India

Nathu La Pass Reopens for Trade After Six-Year Closure

The Nathu La Pass, a historic trade route connecting India with Tibet along the ancient Silk Route, has resumed commercial activity after a six-year hiatus. The pass was once a significant hub for cross-border trade between India and Tibet. Traders have responded positively to the reopening, expressing optimism about a revival of business in the region. The resumption is seen as a hopeful sign for the local trading community that had been impacted by the prolonged closure.

South Dakota teen breaks 56-year-old pumpkinseed fishing record at Wall Lake

Teenager Jack Backman set a new South Dakota state record after catching a one-pound pumpkinseed sunfish at Wall Lake. The catch surpassed the previous state record of 12 ounces, which had stood since 1970. Backman initially believed he had hooked a crappie, making the discovery of the rare fish a surprise. The record-breaking catch came during what had been an otherwise routine fishing trip.

BJP Minister Slams Congress Leader Nana Patole Over Feet-Washing Video

A video circulating on social media shows supporters of Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole washing his feet during Gurupurnima celebrations. The footage drew political backlash, with Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule publicly criticising the act. Bawankule, a BJP leader, called it reflective of Congress party culture and questioned why its leaders engage in such practices. The incident has sparked a wider political debate in Maharashtra.

'Double standards': Pak rejects UN report on civilian casualties in Afghanistan strikes

SEBI Revamps Stock Market Trading Hours and Closing Session from August 3

India's markets regulator SEBI will introduce a Closing Auction Session for futures and options stocks starting August 3. This new session will establish the official closing price after regular trading hours end. The equity derivatives segment will also see its trading hours extended by ten minutes. Additionally, the pre-open session has been updated with revised order entry and matching schedules. The changes are designed to make closing price discovery fairer and more transparent for market participants.

DRDO Develops 350kg Turbojet Engine for Cruise Missiles and Kamikaze Drones

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed an indigenous 350kg turbojet engine, marking a significant milestone in domestic defence technology. The engine is designed to power next-generation cruise missiles and jet-propelled kamikaze drones. This capability places India among a small group of nations that have mastered such advanced propulsion technology. The development is expected to strengthen India's self-reliance in cutting-edge military systems and reshape its future warfare capabilities.

Taslima Nasreen Calls for Sheikh Hasina's Return and Awami League Ban Lifted

Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has publicly voiced support for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calling for her return to Bangladesh. Nasreen described the manner of Hasina's ouster as wrong and anti-democratic. She also demanded that the ban imposed on Hasina's party, the Awami League, be removed. Nasreen's remarks signal growing criticism from certain quarters over the political developments that led to Hasina's removal from power.

13 Rajasthan trains won’t stop at Delhi Cantt railway station for 70 days – Full list

Pappu Yadav defiant after FIR over Parliament skit on Ram Temple funds

A case has been registered by Varanasi Police against opposition leader Pappu Yadav and others over a Parliament skit that depicted alleged misappropriation of Ram Temple donations. The FIR was filed following a complaint lodged by a religious leader. A separate complaint against the MP was also filed in the national capital. Yadav has responded defiantly, stating he is prepared to face death in order to safeguard people's faith and religious sentiments.

72 Dead After 60,000 Migrants Cross Into Spain's Ceuta in Record Surge

An estimated 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, Spain's north African enclave, in what became the territory's largest ever mass border crossing. At least 72 people died during the surge, making it a deadly as well as record-breaking event. The majority of those who crossed have since returned to Morocco following the unprecedented influx. The crossing marked a significant escalation in migration pressure on Spain's north African territories.

Pakistan Army Spokesman Urges Against Ties with Non-Muslims, Takes Dig at India

Pakistan's Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, made remarks urging people not to befriend non-Muslims. His comments also targeted India and took a swipe at Afghanistan over its relationship with New Delhi. The statements were made publicly by one of Pakistan's most senior military spokespersons. The remarks have drawn attention for their religious undertones and geopolitical implications involving regional neighbors.

Body of Mountaineer Nirmal Purja Recovered After Fatal Broad Peak Avalanche

British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, 43, has died following an avalanche on Broad Peak. The deadly avalanche struck on a Thursday, cutting off all communication with his international expedition team. Purja's body was recovered in the days following the disaster. The incident claimed the lives of crew members alongside the renowned climber. Purja was widely celebrated in the mountaineering world for his record-breaking high-altitude achievements.

Pune Family of Three Dies by Suicide Amid Financial Struggles

A family of three in Pune lost their lives in an apparent suicide linked to severe financial distress. The deceased included Vinod, a computer science graduate from IIM Ahmedabad, and his wife Sirja, who worked as a school coordinator. Authorities found sodium nitrate at the scene, suggesting the substance was used in the act. A suicide note was also recovered, pointing to financial hardship as the primary reason behind the tragic decision. The case has prompted local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the family's financial situation.

Barn owls cut vineyard rodent populations by up to 52%, California study finds

A new California study has found that barn owls serve as an effective natural method of rodent control in vineyards. Researchers discovered that vineyards hosting more owls recorded up to 52% fewer rodents, with the birds reducing pest numbers both by hunting them and by making them more cautious. The study suggests that installing nest boxes to attract barn owls could meaningfully lower vineyards' reliance on chemical pesticides. Researchers also noted that this approach supports broader biodiversity and advances sustainable farming practices.

How Russell Wilson's Family Supported Him Through NFL Highs and Lows

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson had a career marked by Super Bowl success, injuries, and high-profile struggles with the Denver Broncos and New York teams. Throughout these challenges, his wife Ciara and their children remained a constant source of support. Wilson's journey began as a third-round draft pick before he rose to become a Super Bowl champion, making his story one of notable resilience. After retiring from professional football, he has transitioned into a broadcasting career. His family's role is widely credited as a key pillar behind his perseverance through the sport's most demanding moments.

Boxer Lovlina Borgohain flags missing Northeast India on map at Glasgow restaurant

Olympic medallist and Assam boxer Lovlina Borgohain noticed that India's northeastern region was absent from a map displayed at a Glasgow restaurant during a celebratory dinner. The incident left her feeling hurt, prompting her to raise the matter with the restaurant's management. The management acknowledged the error and committed to correcting it. Boxing Federation of India president Ajay Singh clarified that the episode did not involve any confrontation, calling it an isolated aberration.

The towel on the chair: How it became India's ultimate status symbol

Delhi-origin London lawyer explains why she prefers UK corporate life over India

Jasleen Kaur, a Delhi-origin solicitor currently working in London, has stated she has no intention of returning to India for her corporate career. She cited the UK's healthier work-life balance as the primary reason for her decision. According to Kaur, British employers are more respectful of personal time and working hours. This allows her to pursue hobbies and personal development, opportunities she feels are harder to find in India's corporate culture. She contrasted this with what she described as higher workplace demands and weaker employee welfare standards in the Indian corporate sector.

Tiger Kills Woman After Dragging Her 300 Metres in Madhya Pradesh Village

A woman named Sugni Bai Dhurve was fatally attacked by a tiger in a village in Madhya Pradesh, approximately 80 km from the district headquarters. The incident occurred around 1:30 am when the big cat entered the village while the woman was asleep in a hut. The tiger seized her by the head and dragged her roughly 300 metres before she succumbed to her injuries. The attack highlights ongoing concerns about human-wildlife conflict in forest-adjacent communities in central India.

IIT Guwahati Student Drowns in Brahmaputra After Accidental Fall

A student of IIT Guwahati drowned in the Brahmaputra river while another sustained injuries following an accidental fall. The two female students had ventured outside the campus to spend leisure time along the riverbank. The incident occurred when both students slipped and fell into the river. Rescue efforts were undertaken following the accident, with one student losing her life and the other recovering from injuries.