India

Vijay Mallya Comments on Subhash Chandra's 99.97% Debt Haircut Resolution

Media baron Subhash Chandra's personal insolvency case has drawn significant public attention following a debt resolution outcome. The case is notable for an exceptionally steep debt haircut of 99.97%, meaning creditors agreed to recover only a tiny fraction of what was owed. Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, himself embroiled in debt-related legal troubles, weighed in on the matter, referring to it as 'Indian debt resolution.' Mallya's remarks have reignited debate around how personal insolvency cases are handled in India and the varying outcomes for different high-profile debtors.

Altman Defends AI Predictions After Admitting Economic Impact Was Misjudged

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has responded to criticism over his AGI timeline, claiming on X that his capability predictions were 'actually quite good.' This comes days after he acknowledged he had underestimated how quickly AI would disrupt the economy. Altman attributed the slower-than-expected impact to society and the economy being slow to absorb the technology, rather than any shortcoming in the technology itself. His remarks follow a recent cover story in which OpenAI's Mark Chen estimated the company is 80% of the way toward achieving artificial general intelligence.

PM Modi to Visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan Starting August 29

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to begin a four-day official visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on August 29. The trip will cover both Central Asian nations over the course of the visit. No further details about the agenda or specific meetings were available in the provided text. The visit signals continued Indian diplomatic engagement with Central Asia.

Maharashtra gives auto, taxi drivers 1 year to learn Marathi

The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn Marathi, granting them a one-year learning period. The decision comes amid recent enforcement actions and protests from drivers who sought more time to develop language proficiency. Under the initiative, drivers will be provided access to Marathi language classes and supporting study materials. The move aims to improve communication between drivers and passengers across the state.

Cincinnati shortens 122-year-old Longworth Hall warehouse to make way for new bridge

Cincinnati's historic Longworth Hall, a 1904 railroad warehouse once stretching 1,227 feet, has been reduced in length by approximately 210 feet. The demolition was carried out to accommodate the construction of a new Ohio River bridge. Despite the significant alteration, the majority of the landmark structure will be preserved. Bricks salvaged from the removed section will be repurposed to rebuild the warehouse's east end.

X account of outfit organising RSS event in US suspended ahead of Bhagwat's address

Toxic Review: Director Geetu Mohandas Crafts a Deliberate, Layered Character Study

Director Geetu Mohandas's film Toxic has drawn attention for its calculated narrative approach toward its central character. Critics suggest the film employs a deliberate bait-and-switch strategy that extends well beyond its surface-level plot. Mohandas appears to embed a subtle thematic commentary that rewards attentive viewers. The film's layered construction indicates an intentional authorial vision rather than accidental storytelling choices.

Alex Nylander leaves Maple Leafs, joins Calgary Flames on pro tryout

Alex Nylander has departed the Toronto Maple Leafs organization after two seasons and will attend Calgary Flames training camp on a professional tryout basis. The 28-year-old forward was unable to secure a consistent NHL roster spot during his time with Toronto. Despite limited NHL opportunities, Nylander performed well at the AHL level, contributing to the Toronto Marlies' Calder Cup victory. The tryout with Calgary represents a fresh opportunity for the forward to earn a place on an NHL roster.

US citizenship applicants face renewed neighbourhood scrutiny under new USCIS guidance

Viral claim of Travis Kelce donating $12.9m to house homeless people is false

A widely shared story claiming NFL star Travis Kelce donated his entire $12.9 million in bonuses and endorsements to build homes for homeless people has been debunked. The alleged initiative, said to have created 150 homes and 300 beds, could not be verified by fact-checkers. No credible evidence was found to support the emotional quote attributed to Kelce in the viral posts. While Kelce does engage in philanthropy through his foundation Eighty-Seven and Running, this specific donation story was entirely fabricated. The false claim has resurfaced multiple times online despite having no factual basis.

Nepal Flash Floods Death Toll Rises to 270 as Rescue Operations Continue

Flash floods on Nepal's Bhotekoshi River have killed at least 270 people, according to Nepal Police on Thursday. The death toll climbed after 93 additional bodies were recovered in the latest update. Thousands of people remain missing in the aftermath of the disaster. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate survivors and the missing.

Study finds Hawaii pilot whale had over 35,000 plastic pieces in its stomach

A 13-year study conducted in Hawaii has revealed alarming levels of plastic ingestion in pilot whales. Researchers discovered tens of thousands of synthetic debris fragments, including discarded fishing nets and plastic bags, lodged inside the stomachs of examined whales. One individual whale was found to have ingested 35,543 pieces of plastic. Scientists warn that such pollution poses serious long-term health risks to these marine mammals. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to address ocean plastic waste.

'Nation confused': Cong says 'plan to change narrative' on China role in Op Sindoor

'Cordial discussions': JP Nadda meets anti-reservation group after Jantar Mantar protest

Nepal Flash Floods Kill 359; Rescue Teams Search for Survivors

Devastating flash floods have claimed at least 359 lives across Nepal, according to government officials. The floodwaters swept through a major district market area before surging downstream with destructive force. Homes, livestock, public buildings, and infrastructure were all consumed in the deluge. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate survivors still missing in the aftermath.

Dolly Parton, Jolene, and the power of women talking

A special session plan for delimitation Bills? Congress chief’s letter to PM

Supreme Court cuts judge eligibility practice period from 3 years to 1

The Supreme Court has reduced the mandatory courtroom practice requirement for judicial service aspirants from three years to just one year. Under the revised framework, candidates will undergo two years of structured training as part of their preparation for judicial responsibilities. The change has triggered debate among legal experts about whether one year of practice provides sufficient courtroom experience. Former Justice Vipin Sanghi has argued in favour of retaining the original three-year practice period. However, lawyers Vivek Narayan Sharma and Siddharth Sijoria believe the new training-focused model can still produce competent judges.

Bengal Pilgrim Group of 33 Goes Missing in Nepal After One Member's Visa Denied

A group of 33 pilgrims from West Bengal has gone missing in Nepal, where they had traveled as part of a religious pilgrimage. One woman from the group was left behind after her Chinese visa was rejected, which inadvertently kept her safe. The rest of the group proceeded with the journey without her. Authorities are currently investigating the whereabouts of the missing pilgrims. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of pilgrimage groups traveling through the Himalayan region.

A decades-old friendship, two tea families and the making of India’s first commercial matcha