India

1977 Saudi Iceberg-Towing Plan Inspires Fresh Look at Icebergs as Freshwater Source

In 1977, a Saudi prince attempted to tow an iceberg as a solution to water supply challenges, a project that faced major engineering and cost obstacles. The ambitious effort ultimately did not succeed in providing a practical freshwater solution. Growing concerns over the high cost and environmental impact of conventional desalination have renewed interest in the concept. Accelerating iceberg melt has added urgency to the search for alternative freshwater sources. Engineers are now re-examining whether transporting icebergs could serve as a viable large-scale water supply option.

Utah teen spends 300 hours 3D-printing custom wheelchair for 21-month-old girl

A 13-year-old boy named Zac Waters from Lehi, Utah, dedicated around 300 hours of his summer to building a custom mobility chair for a toddler aged 21 months. Waters discovered MakeGood, a nonprofit organization that provides free 3D-printed mobility devices to those in need. Combining his passion for 3D printing with the nonprofit's mission, he designed, printed, tested, and assembled the chair to suit the young girl's specific requirements. The project highlights how young individuals can apply technical skills to make a meaningful difference in others' lives.

Taliban Expands Global Ties Five Years After Takeover Despite No Recognition

Five years after seizing power, the Taliban has been actively building international relationships despite lacking formal diplomatic recognition from any country. Taliban officials have been engaging with foreign governments on security coordination and cross-border infrastructure development. These efforts are aimed at strengthening Afghanistan's fragile economy, which remains heavily dependent on external support. The push for global ties comes at a difficult time, as international aid cuts have significantly worsened conditions for ordinary Afghans.

Over 95% of Ukrainian POWs Report Torture, Says UN Official

A United Nations official has revealed alarming findings about the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russian captivity. Claudia Fuentes Julio told the UN that more than 95% of Ukrainian POWs reported experiencing torture. Additionally, over half of the prisoners reported being subjected to sexual violence. Former Ukrainian prisoners shared their testimonies at the UN, describing abuses including electric shocks and sexual assault.

Why Iran Is In Spotlight After Water Systems Hacked In 7 US States

The federal government's data shows that there are 152,000 public drinking water systems and more than 16,000 wastewater treatment facilities across the US.

Prakash Raj vows to reclaim voting rights after name dropped from Bengaluru rolls

Actor Prakash Raj discovered his name had been removed from the electoral roll in Bengaluru, raising concerns about the integrity of the voter list revision process. The actor, who has long-standing ties to the area, stated he is determined to take the necessary steps to have his voting rights restored. Raj expressed confidence that disenfranchising voters would not suppress public will, as citizens retain the ability to participate in democracy through other means. He framed the situation as a challenge, signalling his intent to fight back against what he views as an irregularity in the electoral system.

Bengaluru Flags Nearly Half Its Voters as ASDDO in Electoral Roll Revision

Karnataka is currently conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of its electoral rolls through a house-to-house enumeration process. Bengaluru has emerged as the most problematic city in this exercise, with close to half of its registered electors falling under the ASDDO category. ASDDO stands for Absent, Shifted, Duplicate, Dead, and Others — indicating voters who may no longer be valid at their registered addresses. The scale of discrepancies in Bengaluru has raised concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the city's voter list.

Chinese Long March 7A Rocket Explodes Mid-Air After Wenchang Launch

A Chinese Long March 7A rocket exploded in mid-air shortly after lifting off from the Wenchang launch site. The rocket was carrying the Zhongxing-4B communications satellite at the time of the incident. Chinese state media confirmed the explosion following the failed launch attempt. The cause of the mid-air failure has not yet been officially disclosed.

Bangladesh's Tarique Rahman Invited to BRICS Summit Outreach Session in New Delhi

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has received an invitation to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi. His participation is drawing significant attention given the current diplomatic and political context surrounding Bangladesh. The invitation signals a potential opportunity for Bangladesh to engage with major emerging economies on the global stage. Rahman's attendance is being closely watched by regional observers as it could have implications for Bangladesh's foreign policy direction.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan approaches Rs 194 crore net in India on Day 20

Thalapathy Vijay's political action drama Jana Nayagan continues its strong theatrical run into its third week. The film has accumulated a net collection of Rs 193.18 crore in India so far. Its worldwide gross now stands at Rs 318.09 crore, with overseas markets contributing Rs 93.20 crore to the total. The movie, which also stars Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, marks Vijay's final film appearance before his political career.

Punjab Government Runs Free Pilgrimage Scheme Ahead of 2027 Assembly Elections

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is operating the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme, offering free travel to religious destinations for residents. The initiative is being observed in the context of the upcoming 2027 state assembly elections. Religious yatras have been gaining prominence in Punjab's political landscape. Such schemes are increasingly seen as a tool for political outreach by the ruling government.

Ship Traffic Through Strait of Hormuz Drops Sharply Amid US-Iran Tensions

Only six ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, a dramatic decline from the roughly 140 vessels that transited daily before the current conflict. Among the six were four commodity vessels, including two empty oil product tankers, according to shipping data firm Kpler recorded at 0420 GMT. The sharp drop in maritime traffic highlights the significant disruption caused by the ongoing US-Iran standoff. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints, particularly for global oil supply.

UP Woman Finds Bank Locker Empty 20 Years After Storing Rs 50 Lakh in Gold

Rashmi Arora, a woman from Uttar Pradesh, had deposited jewellery worth Rs 50 lakh in a State Bank of Travancore locker back in 2003. Decades later, when she accessed the locker, she discovered that all the contents had gone missing. The incident has raised serious concerns about the security and accountability of bank locker facilities. The case highlights the vulnerability of customers who entrust valuables to banking institutions over long periods of time.

Sooryavanshi trains hard for Duleep Trophy after starring in Zimbabwe

Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is preparing for the upcoming Duleep Trophy after an impressive tour of Zimbabwe, where he finished as India's leading run-scorer. He has been named vice-captain of the East Zone side, a recognition of both his talent and his potential as a future leader. The appointment is seen as a deliberate step to groom him for greater responsibilities in Indian cricket. The Duleep Trophy will serve as a key platform for Sooryavanshi to develop his game in the longer format of the sport.

Columbia Chamber President Carl Blackstone Resigns After 12-Year Tenure

Carl Blackstone has stepped down as President of the Columbia Chamber after serving in the role for 12 years. He announced his departure citing plans to pursue a new professional opportunity, though he did not reveal specifics about his next position. Blackstone's long tenure made him a prominent figure in the organization's leadership. His exit marks a significant transition for the Columbia Chamber as it prepares to find new leadership.

Domestic violence charges against ex-NFL star Marcellus Wiley dropped by prosecutors

Prosecutors have dropped domestic violence charges against former NFL player Marcellus Wiley, citing a lack of sufficient corroborating evidence. The case stemmed from accusations made by his estranged wife, Annemarie, amid an ongoing divorce dispute. She had alleged domestic violence alongside other serious claims against Wiley. Wiley had consistently denied all allegations and publicly defended himself throughout the proceedings. Following the dismissal, Wiley welcomed the decision and strongly pushed back against the accusations, stating the outcome vindicated his position.

Punjab’s Rail Coach Factory to roll out first 20-coach trainset for Bangladesh Railway

Kerala Consumer Panel Orders Ola Electric to Refund Rs 1.04 Lakh Over Faulty Scooter

A Kerala consumer commission has ruled against Ola Electric, finding the company guilty of service deficiency and unfair trade practices. The case stemmed from a customer's repeated complaints about a defective scooter and inadequate after-sales support. The commission ordered a full refund of the scooter's purchase price, along with compensation for financial loss and mental distress caused to the buyer. Ola Electric has been directed to settle all dues, including complaint costs, within thirty days of the order.

Flash Flood in Uttarakhand Destroys Bridge, Sweeps Away Vehicles

A flash flood struck Uttarakhand, causing a bridge to collapse and washing away vehicles in its path. Powerful surges of muddy water and debris were captured on video, showing the extent of the destruction. The 90-second footage reveals floodwater rapidly engulfing the road and surrounding area. The incident highlights the ongoing risk of flash floods in the hilly Uttarakhand region, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

UK Venues Ban Meta Smart Glasses Over Hidden Camera Privacy Concerns

Several prominent UK hospitality and entertainment venues have moved to ban Meta's smart glasses, citing serious privacy concerns. Pub chain Wetherspoons, members' club Soho House, ATG Theatres, and restaurateur Jeremy King's London establishments are among those restricting the wearables. Venue owners argue the glasses allow wearers to covertly film guests and staff without their knowledge or consent. Meta has defended the product by pointing to a built-in LED indicator light that activates during recording and cannot be disabled. Despite this, the growing backlash is resulting in tangible real-world access restrictions for the company's device.