India

India's forex reserves hit record $729.33bn after eight straight weeks of gains

India's foreign exchange reserves climbed to an all-time high of $729.328 billion, marking eight consecutive weeks of growth. The surge was primarily driven by increases in foreign currency assets and gold holdings. Government measures aimed at attracting overseas dollar inflows contributed significantly to the record accumulation. The Reserve Bank of India also played a role through its interventions in managing these capital inflows.

‘Our position no different from BJP’s’: NC faces another swipe from within on statehood

Nepal Flood Victim, 71, Loses Home and Business, Left With Only Debt

Govind Prasad Dahal, a 71-year-old Nepali man, is among thousands who suffered devastating losses in the recent Nepal flash floods. The disaster wiped out both his home and his business, leaving him in a dire financial situation. Dahal now faces mounting debt with little means to recover. His story reflects the broader humanitarian crisis caused by the floods, which displaced and financially ruined countless families across Nepal.

Express in Nepal: At search and rescue hub, helicopters, stench of death

Sonia Gandhi Memoir Hits Roadblock Over Sections on China, RSS and Modi

Penguin Random House India has stalled the publication of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, citing the need for fact-checking before proceeding. Congress sources indicate that the disputed portions of the manuscript relate to three key areas: China, the RSS, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and policies. The publisher has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the concerns raised. The controversy has drawn attention to the sensitive political content contained in the former Congress president's book.

Delhi couple arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan's ISI since 2024

Delhi Police have arrested a young couple on charges of working as operatives for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence since 2024. The duo allegedly procured eight Indian SIM cards and routed them to Pakistan through Dubai. Beyond sourcing SIM cards, the couple reportedly provided logistical support and recruited individuals into the espionage network. Their Pakistani handlers paid them approximately Rs 30,000 for the SIM cards and sensitive information they supplied. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover additional members linked to the alleged spy ring.

Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Accused Offers Guilty Plea, Appeals for Leniency

The accused in the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case has expressed willingness to plead guilty before the court. His lawyer Vipul Dushing confirmed that a formal application to this effect has been filed. Along with the guilty plea, the accused has also sought leniency in sentencing. The development marks a significant turn in the case involving the Bollywood actor.

Karnataka Man Kills Wife Over Affair Suspicion, Then Dies By Suicide

A man in Karnataka murdered his wife after suspecting her of having an extramarital affair before taking his own life. The couple had been married for three years at the time of the incident. They are survived by a one-and-a-half-year-old child. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the double tragedy.

Transgender Athletes in Sport: Key Cases That Shaped Global Policy Debates

Several high-profile cases involving transgender athletes have sparked ongoing debates about eligibility and inclusion across international sports. Anaya Bangar's return to cricket has reignited these discussions on a global scale. Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard made history by competing at the Olympics, while swimmer Lia Thomas's NCAA victory raised questions about fairness in collegiate athletics. Cyclist Emily Bridges's case has been linked to shifts in international sporting policies. Together, these cases reflect a broader, evolving conversation about how sports governing bodies balance inclusion with competitive equity.

Two Assam Workers Missing in Nepal After Flash Floods Hit Hydroelectric Site

Two men from Assam have gone missing following flash floods in Nepal, prompting their families to seek urgent assistance. The two had traveled to Nepal approximately two weeks ago in search of employment. They were working at a hydroelectric project located near the Trishuli River when the floods struck. Officials have confirmed the details of their situation, while their families back in Assam are appealing for help in locating them.

China scraps pre-sale model, mandates mortgages only for completed homes

China's central bank and financial regulator have introduced new guidelines targeting the country's troubled property sector. The measures are designed to reduce developers' heavy dependence on presale funds, which have contributed to project delivery failures. Under the new rules, mortgages will only be granted once housing projects are fully built and completed. Local governments have been directed to encourage the sale of finished homes to minimise delivery risks for buyers. Financial institutions will also take on a larger role in funding and overseeing property development projects.

Miscreants trigger bomb blast at BJP MLA’s residence in Manipur

UK Couple of Indian Origin Missing in Flood-Hit Nepal During Kailash Pilgrimage

Anal Kar, 56, and his wife Sanjukta Kar, 50, a UK-based couple with roots in Kolkata, have gone missing in Nepal. The couple arrived in Kathmandu from New Delhi on August 18 and were last traced to Timure, a town near the Nepal-Tibet border. They were undertaking the Kailash Yatra pilgrimage when contact was lost. The area has been affected by flooding, raising concerns about their safety. Efforts are underway to locate the missing couple.

Crown Prince Haakon to Automatically Ascend Norway's Throne After King Harald V's Death

Norway's King Harald V has died, triggering an automatic succession under the country's constitutional monarchy rules. Crown Prince Haakon, 53, is next in line and will immediately become king following his father's passing. Haakon had already been serving as regent during King Harald's period of illness, effectively preparing him for the transition. The succession process requires no formal ceremony or vote, as the crown passes automatically to the heir apparent.

AI finds 6 viable methods to 3D-print NASA rocket alloy from 100 million options

Researchers at Washington State University have used artificial intelligence to discover better ways to 3D-print GRCop-42, a metal alloy used in NASA rockets. The AI screened 40 million out of 100 million possible printing configurations and identified six that worked effectively. This breakthrough significantly cuts the cost and time involved in printing the critical alloy. The advance also makes GRCop-42 compatible with standard commercial 3D printers, broadening its accessibility. Scientists believe the same AI-driven approach could speed up discoveries across other fields of research.

Houston lawyer buys $15.5M mansion to demolish it and donate materials to charity

Houston-based lawyer Tony Buzbee has purchased a $15.5 million mansion in the upscale River Oaks neighborhood with plans to demolish it. Rather than preserving the structure, Buzbee intends to use the cleared land to expand his private garden estate. He has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to ensure the salvaged construction materials are repurposed for affordable housing projects. The rescued materials are estimated to be worth millions of pounds in support for those initiatives. Buzbee has framed the move as both a personal property expansion and a philanthropic contribution to his family's legacy.

China Warned Russia Against Using Tactical Nukes in Ukraine: Report

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior European officials have confirmed that China sent a direct message to Russia regarding nuclear weapons use in Ukraine. Beijing explicitly instructed Moscow not to consider deploying tactical nuclear weapons on Ukrainian soil. The warning reflects growing international concern over nuclear escalation in the ongoing conflict. China's intervention signals its role as a key diplomatic actor capable of influencing Russian military decisions.

Two resignations, same scam: Why B Nagendra quit Karnataka cabinet again

Anaya Bangar Claps Back at Critics, Eyes Return to Women's Cricket

Transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar has urged her critics, including Marizanne Kapp, to educate themselves on transgender inclusion in sport. Bangar is pursuing a pathway back into competitive women's cricket following surgery. Cricket Australia has cleared her for elite-level play, subject to specific policy requirements. She plans to first establish herself at the community level before targeting a spot in the Women's Big Bash League. Her continued eligibility will depend on ongoing compliance with Cricket Australia's policies and her on-field performance.

Ramdev and Kangana Trade Barbs Before Raksha Bandhan Truce Offer

Yoga guru Ramdev extended a peace gesture to actor-politician Kangana Ranaut on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Their public dispute began last week after Kangana referred to Gen Z protesters using the phrase 'Gutter generation.' Ramdev responded to the remark, sparking a war of words between the two public figures. Kangana replied to Ramdev's peace offer by addressing him as a brother, in keeping with the spirit of the festival.