India

Want to go back in December, our (1971) victory month: Sheikh Hasina

Iran and Oman Reach Preliminary Deal on Hormuz Strait Shipping Route

Iran and Oman have agreed on a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. A joint statement from Tehran and Muscat is currently being finalized. Under the proposed arrangement, Iran would gain oversight of vessels entering the Gulf through the strait. However, the deal's completion depends on third-party cooperation and the resolution of key definitional details. Talks between the two nations are still ongoing.

Patrick Mahomes Cheers Wife Brittany's KC Current Studios Launch From Training Camp

Brittany Mahomes marked a career milestone with the opening of KC Current Studios, a new media hub dedicated to women's sports content and athlete storytelling. She attended the launch event alongside the couple's three children. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes was away at Kansas City Chiefs training camp as he prepares for the upcoming NFL season. Despite his absence, Patrick expressed support by reacting to the family's social media post with heart emojis. The studio aims to produce original content that elevates visibility for women in sports.

SpaceX Rocket Debris Crashes Into Moon After 18-Month Space Journey

A four-tonne fragment from a SpaceX rocket has crashed into the moon following an 18-month drift through space. The debris, identified as the rocket's second stage, struck the western edge of the moon near Einstein crater at high velocity. Lunar satellites have been positioned to observe and document the impact site and resulting debris field. NASA and SpaceX are now in discussions to assess and mitigate the risk of similar uncontrolled impacts in the future.

Trump Admin to Announce 15% Tariff on Polysilicon to Curb China Supply Chain Dominance

The Trump administration is set to announce as early as Thursday a 15% tariff on polysilicon-based products. The move will also include a set of price floors on goods manufactured using the material. Polysilicon is a critical raw material used in the production of both solar panels and semiconductors. The policy is aimed at countering China's significant influence over the global chip and solar supply chain. The announcement was confirmed by four sources with knowledge of the matter.

Supreme Court flags excessive delay in PFI activist's terror-funding trial

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the prolonged criminal trial of a Popular Front of India activist facing charges of fundraising and supporting alleged terrorism. The court remarked that criminal cases cannot drag on indefinitely, likening such delays to the lifespan of a turtle. The trial has been significantly held up due to a massive list of 700 prosecution witnesses yet to be examined. The activist potentially faces over three years of imprisonment if convicted. The Supreme Court called for a speedy conclusion to the long-pending legal proceedings.

India monitors 25 ships in Hormuz Strait, plans evacuation of 13 vessels soon

Dozens of Indian and India-bound ships are currently navigating high-risk maritime zones, including the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian government has already facilitated the safe return of more than 4,000 stranded seafarers. Maritime authorities are actively tracking distress signals and coordinating rescue efforts in the region. Families of seafarers who have lost their lives are receiving financial assistance from the government. Officials have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian maritime workers.

Uttarakhand on High Alert as IMD Issues Heavy Rain Warning

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued a high alert directive to all relevant state departments on Wednesday. The order comes in response to ongoing rainfall and a warning issued by the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rain in parts of the state. Authorities have been instructed to stay prepared and vigilant over the next 24 hours. The alert reflects growing concern over the potential impact of continuous and intense rainfall across the region.

Lok Sabha passes Bankers' Books Evidence Bill via voice vote amid opposition protests

The Lok Sabha has passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, replacing an older legislation governing banking records in legal proceedings. The new law updates the framework for submitting digital banking documents as evidence in courts. The bill was passed through a voice vote despite disruptions from opposition members in the house. The government accused the opposition of obstructing proceedings, including those related to religious and temple-related initiatives. The house was adjourned shortly after the bill received approval.

Rajya Sabha passes bill raising Supreme Court judge strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has approved a bill to increase the number of Supreme Court judges, replacing an earlier ordinance that had already raised the sanctioned strength to 38. The legislation is intended to speed up case disposal and improve overall judicial efficiency. It also grants the Chief Justice greater flexibility when constituting constitution benches. The bill's passage comes at a significant time, as India is expected to appoint its first woman Chief Justice in the near future.

Two Kanwariyas Dead After Speeding Car Hits Motorcycle on Delhi-Dehradun Highway

Two Kanwariyas lost their lives and a third sustained serious injuries in a road accident in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. A speeding car collided with their motorcycle on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, according to police. Authorities have confirmed the details of the crash and are investigating the circumstances of the accident.

Centre pushes delimitation bill, seeks opposition support amid Rahul Gandhi's refusal

The Indian government is renewing efforts to pass a delimitation bill aimed at increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats. The legislation also includes a provision for one-third reservation for women in parliament, proposed to take effect from 2029. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reached out to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi seeking support for the bill, but Gandhi declined. The government is expected to reintroduce the Constitution amendment bill in the near future. Separately, discussions are also ongoing around proposed amendments to the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act.

Meta apologises to Indian government over content moderation and paid amplification errors

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has formally apologised to the Indian government for several operational failures, including problems related to paid content amplification. The apology follows concerns raised by Indian officials about the possibility of Meta losing its safe harbor protections. The Indian government is currently reviewing its regulations around child online safety, adding pressure on the platform to act. In response, Meta has committed to taking corrective measures to address the issues flagged by authorities.

Sheikh Hasina vows December return to Bangladesh despite arrest threat

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, stating she is not afraid of being jailed. She said her return is motivated by concern for the country's future and a desire to put it on the right path. The Dhaka government responded sharply, labelling her an absconding convicted genocider and expressing displeasure over her public statement. Hasina also characterised the July Uprising that ousted her as a planned regime-change operation directed by an unnamed mastermind. Her remarks have significantly heightened political tensions between her and the current Bangladeshi administration.

Iran-US Hormuz Deal Enters Final Drafting Stage, Announcement Expected Soon

Iran announced on Wednesday that it is in the final stage of drafting an agreement related to the Strait of Hormuz. The deal is being mediated through Oman, which has historically served as a back-channel between Tehran and Washington. US President Donald Trump has indicated that a formal announcement could come within the current week. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil shipping lane, making any agreement involving it geopolitically significant.

40 of 54 Asian oak species lack botanical garden backup, one feared extinct in wild

A review of 54 Asian oak species has found that nearly three-quarters have no living representation in botanical gardens, leaving them highly vulnerable to extinction. Agriculture and logging are identified as the primary threats to these critical forest ecosystems. Conservationists are now organizing urgent fieldwork and seed collection drives to protect the most at-risk species. The long-term goal of these efforts is to establish managed collections that could support future reintroduction programs. One species is believed to have already disappeared from the wild entirely.

Nagpur rape accused demands pizza, soft bedding; refuses questioning and medical aid

A 20-year-old BBA student in Nagpur has been arrested on charges of abduction and sexual assault. While in police custody, he has been demanding luxury amenities including pizza and soft bedding. The accused is refusing to cooperate with investigators, declining both police questioning and medical treatment, and withholding passwords to his digital devices. He has alleged police misconduct, claiming officers stole cash from his residence. Authorities are keeping him under close watch for self-harm risks while pursuing digital evidence in the case.

Iran Warns Gulf States Face Retaliation if US Launches Fresh Strikes

Iran has issued a stark warning to Gulf states, threatening to target them if the United States carries out new military strikes against Iran. The warning was conveyed through a series of high-level diplomatic communications involving regional actors. The threat came in direct response to US President Donald Trump's warning on July 28 to strike Iran's energy infrastructure and broader network. The escalating exchange of threats marks a significant rise in tensions between Washington and Tehran. Gulf states now find themselves caught in the crossfire of the deepening US-Iran standoff.

Navigation sat NVS-03 ready for launch, 3 more to follow: Space min Jitendra Singh

20 LEO satellites at higher collision risk due to crowding: Space min Jitendra Singh