India

Spain Probes Shooting of Oldest Iberian Orca as Population Drops Below 40

Spain's Environment Ministry has launched an investigation after Toni, the oldest known Iberian orca, was found injured with wounds consistent with shotgun pellets. Marine conservationists documented multiple impact marks on her dorsal fin during observations of the animal. The incident highlights the precarious state of the Iberian orca population, which has fallen to fewer than 40 individuals. The species faces mounting threats from human activity and pollution, making each injury or death a significant blow to its survival.

Shatrughan Sinha blames BJP IT cell for trolling daughter Sonakshi over Jharkhand silence

Veteran actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha has spoken out against online trolling targeting his daughter Sonakshi Sinha, who faced criticism for not publicly commenting on the Jharkhand protests. He attributed the coordinated attacks to the BJP's IT cell, calling them paid trolls rather than genuine public sentiment. Shatrughan also highlighted Sonakshi's past work supporting underprivileged children in Jharkhand to counter the narrative against her. He added that Sonakshi has chosen to remain resilient and focus on her personal and professional life rather than engage with the negativity.

$186M cleanup transforms Minnesota lake, creates 14-acre fish habitat

BJP’s new key roles for three poll-bound states – UP, Punjab and Gujarat

S Korea's Lee vows stronger self-defense, denies any intent to attack North Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has clarified that his country has no intention of attacking North Korea, while advocating for greater independent defense capabilities. He defended annual civil-defense drills as purely defensive in nature, conducted alongside joint US-South Korea military exercises. The statement comes after President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to significantly scale back joint military drills with South Korea. Despite the reduction in US-led exercises, Seoul has signaled its commitment to bolstering its own defense posture. South Korea also reaffirmed its intention to maintain its longstanding military alliance with the United States.

UP Woman Dies After Husband Allegedly Electrocutes Her in Land Dispute

A 32-year-old woman named Nasreen died following an alleged electrocution carried out by her husband, Israr. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over ancestral land, with Nasreen's in-laws pressuring her family to sell their property. Israr is accused of administering electric shocks to his wife during the altercation. An FIR has been registered against Israr and several other family members in connection with the case. While Israr has been taken into custody, the remaining accused are currently absconding.

UP Home Dept Submits SIT Report on Ayodhya Temple Donation Theft to Trust

The Uttar Pradesh home department has handed over the Special Investigation Team's final report on the Ayodhya temple donation theft to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for further action. The three-member SIT was originally constituted at the Trust's own request to probe the matter. Based on the team's preliminary findings, an FIR was registered naming eight individuals as accused. The SIT's conclusions also informed the arrest decisions made during the course of the investigation.

US Green Card Approvals Fall 35%, Indian Tech Workers Bear the Brunt

US green card approvals for extraordinary workers have dropped significantly by 35%, with Indian technology professionals among the most affected. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has tightened its evidentiary requirements, making it harder for applicants to qualify. As a result, many Indian nationals are now exploring immigration opportunities in other countries. Immigration experts warn that these stricter conditions are unlikely to ease soon, further complicating the route to US permanent residency for skilled workers.

'You’re fake news, be quiet': Trump snaps at reporter over Korea question

Govinda and Sunita Ahuja lost premature baby daughter to underdeveloped lungs

Bollywood actor Govinda and his wife Sunita Ahuja once suffered the tragic loss of their infant daughter, who was born prematurely and passed away at three months old due to underdeveloped lungs. The heartbreaking experience left a deep emotional impact on the couple for several years. Sunita later revealed that this grief significantly shaped how she and Govinda raised their son Yashvardhan. The painful memory has resurfaced in public discourse amid ongoing rumors about the couple's marital relationship.

Two Women in Burqa Caught on Camera Stealing Gold Necklace from Telangana Jewellery Shop

Two women wearing burqas entered a jewellery shop in Telangana and stole a gold necklace while posing as customers. The theft was recorded on the shop's surveillance camera, which captured the sequence of events. Police have launched an investigation and are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the shop and surrounding areas. Authorities are working to identify and trace the suspects using the available video evidence.

Meet Arnav Kodavati: 17-year-old turns food waste into paper towels

Gold Rate Today, August 18: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

India must beat or draw with Pakistan to advance at Hockey World Cup

India need at least a draw against Pakistan to stay alive in the second round race at the Hockey World Cup. In Pool D, England lead with six points, while India sit second with three points after two matches. Pakistan and Wales are level on one point each, keeping the pool standings tight. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the second round, while the bottom two face classification matches. India began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales.

Punjab I-Day dance video triggers political row over participants' identity

A video of elderly men dancing at Punjab's Independence Day celebrations has ignited a political controversy. Opposition leaders allege that the participants were state health department employees, not genuine beneficiaries of government social schemes as implied. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party has pushed back, defending the performance as a genuine and positive expression. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the AAP government and opposition parties over the credibility of welfare scheme outreach.

Indian-Origin US Green Card Holder, 27-Year Resident, Detained by ICE in Georgia

Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty, an Indian-origin grandmother who has lived in the United States for 27 years on a green card, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She is currently held at an ICE detention facility in Georgia. A US judge had previously ruled in May to terminate the government's deportation case against her. Despite that ruling in her favor, authorities have proceeded with her detention. The case has drawn attention amid broader concerns over immigration enforcement actions targeting long-term legal residents.

India's Ultra-Rich Increasingly Seek Overseas Residency as Wealth Strategy

A rising number of ultra-high-net-worth Indians are pursuing foreign residency and citizenship as part of long-term financial planning. This trend reflects a broader strategy among the wealthy to secure alternative options abroad for their families. Overseas residency is increasingly being treated not as emigration but as a contingency measure alongside domestic wealth management. The shift signals growing interest among India's super-rich in diversifying their personal and financial security across borders.

'Needs to be moved to hospital now': Imran Khan's health in jail deteriorates

Two builders jailed 2 years for defying consumer commission flat order

Two construction firm partners have been sentenced to two years in jail for failing to hand over a completed flat to buyers. Each partner was also fined ten thousand rupees by the consumer commission. The builders had previously been directed to complete the flat and secure occupancy certificates but did not comply. Buyers were forced to approach the commission again after the builders ignored its earlier directives. The commission concluded that the builders had willfully defied its orders.

Rupee falls 7 paise vs dollar as Brent crude holds above $91 per barrel

The Indian rupee weakened by 7 paise against the US dollar on Tuesday morning amid rising crude oil prices and sustained dollar demand. Brent crude futures trading above $91 per barrel intensified the need for dollar purchases. The Reserve Bank of India's recent closure of a forex-swap facility further weighed on the currency by reducing inflows. Domestic equity markets also opened lower, with continued selling by foreign institutional investors adding to the pressure on the rupee.