India

The last human on Washington's Protection Island, a wildlife refuge since 1982

Protection Island in Washington state was originally planned as an 800-home holiday community before conservationists intervened to protect its wildlife. Marty Bluewater purchased a portion of the island in the 1970s before those preservation efforts took hold. By 1982, the entire 400-acre island had been designated a National Wildlife Refuge. Bluewater was permitted to remain on the island following the designation. Over time, he became the island's sole human inhabitant.

'Anti-national decision': Amit Shah on Congress's Vande Mataram resolution

Tarun Tejpal Moves Supreme Court to Challenge Rape Conviction

Journalist and former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal has approached the Supreme Court to challenge his rape case conviction. The move comes shortly after the Goa government also moved the apex court, but with the opposite intent — seeking a harsher sentence for Tejpal. The state government argued that the gravity of the case warranted a life imprisonment term. Both petitions are now before the Supreme Court, setting up a legal battle over the conviction and its sentencing.

Awarapan 2 nears Rs 110 crore India net as opening week wraps up

Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2 has crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in India net collections within its first week of release. The film is concluding its opening week on a strong note, with box office numbers reflecting a typical gradual decline after a robust start. Collections continue to grow steadily as the film heads into its seventh day in theatres. The overall performance signals a successful theatrical run for the Awarapan sequel.

4 Dead, 7 Hurt in Hanogi Tunnel Accident in Himachal Pradesh

A road accident inside the Hanogi tunnel in Himachal Pradesh killed four people and injured seven others. The injured were promptly shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Details about those involved and the exact sequence of events are still being gathered. Further updates are expected as the probe progresses.

Pakistan submits $10 billion facility request to US Treasury Department

Pakistan has formally submitted a bid to the US Treasury Department seeking a $10 billion financial facility. The request comes as the country continues to grapple with prolonged external payment pressures. Pakistan narrowly avoided a sovereign default in 2023, managing to stabilize its finances through emergency IMF support and aid from bilateral partners. The move signals Islamabad's efforts to diversify its sources of financial assistance beyond traditional multilateral lenders.

Former Meta researcher testifies company ignored child safety to protect business

Former Meta safety researcher Arturo Béjar testified against the company in court, alleging it deliberately overlooked child safety concerns. He claimed Meta operated a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy when it came to underage users on its platforms. Béjar also criticized CEO Mark Zuckerberg for failing to take adequate action on safety issues. The testimony was delivered as part of a major lawsuit filed against Meta by 29 US states.

Uttarakhand on High Alert as Heavy Rainfall Swells Garhwal Rivers

Uttarakhand has been placed on high alert following heavy rainfall that has caused rivers across the Garhwal region to swell significantly. Authorities are closely monitoring water levels as the continuous downpour raises concerns about flooding and related hazards. The district administration has issued safety guidelines urging residents and travelers to exercise caution. The Commissioner specifically advised Char Dham pilgrims to stay vigilant and adhere to official safety directives amid the ongoing rainfall.

Sonia Gandhi Memoir Set to Reveal Decades of Political Secrets and Decisions

Sonia Gandhi, the longtime Congress party powerbroker, has written a memoir detailing her political journey. Despite her initial reluctance to enter politics, she went on to become one of India's most influential political figures. The book is expected to shed light on major decisions, including her role in selecting Prime Ministers. It may also address longstanding questions surrounding key figures such as former PM Manmohan Singh and the Bachchan family. Political observers see the memoir as a rare firsthand account of power, loyalty, and betrayal within the Congress party.

Manipur Schools and Colleges Shut for 3 Days Amid Delimitation Protests

Educational institutions across Manipur have been closed for three days following escalating protests in the region. The shutdown comes amid an ongoing agitation led by the Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) group. The JFD has also announced a boycott of all government offices beginning Thursday as part of its campaign. The group is pressing its demands related to delimitation, which involves the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries. The closures and boycotts reflect growing public pressure on authorities to address the organization's concerns.

Russia unleashes ballistic, cruise, hypersonic missiles and drones on Ukraine

MIT researchers build AI that simulates how cars, planes and boats react to forces

29 Large Copper Spheres Unearthed at Amethi Construction Site, ASI Investigates

Construction workers in Bhanauli village, Amethi, stumbled upon 29 large copper spheres buried underground during excavation work. Each sphere measures approximately 60 centimeters in diameter and bears a resemblance to ancient cannonballs or munitions. Local police and the Uttar Pradesh Archaeology Department moved swiftly to secure the site following the discovery. Specialists are currently examining the objects to determine their historical origin and significance. Further archaeological investigation is planned to establish the broader context of the find.

Prince Harry and Meghan's Rocky Road from Royal Life to US Residency

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their senior royal roles in early 2020, marking a dramatic shift in their relationship with the British monarchy. The couple subsequently relocated to the United States, distancing themselves physically and institutionally from the Royal Family. Their departure was followed by a series of public revelations, interviews, and legal battles that further strained ties with Buckingham Palace. Reports now indicate that Harry and Meghan are planning a return visit to the United Kingdom, raising questions about the current state of their royal relationships. The timeline of events since 2020 reflects an ongoing and complex negotiation between the couple and the wider Royal Family.

Anupam Mittal: India's Value-Driven Consumers Reshape Global Tech Pricing

Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal has argued that India represents a uniquely demanding market rather than simply a lower-cost version of Western economies. He emphasized that Indian consumers prioritize genuine value and innovation over straightforward currency-based price conversions. Companies seeking success in India must develop affordable yet practical solutions tailored to local expectations. Mittal noted that this competitive environment drives meaningful advancements in product innovation and value delivery. He also suggested that AI firms are likely to face the same market pressures that have already reshaped other tech sectors in India.

Acko Founder Questions Supreme Court's Mandatory Insurance Tenure Order

Acko Insurance founder Varun Dua has publicly challenged a Supreme Court order directing an increase in mandatory third-party insurance tenure. In a post titled 'Since When Does a Court Design an Insurance Product?', Dua raised doubts about the judiciary's role in shaping insurance policy. He questioned whether the order would actually address the underlying problem it aims to solve. The comments have sparked a broader debate about the boundaries between judicial intervention and industry-specific product design.

SEBI Bans JPMorgan Unit From Trading Over Alleged Sensex Price Manipulation

India's market regulator SEBI has barred a unit of JPMorgan from participating in trading activities over alleged price rigging related to the Sensex. The regulator found that the firm's trading patterns raised serious concerns about market manipulation. SEBI's investigation revealed that the firm had placed large orders and subsequently canceled significant portions of them during the auction window. Such behavior is considered manipulative as it can artificially influence benchmark index prices.

Spain set T20 World Cup qualifying record with 29-ball chase against Bulgaria

Spain are competing in the Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifiers, currently held in Southern Finland. The team has won every match in the tournament so far, maintaining a perfect run. Their most recent victory came against Bulgaria on August 18, where Spain chased down a target of 60 runs in just 29 deliveries. The nine-wicket win shattered a 23-year-old cricket record previously held by Australia under Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh.

CISF Seizes Rs 68.53 Lakh Cash from Two Passengers at Delhi Airport

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel intercepted two air travellers carrying undeclared cash worth Rs 68.53 lakh at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The detection was made by CISF staff stationed at the Random X-ray Baggage Inspection System checkpoint. Officers identified the suspects through behavioural observation and further confirmed findings by reviewing CCTV footage. The cash was discovered concealed within the passengers' baggage during the security screening process. Authorities have since taken the matter forward in accordance with applicable regulations.

US Navy Keeps Strait of Hormuz Open as Oil Traffic Continues

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to maritime traffic. Trump stated that a significant number of vessels are currently passing through the critical waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most vital oil transit routes, carrying millions of barrels of crude oil daily. The US Navy has been playing a key role in maintaining security and freedom of navigation in the region.