India

SpaceX plans Starship upper stage mid-air catch within next few months

SpaceX is preparing to attempt a mid-air catch of the Starship upper stage, with the operation now targeted for the next few months rather than the previously planned late August timeline. The announcement came from Elon Musk, who provided an update on the progress of this milestone. SpaceX has already achieved multiple successful recoveries of the Super Heavy booster, but catching the upper stage poses more complex engineering challenges due to its demanding reentry profile. Recent technical data indicates steady progress toward achieving this goal.

Gayatri Gopichand wins World Championships medal, sheds weight of legendary surname

Indian badminton pair Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly secured at least a bronze medal at the World Championships after defeating China's Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian 16-21, 21-15, 21-13. Coach B Sumeeth Reddy described the achievement as far more than a podium finish for Gayatri. He noted that being the daughter of badminton legend and national coach Pullela Gopichand had long placed immense expectations on her shoulders. The medal, according to Reddy, represents a significant release from that burden of expectation.

'FIR only after Shah's OK': Rahul on case lodged over protester's pellet injury

Centre Attributes Sugar Price Rise to Lower Output, Clears Ethanol Programme

The Indian government has pushed back against claims linking rising sugar prices to ethanol production. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated it is 'incorrect' to attribute the price hike to the ethanol programme. According to the Centre, reduced sugar output is the primary driver behind the recent price increase. The clarification appears aimed at defending the government's ethanol blending initiative, which has faced scrutiny amid rising sugar costs.

Armed Pirates Hijack 2 Ships Carrying 22 Indians Near Yemen and Somalia

Two vessels carrying 22 Indian nationals have been hijacked by armed pirates in waters near Yemen and Somalia. The first ship, M.T. Sibu, was seized by six armed pirates who took control of the vessel. The second ship, M/V Lutuf, was boarded by eight pirates armed with AK-47-type weapons, who arrived using two skiffs. Indian authorities have been informed of both incidents and are monitoring the situation closely.

3M Expert Witness Used ChatGPT to Draft Biased Court Report in Explosion Case

An expert witness representing 3M used ChatGPT extensively to draft a report related to a fatal explosion in Houston. Court discovery revealed that the AI was prompted specifically to defend 3M and assign zero fault to the company for the incident. The expert admitted that the majority of the report was generated using the AI tool. The case drew attention because the AI conversation logs became accessible during the legal discovery process. It serves as a notable example of how AI usage in legal proceedings can be exposed and scrutinized in court.

Labourer killed, three hurt as building collapses during demolition in Karol Bagh

A labourer was killed and three others sustained injuries when a building came down during demolition work on Pyare Lal Road in Delhi's Karol Bagh area. Initial investigations indicate that the building owners had not obtained the required demolition permits from the relevant authorities. Local residents raised the alarm, prompting police and fire services to launch rescue operations at the site. The building owners and the contractor involved have since been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.

Swiss tourist gets 1-year jail in Bali for mocking Hindu festival

Mumbai Crane Collapse: Contractor Fined Rs 25 Lakh, Ordered to Aid Victims

A crane collapse occurred in the Kurla area of Mumbai during demolition work on an incomplete residential building. The crane fell into an adjoining area and struck railway overhead equipment on the Kurla-Trombay section. Authorities have penalised the contractor responsible for the incident with a fine of Rs 25 lakh. In addition to the financial penalty, the contractor has been directed to provide assistance to those affected by the accident.

Chicago Mayor Secretly Destroyed Meigs Field Runway in 2003; Site Now a Nature Park

In a controversial overnight operation in 2003, Chicago's Meigs Field airport was forcibly shut down when six X-shaped gouges were cut into its runway, rendering it unusable. The sudden closure left sixteen aircraft stranded on the tarmac. City officials justified the action by citing security vulnerabilities exposed by the September 11 attacks. Twelve years after the closure, the former airfield was transformed into a natural landscape. The site today hosts prairie, wetlands, and wildlife habitats that support migratory birds.

Aston Martin Kills Odisha Woman in Hyderabad; Driver, MP's Son, Faces Drunk Test

Bharati Mukhi, a woman from Odisha, died after being struck by a speeding Aston Martin while crossing a street in Hyderabad. The vehicle was allegedly driven by the son of a Janasena Party MP, who is currently undergoing intoxication testing. Mukhi was her family's sole breadwinner, leaving them in severe financial distress roughly 1,200 km away in Odisha. Her family is now appealing for government assistance to cope with the loss. Authorities are awaiting forensic and post-mortem reports to advance their investigation into the incident.

India Emerges as Major Global Swing Supplier of Refined Oil Products

India has positioned itself as a significant swing supplier of refined oil products in global markets. The country operates 23 refineries with a combined installed refining capacity of 258.1 million tonnes. This makes India the fourth-largest refining hub in the world, trailing only the United States, China, and Russia. Oil products now constitute a substantially greater portion of India's exports to multiple international destinations. However, questions remain about whether India can sustain this growing role in global refined oil supply.

Sugar price rise not related to diversion for ethanol: Centre issues clarification

Two Women Robbed of Earrings in 15-Second Street Attack, Caught on Camera

Two women were robbed of their earrings in a swift 15-second attack while on their regular morning walk. A group of men allegedly surrounded the women without warning, pushing them to the ground before snatching their jewelry. The entire incident was captured on camera, providing police with visual evidence of the crime. Authorities are investigating the case based on the footage and witness accounts.

Centre Calls Denial of Telangana CM's US Visit Request 'Appropriate'

The Indian central government has described its decision to deny Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's request to visit the United States as 'appropriate'. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) withheld permission for the trip, prompting Reddy's office to officially cancel the planned visit. The Telangana Chief Minister's office confirmed the cancellation after clearance from the MEA was not granted. The Centre's remarks came in direct response to the announcement of the trip's cancellation by the state government.

Akali Leader Hints at SAD-BJP Reunion, Cites Punjab's Border Status

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia has indicated that public opinion favors a renewed alliance between the SAD and the BJP. He pointed to Punjab's strategic position as a border state and the need for social harmony as key reasons supporting such a reunion. The two parties shared a long-term political partnership before splitting over the contentious farm laws. Majithia clarified that the final call on any alliance would rest with the leadership of both parties. The outcome of a potential collaboration therefore remains uncertain.

Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza linked to figure skater Alysa Liu amid dating rumors

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza had previously stated his focus was solely on football, ruling out romantic relationships. However, speculation about his personal life has emerged after he was seen spending time with Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu. The two were spotted together at the 2026 ESPY Awards ceremony and were also seen sharing a video game session. The public appearances have fueled fan speculation about a possible romantic connection between the two athletes.

English town unveils swing bridge built with recycled plastic bottles

A six-meter swing bridge made partly from recycled plastic bottles has been unveiled in an English town. The bridge opens manually to allow river traffic to pass through. It forms a key part of a multi-million-pound initiative to restore the Wilts and Berks Canal. The project also aims to create a publicly accessible 600-meter stretch of waterway. Authorities view the bridge's completion as a significant step in preserving and enhancing local heritage.

Pirates hijack two tankers carrying 22 Indians near Yemen and Somalia

Two tankers with 22 Indian nationals on board have been hijacked by pirates in waters off Yemen and Somalia. The incident highlights the continued threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding region. The exact circumstances of the hijacking, including when it occurred, have not been fully detailed in available reports. The safety and whereabouts of the 22 Indians aboard remain a key concern for authorities.

'Incorrect': Govt rejects ethanol link to sugar price spike, blames low output