India

Producer Archana Kalpathi Appointed to Tamil Nadu Temple Trustee Committee

Film producer Archana Kalpathi Aghoram has been appointed to a Tamil Nadu government committee responsible for selecting non-hereditary temple trustees. The seven-member panel is chaired by Thavathiru Sivagnana Balaya Swamikal, with K Ramanathan serving as deputy chair. Appointments to trustee positions made by this committee will be valid for a two-year term. Archana is widely recognised for her film productions featuring actor Vijay. Her inclusion on the panel comes after Vijay nominated a producer as a government representative.

Student Protester Injured in Police Lathicharge During Jharkhand Demonstrations

A student protester was injured in a police lathicharge during ongoing demonstrations in Jharkhand. The injured student was seen bleeding from the head following the incident. The protests have been persistent enough to prompt the government to engage in multiple rounds of negotiations with demonstrators. However, repeated talks between authorities and protesters have so far failed to resolve the standoff.

Pakistan's Kashmir Narrative Unravels as PoK Unrest Exposes Internal Contradictions

Pakistan has long pursued a strategy of internationalising the Kashmir issue, portraying itself as a champion of Kashmiri self-determination on the global stage. However, growing unrest within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is now undermining that carefully constructed narrative. The uprising in PoK has drawn attention to the conditions under Pakistani administration, contradicting Islamabad's long-standing claims. Analysts argue that the situation exposes the fundamental contradictions in Pakistan's position on Kashmir. The domestic turmoil in PoK is increasingly being seen as a blow to Pakistan's diplomatic and political credibility on the issue.

Osama Bin Laden's Chosen 9/11 Hijacker Almost Removed From Attack Plot

One of the 19 hijackers involved in the September 11 attacks was personally selected by Osama Bin Laden for the mission. He was among the earliest operatives to enter the United States, arriving in January 2000. However, his time on American soil did not proceed according to plan, raising doubts about his continued involvement in the plot. His troubled stay in the US nearly led to him being dropped from the operation before the attacks took place.

Man travels 1,700 miles and makes 52 calls to keep remote UK phone box open

William Arnold undertook a 1,700-mile journey to a remote island in the UK with the sole purpose of saving a local phone box from being decommissioned. To meet Ofcom's usage requirements, he made 52 calls from the kiosk, which was enough to secure its operation for at least another year. Ofcom uses call frequency as a key criterion to determine whether a public phone box should remain in service. Arnold's effort highlights the critical importance of public payphones in isolated communities where alternative communication options may be limited.

After Rahul's 'fifth row' seat last year, govt says LoP to sit after ministers on I-Day

Indian Soldier Kills 7-Month-Pregnant Wife, Stages Death as Accidental Fall

An Indian soldier allegedly strangled his seven-month-pregnant wife, Deepali, at their home last Thursday. The accused contacted the victim's family around 3 PM and falsely claimed she had slipped and fallen. The victim's brother has raised allegations against the soldier, contradicting the accidental fall narrative. The case has come to light following the family's suspicion over the circumstances of Deepali's death. Authorities are investigating the incident, with the suspected motive being a dispute over an alleged extramarital affair.

India sources crude from 41 nations, LNG from 15 to cut energy dependency

India is broadening its energy import base by procuring crude oil from 41 countries and liquefied natural gas from 15, reducing dependence on any single supplier or trade route. The strategy is aimed at shielding the country from supply disruptions and volatile global energy markets. Alongside import diversification, the Indian government is investing in new domestic infrastructure to expand crude oil storage capacity. Together, these measures are designed to strengthen India's overall energy security and resilience to external shocks.

Bhansali's 'Love & War' triggers Rs 300 crore distribution rights bidding war

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film 'Love & War' has sparked intense competition among major distribution companies vying for its theatrical rights. The period drama, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, has already earned over Rs 200 crore through non-theatrical deals. Production is reportedly in its final stages, with the shoot nearing completion. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 21, 2027.

Sheikh Hasina Extradition Raised as Indian Envoy Meets Bangladesh PM

The extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was discussed during a meeting between Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi and Bangladesh's Prime Minister. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic exchange between the two neighboring countries on a sensitive issue. Trivedi has since departed for New Delhi to brief Indian officials on the outcome of the discussion. He is expected to report to the Prime Minister's Office as well as the Ministry of External Affairs.

World’s largest solar telescope reveals plasma vortices across the Sun

ONGC and Shell Energy India Sign MoU for Deepwater Exploration and LNG Sourcing

Indian state-owned oil major ONGC and Shell Energy India have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore potential joint ventures. The partnership will focus on assessing opportunities in deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas exploration. The two companies will also investigate LNG sourcing alternatives aimed at strengthening India's energy infrastructure. The collaboration is intended to improve energy accessibility and support the country's long-term energy security goals.

India develops turbojet and detonation engines for missiles, drones, and launch vehicles

India has successfully developed a 350 kg class expendable turbojet engine designed for missile applications. The country also demonstrated a 5 kN thrust class rotating detonation engine, a technology that enables faster speeds and extended missile range. These developments place India among a small group of nations possessing advanced indigenous propulsion capabilities. Beyond missiles, the new engine technologies are expected to find applications in drones and upper stages of launch vehicles.

Man posing as IAS officer with fake NSA links arrested; Tesla, liquor seized

A man falsely claiming to be an IAS officer and an undercover agent of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has been arrested by police. Authorities recovered a Tesla car and imported liquor from his residence during the operation. He is accused of running fraudulent schemes across Bihar using fabricated official credentials. Investigators are examining assets he allegedly acquired through deception and corrupt practices. The case also involves suspected possession of protected wildlife parts, widening the scope of the probe.

Keely Hodgkinson chases historic third European 800m gold on home soil in Birmingham

British runner Keely Hodgkinson is competing at the European Championships in Birmingham, aiming to win her third consecutive 800m gold medal. The Olympic champion faces tough competition from Swiss athlete Audrey Werro and Dutch star Femke Bol. Hodgkinson has described a potential home victory as equally meaningful as her Olympic triumph. She acknowledged a recent defeat in Stockholm as a positive indicator of growing rivalry in the event. The women's 800m final is set to take place on Friday evening.

Barbed wire fences, angry students: What Express saw at Jharkhand protest

Delhi Police Use Phone Tracking to Nab Fugitive After 12-Year Manhunt

Delhi Police have arrested a wanted man who had been evading law enforcement for 12 years. The breakthrough came after the Crime Branch took over the case from the previous investigating team. Officers used mobile phone tracking as a key tool to locate and apprehend the suspect. The successful arrest highlights the role of modern surveillance technology in solving long-pending cases.

Single Diary Word Helps Reunite Missing UP Man With Family After 10 Years

A man from Uttar Pradesh who had been missing for a decade was finally reunited with his family after a single word found in his diary provided a crucial clue. The man had been living in Almora, Uttarakhand, but was unable to communicate his origins or how long he had been there. Police made repeated attempts to gather information from him directly, but he could not convey any useful details. The breakthrough came when investigators turned to the diary, where a single written word helped trace his roots back to Uttar Pradesh. The clue ultimately led authorities to locate his family and bring the decade-long separation to an end.

Texas insurers use aerial AI imagery to assess homes, raising accuracy concerns

Insurance companies in Texas are increasingly relying on aerial and satellite imagery to evaluate properties and determine whether to renew homeowner policies. Some insurers are also deploying artificial intelligence to analyse roof conditions and detect potential damage. Insurers argue the technology speeds up the assessment process and improves efficiency. However, consumer advocates have raised concerns that outdated or inaccurate images could result in unfair or incorrect policy decisions.

Massachusetts cranberry farm becomes wetland, luring back fish after 100 years

A former cranberry farm in Plymouth, Massachusetts, has been successfully converted into a freshwater wetland following restoration efforts that began in 2010. The project rehabilitated 225 acres of wetland and over three miles of stream habitat. Dams and other barriers were removed, and native plants and wildlife were reintroduced to the area. As a result, thousands of migratory fish — including alewife and blueback herring — have returned to waters they had been cut off from for more than a century.