India

Rajya Sabha passes Birth and Death Registration Bill amid opposition disruptions

The Rajya Sabha passed the Birth and Death Registration Amendment Bill without any floor discussion. Opposition protests continued to disrupt proceedings in the Upper House, preventing a structured debate on the legislation. The bill was cleared despite the chaotic atmosphere caused by ongoing demonstrations from opposition members. The passage of such legislation without discussion has raised concerns about parliamentary procedure and scrutiny of new laws.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank Welcome Third Child, a Baby Girl

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank have welcomed a baby girl, their third child together. The British royal family announced the news on Tuesday, one day after the birth took place. The announcement was accompanied by the first photograph of the newborn. The couple are now parents to three children.

Govt dismisses reports of fuel quality issues, says checks on

498 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers Killed on Job in India Since 2019

Government data presented in the Lok Sabha reveals that 498 workers lost their lives while cleaning sewers or septic tanks between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2026. The figures highlight the persistent dangers faced by sanitation workers engaged in manual scavenging-related tasks across India. The deaths were officially acknowledged by the central government in response to a parliamentary query. Despite existing laws aimed at eliminating manual scavenging, fatalities among this workforce continue to be reported. The data underscores ongoing concerns about the safety conditions and enforcement of protective regulations for sanitation workers.

PM Modi meets Nitish Kumar and JDU allies after NDA gathering

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently attended an NDA meeting where economic growth and job creation were key topics of discussion. India's evolving sports landscape also featured in the conversations at the event. Home Minister Amit Shah was also present at the gathering, which drew attention for a lighthearted exchange between Modi and Nitin Nabin that amused fellow MPs. Following the meeting, Modi held separate discussions with former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and members of his Janata Dal (United) party.

US Congressman warns FCRA Bill could affect India-US ties

Supreme Court flags 56% uninsured vehicles, calls for challans and fuel denial

The Supreme Court of India has revealed that 56% of vehicles on Indian roads are currently uninsured, raising serious concerns about road safety and financial liability. The court directed authorities to issue challans against such uninsured vehicles as a strict enforcement measure. Additionally, the Supreme Court suggested that uninsured vehicles should be denied fuel as a further deterrent to curb the widespread non-compliance. The observations highlight a significant gap in enforcement of mandatory motor vehicle insurance laws across the country.

Predatory bacteria show promise in fighting Caribbean coral disease in lab tests

Researchers in the Caribbean are investigating the use of predatory bacteria as a potential tool to combat coral diseases. Laboratory experiments have shown that these microscopic organisms can effectively target and destroy harmful Vibrio bacteria. Importantly, the treatment appears to leave the coral's essential microbiome intact, making it a precise and targeted defense mechanism. While the results are encouraging, scientists caution that further field trials are needed before the method can be applied in real-world conservation efforts.

Illinois family donates ancestral farmhouse to train nearly 100 firefighters

A four-generation family farmhouse in New Lenox, Illinois, was donated to the local fire protection district before its planned demolition. The Kestel family offered the vacant property to the New Lenox Fire Protection District for training purposes. Nearly 100 firefighters used the home over three days to practice live-fire rescue and firefighting scenarios in realistic conditions. Although the experience was emotionally difficult for the family, they found comfort in knowing the home served a meaningful final purpose. The Kestels described the gesture as a fitting reflection of their family's longstanding commitment to community service.

India to offer 30-100% subsidies to private space firms for launches and tech

The Indian government has announced new schemes to provide substantial financial subsidies to private space companies. The support will cover a range of areas including launch services, technology transfer, and access to ISRO facilities. These initiatives are aimed at reducing entry barriers and strengthening the competitiveness of Indian firms in the global space market. The programs are also expected to make satellite data and space infrastructure more affordable for domestic entities. Overall, the move signals a strong push to accelerate private sector growth within India's space industry.

Netanyahu Vows No Gaza Withdrawal Until Hamas Is Fully Disarmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday that Israel will not pull back from its current positions in Gaza. He made clear that a complete disarmament of Hamas is a prerequisite for any withdrawal. Netanyahu also pushed back against a recent deal announced by US President Donald Trump regarding the Gaza conflict. The statement signals a potential point of tension between Israel and its key ally, the United States.

Punjab Police bust two ISI-linked terror modules, arrest 9 including 4 juveniles

Punjab Police have dismantled two terror modules allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency, arresting nine individuals in the operation. Four of those arrested are juveniles, highlighting concerns about the targeting of local youth for radicalization. Security forces recovered illegal pistols, petrol bombs, and a stolen motorcycle from the suspects. The accused were reportedly tasked by ISI handlers across the border with recruiting young people and conducting surveillance. The operation marks a significant step in curbing cross-border terror networks operating in the region.

Hailee Steinfeld named Estée Lauder ambassador amid new motherhood

Actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld has been announced as the newest brand ambassador for Estée Lauder, representing the company's latest fragrance. The milestone adds to an eventful period in her personal life, as she and husband Josh Allen recently welcomed their first child, a daughter named Harper Haize Allen. Allen, an NFL quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, is currently attending training camp following a significant contract extension with the team. Steinfeld is now balancing her growing career commitments alongside her new role as a mother.

Wooden packaging is top entry route for invasive woodwasps, multi-nation study finds

A new study analyzing decades of border inspection data from three countries has identified wooden packaging as the dominant pathway for woodwasp introductions worldwide. Nearly all recorded interceptions involved shipping materials such as pallets, crates, and dunnage. Researchers also found that shifting global trade routes have influenced which woodwasp species are being intercepted over time. The findings underscore the continued importance of enforcing international regulations on wooden packaging materials. Experts say stronger biosecurity measures around such packaging are essential to curbing the spread of these invasive insects.

Native tree patches aid China forest recovery but biodiversity lags behind

A 20-year study conducted in southwest China examined the effectiveness of planting small clusters of native trees to restore damaged tropical forests. Researchers found that this targeted approach successfully re-established forest cover across affected areas. However, biodiversity levels and mature forest conditions recovered at a significantly slower pace than the tree cover itself. The findings highlight that while the method offers a practical alternative to large-scale landscape planting, meaningful long-term restoration demands continued and sustained effort.

Faridabad Teacher Stabbed by Two-Year Stalker Who Lured Her to School Gate

A teacher in Faridabad was fatally stabbed by a man who had been stalking her for two years. The accused had previously abducted the victim and assaulted her husband, despite reassurances from the family. The teacher had warned the stalker that she would file a police complaint if the harassment did not stop. On the day of the attack, the man tricked her into coming to the school gate by using her husband's nickname. Security failures at the school allowed the masked attacker to enter the campus and carry out the killing.

Trump revokes 28,000 immigrant truck licences, Indian drivers among those affected

The Trump administration has cancelled commercial driver's licences of over 28,000 immigrant truck drivers as part of a broader crackdown on non-citizen workers in the US. Alongside the revocations, a new programme has been launched to bring US military veterans into the trucking industry as replacements. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on Indian truck drivers, especially those from Punjab and Haryana who form a notable part of the US trucking workforce. The move reflects the administration's wider push to prioritise American citizens in key employment sectors.

Delhi constable masterminded ATM thefts after losing Rs 6 lakh in online gaming

A Delhi Police constable who lost Rs 6 lakh through online gaming turned to organised crime to recover his losses. He recruited a gang and trained them in theft techniques using instructional videos found online. The group successfully stole over Rs 12 lakh from two ATMs located in Faridabad. However, the constable never received his share, as the gang refused to split the stolen money with him.

OpenAI Settles US Discrimination Case for $3.2 Million Over Hiring Practices

OpenAI and one of its subsidiaries have agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle a US government investigation into their hiring practices. The US Justice Department announced the settlement on Tuesday, stating that the company had shown preference for foreign workers holding temporary employment visas. In doing so, OpenAI allegedly discriminated against American job applicants during its recruiting and hiring processes. The settlement resolves the federal claims without OpenAI admitting wrongdoing.

Russian Drone Targets Civilian Vegetable Vendor in Ukraine, Video Shows

Ukrainian police have released footage showing a Russian drone deliberately pursuing a civilian man operating a vegetable stand from a van. The drone can be seen chasing the man around the vehicle before detonating as he attempts to take cover behind it. Ukrainian authorities have described the incident as a war crime. The man's identity and current condition have not been publicly disclosed. The footage adds to mounting documented cases of alleged deliberate Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilians.