India

‘Suspicion cannot substitute proof’: Maoist leader acquitted in VHP leader case

Sonia Gandhi's Memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love' to Release on November 10

Publisher Alfred A. Knopf announced on Tuesday that Sonia Gandhi's memoir will be released on November 10. The book is titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. The announcement was made by the American publishing house. The memoir is expected to offer a personal account from the veteran Congress leader and former party president.

Madras High Court: Singing Tamil Anthem Before Vande Mataram Is Permissible

The Madras High Court has clarified that there is no restriction on singing the Tamil anthem before the national song Vande Mataram. The clarification was made by the court during the hearing of a public interest litigation. The ruling addresses a question around the order and permissibility of singing regional versus national songs at public events. The court's statement provides legal clarity to those who wished to sing the Tamil anthem ahead of Vande Mataram.

Tamil Nadu extends maternity leave to 365 days for third child of state employees

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Vijay, has announced a significant expansion of maternity leave for women state employees, extending it to 365 days for a third child. The decision was revealed by minister D Sarathkumar during the state assembly's demand for grants discussion. The move is intended to reinforce the government's commitment to social welfare and women's empowerment. Tamil Nadu has progressively enhanced maternity leave benefits over the years, raising the original 90-day provision to six months in 2011 and then to nine months in 2016.

YouTube shifts to instant view count from Aug 24, earnings rules unchanged

YouTube will change its view-counting method starting August 24, registering a view as soon as a video begins playing. This replaces the previous threshold that required 30 seconds of watch time before a view was counted. The older metric will still be available to creators as 'Engaged Views' within Analytics Advanced Mode. Public view counts are expected to rise more quickly under the new system, though monetisation earnings and YouTube Partner Program eligibility criteria remain unaffected. The update arrives just one week after YouTube tightened monetisation thresholds for newer creators.

China's Unitree Turns US-Funded Research Into $9 Billion Robot Business

Chinese robotics firm Unitree is set to debut on the stock market on Wednesday with a valuation of approximately $9 billion. Company filings reveal that Unitree sold over 5,500 humanoid robots and 18,000 quadruped robots last year. The company's rapid growth has been partly attributed to leveraging research originally funded by the United States. Unitree's rise highlights how Chinese firms have built commercially dominant robotics businesses drawing on foundational work developed in the West.

Current El Niño Could Rank Among Strongest Ever, Climate Agencies Warn

Major global climate bodies, including the World Meteorological Organization, have issued warnings about the rapidly intensifying El Niño cycle. The current event is tracking toward 'strong' category thresholds, according to expert assessments. El Niño is a periodic climate pattern that causes significant disruptions to weather systems worldwide. Climate agencies are closely monitoring its progression as it accelerates faster than typical cycles.

Activist Abhijeet Dipke's Campaign Gets First Computer for Village School

A government school in Santuk Pimpri village has received its first computer following advocacy by Abhijeet Dipke under his 'School Thik Karo' initiative. Dipke had visited the school and flagged significant infrastructure shortcomings, prompting local authorities to act. In addition to providing the computer, officials undertook repairs and improved the school's water supply. During visits to other schools, Dipke also found students performing cleaning duties and consuming unsafe drinking water. He pledged to ensure that all necessary resources and improvements would be delivered to the affected schools.

Teen inventor wins national award for AI cane built for the visually impaired

Ishanvi Sabniveesu, a teenage innovator, has developed CareCane, an AI-powered walking cane designed to assist visually impaired users. The device helps users detect obstacles, interpret their surroundings, and call for emergency help when needed. CareCane also functions offline, making it accessible in areas with limited connectivity. The invention earned Sabniveesu second place at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals. She is now working on expanding the cane's features and has begun the process of seeking a patent.

'Credibility well established globally': MEA on Trump's praise for CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rahul Gandhi Disputes Rijiju's Claim, Alleges Nail-Studded Lathis Used on Students

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has pushed back against Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's claim that no serious injuries occurred during protests at Jantar Mantar. Gandhi shared a video of Rijiju's remarks on social media, challenging the minister's assessment of the situation. He alleged that nail-studded lathis were used against student protesters during the demonstration. Gandhi's remarks highlight a sharp political divide over the handling of the protest and the extent of injuries sustained by participants.

Galle Test swings wildly as fast bowlers dominate 14-wicket day

The third day of the Galle Test produced 14 wickets, with fast bowlers claiming eight of them in a surprising turn on a pitch traditionally favoring spin. India posted 193 runs in their second innings but failed to fully capitalize on an earlier position of dominance. Their bowlers then struck back to put Sri Lanka under pressure, leaving the hosts needing 288 more runs to win heading into the final day. The match has been marked by dramatic shifts in momentum, defying expectations for a typical spin-dominated contest at the Galle venue.

Scapa Flow's 1919 German wrecks yielded rare pre-nuclear steel for modern science

In 1919, fifty-two German warships were scuttled and sank at Scapa Flow, a natural harbour in Scotland. The steel recovered from these wrecks holds a unique scientific value because it predates the era of nuclear testing, making it free from atmospheric radiation contamination. This low-background steel has since been used to build sensitive radiation detectors critical to medical imaging equipment and deep-space probes, preventing false readings. Seven of the original warships remain on the seabed today, preserved as heritage sites. The story highlights how a century-old act of naval sabotage unexpectedly became a cornerstone of modern scientific instrumentation.

Sourav Ganguly recalls father's daily breakfast ritual as a parenting lesson

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly recently shared a fond childhood memory of his father serving him breakfast every morning before school. The routine, though simple, played a significant role in strengthening the bond between Ganguly and his father during his early years. Ganguly reflected on how this small daily tradition left a lasting impression on him. He highlighted the broader lesson for modern parents that consistent, meaningful rituals can deepen family relationships. Small everyday gestures, he suggested, often become the memories children carry with them into adulthood.

OpenAI Launches Teen-Specific ChatGPT Mode With Built-In Safety Controls

OpenAI has introduced a dedicated version of ChatGPT tailored for teenage users, informally referred to as 'ChatGPT for Teens.' The modified settings automatically activate for users who register their age as 13 to 17 years old. The safeguards also kick in for accounts detected to be underage based on usage patterns or account age. The teen-focused mode includes features such as quiet hours and a study-oriented interface designed to promote safer, more focused use.

NCP MLA Sparks Outrage by Denying Government Blame for Pune Pothole Death

A young boy in Pune lost his life following a road accident caused by a pothole. Local NCP MLA Shankar Mandekar drew sharp criticism after publicly responding to the incident. Mandekar absolved the government and his administration of any responsibility for the boy's death. His remarks were widely condemned and added fresh controversy to an already distressing case.

Gujarat CM Courts US Tech Firms in Silicon Valley Investment Drive

Gujarat Chief Minister visited Silicon Valley as part of a push to attract investment from major US technology companies. He urged global firms to consider Gujarat not just as a traditional investment destination but as a long-term strategic partner. The visit reflects Gujarat's broader effort to position itself as a preferred hub for international business and technology partnerships. The Chief Minister's outreach targeted leading tech giants in one of the world's most prominent innovation corridors.

Three More Earthquakes Strike Spain's Granada Province, Injuring Three

A series of three additional earthquakes struck Granada Province in Spain's Andalusia region. At least three people sustained minor injuries as a result of the tremors. Among the injured was a child, who was taken to hospital for treatment. Andalusia's regional official Antonio Sanz confirmed the casualty figures to reporters.

Foreign Traveller Dies During Police Questioning After Train Fire Extinguisher Incident

A foreign national travelling on the Golden Temple Express died while being questioned by railway police. The individual had sprayed a fire extinguisher inside the train during the journey. The train was operating on the Bandra Terminus, Mumbai to Delhi route. Railway police had detained the passenger for questioning following the incident aboard the express train.

India Close In On Victory After Sri Lanka Slump to 84/4 Chasing 372

India are on the verge of winning the first Test against Sri Lanka after reducing the hosts to 84 for four wickets in their chase of 372. Rishabh Pant's aggressive knock of 66 runs played a pivotal role in setting up the challenging target for Sri Lanka. India's bowlers have made early inroads, claiming four crucial wickets to put the visitors firmly in control. Sri Lanka face a steep uphill task on the final day, needing to bat exceptionally well to avoid defeat.