India

America's civil war over USS Lincoln: 'Grow a pair' vs 'Bring them home'

BCI chief regrets NALSAR enrolment bar order, apologises to law students

Divided by Partition, Punjabis on Both Sides Fight to Preserve Shared Identity

Decades after the 1947 Partition drew the Radcliffe Line through the Punjab region, communities on both sides of the India-Pakistan border continue to grapple with questions of cultural identity. The concept of 'Punjabiyat' — a shared Punjabi cultural and linguistic heritage — remains a powerful emotional and political force for millions. Despite being separated by national boundaries, people on both sides are actively working to preserve this common identity. The effort reflects a broader struggle to maintain regional culture in the face of political division and the passage of time.

Congress MLA's Grandson Backs Release of Long-Held Sikh Prisoners at Punjab Rally

Former Congress MLA Gurkirat Singh Kotli voiced support for the release of Sikh prisoners at a public rally held in Khanna, Punjab. Kotli, who is the grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, made the statement in what observers are calling a significant political move. His remarks signal a possible shift in Congress's stance on the contentious issue of Bandi Sikhs — prisoners who have served their sentences but remain incarcerated. The issue has long been a sensitive political topic in Punjab, with various parties seeking to align themselves with Sikh sentiment on the matter.

Japan PM Takaichi Avoids Yasukuni Shrine Visit on WWII Anniversary

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi chose not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of World War II's end. The shrine, located in Tokyo, honors more than 2.4 million individuals who lost their lives in various wars. It has long been a source of diplomatic controversy due to the inclusion of 14 convicted Japanese war criminals among those enshrined. The site routinely draws scrutiny from neighboring countries, particularly China and South Korea, whenever Japanese officials pay their respects there. Takaichi's decision to skip the visit this year is seen as a gesture mindful of those regional sensitivities.

NLSIU Students and Alumni Oppose BCI Chair's Convocation Appearance

Students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) have publicly opposed the attendance of the Bar Council of India (BCI) chairperson at their convocation. The community expressed solidarity with NALSAR students and faculty amid an ongoing controversy involving the BCI. Critics within the NLSIU community described the BCI's recent actions as a witch-hunt and an infringement on free speech. The group issued a formal demand for an apology from the Bar Council of India over its conduct. The statement was also intended to serve as a deterrent against similar incidents occurring at other institutions in the future.

BCI Chairman Apologises to Law Students Over NALSAR Convocation Controversy

Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has publicly apologised to law students, expressing regret over any distress caused by his remarks or an official letter. The controversy stemmed from a dispute related to a guest invitation at NALSAR University of Law's convocation ceremony. The BCI had initially intervened in the matter before withdrawing its directive. The Supreme Court subsequently stepped in, questioning the Bar Council's authority to involve itself in the issue.

US pulls last aircraft carrier out of Pacific amid Iran war, opens space for China

Punjab Congress Leaders Split Over Ticket Allocation Ahead of Polls

A public contradiction has emerged within the Punjab Congress over the party's stance on ticket distribution. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and state party chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring appear to be at odds on the issue. Channi and Randhawa shared a stage at Issru near Khanna, while Warring was notably absent from the event. The incident has intensified speculation about deepening factional divisions within the Punjab Congress unit.

Man Killed After Climbing Girlfriend's Car Roof to Stop Her Leaving With Lover

A man named Parampreet allegedly climbed onto the roof of a moving car in a desperate attempt to stop his girlfriend from leaving. The woman was reportedly in the vehicle with another man, who continued driving at high speed despite Parampreet being on the roof. The incident resulted in Parampreet being run over and fatally injured. The case has been reported to authorities, with the driver facing serious legal consequences for the incident.

Europe Heatwave Linked to 16,000 Excess Deaths in One Week

A severe heatwave that swept across Europe caused approximately 16,000 deaths above the expected mortality baseline, according to a new analysis. The findings were published by the European Mortality Monitoring Network, which tracks death rates across the continent. The excess death toll reflects the deadly impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations. The data underscores the growing public health threat posed by prolonged high-temperature events in Europe.

Five Shot Near Virginia State University Dorms, One in Critical Condition

A shooting near Virginia State University left five people injured, with one in critical condition. The incident occurred close to the university's Quad Annexes, an area adjacent to campus dormitories. Both campus police and Chesterfield County law enforcement officers responded to the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the possibility that multiple shooters were involved in the attack.

25 Caribou Released on Alaska Island Balloon to 2,750, Triggering Ecological Crisis

A small herd of 25 caribou was introduced to an Alaskan island as an emergency food reserve following the closure of a military base. With no natural predators and no hunting pressure, the population grew unchecked, eventually reaching 2,750 animals. The rapid expansion led to severe overgrazing, damaging the island's fragile vegetation and soil. The herd has since migrated to nearby Kagalaska Island, extending the ecological impact to a new area. Wildlife authorities are now grappling with how to manage the situation and prevent further environmental harm.

Liechtenstein Allows Women to Inherit Royal Throne for First Time in Centuries

Liechtenstein has amended its succession rules to allow women to inherit the royal throne for the first time in centuries. Hereditary Prince Alois announced the historic change during his speech on the country's national day. The reform was formally approved on Wednesday by a two-thirds majority of eligible family members, meeting the required threshold for such a constitutional change. The move marks a significant shift in the principality's centuries-old tradition of male-only succession.

Padikkal Hits Maiden Test Century; Coach Credits Improved Back-Foot Technique

Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 to register his first international century against Sri Lanka. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak attributed the knock to Padikkal's significantly improved back-foot play. The young batter also showed strong adaptability against Sri Lanka's spin-heavy bowling attack. KL Rahul made a notable contribution as well before being forced to retire hurt during the innings. Sri Lanka's coaching staff acknowledged the quality of both Indian batters' performances.

'I sincerely apologise': BCI chief to law students after row over NALSAR diktat

Kerala’s 3rd Vande Bharat Express upgraded to 16 coaches after 9 months: Check route

Over Half of US Renter Families Strained by High Housing Costs, Data Shows

More than 50% of renter households in the United States are burdened by steep housing costs, according to recent data. A persistent shortage of available homes across the country is keeping rental prices elevated. Lower-income families are disproportionately affected, as zoning restrictions and regulatory hurdles continue to slow new residential construction. Experts suggest that proposed housing legislation may eventually help ease pricing pressures in the rental market.

Texas's Green Island hosts world's largest reddish egret colony since 1923

Green Island in Texas is home to the world's largest colony of reddish egrets, a status it earned after heavy hunting once drove bird populations to critical lows. Protected since 1923, the island has developed dense vegetation that provides nesting habitats for a variety of coastal bird species. Dedicated wardens patrol the island to protect it from predators and preserve its fragile ecosystem. However, the sanctuary now faces a growing threat from climate change, which could jeopardize its long-term viability as a critical refuge for wildlife.

Lucknow cabbie suspended 99 years for ejecting passengers who used casteist slurs

A Lucknow cab driver, Ankit Kumar, asked four passengers to leave his vehicle after they repeatedly directed casteist slurs at a senior officer. Kumar's response was captured on video, which later went viral on social media. Following the video's circulation, Kumar received threats and abusive messages online. The ride-hailing platform suspended his account for 99 years without reaching out to hear his side of the story.