India

582 Skeletons Unearthed in Sri Lanka Mass Grave, Execution Signs Found

Authorities in Sri Lanka have discovered 582 skeletons in a mass grave, with many showing signs consistent with execution. The grim find has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the burial site. Among the items recovered alongside the remains were children's belongings, including toys, school bags, shoes, plastic milk bottles, and bangles. The presence of children's items suggests victims may have included minors. The discovery is expected to intensify scrutiny into past atrocities and raise fresh questions about accountability in the country.

Rahul's dharna, FIR demand, face-off: How drama unfolded over pellet use

Sugar Prices in Bihar Jump from Rs 50 to Over Rs 65 per Kg

Sugar prices in Bihar have surged significantly, with the cost per kilogram now exceeding Rs 65. This marks a sharp increase from the earlier price range of Rs 48 to Rs 50 per kilogram. The price hike has drawn public attention and prompted commentary from a state minister. The minister's remarks on the matter have been widely noted, though the underlying reasons for the price rise remain a key concern for consumers.

Did CM Vijay 'dilute' Tamil Nadu's delimitation stand? TVK, DMK clash in assembly

Awarapan 2 crosses Rs 113 cr India net, Rs 160 cr worldwide after Week 1

Emraan Hashmi's action thriller Awarapan 2 has completed its first week with strong box office numbers. The film recorded over Rs 113 crore in domestic net collections during its opening week. Globally, the sequel surpassed the Rs 160 crore mark in worldwide earnings. Now entering its second week, the film shows no major signs of slowing down despite typical weekday dips. The production is eyeing further milestones as it continues its theatrical run.

‘No use for a cockroach’: Minister’s jibe after CJP tries to visit Rajasthan school

Israel Plans Execution Site for Palestinians Convicted of Terror Offenses

Israel is establishing a dedicated hanging site specifically for Palestinians convicted of terrorism-related offenses. The facility will reportedly include viewing booths for witnesses to observe executions. Notably, the policy excludes Jewish extremists convicted of similar offenses, applying capital punishment selectively to Palestinian convicts only. The move has drawn attention due to the differential application of the death penalty based on the perpetrator's identity. Critics are likely to raise concerns about equal treatment under the law given the exclusion of Jewish offenders from the same punishment.

UAE researchers craft eco-friendly bricks from desert sand, cutting cement use nearly in half

Researchers in the UAE have developed a new type of eco-friendly brick made from desert sand combined with industrial by-products. The bricks demonstrate stronger sulfate resistance compared to conventional cement-based alternatives. A room-temperature curing method is used in their production, significantly reducing energy consumption. The innovation is positioned as a sustainable substitute for traditional Portland cement. However, experts note that further industrial-scale evaluations are needed before the bricks can achieve widespread market adoption.

5 Escaped Swans in 1962 Grew to Nearly 4,000 in Chesapeake Bay Region

Five mute swans fled from a Maryland estate in 1962, setting off an ecological chain reaction in the Chesapeake Bay area. Within four decades, their descendants multiplied to close to 4,000 birds across the region. The swans, considered an invasive species, consume large quantities of underwater vegetation critical to the bay's health. They have also been associated with pushing out native bird species from their habitats. Wildlife managers have raised growing concerns about the long-term damage these birds pose to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Canadian teen's assistive device helps children with cerebral palsy paint independently

Lianna Genovese, a 19-year-old Canadian student, has developed an assistive device called Guided Hands to help children with cerebral palsy engage in painting. The tool works by translating arm and shoulder movements into touchscreen interactions, allowing young users to express their creativity. What began as a simple prototype made from basic materials has since evolved into a commercially recognized assistive technology product. The invention has received widespread acclaim and multiple accolades for its meaningful impact on the lives of children with physical disabilities.

India launches $1.2bn incentive scheme to boost domestic construction equipment

India is set to introduce a $1.2 billion incentive programme aimed at advancing domestic manufacturing of construction equipment. The scheme is designed to reduce the country's dependence on Chinese machinery for critical infrastructure needs. It will span seven years, during which the government anticipates significant fresh investment and growth in local production. Equipment covered under the plan includes tunnel boring machines and fire-fighting apparatus. The initiative aligns with India's broader push to accelerate infrastructure development across the country.

Prajwal Revanna Trial: Key Witness Reports Threats, Court Orders Police Protection

A key witness in the Prajwal Revanna rape trial has told the court she received threatening phone calls following her testimony. She raised concerns about her personal safety as well as that of her son. The special court has ordered an inquiry into the alleged threats and instructed authorities to provide her with police protection. Separately, officials have recovered electronic devices from Revanna's prison cell, prompting a further investigation into those items.

Rahul Gandhi Stages Sit-In at Police Station Over Pellet Victim's FIR Denial

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna outside a police station after officers refused to register an FIR. Gandhi was accompanied by Sahil Lochab, a victim who had been injured by a pellet gun. The protest was a direct response to the police's refusal to file the complaint. Gandhi's sit-in drew attention to the victim's demand for legal action.

Rahul Gandhi Holds Sit-In Protest Alongside Pellet Gun Victim Seeking Police FIR

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a sit-in protest in solidarity with a pellet gun victim. The demonstration was held to demand that an FIR be registered against police over a firing incident. Gandhi's protest highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability in the case. The victim, who sustained injuries from pellet gun fire, has been seeking legal action against the officers involved.

Delhi bans construction for 42 days from Dec 10 to curb winter pollution

The Delhi government has announced a complete ban on construction activities from December 10 to January 20 in an effort to combat the city's severe winter air pollution. The 42-day restriction will be enforced through AI-enabled cameras and a dedicated Dust Portal to monitor sites for violations. Authorities will issue warnings and financial penalties to those who fail to comply with the order. Citizens have also been urged to report any construction work observed during the ban period.

Treesa-Gayatri win India's first Badminton World Championships medal since 2011

Indian women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have secured a medal at the Badminton World Championships. The unseeded duo reached the semifinals after a comeback win in the quarterfinals, guaranteeing themselves at least a bronze. Their achievement ends a 14-year medal drought for India in the women's doubles event at the tournament. The last time India won a medal in this category was back in 2011.

129 Wagons, 3 Engines: North Eastern Railway runs its longest ‘Awadh Mahashakti’ freight train

Mumbai Police Bust Mule Account Racket Tied to Rs 125 Crore Cyber Fraud

Mumbai Police have dismantled a large-scale mule bank account racket allegedly linked to cyber fraud activities. The operation uncovered a network spanning 110 bank accounts used to route illicit funds totalling Rs 125 crore. Investigators seized 70 debit cards and 42 passbooks connected to the fraudulent accounts during the crackdown. Mule accounts are typically used by cybercriminals to launder stolen money through third-party bank accounts, making funds harder to trace.

Bihar Minister's Diabetes Quip on Sugar Prices Draws Opposition Fire

Bihar minister Shrawan Kumar sparked controversy by claiming that rising sugar prices would not significantly affect consumers. He reasoned that growing diabetes cases have already led people to reduce their sugar intake. The opposition RJD condemned his remarks as insensitive toward ordinary citizens struggling with rising costs. The RJD also held central government policies responsible for the surge in sugar prices. The controversy comes amid broader retail price increases affecting sugar and onions across markets.

'Over 600 beadbis in 10 yrs': Harsimrat targets AAP, Cong over sacrilege cases