India

Kerala Islamic Scholar Kanthapuram Defends Circular Restricting Women to Homes

Kerala-based Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar publicly stated that women should remain confined to their homes. His remarks came in defence of a recent circular issued by his organisation, which discouraged women from participating in public platforms. Musliyar grounded his position in religious texts, arguing they mandate purdah as a means of protecting women. He claimed these views have been upheld by learned scholars for over a century. Despite facing criticism, the scholar stated he would continue to express and promote these opinions.

Delhi Police Arrest Bus Driver, Conductor for Gang-Raping Minor on Moving Bus

Delhi Police have arrested a bus driver and conductor in connection with the gang-rape of a minor girl. The assault allegedly took place inside a moving sleeper bus in Uttar Pradesh. The curtains of the bus were drawn during the approximately 47-kilometre journey during which the crime occurred. The victim is reported to be a student. Authorities have taken both accused into custody as the investigation proceeds.

Nepal Floods Highlight Urgent Need for Better China-Nepal Data Sharing

Devastating floods in Nepal have exposed critical gaps in hydrological data sharing between China and Nepal. The disasters have drawn attention to the risks posed by glacial lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, which can burst and trigger deadly flash floods downstream. Chinese President Xi Jinping has responded by calling for accelerated surveys of glaciers and glacial lakes across the Tibetan Plateau. The goal is to improve early warning systems and prevent future flood-related catastrophes in the region.

Rijiju Warns Protesters Who Trampled Indian Flag at New York Demonstration

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju issued a stern warning to protesters who were seen stepping on the Indian national flag during a demonstration in New York. Rijiju stated that such actions would 'cost them dearly,' signaling potential legal consequences for those involved. The incident sparked widespread outrage on Indian social media, where many users condemned the act as deeply disrespectful. Several social media users urged authorities to identify whether any of the protesters held Indian citizenship, which could make them liable under Indian law. The episode has reignited debate over the legal and moral boundaries of political protest involving national symbols abroad.

Indian Schoolchildren Protest for Basic Infrastructure Using Smartphones as Evidence

Students across India are staging protests demanding essential infrastructure and greater accountability from authorities. Unlike conventional political movements, their concerns are rooted in tangible, everyday issues that directly affect their lives. These young protesters are leveraging smartphones to document and present undeniable evidence of systemic neglect. The state finds itself in a difficult position when faced with the uncompromised voices of children. Observers see this emerging movement as a generational push for change against deeply entrenched systems.

Djokovic exits US Open in first round, breaks down in tears against Navone

Novak Djokovic suffered a first-round exit at the US Open, losing to Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match that lasted over four and a half hours. The 39-year-old was visibly hampered by physical problems, including cramps and back pain, throughout the contest. Djokovic also committed 70 unforced errors, underlining his struggles on the court. The defeat left him visibly emotional, with tears reflecting his frustration during the match. The loss raises fresh questions about his future prospects at Grand Slam tournaments.

Rubina Dilaik calls item songs obscene in debate on modern music trends

Actors Rubina Dilaik, Hina Khan, and Abhinav Shukla recently engaged in a candid conversation about shifts in the Indian music industry. Rubina raised concerns about item songs, describing them as increasingly explicit and obscene in nature. Abhinav and a fellow discussant also examined modern rap music, contrasting its current themes with its traditional roots in storytelling and social struggle. The discussion highlighted growing debate around the content and presentation of popular music today.

Andhra Pradesh Woman Allegedly Gang-Raped at Home, Two Detained

A woman in Andhra Pradesh was allegedly gang-raped and assaulted at her residence, according to police. Two individuals have been detained in connection with the incident. Authorities are currently reviewing the survivor's statement alongside witness accounts and medical evidence. The investigation is ongoing as police piece together the sequence of events.

Telangana Nurse Found Dead at Home, Suspect Identified via CCTV

A nurse was found dead at her residence in Telangana, prompting a police investigation into suspected foul play. Authorities reviewed CCTV footage and other available evidence to trace the perpetrator. Based on this evidence, police identified the suspect as MD Sanaullah Khan. A BJP leader has alleged that the nurse was assaulted and murdered, adding a political dimension to the case.

Rupee slips 13 paise to 85.56 amid rising crude prices and strong dollar

The Indian rupee opened lower against the US dollar on Monday, sliding 13 paise to 85.56. Rising crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions weighed on the domestic currency. Expectations of a US Federal Reserve interest rate hike further bolstered the dollar, adding pressure on the rupee. The Reserve Bank of India has stepped in with measures aimed at stabilizing the currency. Meanwhile, domestic equity markets also faced headwinds as foreign investors continued to sell off shares.

Nevada Developer Seeks Land Swap With US for Road Access Through Yosemite

A Nevada-based developer purchased 83 acres of land near Yosemite National Park for $4 million in 2024. The developer is now proposing a land exchange with the US government that would grant direct road access through a quarter-mile strip of the national park. A similar access plan had previously been rejected in earlier legal disputes. The Trump administration is currently reviewing and considering the proposal.

In 1934, Black cave guide sold Mammoth Cave hotel for just $3,000

Teen gang-raped on Delhi-bound bus by driver and conductor, two arrested

A 16-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped aboard a moving sleeper bus while travelling toward Delhi. The teenager had boarded the bus seeking shelter after being stranded in heavy rain. The driver and conductor allegedly assaulted her during the approximately 47-kilometre journey and threatened to kill her if she spoke out. The two men then abandoned the victim near Kashmere Gate bus terminal in Delhi. Police subsequently arrested both accused and seized the bus as part of their investigation.

Gauhati HC: Elder brother cannot sell minor siblings' land under Muslim law

The Gauhati High Court has upheld a woman's land ownership originally acquired in 1975, ruling the sale invalid with respect to shares belonging to minor family members under Muslim personal law. The court found that family members who challenged the transaction had delayed their legal action for too long. However, the woman's uninterrupted possession of the land for over three decades was a decisive factor in the ruling. The court ultimately held that her legal successors are entitled to recover possession of the disputed land.

India news Live Updates, 31 August 2026: Rising water levels of Mandakini river create flood-like conditions in Chitrakoot

Kerala Grand Mufti Draws Criticism for Remarks Urging Women to Stay Home

Kerala's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad has sparked controversy after making remarks suggesting women should not be allowed to leave their homes. The cleric used a metaphor comparing women to necklaces, saying a necklace retains its beauty only when kept safely inside a box. The statement has drawn widespread criticism for promoting the restriction of women's freedom of movement. This is not the first time the religious leader has made remarks that have courted public controversy in Kerala.

Delhi playschool staff detained after 3-year-old allegedly abused, CCTV footage surfaces

A three-year-old boy was allegedly subjected to physical and sexual abuse at a playschool in Delhi. CCTV footage reportedly shows the child being restrained to a chair during the incident. His father described serious symptoms afterward, including swollen eardrums, vomiting, and dizziness, raising urgent medical concerns. Authorities have detained at least one caretaker in connection with the case. Investigators are also examining the conduct of other staff members at the school.

Canada Updates Entry Rules: Travellers May Need eTA or Visa to Enter

Canada's immigration authority has revised its entry requirements for foreign nationals travelling to or through the country. Depending on their nationality and mode of travel, visitors may now require either an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visa. Citizens of eTA-eligible countries travelling by air must obtain the authorization before departure. US citizens and green card holders are subject to their own distinct set of entry regulations. All travellers, regardless of category, must also satisfy basic health and financial requirements upon arrival in Canada.

Delhi school cab driver arrested for sexually assaulting 3-year-old student

A cab driver working for a Delhi school has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a three-year-old nursery student. The child was able to identify the accused after school staff showed her photographs and CCTV footage. According to preliminary investigations, the driver allegedly lured the minor with chocolates before assaulting her near a washroom on school premises. Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following the incident.

AIMIM Leader Killed in Stabbing Attack in Hyderabad

Mehboob Ali, a leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), was fatally stabbed in Hyderabad. A group of five to six individuals carried out the attack, leaving him with critical injuries. Ali succumbed to his wounds following the assault. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of political figures in the city. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the targeted attack.