India

Penguin India Distances Itself from Sonia Gandhi Memoir, Sparks Political Row

Penguin Random House India announced on Friday that it is not the publisher of Sonia Gandhi's upcoming memoir titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. The development triggered a political clash between the Congress and the BJP. Congress alleged that pressure was being exerted to suppress the book's publication. The BJP has not yet responded publicly to the accusations. The incident has drawn attention to questions around freedom of expression and political influence over publishing decisions.

1,000 Citizen Scientists in 25 Countries Buried Underwear to Test Soil Health

A citizen science project spanning 25 countries used buried cotton underpants as a low-cost method to measure soil health. The rate at which the fabric decomposed indicated the level of biological activity in the soil. Researchers found that private gardens had the highest decomposition rates, suggesting more active and healthier soil. The initiative made soil testing accessible to ordinary people without specialized equipment. The project drew attention to the vital but often overlooked role of living organisms in soil ecosystems.

Man Electrocuted After Road Collapse Exposes Live Wire in East Delhi

A 28-year-old man was electrocuted in Delhi's Surajmal Vihar area after a section of road near an electricity pole caved in. The collapse caused him to sink waist-deep into the ground, bringing him into contact with a live underground wire. Police confirmed the incident on Friday. The road's structural failure is believed to have directly led to the fatal electrocution.

Why Government Jobs Remain the Top Career Choice for Bihar's Youth

In Bihar, government jobs continue to draw hundreds of thousands of applicants due to the stability and clear career progression they offer. The strong preference for public sector employment reflects broader economic conditions in the state, where private job opportunities remain limited. This trend contributes to a significant portion of the youth population staying out of the active workforce while waiting for government recruitment cycles. The situation highlights a structural challenge in Bihar's labor market, where job seekers often prefer to wait rather than pursue available private sector roles.

Gold Rate Today, August 29: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

Galesburg opens $1.35m accessible park on former elementary school site

The city of Galesburg, Illinois, unveiled Cooke Park on August 26, transforming the site of the former Cooke Elementary School into a fully accessible public space. The project cost $1.352 million and includes an inclusive playground and a splash pad designed to serve residents of all abilities. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by local officials and community leaders. The development highlights a collaborative effort between the local government and the wider community to promote inclusivity in public spaces.

NYC Mayor Mamdani Joins South Asian Seniors for Rakshabandhan at India Home

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani participated in a Rakshabandhan celebration hosted by India Home, an organization serving South Asian seniors. The mayor used the occasion to highlight the festival's core values of protection, support, and unity. He drew a connection between the symbolism of the rakhi and his own commitment to the well-being of all New Yorkers. Mamdani also praised India Home for building a strong sense of community and belonging among its members. He urged New Yorkers across the city to embrace and extend these values in their own communities.

'No need for general assistance’: Nepal lists conditions for foreign help

Couple Jumps Into Godavari River, Leaves Toddler Stranded on Bridge

A couple allegedly jumped into the Godavari River late Thursday night from the Chinchinada Vasishta Bridge in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. The pair left behind their three-year-old child, who was found crying alone on the bridge. Authorities were alerted after passersby discovered the distressed toddler unattended. A search operation was launched to locate the missing couple in the river. The child has been taken into care while the circumstances behind the incident are being investigated.

Delhi gym trainer accused of model's murder has history of POCSO, assault cases

Mohammad Imran, the prime accused in the murder of model Muskan in Delhi, has a documented history of serious criminal offences. He was first implicated in a POCSO case in 2018 involving the harassment of a minor. In 2021, he was again accused in an assault case that left the victim in a coma. Before her death, Muskan had reportedly raised concerns about harassment she was facing at home. The case has drawn attention to Imran's repeated pattern of violent and predatory behaviour.

Suryakumar Yadav reacts to surprise T20 captaincy removal after World Cup win

Suryakumar Yadav has expressed shock at being stripped of India's T20 captaincy despite leading the team to T20 World Cup and Asia Cup titles. The selectors communicated to him that it was time for the team to move in a new direction. Suryakumar accepted the decision, recognising that squad selection and leadership choices remain the selectors' authority. He confirmed he remains available for consideration as a player whenever the selectors choose to call upon him.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Visits New York Iskcon Temple, Joins Food Drive for Homeless

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat visited the Iskcon temple in New York as part of his ongoing tour of the United States. He took part in a food distribution drive aimed at providing meals to homeless individuals. During the visit, Bhagwat spoke about Krishna consciousness and its potential to help resolve conflicts across the world. The visit came ahead of his scheduled address to the Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden. Iskcon has been working to promote shared human values at a time of increasing global polarization and unrest.

No escape for Trump in hush money case as US judge blocks bid to shift federal court

42 years on, Sukumara Kurup mystery returns with Brunei ‘sighting’ — and a photo twist

Parents Seek Answers After Arrest in Indian Woman's Murder in US

Nikitha Godishala, an Indian woman, was found dead with stab wounds in Columbia, United States, on January 3. She was discovered in the apartment of her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, who has since been arrested. While her parents have acknowledged the arrest as a breakthrough in the case, they say they still need answers. The family is seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding their daughter's death.

Iran War at 6 Months: No End in Sight as Hormuz Shipping Stays Disrupted

Six months into the conflict involving Iran, the situation remains far from resolution despite early predictions of a swift end. Former US President Donald Trump had forecast the war would conclude within four weeks, but that timeline has proven incorrect. Iran has not capitulated, and maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz continues to face severe disruption. The prolonged conflict is generating wide-ranging consequences spanning politics, energy markets, and global trade. No clear diplomatic or military path toward ending the war has yet emerged.

Nepal Flash Floods Overwhelm Morgues; Unidentified Bodies Reach Indian Border

Devastating flash floods in Nepal have filled district morgues beyond capacity, forcing authorities to convert other buildings into temporary mortuaries. Hundreds of security personnel are actively searching riverbanks to recover more bodies. Remains are being transported between districts to aid in preservation and identification efforts. The flood's impact has crossed into India, with unidentified bodies surfacing in districts along the Gandak river downstream.

India News Live updates, 29 August 2026 |CNG price hiked by Rs 3.89/kg in Delhi

Eight-year-old boy reunites with mother after surviving Nepal floods in tree

An eight-year-old boy survived deadly floods in Nepal by climbing trees and has since been reunited with his mother. The floods have caused widespread devastation across multiple districts north of Kathmandu. According to UNICEF, at least 17,000 children have been affected by the flooding across the Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The disaster has drawn attention to the severe humanitarian impact on vulnerable young populations in the region.

Immigration Officer Leaves Gun Unattended in San Francisco Airport Bathroom

A gun was left behind in a public restroom at San Francisco International Airport on July 21. The weapon belonged to an immigration officer who had apparently forgotten it there. The incident occurred at one of the United States' busiest travel hubs, handling both domestic and international flights. Authorities are aware of the incident, which raises concerns about firearm safety protocols among federal officers.