India

The Indian cricketer who debuted at 40 in 1936 and vanished from records

Cotar Ramaswami, born on June 16, 1896, in Madras (now Chennai), made his Test cricket debut for India at the remarkable age of 40 years and 39 days. He represented India against England at Manchester on July 25, 1936, making him one of the oldest players to debut in Test cricket. Ramaswami remains a notable figure in Indian cricket history due to the unusual circumstances of his career. Despite his place in the record books, details surrounding his death remain unknown, leaving his biographical record incomplete.

Haryana CM Saini Campaigns in Punjab on Anti-Drug Promise Ahead of 2027 Polls

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has been actively campaigning in neighboring Punjab, making the drug menace a central issue. He has promised that a BJP government would eradicate the drug problem in Punjab if the party is voted to power in the 2027 state elections. Saini's cross-border campaigning has drawn attention, as the drug issue is a sensitive and longstanding concern in Punjab. His remarks have sparked a political row, with critics noting the contrast between his public promises and discussions within the Haryana Assembly on the same issue.

Rahul Gandhi's Congress Overhaul Risks Alienating the Party's Old Guard

Rahul Gandhi is undertaking a significant internal restructuring of the Indian National Congress party. His approach treats the existing organisation as a liability rather than a foundation to build upon. Critics argue this strategy risks discarding experienced members and established networks that still hold value. The overhaul reflects Rahul's ambition to build a reimagined Congress, but the method is drawing concern from political observers. The tension between renewal and continuity poses a serious challenge to the party's long-term cohesion.

Washington Town Uses Controlled Burns on 500 Acres to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Communities in Washington state are turning to prescribed burns as a proactive strategy to reduce the threat of future wildfires. The technique works by mimicking natural fire cycles, which helps limit the buildup of flammable vegetation. Roslyn, a town that previously suffered significant wildfire damage, has been among the most active adopters of this approach. The effort has brought together multiple agencies and private landowners in a coordinated response. Officials see the practice as a sustainable way for communities to coexist with the ongoing risk of wildfires.

How Indians Shopped for Raksha Bandhan: Online, Malls, and Local Markets

Indians chose from three main shopping avenues this Raksha Bandhan: online platforms, local markets, and large shopping malls. Online shopping stood out for its convenience, wide product selection, and fast delivery options. Malls attracted shoppers seeking an immersive retail experience, product discovery, and a social outing. Local markets also remained a popular choice, particularly for traditional and last-minute purchases. Each channel catered to different shopper priorities during the festive occasion.

Norway's King Harald, Europe's Oldest Reigning Monarch, Dies at 89

King Harald of Norway, the oldest reigning monarch in Europe, has died at the age of 89. He had been hospitalised on August 17 following a health concern. Harald had served as Norway's king for decades and was a prominent figure in European royalty. His passing marks the end of a significant era for the Norwegian monarchy.

Nepal Declines Foreign Rescue Offers Amid Ongoing Flood Crisis

Nepal has turned down offers of foreign rescue assistance following recent flooding in the country. South Korea's foreign ministry confirmed that Nepal indicated it had no immediate plans to accept international rescue teams. The Nepali government appears to be relying on its own resources to manage the disaster response. No further details were provided regarding the scale of the flooding or the specific offers that were declined.

HP exec defends Gen Z, calls digital fluency a major workplace advantage

HP executive George Brasher has pushed back against narratives portraying Gen Z as lazy or lacking interpersonal skills. He argues that growing up in the digital age gives this generation a distinct edge in modern workplaces. Brasher points to their strong AI capabilities as a key factor in improving both job performance and work-life balance. LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and Stripe's Emily Glassberg Sands have similarly recognized Gen Z's ability to adapt to new technologies. Experts suggest this fluency with AI tools positions the generation favorably for entry-level roles as the job market continues to evolve.

Norway's King Harald dies aged 89 after more than three decades on throne

Scuffle with police at TMC office: Abhishek Banerjee, two others booked; 13 arrested

Second flood 'imminent'? Nepal halts rescue ops as China border lake begins overflowing

Rebuilding Nepal's Flood-Hit Infrastructure May Cost Up to $5 Billion

Nepal faces a massive financial challenge in rebuilding its infrastructure following devastating floods. A billionaire, reportedly linked to the Chaudhary Group, has estimated the reconstruction cost could reach $5 billion. The Chaudhary Group is a major Nepali conglomerate operating across 12 business sectors, including food, telecom, infrastructure, and banking. The scale of the damage underscores the severe economic impact the floods have had on the country. The estimate highlights the urgent need for both domestic and international financial support for Nepal's recovery.

China Halts Tibet Rescue Ops as Dam Breach Raises Fresh Flood Risk

A dam has been breached in Tibet, prompting Chinese authorities to suspend ongoing rescue operations in the region. The decision comes two days after a deadly mudslide left hundreds of people still unaccounted for. State media reported that officials cited the high risk of renewed flooding as the reason for pausing relief efforts. The crisis in Tibet coincides with severe flood devastation affecting neighboring Nepal. Residents in affected areas have been urged to move to safety immediately.

20,000 UP Women Tie Rakhi to Bareilly Mayor Dr Umesh Gautam Each Year

Every year on Raksha Bandhan, over 20,000 women gather to tie rakhi to Bareilly mayor Dr. Umesh Gautam in Uttar Pradesh. The annual event, hosted by Dr. Gautam, goes beyond religious tradition to build a sense of community trust and mutual respect. Women attending the celebration are gifted sarees as a token of cultural appreciation and goodwill. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to upholding women's dignity and expanding their opportunities throughout the year.

Raghuram Rajan says rupee weakness is not a panic situation

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has downplayed concerns over the Indian rupee's recent decline against the US dollar. The rupee is currently trading at around 85.50 to the dollar, having recovered from a low of nearly 87 in May. The Reserve Bank of India had undertaken capital-raising measures to bring more dollars into the country, which helped stabilize the currency. Rajan indicated that while the situation warrants attention, it does not constitute a cause for alarm.

Brazil's capuchin monkeys hunt lizards and snakes when fruit runs low

Wild capuchin monkeys in Brazil have been observed switching to hunting small animals, including lizards and snakes, when fruit becomes scarce. The behavior underscores their adaptable, omnivorous diet and ability to respond to shifts in their environment. Researchers noted that adult males hunted vertebrates more frequently than younger females. When other food sources were readily available, the monkeys hunted less, suggesting hunting is a strategic fallback rather than a primary behavior. Scientists believe these findings could offer valuable insights into how early human ancestors may have evolved their dietary habits.

Oval Groundsman Lee Fortis Suspended After Second Altercation Incident

The Oval's head groundsman Lee Fortis has been placed on leave following an altercation with an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) employee. The incident took place at The Oval ahead of a Hundred fixture. Fortis had previously been involved in a heated exchange with India head coach Gautam Gambhir, drawing wider attention to his conduct. He has served as the venue's head groundsman since 2012. His future at The Oval now remains uncertain following the back-to-back controversies.

Six Months On, US-Iran Conflict Settles Into Costly Stalemate

Six months have passed since US and Israeli forces launched attacks on Iran, killing its supreme leader and seriously wounding his son and designated successor. The conflict, which marked a dramatic escalation in long-standing tensions, has since failed to produce a clear victor for either side. Both parties have sustained significant costs, with neither achieving a decisive strategic outcome. The situation has evolved into what analysts are describing as a costly stalemate, suggesting the conflict has reached a critical juncture.

DNA found 22km downstream reveals hidden populations of threatened frogs

45 sheep brought to San Miguel Island grew to 6,000 in just 12 years