India

Rape Convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Granted 21-Day Parole for 17th Time

Convicted rapist and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted a 21-day parole by authorities. This marks the 17th time he has been released on parole since his conviction in 2017. During this period, he is permitted to travel to the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters located in Sirsa. Ram Rahim was convicted of rape and has been serving his sentence in prison. His repeated parole grants have drawn significant public and legal scrutiny over the years.

Dera Chief Ram Rahim Gets 21-Day Parole, 17th Release Since 2020

Convicted Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted a 21-day parole from prison. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence following rape convictions. This is his seventeenth parole since 2020, highlighting a pattern of frequent temporary releases. Under prison regulations, inmates are permitted up to ten weeks of parole per year. His repeated exits from custody have continued to attract considerable public and media scrutiny.

Sam Altman warns handful of tech giants could monopolize AI development

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has voiced concern that artificial intelligence could end up controlled by a small group of powerful corporations, including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Nvidia. He stressed the importance of society and AI systems developing in tandem rather than one outpacing the other. Altman also acknowledged that his earlier predictions about AI timelines were overly optimistic. He noted that the economy's natural resistance to rapid change can slow down technological adoption, potentially allowing for a more measured transition to AI-driven advancements.

Heavy Rain Hits Delhi-NCR, Schools and Offices Switch to Remote Mode

Delhi-NCR was struck by heavy rainfall on Tuesday, following a significant downpour the previous day. Authorities instructed corporate offices and schools in the region, particularly in Gurgaon, to shift to work-from-home and online learning arrangements. Widespread waterlogging and traffic congestion severely disrupted daily life across the capital. Civic agencies mobilized to clear drainage systems and carry out emergency road repairs. The flooding added to residents' frustrations, as similar conditions had already affected the region just weeks prior.

Trump Discloses $15K–$50K Investment in Musk's SpaceX

Former US President Donald Trump purchased SpaceX shares worth between $15,001 and $50,000, according to a financial disclosure document. The transaction was recorded on June 23, with Trump signing the disclosure on August 12. The document was made available to the public on August 22. The investment draws attention given Trump's political relationship with SpaceX founder Elon Musk.

Brent Crude Holds Above $90 Amid Middle East Tensions and US Iran Sanctions

Brent crude oil prices remained above $90 per barrel as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified. Fresh US sanctions targeting Iran's financial resources prompted investors to reassess risks to regional oil supplies. Concerns were further heightened after an oil tanker sustained damage off the coast of Oman. Analysts noted that economic pressures helped temper fears of a major supply disruption from the Middle East. The developments coincided with US crude oil reserves falling to their lowest level since 1982.

Iran Warns of Military and Economic Retaliation Amid Escalating US Sanctions

Iran has issued strong warnings of retaliation following moves by the Trump administration to expand sanctions against the country. Tehran signaled it is fully prepared to respond, with threats encompassing both potential military action and further cuts to oil exports from the Gulf region. These warnings were made even before any formal US economic measures were officially announced. The escalating rhetoric reflects deepening tensions between Washington and Tehran over economic and geopolitical disputes.

Indian student applications to US colleges drop 15%: Report

Two UP Children Go Missing After Attempting YouTube Secret House Challenge

Two children in Uttar Pradesh left their home after being inspired by a 'Secret House Challenge' trend on YouTube. The incident prompted a swift response from local police and the state's Mission Shakti team. Authorities launched a search operation and successfully located both children within approximately two hours. The children were safely recovered and reunited with their respective families.

Iran Tells US Coercion Won't Work as Pezeshkian Meets Pakistan Army Chief

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir in Tehran amid rising regional tensions and ongoing US sanctions. Pezeshkian called on the United States to reconsider its approach toward Iran, warning that pressure tactics obstruct diplomatic progress. He stressed that coercive methods make meaningful negotiations more difficult rather than productive. Both leaders underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in promoting peace and stability across the region.

Flood-Hit MP Teachers to Get Alternative Classrooms After Viral Video

Teachers and students in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, have been risking their lives crossing a flooded river to reach school during the monsoon season. A video highlighting the dangerous situation went viral, prompting swift action from local authorities. Temporary classrooms have since been arranged to ensure continuity of education without endangering lives. Additionally, officials have confirmed that teachers will not face penalties for missing electronic attendance under these circumstances.

Mumbai food safety raid leads to destruction of over 4,700 litres of suspect milk

Mumbai food safety officials conducted raids across multiple establishments as part of a public health crackdown. Authorities seized and destroyed 4,710 litres of milk found to be adulterated or otherwise suspect. The confiscated milk was valued at approximately Rs 1,85,780. The action was taken to safeguard consumers from potentially harmful dairy products.

US Set to Revoke B1/B2 Visas of Up to 200,000 Asylum Seekers

The US State Department is preparing to announce the cancellation of B1 and B2 visas held by individuals who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum. The move is expected to be formally announced within the coming weeks. The revocation would target visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders pursued asylum claims. The policy could affect up to 200,000 foreign nationals currently in the United States.

Karnataka suspends Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket licences over toxic datura sales

Karnataka authorities have suspended food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket after toxic datura fruits and seeds were found listed as food products on their platforms. Regulators ordered the immediate removal of all datura-related listings and advertisements from these services. The action was taken due to serious public health concerns, as datura is a highly toxic plant not fit for consumption. Consuming unpurified datura can cause severe health consequences, including coma and death in extreme cases.

Ex-cricketers warn Jaiswal after ICC fine for clash with Fernando in 2nd Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal was involved in a heated altercation with Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando during the second Test match following his dismissal. The ICC penalised both players with fines and demerit points in response to the incident. Former Indian cricketers Pujara and Raman expressed disappointment, pointing to Jaiswal's frustration as a key factor behind the confrontation. Karim stressed that senior players carry a responsibility to model good conduct for young fans of the sport.

Canada to Announce Retaliatory Tariffs After Trump's New Trade Threats

Canada is set to announce retaliatory tariffs in response to escalating trade pressure from the United States. President Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts, and steel. Canadian Prime Minister Carney firmly rejected the US demands, stating that Canada is 'not a US subsidiary.' Carney accused Washington of seeking to destroy Canada's major industries, including autos, steel, and aluminum.

Gujarat Man Drowns in Same Pond Where Brother Died Three Months Ago

A 24-year-old man drowned in a pond in Gujarat, the same water body where his brother had lost his life just three months earlier. Emergency responders were alerted to the incident and rushed to the scene promptly. Local fire brigade personnel joined the rescue and recovery effort. After an extensive search operation, the young man's body was successfully recovered from the pond.

Sreejesh Questions Indian Hockey Management After Men's and Women's WC Exits

Former Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh has publicly criticised the management strategies of Indian hockey following poor performances at the World Cup. The men's team was eliminated after losing to Argentina, while the women's team failed to progress after drawing against Australia. Neither side managed to reach the semifinals, marking a disappointing campaign for Indian hockey. Sreejesh's remarks have drawn attention to the need for a thorough review of the team's approach and planning at the international level.

From Gen Z wave to heat in 150 days: Nepal PM Balen faces street anger, party unease

Batwara 1947 Stalls Near Rs 40 Cr Mark on Day 11, Faces Heavy Losses

Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947 collected only Rs 35 lakh on its eleventh day, barely approaching the Rs 40 crore net mark in India. The film has shown little momentum after its second Monday, pointing to a stagnant theatrical run. Given its inflated production budget, the underwhelming collections have resulted in a significant financial setback for the makers. In sharp contrast, Awarapan 2 has outperformed expectations, crossing Rs 136 crore net domestically in the same period.