India

England's record-dry July turns iconic green landscapes yellow

England has just endured its driest July ever recorded, causing widespread yellowing of its traditionally green fields, lawns, and public parks. The prolonged absence of rainfall is linked to increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves affecting the country. While native grass species have natural drought-resistance mechanisms, including the ability to extend their roots deeper into the soil to access moisture, even these adaptations have limits. When dry conditions persist beyond a certain threshold, grasses enter a dormant state and cease active growth until rainfall returns.

China's maglev train hits 800 kmph in 5.3 seconds, sets third world record in six months

China's experimental maglev train has set a new world record by reaching 800 kmph in just 5.3 seconds, marking its third such achievement within six months. The feat establishes a new benchmark for short-distance acceleration using magnetic levitation technology. Due to the extreme g-forces involved, the system is not suitable for carrying passengers. Researchers are instead looking at potential applications in rocketry and military aviation. The technology may also be adapted for industrial transport systems and specialized elevator solutions.

NYC Mayor Backs Bill Requiring Direct Hiring of Delivery Drivers, Amazon Warns of Exit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for a proposed bill that would require companies to directly employ delivery drivers rather than rely on subcontracting arrangements. The legislation is aimed at strengthening worker rights and improving conditions for delivery personnel across the city. Amazon has responded with concern, suggesting the bill could force the company to relocate its New York City delivery operations elsewhere. The standoff highlights the ongoing tension between gig economy business models and efforts by city officials to expand labor protections.

NSA Doval Warns Against Mistaking India's Restraint for Weakness After Op Sindoor

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval issued a firm warning to adversaries not to confuse India's generosity with weakness, following the conclusion of Operation Sindoor. The operation was launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, with India carrying out targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The military action highlighted India's capability and resolve to respond decisively to cross-border terrorism. The conflict lasted approximately 88 hours before Pakistan sought peace, bringing the operation to a close.

Zambia Caught Between US and China in Strategic Copper Race

Zambia is emerging as a key battleground in the US-China rivalry over critical minerals, particularly copper. China has long held significant investments in Zambia's copper sector, establishing a strong economic foothold in the country. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has recently shown renewed interest in Zambia as part of a broader strategy to reduce China's dominance over critical mineral supply chains. Zambia is currently awaiting election results, adding a layer of political uncertainty to the geopolitical competition unfolding over its resources.

Sri Lanka's Yala National Park: Where Leopards Rule a Unique Wild Landscape

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is a remarkable wildlife destination where diverse ecosystems converge. The park is notably characterized by the meeting point of the sea, mountains, and jungle in one landscape. It is particularly renowned for its population of leopards, which are frequently spotted resting in trees. Yala stands out as one of the few places in the world offering such a varied natural environment within a single protected area.

Unprecedented August Rains Kill 5 and Strand Thousands Across Japan

Heavy rainfall has battered Japan this August, killing at least five people and leaving thousands stranded. The Chiba weather station recorded its wettest August in 60 years, according to Japan Meteorological Agency data. Over 30 centimetres of rain fell within a 24-hour period, compounding the crisis. The Japan Meteorological Agency has described the rainfall as unprecedented, signaling an extreme weather event for the region.

Google's ex-chief scientist Jeff Dean reveals joint care tips for intense workouts

Jeff Dean, former chief scientist at Google, has shared his personal habits for protecting knees and ankles during high-intensity exercise. He recommends wearing cushioned running shoes and replacing them frequently to maintain adequate impact absorption. Dean also uses arch support inserts to reduce strain on his joints. His ankles require extra attention due to injuries sustained from playing basketball in the past. Despite these concerns, Dean maintains an active routine that includes soccer, gym workouts, yoga, and running.

Meet Bianca Adler, 18, who turned back near Everest summit then made history

Two Attacks on Sukhbir Badal Signal Deep Unrest in Punjab Before Elections

Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has been targeted in two separate violent attacks, raising serious security concerns in the state. The assaults are widely linked to lingering public anger over unresolved sacrilege cases that occurred during the Shiromani Akali Dal's tenure in power. Analysts warn that the incidents reflect simmering discontent and have provided radical and Khalistani elements with a rallying cause. The attacks highlight the volatile political atmosphere in Punjab as the state approaches an electoral cycle. Security agencies are under pressure to address the threat while authorities grapple with the broader implications of unresolved religious grievances.

One Killed, Three Injured in Fresh Attack on Naga Village in Manipur

A Naga villager was shot dead and three others were injured in an attack on Thursday morning in Manipur. The incident occurred at Langka Naga village, located approximately 45 kilometres from the state capital Imphal. The area falls within a Kuki-dominant district, highlighting the ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. The attack comes even as calls for peace continue to be made amid the prolonged conflict in the state.

Allahabad HC: Banks must freeze only disputed amount, not entire account in cyber fraud cases

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that banks cannot freeze an entire account during cyber fraud investigations, as was the case in a dispute involving Rs 36,000. The court directed that only the specific amount under scrutiny should be blocked, leaving the account holder access to remaining funds. The bench stressed the importance of clear communication between banks and customers whose accounts are partially frozen. Banks are now required to inform affected customers about available grievance redressal mechanisms. The directive seeks to balance the needs of ongoing fraud investigations with the legitimate financial rights of individuals.

German Ambassador Jasper Wieck Reflects on 35 Years of Personal Ties with India

German Ambassador Jasper Wieck has shared his long-standing personal connection with India, spanning nearly 35 years. He illustrated this bond through personal photographs taken during his early trips to the country. The images depict India's historical monuments and lively streets from a simpler time. Beyond typical tourist experiences, the photos capture candid everyday moments and unexpected friendships formed along the way. For Wieck, returning to India carries a sense of familiarity akin to coming home.

India’s first Vande Bharat freight train undergoes 130 kmph trial run on Kota-Rohal Khurd route

Texas Surrogacy Dispute Intensifies After Baby Born with Critical Heart Condition

Surrogate McKenna West gave birth to a newborn diagnosed with a severe heart defect, escalating an already contentious surrogacy dispute in Texas. The infant is currently in the care of intended parents Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed. West is legally challenging the existing custody arrangement and contesting parental rights claims. The case is further complicated by conflicting state laws governing surrogacy in Texas. All parties are now awaiting further rulings from the court to resolve the dispute.

On cam: Eggs, muck thrown at ex-TMC MLA held in RG Kar victim's 'hurried' cremation case

US Lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper Drones Worth $1.3bn Amid Iran Tensions, Report Says

The United States military has lost 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during its ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a new report. These losses account for roughly 25% of the entire Reaper fleet, representing a financial blow exceeding $1.3 billion. The drones had been extensively deployed in the Strait of Hormuz region, where they proved vulnerable to enemy action. The scale of attrition underscores both the operational risks of deploying unmanned aerial vehicles in contested airspace and the significant cost to US defense assets.

'Serious doubts on intent': Congress attacks Centre over caste census format

Attacks on Indians Abroad Rose Sevenfold in 5 Years, US and UK Top List

India's Foreign Ministry released data covering 36 countries showing a sharp sevenfold increase in violent incidents targeting Indians abroad over the past five years. The United States recorded the highest number of such cases, followed by the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The data highlights a growing safety concern for the Indian diaspora across multiple continents. Authorities have not yet specified the primary causes driving the surge in these incidents.

Iran Exploited Ukraine War Tactics to Overwhelm US Air Defenses

Iran applied battlefield lessons observed from the Ukraine conflict to challenge American air-defense capabilities. The strategy was designed to place sustained pressure on US air-defense systems in the region. By doing so, Iran aimed to compel American forces to deploy their Patriot interceptor missiles. Forcing the use of these costly interceptors is seen as a way to drain US defense resources and expose potential gaps in coverage.