India

150-Year Overdue Library Book Returned in Australia with $28,000 Late Fee

An Australian library has received a book returned approximately 150 years past its due date, accumulating a calculated late fee of around 28,000 Australian dollars. The book was originally borrowed in the 1870s by the great-great-grandfather of a local resident. It was rediscovered during home renovations, though it was found in a damaged condition. Despite its wear, the library has decided to preserve the rare volume as part of its local history collection.

Ceuta migrant crisis explained: Why 60,000 people risked everything to reach Spain

113-Million-Year-Old Fossils Link Volcanic CO2 to Ancient Plankton Extinction

Scientists have discovered that a major extinction of planktic foraminifera, tiny shell-forming marine organisms, occurred due to ocean acidification triggered by massive volcanic eruptions 113 million years ago. The volcanic activity released large amounts of carbon dioxide, which made ocean waters more acidic and disrupted the ability of these organisms to form shells. Researchers uncovered this previously missing evidence by analyzing calcium isotopes preserved in ancient fossils. The study sheds light on how rapidly changing ocean chemistry can devastate marine life. Experts say the findings carry important implications for understanding the potential consequences of modern-day ocean acidification.

'Police powers misused': Prashant Kishor alleges voter intimidation in Bankipur bypoll

‘PM gave my daughter a new life’: Mother of girl who abused Modi at Jantar Mantar

Aarti's mother urges Ravi Mohan to be a better father amid ongoing custody dispute

Sujatha Vijayakumar, mother of actress Aarti, has publicly called on actor Ravi Mohan to step up as a father to their sons, drawing a comparison to actor Vijay's parenting. She dismissed allegations made by Ravi Mohan and presented documents to support her family's position. Sujatha also claimed that Ravi Mohan had refused to cooperate in signing passport-related documents for the children. Separately, she announced a memorial event honoring veteran filmmakers Bharathiraja and K. Bhagyaraj. The legal dispute between Ravi Mohan and Aarti continues to remain unresolved in court.

'Still a student, learning every day': Rahul's Gen Z-style Friendship Day wish

Washington State Wildfires Burn 250,000+ Acres, Trigger Evacuations Near Spokane

Wildfires have swept across more than 250,000 acres throughout Washington state, forcing residents to evacuate affected areas. The blazes have also caused significant power outages in and around the Spokane region. State officials confirmed the developments on Saturday evening. The scale of the fires has prompted a widespread emergency response across the state.

PM Modi Launches Youth Anti-Drug Campaign, Warns of Long-Term Harm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a new national anti-drug initiative aimed at young people. The campaign, titled 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', focuses on building a drug-free youth for a developed India. Modi cautioned that while drugs may offer a momentary feeling of euphoria, they ultimately ruin a person's entire life. The initiative reflects the government's broader push to tackle substance abuse among India's younger population.

Sreejesh questions logic of dropping blue jersey over visibility concerns

India's men's and women's hockey teams will wear saffron jerseys as their primary kit at the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium starting August 15. The jersey change has sparked criticism from several former Indian captains. Legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh stated he has no objection to changing the jersey colour itself. However, he challenged the official reasoning that blue jerseys are hard to spot on blue turf, arguing that such logic would mean blue should never be worn again in the sport.

South Coast Railway responds to viral Visakhapatnam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper proposal

PM Modi Urges Forgiveness After Student Protest Abusive Slogans

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for restraint and forgiveness following abusive slogans directed at him during student protests. The mother of the girl involved praised Modi's response, saying his act of forgiveness was like giving life. Modi's call for calm was seen as a gesture of magnanimity amid the charged atmosphere surrounding the protests. The incident drew widespread attention due to the nature of the slogans and the Prime Minister's measured reaction.

Gujarat construction workers eligible for Rs 1.6 lakh housing aid under state scheme

Registered construction workers in Gujarat can apply for financial assistance under the Shree Nanaji Deshmukh Awas Yojana. The scheme offers eligible workers up to Rs 1.6 lakh to support home ownership. To qualify, applicants must have been registered with the state welfare board for at least two years. Workers are also required to hold a valid e-Nirman Card and have received a house allotment before submitting their application.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan approaches Rs 200 crore mark after strong second weekend

Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan has maintained solid box office momentum through its second weekend in theatres. The film is closing in on the Rs 200 crore gross mark in India by its 11th day of release. A surge in family audiences and continued fan turnout have helped sustain its earnings. The second Sunday provided a notable boost to the film's overall collection. The action drama is expected to breach the Rs 200 crore milestone in India in the coming days.

Indian Diaspora in China Raises Concerns Over Anti-India Posts and Visa Hurdles

Members of the Indian diaspora in China have raised concerns about anti-India content circulating on social media and difficulties related to visa restrictions. Indian Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami acknowledged these issues and assured the community that steps are being taken to address them. The Indian embassy also indicated that visa requirements for Chinese nationals visiting India will be relaxed in the near future. Additionally, the embassy plans to introduce a legal assistance framework to support Indian professionals in China. Cultural outreach initiatives are set to be expanded to better showcase India's diversity to local audiences.

Queensland teen, 16, earns rare spot at elite Zurich ballet academy after rural upbringing

Maddy Murphy, a 16-year-old from Julia Creek, a remote town in Queensland, Australia, has secured a place at the prestigious Tanz Akademie Zurich in Switzerland. She will travel nearly 15,000 kilometres to pursue her training at the elite institution. Murphy's path to the academy involved years of juggling ballet practice, distance education, and relocating multiple times to access training opportunities. Her ultimate goal is to become a professional company dancer. She also hopes her journey will encourage other children from rural and regional communities to pursue their own ambitions.

Indians in China raise anti-India content, visa woes in embassy Open House

'Govt forgets when donations are stolen': Cong defends Rahul after Ram Mandir skit FIR

Indian Diaspora in China Raises Visa Concerns and Anti-India Content Issues

Members of the Indian community living in China voiced their concerns at an Open House event organized by the Indian embassy. The gathering provided a platform for diaspora members to directly engage with embassy officials on pressing issues. Key grievances included difficulties related to visa restrictions affecting travel and mobility. Attendees also flagged the circulation of abusive and anti-India content on Chinese social media platforms. The embassy acknowledged the concerns raised by the community during the session.

Karnataka: 5-Year-Old Dies After Swallowing Plastic Toy Ball Found in Chips Pack

A five-year-old boy in Karnataka has died after swallowing a small plastic toy ball. The ball was reportedly found inside a Kurkure chips packet as a gift item. The child accidentally ingested the toy, which led to his death. Authorities are investigating the incident based on preliminary information received.