India

Nepal Flood Videos Trigger Tour Cancellations, Travel Agents Report Rising Losses

Viral footage of flood devastation in Nepal has prompted tourists to cancel planned trips to the region, dealing a blow to tour operators. A couple from Darjeeling scrapped a 15-day Mansarovar pilgrimage via Kerung after videos showed the route being swept away by floodwaters. The cancelled package was valued at Rs 4.4 lakh and included permits for entering Tibet. Kolkata-based travel agents are reporting a surge in cancellations and fielding anxious queries about the safety of popular destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Patan, and Lumbini. The situation has left operators concerned about the broader impact on Nepal's tourism industry.

Nepal Floods Death Toll Reaches 584; Over 2,400 Missing Including 320 Indians

Devastating floods in Nepal have killed at least 584 people, with the number of missing persons climbing to 2,482. Among those unaccounted for, 320 are Indian nationals caught in the disaster. India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 84 Indians have been safely returned, while around 400 others are reported safe in Tibet. The MEA is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to account for all missing Indian citizens.

Milo Yiannopoulos, far-right British commentator, detained by ICE

77 Isha Foundation Pilgrims Lose Contact During Tibet Visit

A group of 77 pilgrims traveling under the Isha Foundation, the spiritual organization led by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, has gone out of contact during a visit to Tibet. No updates on their whereabouts or safety have been received as of the latest reports. The group's communication blackout has raised concerns among authorities and the organization. The situation is being monitored, though no further details about the circumstances have been officially confirmed.

Minnesota dairy farm converts cow manure into 480,000 gallons of renewable fuel

A dairy farm in Minnesota is converting cow manure into biomethane, an ultra-low-carbon fuel suitable for vehicles. The facility processes thousands of gallons of manure daily, feeding the resulting gas into interstate natural gas pipelines. The project captures methane before it can be released into the atmosphere, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond its environmental benefits, the initiative also generates an additional revenue stream for local dairy farmers.

Las Vegas saves 203B gallons removing lawns, but land temps spike 20°C

Las Vegas has been removing grass lawns as part of a water conservation initiative, successfully saving 203 billion gallons of water. However, the strategy has produced an unintended consequence: local summer land-surface temperatures have risen by approximately 20 degrees Celsius. The sharp increase in heat has raised environmental concerns among officials and researchers. In response, water agencies are now encouraging residents to adopt water-efficient landscaping and plant shade trees. New regulations have also been introduced to prohibit the installation of grass in residential yards going forward.

Six Assam Youths Reported Missing Amid Devastating Floods in Nepal

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has disclosed that six individuals from Assam are currently missing in Nepal. The announcement comes in the wake of severe flooding that has struck Nepal. Sarma made the statement publicly, raising concern about the welfare of the missing persons. Authorities are believed to be monitoring the situation as flood conditions in Nepal continue to pose serious risks.

US Judge Declines to Block Trump's Birthright Citizenship Restriction Order

A US federal judge has refused to immediately block President Donald Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship. The judge, appointed by former Democratic President Joe Biden, cited a procedural reason for her decision. She noted that the plaintiffs' lawsuit made no mention of Trump's 2026 order, leaving her without grounds to halt its implementation. As a result, the order remains in effect for the time being while legal challenges continue.

Bombay HC questions NMC officers' ignorance of Supreme Court bulldozer ruling

The Bombay High Court expressed serious concern after Nagpur Municipal Corporation officials claimed they were unaware of the Supreme Court's landmark 'Bulldozer judgement.' NMC officers cited a lack of information and the absence of an official circular as reasons for their non-compliance with the ruling. The court found this explanation difficult to accept, noting that the judgment had received widespread public attention. In response, the Bombay High Court directed the officers involved to individually submit affidavits explaining their respective positions on the matter.

Second excavation phase at Kashmir Buddhist site starts today

Gujarat contractor arrested for raping two minor sisters after school awareness session

Udhna police have arrested a 56-year-old labour contractor on charges of raping two minor sisters in Gujarat. The alleged assaults took place in May when the girls were visiting their mother in Udhna. The crime came to light after the younger girl disclosed the abuse during a school awareness programme on good touch and bad touch in Nandurbar. The accused had reportedly threatened both victims into silence. Police have since arranged medical examinations for the two girls.

Haryanvi Singer Ankit Balyan Shot Dead Outside Gym in Shamli, Wife Demands Justice

Haryanvi singer Ankit Balyan was fatally shot on Wednesday evening while leaving a gym in the Kotwali area of Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Four assailants travelling on two motorcycles opened fire on him in what appears to be a targeted attack. Balyan was immediately taken to a nearby community health centre, where doctors declared him dead. Following the killing, his wife has issued a four-day ultimatum to police, threatening self-immolation if action is not taken against those responsible.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay visits Puzhal jail, calls for inmate rehabilitation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai on Friday. During his visit, he urged prison authorities to offer inmates rehabilitation programs and vocational training. Vijay also emphasized the importance of providing adequate reading materials to prisoners. He inspected key facilities within the prison, including the kitchen and medical areas. The visit came in the wake of assembly deliberations on grant demands for the prison department.

CIA Director Made Secret Moscow Trip as Trump Seeks Ukraine War Diplomacy

CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled secretly to Moscow as part of the Trump administration's efforts to find a new diplomatic path to ending the war in Ukraine. The mission was conducted covertly, with even senior US officials kept unaware of the visit. The trip signals Washington's push to reset strained relations with Russia amid ongoing hostilities. However, Moscow has continued to escalate its attacks in Ukraine while resisting US diplomatic overtures.

Ladakh LG welcomes President’s nod for J&K High Court bench in Ladakh

Tamil Nadu tourists return safely after surviving Nepal floods

A group of tourists from Tamil Nadu narrowly escaped the devastating floods that struck Nepal. The survivors arrived back home in Chennai, where anxious family members had gathered at the airport to await their return. Emotional scenes unfolded as relatives embraced their loved ones, relieved to see them safe. The tourists recounted their harrowing experience of escaping the floodwaters in Nepal.

India Will Not Sign US Trade Deal If It Harms Farmers, Says Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made a significant declaration during a speech in Punjab. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly committed to protecting Indian farmers' interests in any trade negotiations. Chouhan emphasized that India would refuse to sign a trade agreement with the United States or any other nation if it proved detrimental to farmers. The statement underscores the government's position as India-US trade talks remain a key area of diplomatic focus.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Promotes Krishna Consciousness at New York Temple

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed devotees at a temple in New York, emphasizing the role of Krishna consciousness in uniting people. He argued that this spiritual awareness has the potential to make the world a better place. Bhagwat highlighted how consciousness can bridge differences and help resolve conflicts among people. His remarks were directed at the gathering of devotees present at the temple event.

Cipla's Pune Manufacturing Unit Loses Drug Sale Licence Over Multiple Violations

Indian pharmaceutical major Cipla has had the drug sale licence of its Pune facility cancelled by authorities. The action follows an inspection that uncovered several regulatory irregularities at the unit. Violations identified include unauthorised advertising practices, improper storage arrangements, and discrepancies in stock records. Authorities also flagged non-compliance related to product recall procedures. The cancellation reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of pharmaceutical manufacturing standards in India.

India Exit Hockey World Cup 8th After Losing Shootout to Belgium

India's campaign at the Hockey World Cup ended in disappointment after a penalty shootout loss to Belgium. The two sides played out an exciting 3-3 draw during regulation time. Abhishek gave India an early advantage with a field goal, while captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to keep his side in contention. Despite the spirited comeback, Belgium held their nerve in the shootout to advance. India finished the tournament in eighth place.