India

Congress mocks Election Commission after Trump praises India's voting system

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera took a sarcastic dig at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following remarks by US President Donald Trump praising India's election system. Khera sarcastically suggested sending Kumar and India's electronic voting machines to the United States. The comment was made in the context of a debate around voter identification rules in the US. The jibe reflects the ongoing friction between the Congress party and the Election Commission of India. Congress has previously accused the poll body of irregularities during past Lok Sabha elections.

JPMorgan Warns of Global Food and Fertiliser Crisis by 2027

JPMorgan has issued a warning about a potential global food and fertiliser crisis expected to emerge by 2027. The Middle East plays a critical role in global agriculture supply chains, accounting for approximately 42 percent of worldwide urea exports. Any extended disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact the availability and pricing of fertilisers globally. India, as a major agricultural economy heavily reliant on urea imports, stands particularly vulnerable to such supply chain shocks.

Supreme Court retains hanging as execution method, allows expert panel on alternatives

The Supreme Court of India has refused to abolish hanging as the current method of capital punishment. The court, however, granted permission to the central government to constitute an expert committee to study alternative execution methods. The panel will evaluate options such as lethal injection, shooting, or electrocution with the aim of minimising pain. Hanging will continue to remain the official method until any review process is completed. The court also noted that new scientific evidence in the future could potentially lead to a reconsideration of the matter.

Delhi Police reject claims of 'excessive force' at Jantar Mantar student protest

UC Berkeley Professor Warns of Sharp Decline in Student Math Preparedness

A mathematics professor at UC Berkeley has raised concerns about the declining math skills of incoming calculus students. Zvezdelina Stankova says some students arrive as many as five to eight years behind in mathematics, needing instruction in fractions and basic algebra rather than college-level coursework. She attributes the growing preparation gap partly to changes in admissions testing policies, noting that calculus readiness has dropped considerably since standardized testing was suspended. Her remarks have reignited broader debate around academic standards at elite universities.

Two Snakes Spotted at Shah Rukh Khan's Mumbai Home Mannat; One Rescued

Two snakes were reportedly sighted at Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's Mumbai residence, Mannat, on August 17. Wildlife rescuer Vicky Dubey successfully captured one of the snakes, an eight-foot Dhaman species, which was found concealed beneath a ladder. The second snake managed to escape and has not yet been located. The incident occurred at the celebrity bungalow in Mumbai without any reported injuries.

Assam Gang-Rape Main Accused Shot After Attacking Police at Crime Scene

The main accused in an Assam gang-rape case was shot by police during a visit to the crime scene. The incident occurred when the suspect allegedly attacked officers who had taken him to the location as part of their investigation. Police were forced to open fire in response to the assault. The accused sustained injuries in the shooting and was subsequently taken for medical treatment.

Black Drongos Introduced for Pest Control Now Threaten Guam's Native Birds

In 1935, black drongos were deliberately brought to Rota to help control agricultural pests. The birds successfully established themselves and eventually spread to the neighboring island of Guam. Their aggressive nature has since posed a serious threat to native bird species in the region. The situation highlights the unintended ecological consequences that can arise from introducing non-native species into established ecosystems.

1,090 cybercrimes, Rs 1,071 crore trail: China-linked gang ‘mastermind’ arrested

Kharge Hits Back at Amit Shah Over Vande Mataram Controversy at Congress HQ

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, using his seniority in politics to underline the contrast in their experience. The dispute stems from Shah's allegation that Sonia Gandhi ordered the singing of Vande Mataram to be stopped midway during an Independence Day event at the Congress headquarters. Shah, 61, made the claim targeting the Congress leadership over the incident. Kharge's retort was aimed at dismissing Shah's criticism by highlighting his own longer political career.

Pakistan to honour two Mumbai doctors who concealed Jinnah's TB diagnosis in 1946

Pakistan is set to award its highest civilian honour to two Mumbai-based doctors who kept Muhammad Ali Jinnah's terminal illness a secret. Dr Patel and Dr Dhaybho-Koo examined Jinnah's X-rays in 1946 and determined he had advanced tuberculosis with only one to two years left to live. Despite this prognosis, the doctors chose not to disclose his condition publicly. Pakistani minister Ahsan Iqbal announced the recognition, highlighting the doctors' role in preserving Jinnah's ability to lead the Pakistan independence movement without the distraction of public knowledge of his illness.

Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 Winner Anumol Weds Bhuvanesh Rajendiran at Guruvayoor Temple

Television actress and Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 winner Anumol has married Bhuvanesh Rajendiran in a traditional ceremony held at the Guruvayoor Temple. The couple, who were introduced through a mutual friend, tied the knot with Anumol dressed in a golden lehenga and Bhuvanesh in a kurta. Actor Suresh Gopi was among the notable guests who attended the wedding. The newlyweds are now planning a reception in Thiruvananthapuram for family and close friends.

Gold Closes Second Consecutive Week Higher, Settles at $4,376

Spot gold recorded gains for a second straight week as of the week ending August 14. The precious metal closed approximately 0.70% higher over the weekly period. Gold settled at a price of $4,376, continuing its recent upward momentum. The back-to-back weekly gains suggest sustained buying interest in the commodity.

11-Year-Old Boy Killed by Truck After Pothole Causes Bike Skid in Pune

An 11-year-old boy died in Pune after a pothole caused a bike to skid, throwing him under an oncoming truck. The fatal incident was captured on camera, highlighting the dangerous state of city roads. The tragedy comes just days after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered municipal corporations statewide to urgently fix potholes. Shinde had issued the directive ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Festival, anticipating heavy public movement across the state. The incident has intensified scrutiny over the slow pace of road repair efforts in Maharashtra.

Mumbai Auto-Taxi Drivers Now Required to Pass Marathi Language Test

The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai to demonstrate proficiency in the Marathi language. Authorities had previously provided drivers a grace period to learn Marathi and complete the required training. The new rule has come into effect starting today, marking the end of that preparatory window. Drivers who fail to meet the language requirement may face consequences under the updated regulations. The move is aimed at ensuring better communication between drivers and local passengers in the city.

Mumbai Navy Sailor Found Dead After Wife and Two Children Killed

A 30-year-old Indian Navy sailor was found dead by hanging at his residential quarters in Mumbai. His wife and two children were also found dead on a bed at the same location. Before his death, the sailor sent a text message to his mother, alerting her to the tragedy. Authorities are investigating the incident as a case of familicide followed by suicide. The exact circumstances and motive behind the deaths are currently under investigation.

Day after unveiling 'Team Nitin Nabin', BJP names in-charges for poll-bound UP, Punjab & Gujarat

TISS reschedules 86th convocation for Aug 22 with new chief guest Dr C S Pramesh

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences has announced August 22 as the new date for its 86th convocation after the original ceremony was abruptly cancelled two days before it was set to take place. Dr C S Pramesh has been named as the chief guest for the rescheduled event. The sudden postponement had caused financial losses for students who had already made travel and accommodation arrangements. TISS has since committed to reimbursing eligible expenses incurred by students due to the cancellation. The rescheduling comes weeks after the originally planned event drew attention over reported concerns about protests surrounding a high-profile guest.

Padikkal's quick thinking saves KL Rahul from lbw dismissal in Galle Test

KL Rahul appeared set to be dismissed after being struck on the back pad by Prabath Jayasuriya in the 11th over during the Galle Test. Rahul was uncertain about challenging the on-field decision and had nearly begun walking back to the pavilion. His batting partner Devdutt Padikkal intervened swiftly, urging Rahul to take the DRS review. The review proved successful, overturning the lbw decision and keeping Rahul at the crease. A relieved Rahul embraced Padikkal in gratitude for the timely intervention.

Telangana Publishes Draft Electoral Rolls, Flags 73 Lakh Entries for Deletion

Telangana has released its draft electoral rolls, identifying approximately 73.39 lakh voter entries for removal. The flagged entries include electors categorized as absent, deceased, shifted, or duplicate registrations. The publication of draft rolls is a standard step in the electoral roll revision process, allowing authorities and citizens to verify and update voter data. Eligible voters can review the rolls and raise objections or corrections before the final list is published.