India

Crowd-funded anti-bribery portal shuts after amassing 2 lakh users in 48 hrs

India Dismisses Pakistan's Reaction to US Official's J&K Remark as Frustration

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, responding to Pakistan's reaction over a comment made by US official Sergio Gor regarding Jammu and Kashmir. Jaiswal firmly reiterated that both Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India. India characterized Pakistan's reaction to the remark as mere frustration. The statement reflects India's consistent diplomatic position on its union territories of J&K and Ladakh.

Texas 7th Grader Builds Underwater Robot to Monitor Pond Water Quality

Caden Pohlkamp, a seventh-grader from Texas, has built an underwater robot capable of measuring water quality variables at different depths. The device was tested across twelve ponds, collecting environmental data to assess aquatic conditions. His findings revealed that artificial fountains significantly improve water quality and benefit aquatic life. The project earned Pohlkamp a finalist spot at a national junior innovator competition. He now plans to broaden his work in environmental robotics following the recognition.

Delhi Warns Pharmacies Against Misleading Medicine Discount Advertisements

Delhi's drug regulatory department has issued a warning to pharmacies over advertisements claiming discounts of 'up to 80%' on medicines. Authorities clarified that their concern is not with selling medicines below MRP, which remains legally permitted. The objection is specifically directed at vague or exaggerated discount claims that could mislead consumers. Officials stressed that any advertised discounts must be genuine and accurately reflect the savings available to customers.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh's 23rd President

The Daily Catch-Up: Congress worries over Vande Mataram, Rahul Gandhi’s protest, and more

Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 releases peppy track 'Ala Bolelo' ahead of 2026 debut

The first song from the upcoming Tamil film Jailer 2, titled 'Ala Bolelo', has been officially released. The track features superstar Rajinikanth alongside actress Shamna Kasim in an energetic lyrical video. Music composer Anirudh Ravichander has both composed and sung the song, with lyrics written by Arunraja Kamaraj. A previously released teaser had shown actor Vinayakan's character issuing a warning to Rajinikanth's character, building anticipation for the film. Jailer 2 is scheduled to hit theatres on October 15, 2026.

Supreme Court closes Kerala Story petitions, defers certification law question

The Supreme Court has disposed of petitions challenging the Central Board of Film Certification's clearance of 'The Kerala Story', declaring them infructuous as the film had already been released. The bench, led by Justice Bagchi, left the broader legal question surrounding certification challenges unresolved, noting it would 'await another movie.' The court also declined to issue immediate guidelines on hate speech in films. Instead, it suggested that a separate, comprehensive petition be filed to address such wider concerns in a more structured manner.

Delhi Police Arrest 31 in Raid on Illegal High-Tech Betting Operation

The Anti-Narcotics Squad of Delhi Police's Outer North District conducted a raid on August 9 targeting an illegal gambling operation. Acting on a tip-off, officers descended on a premises located in Mukundpur. The operation led to the arrest of 31 individuals allegedly involved in running the betting network. Authorities described the setup as high-tech, suggesting the use of advanced tools or digital infrastructure to facilitate the illegal activity.

Delhi Pellet Gun Victim Files FIR After Rahul Gandhi Joins Protest at Police Station

A pellet gun victim named Sahil Lochab filed an FIR at Parliament Street police station in Delhi following a sit-in protest. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accompanied Lochab to the police station and held a dharna to press for the complaint to be registered. In his FIR, Lochab stated that he saw a person in a blue uniform carrying a large gun before he was injured. The incident drew political attention after Gandhi's intervention prompted police to formally record the complaint.

Federal jury awards California family $12.7m after government seized island ranch

A federal jury has ordered the U.S. government to pay a California family $12.7 million for a ranch on Santa Cruz Island. The 6,300-acre property was seized by the government through eminent domain in 1996, with an initial offer of just $4 million. The Gherini family had held ancestral ownership of the island land since the late 19th century. The verdict brings an end to a decades-long legal dispute between the family and National Park Service officials. With the award settled, the National Park Service now assumes full control of the land.

Mumbai Food Outlets Including McDonald's and Elite Clubs Face Action After Pest Finds

Mumbai food safety authorities conducted inspections at several prominent establishments, including a McDonald's outlet and elite clubs. The Bombay Presidency Radio Club was found to have active fly infestations across multiple kitchen areas during the inspection. Inspectors also discovered a dead cockroach and open cockroach traps in the utensil-washing zone of the club. Authorities have taken action against the establishments following the findings of unhygienic conditions. The inspections are part of ongoing efforts to enforce food safety standards across the city.

Minor raped, impregnated by school headmaster in Kishtwar, dies after stillbirth

US Bought 53,000-Acre California Island in 1986; Now a Protected National Sanctuary

The US government purchased Santa Rosa Island, a 53,000-acre landmass off California, for approximately $30 million in 1986, ending decades of private ranching and farming on the island. The previous owners continued to live and operate on the island for years after the sale. Cattle were removed from the island in 1998, and all remaining residents vacated by 2011. Restoration of the island's natural environment then began in earnest. Santa Rosa Island is today recognized as a protected national sanctuary and a significant cultural heritage site.

Bitcoin Surpasses $75,000 for First Time in Three Months After Trump Push

Bitcoin crossed the $75,000 mark for the first time in three months, gaining over $10,000 in just two days. The surge followed a statement by US President Donald Trump urging lawmakers to pass the Clarity Act, a pro-cryptocurrency bill. The legislation, which aims to encourage broader cryptocurrency use, has been stalled in the Senate. Trump's public backing of the bill appears to have injected fresh optimism into crypto markets.

UK Met Office Warns 2023 El Niño Could Be Most Intense in Over a Century

The head of long-range forecasting at the UK's Met Office issued a warning on Friday about the severity of the current El Niño event. Officials described it as potentially the most intense El Niño in more than a century. El Niño is a climate pattern that causes significant shifts in global weather, including droughts, floods, and temperature extremes. The warning signals serious concern among meteorologists about the wide-ranging impact this event could have on weather systems worldwide.

Roman Reigns Estimated to Have Higher Net Worth Than Cody Rhodes in 2026

Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes rank among WWE's most valuable stars, having built their wealth through championship runs, contracts, merchandise, and commercial deals. Reigns is widely estimated to hold a higher net worth than Rhodes as of 2026, though no official figures have been confirmed. Rhodes' financial standing is nonetheless on the rise, supported by his growing prominence within WWE. His business background and expanding endorsement portfolio are also contributing to his increasing wealth.

Arjun Rampal and Gabriella Demetriades officially wed in Goa

Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal and model Gabriella Demetriades registered their marriage in Goa on Friday. The ceremony took place at the Sub-Registrar's office in Mapusa. The couple was granted special permission to waive the standard 15-day waiting period typically required for marriage registration. Rampal and Demetriades have been in a relationship since 2018 and are parents to two sons together. The pair had announced their engagement earlier through a podcast appearance.

FDA suspends licenses of Radio Club, Khar Gymkhana and McDonald's Colaba over hygiene lapses

Mumbai's Food and Drug Administration has temporarily revoked the operating licenses of The Bombay Presidency Radio Club, Khar Gymkhana, and McDonald's Colaba branch following hygiene inspections. The Radio Club kitchen was found infested with flies and dead cockroaches, pointing to severe pest control failures. Khar Gymkhana faced suspension over poor waste management and inadequate pest control measures. The McDonald's outlet in Colaba had its license suspended after live cockroaches were discovered on the premises. The actions underscore serious violations of food safety and hygiene regulations at all three establishments.

Minor-Driven Minivan Kills Woman, Injures One in Mumbai; FIR Delay Alleged

A woman was killed and one person injured in Mumbai after a minivan driven by a minor rammed into them. The incident has sparked outrage among the victims' relatives, who have raised serious concerns about the police response. Family members accused law enforcement of deliberately delaying the registration of the First Information Report (FIR). The case has drawn attention to both the issue of underage driving and alleged lapses in police procedure following the accident.