India

Beckhams win approval for lake lights and hot tub at Cotswolds estate

David and Victoria Beckham have received planning permission for several outdoor additions at their £6.15 million Cotswolds property. The approved plans include decorative lake illuminations, a hot tub, and a firepit. The application faced objections, notably from a critic based in Australia, but was ultimately granted. Approval came with conditions, including a prohibition on motorised boats on the lake. Use of the firepit will also be restricted during bird-nesting season to protect local wildlife.

30 Big Cats from Closed Argentine Zoo Relocated to Sanctuaries in South Africa and US

Thirty lions and tigers from Argentina's now-closed Lujan Zoo have begun a large-scale relocation to wildlife sanctuaries abroad. The operation is being led by international animal welfare organization Four Paws. The big cats, which endured years in cramped enclosures and developed various health issues, are being transported to two sanctuaries. Their new homes are Lionsrock in South Africa and The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, United States.

Michigan researchers release 1,300 butterflies after species neared extinction in 2022

Researchers in Michigan have made significant progress in saving the Poweshiek skipperling butterfly, whose wild US population had collapsed to just nine individuals in 2022. Through a combination of captive breeding programs, habitat restoration, and carefully coordinated releases, over 1,300 butterflies were reintroduced into the wild in 2025. The recovery effort marks a dramatic turnaround for a species that was on the verge of disappearing entirely from the United States. Building on this success, conservationists have extended their work to other endangered butterfly species. The restored prairie habitats created as part of the initiative are also providing broader ecological benefits beyond the target species.

India women's hockey coach deletes posts after questioning FIH penalty stroke call

India's women's hockey coach publicly challenged the FIH's interpretation of a penalty stroke rule following a draw against China in the World Cup. He shared video footage on social media and sought an official clarification from the International Hockey Federation. Former players also weighed in on the disputed penalty stroke decision. The coach subsequently deleted all his social media posts related to the incident. The FIH had not issued any response to the clarification requests at the time of reporting.

Jharkhand Agrees To Students' Key Demand But Protesters Firm On CBI Probe

73.39 lakh voters dropped in Telangana SIR draft rolls; 92 lakh to get notices

‘A large crowd entered the queue’: Witness recounts chaos during Bihar temple stampede

‘Will conduct DSC exam every year’: Amid Andhra protest, Lokesh defends recruitment

Rent in Most EU Capitals Exceeds Minimum Wage, Straining Low-Income Workers

Across many European Union capitals, monthly rental costs have surpassed the minimum wage, placing a heavy financial burden on low-income residents. Prague and Lisbon report the steepest rent-to-income ratios, particularly for two-bedroom apartments. Several other EU capitals similarly show rental prices exceeding gross monthly minimum wage earnings. Brussels and Berlin stand out as relative exceptions, offering more affordable housing for minimum-wage earners. Rising housing costs remain a pressing and widespread concern for workers throughout Europe.

Jerry Jones doubles down on second chances by signing controversial Von Miller

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has a long-standing philosophy of giving troubled players a second chance in the NFL. His most notable past example is Charles Haley, whose time with the Cowboys yielded three Super Bowl championships despite his controversial reputation. Jones has now extended this approach by signing Von Miller, a two-time Super Bowl winner who carries his own off-field baggage. The move reinforces Jones' belief in rehabilitative player management as a competitive strategy. Miller's signing will test whether the Cowboys owner's track record of redeeming high-profile players can hold up once again.

Jharkhand now cancels JSSC exam, orders ‘comprehensive inquiry’ into errors since 2014

Life Convict in Rs 1 Crore Kidnapping Case Nabbed After 26 Years on the Run

A man convicted in a Rs 1 crore kidnapping case has been arrested after evading authorities for 26 years. Following the crime, the accused initially fled to Rishikesh, where he frequently changed hideouts to avoid detection. He later relocated to Dehradun in 2001, assuming a new identity to build a fresh life. Law enforcement agencies finally tracked him down and took him into custody after nearly three decades as a fugitive.

Danish Shuttler Antonsen Skips India Open, Urges BWF to Relocate Delhi Winter Event

Danish badminton star Anders Antonsen has publicly criticised the BWF for scheduling the India Open during Delhi's heavily polluted winter months of January and February. He chose to withdraw from this year's tournament despite facing a financial penalty for his absence. Antonsen argued that the poor air quality during winter significantly affects athletes' physical performance and overall competition standards. He has called on the BWF to either relocate or reschedule the event to ensure better conditions for players.

Ayush Shetty upsets World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi as India sweep Day 1 at BWF Worlds

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty claimed the biggest victory of his career on the opening day of the BWF World Championships in New Delhi. He defeated top seed and defending champion Shi Yu Qi in a closely contested match. Veteran PV Sindhu also advanced with a comfortable win on the same day. India finished Day 1 with a flawless 5-0 record across all matches at the tournament.

BJP Unveils Revamped National Team Targeting UP Polls and 2029 Lok Sabha Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced a restructured national team of office-bearers under its new organizational setup. The lineup blends experienced leaders with newer faces drawn from across different regions of the country. While some prominent figures have been brought back into key roles, others have been dropped from the team. The reshuffle reflects the party's strategic focus on upcoming state assembly elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The reorganization is widely seen as part of BJP's broader preparations for the 2029 general elections.

India Busts ISI-Linked Terror Network, 253 Arrested Across 14 States

Indian security agencies have dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror module allegedly operated by ISI-linked terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. A total of 253 individuals were arrested across 14 states in a coordinated crackdown. The operation was revealed by authorities who detailed the scale and reach of the network. The arrests also foiled a planned terror attack that had been timed around India's Independence Day.

Why Ministry of Housing and Urban Affa­irs is a house divided

Jets RB Breece Hall Suffers Suspected Groin Injury at Practice

New York Jets running back Breece Hall may have sustained a groin injury during a recent practice session. The injury drew concern from teammates, including backup RB Braelon Allen, who expressed both worry and relief after the incident. Hall's situation is under close scrutiny as he had recently signed a significant contract extension with the team. Head coach Aaron Glenn attempted to calm concerns, indicating the injury could be minor, though further evaluations are still pending.

US Supreme Court Again Rejects Trump's Appeal in Sexual Assault Case

The US Supreme Court has once again declined to hear President Donald Trump's appeal in a sexual assault case. The court offered no explanation for its decision to reject the challenge. This marks the second time the Supreme Court has turned down Trump's appeal, having previously refused to intervene in late June. The original verdict in the case was delivered in May 2023.

Trump's foreign policy: Strongmen on speed dial, allies and partners on notice