of the virus within the prison population. Authorities have not yet disclosed details on follow-up care or containment measures for the affected inmates.

Nepal Army Rescues Boy Stranded on Flooded Rooftop After T-Shirt Signal

A young boy was dramatically rescued by a Nepal Army helicopter after he waved a T-shirt from a rooftop surrounded by floodwaters. The improvised distress signal caught the attention of the helicopter crew, prompting them to lift him to safety. The rescue took place amid large-scale flood relief operations across the region. The disaster has taken a severe toll, with hundreds reported dead and thousands still unaccounted for. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to reach those still stranded.

AIMIM Worker Fatally Stabbed Near Home in Hyderabad; Suspect Identified

Md Mahboob Ali, a worker of the AIMIM party, was fatally stabbed by a group of assailants near his residence in Hyderabad. The attack occurred as he was returning from a nearby hotel, when six men arriving on two motorcycles stabbed him multiple times before fleeing. Local party leaders visited the scene and confirmed Ali's affiliation with AIMIM. Police have identified a prime suspect in the case and are actively working to apprehend those responsible.

US Treasury Bars Journalists From G-20 Meeting With No Reason Given

The US Treasury Department has blocked certain journalists from attending a G-20 meeting, offering no official explanation for the decision. Among those denied access is New York Times reporter Alan Rappeport, who has covered the Treasury Department and similar international meetings since 2017. The move has raised concerns about press access and transparency at high-level government events. The unexplained exclusion of credentialed reporters marks an unusual departure from standard practice at such gatherings.

Nepal flash floods: Death toll rises to 903, over 4,200 still missing

Sanders backs Gates on AI job threat, urges Congress to act on Big Tech

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently published a lengthy essay warning that artificial intelligence poses serious risks to jobs and humanity. Gates proposed measures including a token tax, a robot tax, and reserving certain jobs exclusively for humans. US Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly endorsed Gates' concerns, stating that the warnings are valid and urgent. Sanders called on Congress to take action before the situation worsens and to directly confront Big Tech companies driving AI expansion.

Parental guilt: Why balancing self-identity and childcare matters for families

Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan's career sacrifices have brought renewed attention to the widespread issue of parental guilt. Many modern parents find themselves torn between pursuing personal goals and dedicating time to their children. Experts suggest that developing emotional maturity can help parents navigate these competing priorities without excessive guilt. Reframing sacrifices as conscious choices, rather than imposed obligations, is seen as healthier for both parents and children.

'Country Babur came from': Owaisi takes dig at PM Modi's Uzbek honour

Renting and Investing May Build More Wealth Than Buying a Home at 30

A financial analysis comparing home buying versus renting-and-investing at age 30 reveals a potentially significant wealth gap between the two approaches. The findings suggest that purchasing a home is not always the superior financial decision, contrary to popular belief. Renting while investing the equivalent funds tends to outperform homeownership as long as annual property appreciation stays below approximately 9.5 to 10 per cent. This threshold means that in markets where property values grow more modestly, renters who invest consistently could accumulate greater long-term wealth. The comparison highlights the importance of evaluating local real estate conditions before assuming homeownership is the best wealth-building strategy.

Ex-Pakistan Captain Rashid Latif Slams PCB as Worst in 70 Years

Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has launched a fierce public attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He called the current administration the most ineffective in the board's seven-decade history. Latif pointed to a sharp decline in the national team's batting performances as a key indicator of mismanagement. The team's failure to post even 200 runs in recent matches against England has intensified criticism of the PCB's leadership.

Indian Navy Commissions INS Nipun to Strengthen Submarine Rescue Operations

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Nipun, a domestically built diving support vessel, in Mumbai. The ship is designed to enhance deep-sea diving and submarine rescue capabilities for the Western fleet. INS Nipun joins its sister vessel INS Nistar, giving the Navy a two-coast operational presence for such missions. The vessel is equipped to conduct saturation diving operations and respond to submarine rescue emergencies. It also includes advanced medical facilities to handle diving-related medical situations.