India

Jharkhand Students Vow to Continue Indefinite Fast Despite Government Talks

Students in Jharkhand have decided to press on with their ongoing protest, including an indefinite hunger strike, even after holding talks with the state government. The negotiations failed to produce an outcome satisfactory enough for the protesters to call off their agitation. Concerns have been raised about the deteriorating health condition of students participating in the fast. The students remain firm in their demands and show no signs of backing down from their protest.

Kerala Teacher Suspended After Savarkar Question Sparks School Quiz Controversy

A teacher in Kerala has been suspended following a controversy over a question about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in a school quiz. The action was taken based on a report submitted by the Deputy Director of Education in Kasaragod district. An inquiry was conducted into the matter before the suspension order was issued. The incident drew attention due to the politically sensitive nature of the question posed during the quiz.

Hunter Biden Says Father Joe's Prostate Cancer Has Spread to Bones

Hunter Biden has disclosed that former US President Joe Biden's prostate cancer has spread to his bones, causing significant pain and physical decline. The diagnosis is considered aggressive, representing a serious progression of the disease. Despite the severity, Joe Biden is currently receiving radiation and hormone therapies as part of his treatment. He is reported to be maintaining an optimistic outlook about the country's future. Prior to the diagnosis becoming public, former First Lady Jill Biden had noted that he was experiencing disrupted sleep at night.

Mamata Orders Fresh Probe Into RG Kar Doctor Rape-Murder Case

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a fresh investigation into the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case. The decision came following a request from the victim's mother, who has since been elected as a BJP MLA. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari disclosed the development publicly. The case had earlier sparked widespread protests across the state and the country, drawing significant public and political attention.

Skyroot co-founder Chandana echoes PM Modi's tribute to first-gen rocket engineers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent address, acknowledged young engineers who are the first in their families to pursue rocket-building careers. Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder of Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, said he strongly identifies with this sentiment. Chandana previously worked at ISRO before leaving to co-found Skyroot Aerospace. The company made history by launching Vikram-S, India's first privately developed suborbital rocket.

Minors Reported Forcibly Disappeared in Karachi and Balochistan

Fresh cases of forced disappearances of minors have been reported in Pakistan, according to The Balochistan Post. Three of the most recent incidents occurred in the Tikri locality within Karachi's Mauripur area. The cases are part of a continuing pattern of enforced disappearances affecting young individuals in the Karachi and Balochistan regions. The report highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and rights of minors in these areas.

Iran to release Supreme Leader footage as health rumours intensify

Daniel Kinahan Extradited from Dubai to Dublin After Losing Final Appeal

Irish crime figure Daniel Kinahan has been held in custody in Dubai following his arrest on April 17. He recently exhausted his legal options after losing his final appeal against extradition. Kinahan had spent approximately a decade living in Dubai before facing extradition proceedings. His transfer to Dublin is expected to involve extraordinary security arrangements given the high-profile nature of the case.

Shanghai's Houtan Park transforms industrial wasteland into urban wetland purifier

Shanghai's Houtan Park is a former contaminated industrial site that has been converted into a functioning wetland ecosystem. The park purifies river water on a daily basis through its natural design and processes. Recycled materials were incorporated into the project, reflecting local heritage and minimizing waste. Ecologically, the park contributes to carbon sequestration and supports the recovery of local wildlife. It also serves as a model for managing urban flooding while providing green communal spaces for residents.

Laser Strike Disorients Pilot on KL-Kolkata Flight Before Safe Landing

A Kuala Lumpur-to-Kolkata flight was disrupted after a laser beam struck the cockpit while the aircraft was approximately eight nautical miles from the runway. The flash of light, originating from the Madhyamgram-Barasat direction, temporarily disoriented the pilot. As a result, the plane was forced to circle the area before it could safely land at Kolkata airport. Laser strikes on aircraft pose serious safety risks by impairing pilots' vision during critical phases of flight.

Taiwan targets 100,000 drones monthly by 2030 to deter Chinese invasion

Taiwan is aggressively expanding its drone production capabilities as a core defense strategy against a potential Chinese invasion. The initiative, informed by Ukraine's effective use of drones against Russia, aims to manufacture 100,000 drones per month by 2030. Beyond domestic defense, Taiwanese companies are also scaling up drone exports and broadening their manufacturing operations. The program encompasses the development of maritime drones alongside critical drone components to strengthen overall capabilities.

Hamas Calls on US to Press Netanyahu Into Accepting Gaza Deal

A Hamas official, Bassem Naim, has urged the United States to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into accepting a Gaza ceasefire deal. Naim stated that Hamas expects both mediators and the American guarantor to take a firmer stance with Netanyahu. The remarks highlight ongoing tensions in the negotiation process aimed at reaching a resolution in Gaza. Hamas appears to be placing responsibility on Washington to push Israel toward an agreement.

J'khand students to intensify stir after talks with govt fail - key sticking points

Hoboken opens flood-resilient park with 2M-gallon stormwater storage capacity

Hoboken has officially inaugurated ResilienCity Park, a 5.4-acre green space built on a former industrial site. The park serves a dual purpose, offering recreational amenities while significantly bolstering the city's flood defenses. It features both above-ground and below-ground stormwater storage systems capable of holding up to 2 million gallons. The project was financed through a combination of federal, state, and county funding, meaning local residents will not face any tax increases. The initiative is being viewed as a model for other cities seeking to address climate-related flooding challenges.

Living in NYC Costs $2,500–$5,000 Monthly, Says 8-Year Resident

A woman who has lived in New York City for eight years has shared an honest breakdown of the city's cost of living. Housing, especially in Manhattan, remains the single biggest financial challenge for residents. She advises opting for budget-friendly food choices and relying on public transportation to keep expenses manageable. With disciplined financial habits, a monthly budget of $2,500 to $5,000 is considered realistic for a comfortable urban lifestyle. Her insights aim to help young adults planning a move to NYC make informed financial decisions.

Ronaldo's Al-Nassr return delayed to August 21 after Portugal's World Cup exit

Cristiano Ronaldo has been granted extended leave by Saudi club Al-Nassr following Portugal's elimination from the World Cup. His return to the club is reportedly scheduled for August 21. The prolonged absence sparked speculation about a possible wedding with partner Georgina Rodríguez. However, comments from family members and Ronaldo's own reaction have raised doubts about those rumours. No wedding has been officially confirmed, with attention now focused on his return to football.

The women who paint Jharkhand: Sohrai-Khovar's journey from harvest ritual to galleries

Russia and Ukraine Trade Overnight Strikes, Killing 7 and Wounding Dozens

Russia and Ukraine carried out a series of overnight strikes against each other in the latest escalation of their ongoing conflict. Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Russia's Belgorod border region, killing five people and injuring approximately 24 others. Among the wounded was a 4-year-old boy, highlighting the civilian toll of the strikes. The total death count from the exchange of attacks on both sides reached seven. Belgorod, located near the Ukrainian border, has been repeatedly targeted throughout the conflict.

Ohio's Former Uranium Plant Becomes Nature Preserve After $4.4bn Cleanup

The Fernald uranium plant in Ohio operated for nearly four decades before shutting down in 1989. A massive $4.4 billion remediation effort was then undertaken to address radioactive waste, contaminated soil, and polluted groundwater. The 1,050-acre site has since been transformed into the Fernald Preserve, featuring restored wetlands, prairie, and forest. A Visitors Center has been established on-site to document both the facility's industrial history and the extensive cleanup process.

NLU Students Protest Invitation to CJI Surya Kant Over Protest Case Delay

A top law college has invited Chief Justice Surya Kant to its convocation ceremony, drawing sharp reactions from its student body. Students have objected to the invitation citing the Supreme Court's reported refusal to urgently list a plea related to police action against protesters. The protest in question was the 'Chalo Sansad' demonstration held at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Students argue that the court's inaction on the matter makes the Chief Justice's presence at their convocation inappropriate.