India
Sheikh Hasina Vows to Return to Bangladesh by December Despite Safety Fears
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared her intention to return to Bangladesh by December, despite acknowledging she could face arrest or death upon return. Hasina, who has been living in exile, dismissed any possibility of behind-the-scenes talks with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party government to negotiate the terms of her return. The BNP currently holds power in Bangladesh following Hasina's departure. Her firm stance signals a potentially volatile political development for the country in the coming months.

Pradeep Rawat's son reveals actor's cancer diagnosis came as a shock to family
Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat was cremated at Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai on Wednesday. His son Vikramaditya spoke to the media following the funeral, visibly emotional while recounting his father's final days. The family had initially assumed the actor was dealing with a minor stomach infection. However, doctors later diagnosed Rawat with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, leaving the family unprepared for the rapid turn of events.
Trump Allocates $7 Billion for 11 Arctic Icebreakers Without Coast Guard Request
The Trump administration has committed $7 billion to purchase 11 polar icebreaker ships designed to navigate through thick Arctic ice. The vessels were reportedly not requested by the US Coast Guard, which would typically operate such ships. According to a New York Times report, President Trump has held a long-standing personal fascination with polar icebreakers. The decision raises questions about procurement priorities, as the order appears to have been driven by presidential interest rather than an identified operational need.

North Korea Deploys Missile Unit in Russia Targeting Ukraine, Says Report
North Korea has sent a fresh batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles along with personnel to Russia, according to a new report. The deployment is intended to support Russian military operations against Ukraine. However, the full configuration of the deployment and the total number of missiles to be provided have not yet been determined. Final details are expected to be settled at high-level talks scheduled for next month.

Assam CM Visits Family of Boy Who Drowned Saving Pet Dog in Floods
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the family of Rideep Panika, a young boy who lost his life during recent floods in the state. Rideep had jumped into strong floodwaters to rescue his pet dog, Barun, who had been trapped in the swirling current. Although he successfully saved the dog, Rideep was unable to escape the powerful flow and drowned. The CM's visit was seen as a gesture of condolence and support to the grieving family.

Total Solar Eclipse on Aug 12, 2026 to Darken Parts of Europe
A total solar eclipse will sweep across Europe on August 12, 2026, with Spain among the primary locations to experience complete darkness. The event is notable for coinciding with lunar perigee and the annual Perseid meteor shower, making it an unusually rare occurrence. Observers in Spain will witness totality lasting over a minute, while surrounding regions will only see a partial eclipse. The European Space Agency plans to broadcast the eclipse live online, allowing global audiences to follow along. Astronomers and health authorities are urging all viewers to use certified eclipse glasses to avoid serious eye damage.
Punjab MLA Calls for Better Jail Facilities, Sparks Laughter in Assembly
Punjab MLA Jaswant Singh Pathanmajra made an unusual appeal in the state assembly, urging the government to improve facilities in jails. He specifically called for the installation of fans and water coolers in prisons. His remarks were accompanied by a candid admission that any legislator could potentially end up behind bars someday. The comment drew laughter and amusement from fellow assembly members. While humorous in delivery, the statement highlighted genuine concerns about the basic conditions inside Punjab's jails.

Elderly Woman Dies After Falling From 21st Floor of Thane Residential Building
A 77-year-old woman lost her life after falling from the 21st floor of a residential building in Thane, Maharashtra. The incident took place on Wednesday, according to officials. The building is located in Thane city, part of the Mumbai metropolitan region. Authorities have been informed and the matter is under review.

Daily Horoscope Predictions for All 12 Zodiac Signs: August 6, 2026
This is a daily horoscope feature published by the Times of India for August 6, 2026. It covers astrological predictions for all 12 zodiac signs based on planetary movements and star alignments. An astrologer has interpreted these celestial patterns to provide guidance for the day. The piece aims to inform readers about potential influences the day's astrology may have on their lives.
Bigg Boss OTT 2 Actress Jiya Shankar Gets Engaged to Entrepreneur Kaaran Dhanak
Television actress Jiya Shankar, known for her appearance on Bigg Boss OTT 2, has announced her engagement to Kaaran Dhanak, a US-based entrepreneur. She made the announcement by sharing proposal photographs on her social media accounts. The actress expressed deep affection for her fiancé, describing their relationship as a cherished and adventurous journey. Shankar likened their romance to her favourite romantic comedy, highlighting the special bond they share.
Meta Earns $7 Billion Annually From Scam Ads, 2025 Report Finds
A 2025 report has revealed that Meta generates approximately $7 billion per year from fraudulent advertisements on its platforms. The report found that the tech giant failed to detect and remove ads promoting scam e-commerce and investment schemes. Illegal online casinos and listings for banned products were also among the fraudulent content that went unchecked. The findings raise serious concerns about Meta's ability to enforce its own advertising policies and protect users from financial harm.

Chandigarh Court Summons Salman Khan and Sister Over Being Human Fraud Allegations
A Chandigarh court has summoned Bollywood actor Salman Khan and his sister in connection with a cheating case tied to the Being Human brand. The case was initiated following a complaint by Chandigarh-based businessman Arun Gupta. Gupta alleges he was misled into opening a Being Human jewellery showroom in Manimajra on the basis of false assurances. He claims the promises made to him were not fulfilled, leading to financial loss. The court's summons marks a formal legal step in the ongoing dispute.

Two More Arrested in Assam Teen Gangrape-Murder Case in Hailakandi
Two additional young men were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the alleged gangrape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in Assam. The incident took place in the Hailakandi district of the state. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into the brutal crime. Authorities continue to pursue all individuals suspected of involvement in the case.

Study finds snake spines have five distinct regions, necks only 7-12 vertebrae
New research has identified five separate anatomical zones in snake spines, overturning simpler earlier models of snake skeletal structure. The study found that snakes possess surprisingly short necks, a trait that reflects their evolutionary origins from lizard ancestors. Researchers also discovered a previously unrecognized middle thoracic region that appears specialized for locomotion. This region is believed to enhance snakes' abilities to burrow, swim, and climb across diverse environments. The findings suggest that snake skeletons underwent active structural evolution beyond simply losing limbs.