India

Assam Plans to Shrink Kaziranga Buffer Zone From 10 km to 1 km

The Assam government intends to seek central approval to drastically reduce the buffer zone around Kaziranga National Park from 10 kilometres to just 1 kilometre. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the plan, stating that a formal proposal will be submitted to the Union government within two months. The proposal will require central consideration and official notification before any revision takes effect. The move signals a significant policy shift regarding the protected area surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bangladesh Restricts Shopping Centre Hours to Tackle Ongoing Power Crisis

Bangladesh's Power Division, under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, has issued new directives to manage the country's ongoing energy shortage. Authorities have ordered all shopping malls, markets, and shops to operate only between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM. The restrictions are aimed at conserving electricity amid the prevailing power crisis. By limiting operating hours, the government hopes to reduce overall energy consumption across commercial establishments.

West Bengal revokes BJP MP Ananta Maharaj's top state award over Netaji remarks

The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan, its prestigious state honour, from BJP MP Ananta Maharaj. The decision follows controversial statements he made that questioned Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's leadership and his role in founding the Azad Hind Fauj. The remarks drew sharp criticism from multiple political parties and public groups across the state. The backlash highlights the strong sentiments that Indians, particularly Bengalis, hold toward Netaji's freedom struggle legacy.

UK girl, 11, becomes youngest ever recipient of MBE for disability advocacy

Carmela Chillery-Watson, aged 11, has become the youngest person ever to receive an MBE in the United Kingdom. She was honoured for her significant fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns on behalf of the disabled community. Carmela was diagnosed with a rare muscle-wasting condition at the age of four, which inspired her activism. Her work has been closely tied to Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity supporting those with the condition. She continues to advocate for greater accessibility and support for people affected by muscular dystrophy.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: AI replaces tasks, not entire jobs

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has pushed back against fears of widespread AI-driven job losses, arguing that the debate is flawed because people conflate tasks with entire roles. Speaking recently, Huang said AI automates specific tasks within jobs rather than eliminating positions altogether, calling the job-loss narrative "exactly backward." He pointed to radiology and software engineering as examples of fields that have been disrupted by AI yet continue to actively hire workers. His views stand in contrast to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's stark warning of a white-collar "bloodbath" driven by AI adoption. However, labour data from sectors like paralegal services and manufacturing adds complexity to Huang's optimistic stance.

Bob Iger and Josh Kushner Buy LA Lakers for Record $12.5 Billion

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Thrive Capital founder Josh Kushner have agreed to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter for a record $12.5 billion. The deal comes just 14 months after Walter bought the franchise at a $10 billion valuation. The sale is reportedly linked to federal scrutiny surrounding Walter's business interests. Iger and Kushner bring backgrounds in entertainment and venture capital to one of the NBA's most storied franchises. The transition marks the Lakers' second ownership change in little over a year, leaving players including Luka Dončić awaiting details on the road ahead.

West Bengal Revokes Banga Bibhushan Award Given to BJP MP Nagendra Ray

The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan state honour previously awarded to BJP MP Nagendra Ray. The award had been conferred upon Ray in February during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's tenure. The decision to revoke the honour follows remarks made by Ray that were deemed insulting to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The state government's move reflects the political and cultural sensitivity surrounding Netaji's legacy in West Bengal.

Auqib Nabi called up to India Test squad as Bumrah replacement for Sri Lanka series

Auqib Nabi has been added to India's Test squad as a replacement for injured pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The call-up came ahead of India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Nabi described the India call-up as a surprise, recalling his reaction with the phrase 'udhar nahi jaana'. The series is set to begin in Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Buffalo extends fish passage along Niagara River seawall to aid Lake Erie migration

The city of Buffalo is improving a fish passageway along its Niagara River seawall to help emerald shiners reach Lake Erie. Steel baffles are being installed along 700 feet of the seawall to reduce strong water currents that hinder fish movement. The work is part of a larger multi-million-dollar ecological restoration project for the Niagara River area. The broader initiative also includes converting nearby industrial slips into shallow-water habitats for wildlife. These efforts collectively aim to address decades of environmental damage in western New York.

BNP nominates stalwart Mirza Fakhrul for Bangladesh presidential poll

Supreme Court gives govt 2-week deadline to finalize food warning label policy

The Supreme Court has sharply criticized the government and food regulator FSSAI for repeatedly delaying a decision on front-of-pack warning labels for food products. The bench has given the Centre a two-week deadline to finalize its stance, emphasizing that public health — especially children's health — must be the top priority. The court rejected arguments related to traditional foods and comparisons with foreign regulatory standards as grounds for further delay. Judges warned that judicial intervention would follow if the government failed to arrive at a clear decision within the stipulated timeframe.

India Plans to Procure 60 Transport Aircraft and 150 Trainers for Defence Push

India is set to procure 60 transport aircraft and 150 trainer aircraft as part of a major defence acquisition drive. The move is aimed at strengthening the country's self-reliance in the defence and aerospace sector. The procurement is expected to benefit not just primary manufacturers but also a wide network of small and medium-sized suppliers. Officials indicate the initiative will provide a significant boost to India's broader defence industrial ecosystem.

Analysis: Why Punjab's Farmer Leaders Fail At Electoral Politics

They also attracted the attention of Punjabis living abroad. Logistical and financial help poured in, fuelling the agitation for one-and-half years.

Close malls by 8pm: Bangladesh reels under power crisis, 12-hr blackouts

Indian MPs Exploit Parliamentary Procedures, Undermining Legislative Functioning

Members of Parliament across party lines have increasingly adopted tactics that game parliamentary procedures for political gain. This trend poses a serious threat to the effective functioning of India's legislature. Both ruling and opposition MPs appear to be benefiting from these maneuvers in the short term. The growing culture of performative politics over substantive debate risks eroding the credibility and productivity of Parliament. Experts warn that unchecked, this behavior could have long-term consequences for Indian democracy.

IAF moves to procure 60 transport aircraft to replace ageing An-32 fleet

The Indian Air Force is looking to acquire 60 new medium transport aircraft in a deal estimated at around Rs 1 lakh crore. The procurement is aimed at replacing the Soviet-era An-32 fleet that has been in service for decades. Multiple international aerospace manufacturers are competing to secure the contract. The new aircraft are expected to significantly strengthen India's strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. They will also improve the IAF's capacity to support disaster relief and humanitarian operations.

US restores 270-acre Skagit estuary to aid endangered Chinook salmon

A large-scale habitat restoration project spanning 270 acres is underway along the South Fork Skagit River in Washington state. Work is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and is expected to be completed by fall 2028. The project aims to reconnect two islands to natural tidal flows, rebuilding a healthier estuarine ecosystem. A primary goal is to support the recovery of the endangered Puget Sound Chinook salmon. The restored habitat will also benefit other wildlife, including waterfowl and shorebirds.

Jaipur ex-district judge held under 15-day ‘digital arrest’, loses Rs 2.5 crore

A state that ‘works’ — TVK government marks 100 days with Rs 67,542-crore investment push

Indian IT Hiring Shifts: Experience and Niche Skills Now Command Premium Pay

The Indian IT sector is undergoing a significant transformation in its hiring landscape, according to industry experts. Mass recruitment drives and large-scale pay hikes, once common in the industry, are no longer the norm. Companies are becoming more selective at the entry level, reducing the volume of fresh graduate hiring. At the same time, firms are actively competing to attract seasoned professionals with expertise in specific, high-demand domains. This shift signals a move toward quality-focused, skills-driven hiring over quantity-based recruitment strategies.