A large group of job aspirants has been holding a sit-in protest at Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, since July 29. The agitation is being led by student leader Devendra Nath Mahto. The protest is focused on employment-related demands in the state. The demonstration at the Ranchi venue marks a distinct movement separate from similar agitations held at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
A new study has found that applying non-toxic mineral oil to common raven eggs can curb raven reproduction, benefiting the vulnerable greater sage-grouse. In areas where the technique was used, sage-grouse nest survival more than doubled and their relative abundance rose by 44%. The method works by limiting the raven population, which preys on sage-grouse nests and chicks. However, researchers cautioned that egg-oiling alone is not sufficient for long-term conservation. Protecting natural habitat and reducing human activities that inadvertently support raven populations remain essential steps.
The Trump administration has reimbursed nearly $100 billion in tariffs following a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down wide-ranging duties. The court determined that existing law did not grant blanket authority to impose such tariffs. By July, approximately 60% of the refunds had been returned to importers. Despite the ruling, the Trump administration is now pursuing alternative legal avenues to continue imposing new tariffs.
Abaan Ahmed, son of jailed gangster Atiq Ahmed, died following a road accident in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The vehicle he was travelling in lost control and collided with a road divider. The incident resulted in Abaan's death at the scene. Atiq Ahmed is a notorious gangster and former politician currently in custody in connection with multiple criminal cases.
The Kerala High Court has rejected a bail application filed by a man accused of sexually assaulting his minor stepdaughter. The accused allegedly raped the 14-year-old girl on multiple occasions. The repeated abuse reportedly resulted in the girl becoming pregnant. The court's refusal to grant bail reflects the serious nature of the charges against the accused.
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R Vinoth has announced a contingency plan to protect 12 districts identified as particularly vulnerable to the effects of a Super El Niño event. The plan has been developed with the backing of an agricultural university to ensure a structured response to the climate threat. El Niño weather patterns are known to disrupt rainfall and agricultural cycles, posing significant risks to farming communities. The minister's proactive measure aims to mitigate potential crop losses and other adverse impacts across the affected districts in Tamil Nadu.
Kerala's Excise Department intercepted a truck carrying 7,000 litres of rectified spirit in Payyannur. The contraband had been concealed beneath sacks in an apparent attempt to avoid detection. The seizure was made in the lead-up to the Onam festival, a period that typically sees a rise in illegal liquor activity. Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding arrests or the origin of the consignment.
The Supreme Court of India is overseeing a mediation process related to a family trust dispute involving Sunjay Kapur. The court noted that the mediation between the opposing parties is progressing in a 'quite satisfactory' manner. The process has been extended and is set to continue until November 2. The court indicated it would reassess the situation if the mediation efforts fail to produce a resolution.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has apologised to the Indian government following serious concerns over child sexual abuse material and deepfake content appearing on the company's platforms. The controversy has drawn attention to alleged operational lapses within Meta's content moderation systems in India. The incident has reignited debate around platform accountability and whether tech companies should retain 'safe harbour' protections that shield them from liability over user-generated content. Indian authorities are now pushing for stricter enforcement and greater responsibility from social media platforms operating in the country.
A kookaburra had a narrow escape in Queensland, Australia, after a carpet python seized it while hanging from the roof of a house. Snake catchers were called to the scene and successfully freed the bird from the python's grip. The kookaburra initially appeared lifeless following the ordeal but recovered within minutes. Rescuers noted the bird had only been partially constricted, which likely saved its life. After regaining its strength, the kookaburra began squawking and flew off into nearby bushland.
Aakash Manaswi, a student in Florida, has developed a novel carbon dioxide-based technique to combat Varroa mites, a major threat to honey bee populations. His research shows that CO2 treatment is as effective as conventional pesticides in controlling the mites. The method is notable for being cost-efficient and leaving no chemical residues, making it safe for both bees and consumers. It offers beekeepers a scalable alternative that supports honey bee conservation. The innovation also has broader implications for global food security, given bees' critical role in pollination.
Juniper Green Energy has recently made its debut on the Indian stock markets, marking a significant milestone for the renewable energy company. Meanwhile, logistics platform Shiprocket is preparing to launch its own initial public offering on Dalal Street. Both IPOs have drawn attention from retail and institutional investors looking for opportunities in their respective sectors. Market experts have been weighing in on whether investors should buy, hold, or sell positions in these offerings.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc stands just one wicket short of matching Kapil Dev's career Test wicket tally. Beyond this milestone, Starc also has his sights set on surpassing Dale Steyn's wicket record. The seasoned pacer has downplayed personal milestones, stressing that continuous improvement matters more than individual achievements. He credited this team-first, growth-oriented mindset as a key factor behind his sustained success in Test cricket.
Prolonged military operations in the Middle East have raised concerns about the adequacy of America's interceptor missile reserves. Defense analysts warn that supplies of key systems, including Patriot and THAAD, are running low. President Trump has publicly maintained that the US holds sufficient munitions while simultaneously pushing for increased output. The Pentagon is responding by awarding multi-billion-dollar contracts aimed at accelerating missile manufacturing. These deals are intended to replenish critical components and strengthen overall production capacity.
OpenAI and Statsig have agreed to pay $3.2 million to resolve allegations of employment discrimination against US workers. The companies were accused of favoring temporary visa holders over American citizens and permanent residents for certain technology roles. Federal investigations found that their recruitment practices for specific positions were discriminatory. The settlement includes civil penalties as well as compensation for the workers who were affected. Going forward, OpenAI is required to overhaul its hiring processes for roles involving permanent labor certification.
