India

Legendary South Indian Playback Singer Jamuna Rani Dies at 88

Veteran South Indian playback singer Jamuna Rani passed away at the age of 88. Over the course of her long career, she recorded more than 6,000 songs, cementing her place as a celebrated figure in South Indian cinema. She had entered the film industry at a very young age and built an enduring legacy through her music. Jamuna Rani was a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award, recognising her significant contributions to the arts. Her songs continue to be remembered as an integral part of South Indian cinema's musical heritage.

US Weighs $100,000 Fee on Foreign Students' Post-Graduation Work Permits

The US government is reportedly considering a $100,000 fee for foreign students applying for post-graduation work authorization under the Optional Practical Training program. The proposal follows a major H-1B visa fee increase imposed on sponsoring companies in the previous year. Indian engineers, who represent a large share of H-1B visa approvals, are expected to be disproportionately affected by the change. If implemented, the measure could significantly limit career opportunities in the US for skilled international graduates. Critics warn the policy may broadly narrow pathways for foreign professionals seeking to work in the country after completing their studies.

Warren Buffett's Charitable Donations Reignite Debate on Foundation Accountability

Warren Buffett's large-scale donations to family foundations have come under scrutiny from experts and critics. Concerns have been raised about the tax advantages these donations provide and how quickly the funds are actually distributed to charitable causes. Private foundations are legally required to disclose their grants and distribute a minimum percentage of assets each year. The broader debate focuses on whether existing philanthropic structures offer sufficient accountability and transparency. The controversy follows recent tensions surrounding the Gates Foundation, further intensifying public interest in how billionaire philanthropy operates.

‘Minister lied’: KC Venugopal’s motion against Jitendra Singh for ‘no firing’ remark

Why Doaba Region Is Central to Punjab's Political Power Equations

Doaba, a key region in Punjab, has long been considered a decisive factor in the state's political outcomes. Historically, the region was dominated by the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance until 2017. In the 2012 assembly elections, the SAD-BJP combine held a commanding lead, winning 16 seats against Congress's six in the region. The area's voting patterns have made it a stronghold that major parties have consistently competed to control.

Lok Sabha Passes Registration of Births and Deaths Amendment Bill

The Lok Sabha has passed the Registration of Births and Deaths Amendment Bill, marking a significant legislative development in India's parliamentary session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju voiced disappointment over the Opposition's decision to boycott the debate on the legislation. Rijiju emphasized that the government had sought a thorough discussion on what he described as an important piece of legislation. The bill's passage came despite the absence of meaningful opposition participation in the proceedings.

Tamil Film Screenings Halted Across Karnataka Amid Cauvery Water Dispute

Tamil film screenings have been suspended across Karnataka indefinitely following protests over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Pro-Kannada groups, farmers, and activists pressured theatre owners to stop screening Tamil movies in response to the ongoing row. The Karnataka Film Exhibitors Association formally extended the screening ban to all theatres across the state. Pro-Kannada outfits have also announced a statewide bandh on August 13 to protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

West Bengal STF arrests suspected JeM operative allegedly surveilling CM Adhikari

West Bengal's Special Task Force has arrested Hamid Mondal, a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed member, from his rented residence in Purba Bardhaman district. Authorities allege that Mondal was collecting surveillance information on Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, raising significant security concerns. The arrest has been linked to a key figure associated with the 2019 Pulwama attack, deepening worries about radical networks active in the state. The development highlights growing apprehensions over the presence and activities of militant groups in West Bengal.

Musk and Altman agree AI has reached singularity amid rising safety concerns

Elon Musk has agreed with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that artificial intelligence has entered the singularity, a threshold where AI capabilities become superhuman. The two tech figures converged on the view that AI is advancing faster than previously anticipated, with significant economic consequences expected. This comes despite Musk publicly referring to Altman in derogatory terms, highlighting the unusual nature of their agreement. Recent security incidents involving AI agents breaching systems at Hugging Face and other companies have added urgency to the development. The breaches have reignited broader conversations around AI safety and the risks posed by increasingly autonomous systems.

Kerala consumer forum orders Royal Enfield to pay Rs 2.3 lakh over defective new bike

A Kerala consumer commission has ruled against Royal Enfield and its dealer after a buyer received a brand-new motorcycle riddled with defects. The problems were discovered on the very first ride following the purchase. An independent expert inspection confirmed the defects were inconsistent with a new vehicle, strengthening the buyer's case. The commission found both the manufacturer and dealer guilty of service deficiency and unfair trade practices. As a result, they were ordered to collectively pay the buyer compensation exceeding Rs 2.3 lakh.

Indian missions facilitated 1.4 lakh citizens’ return amid US-Iran war: Centre

Chinese military used OpenAI and Anthropic outputs to build defence AI systems

A Reuters review of over 80 Chinese academic papers and patents has revealed that military-linked Chinese institutions have been leveraging outputs from leading US AI firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic. The technique used, known as model distillation, allows developers to train smaller domestic AI models by learning from the responses of more powerful foreign systems. These domestically built systems have been developed for applications spanning surveillance, cyber warfare, and battlefield operations. The findings emerge against the backdrop of escalating technology rivalry between the United States and China. Neither OpenAI nor Anthropic has publicly commented on the reported use of their model outputs by Chinese defence-linked entities.

HAL Awards Rs 2,205 Crore Order to Astra Microwave for Tejas Mk-1A Radar Components

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has placed a major order worth Rs 2,205 crore with Astra Microwave for components of the indigenously developed Uttam Radar system. The Uttam Radar is designed to be integrated into India's Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft. This contract marks a significant step forward in India's push to develop homegrown defence technology under the Make in India initiative. The Uttam Radar serves as a critical sensor system essential for modern aerial combat operations.

Wild Himalayan spice 'Khagi' earns 200 Arunachal families Rs 39 lakh

Over 200 indigenous families in Arunachal Pradesh are generating income by harvesting and selling Khagi, a native wild Himalayan spice. The community-led initiative has collectively earned the families approximately Rs 39 lakh while encouraging sustainable forest use. A structured local system manages both the harvesting and marketing of the spice, while also supporting forest patrols and biodiversity monitoring. The project creates a direct financial motivation for communities to conserve their forests and farmlands. It also aids in protecting transboundary wildlife habitats in the Himalayan region.

Montana Teen Uses Lasso Skills to Rescue Man from Yellowstone River

A 14-year-old boy named Jory Thomas saved a drowning man during a family camping trip in Montana. The incident occurred on the fast-moving Yellowstone River after a raft and paddleboard collided with a bridge pillar. One of the people involved was swept away downstream by the current. Jory used his rodeo lasso skills to rope the man on his very first throw, pulling him safely to shore. The rescue was completed before emergency responders could reach the scene.

Variable Cycle Engines Set to Power Next-Generation Fighter Jets

Variable Cycle Engines (VCEs) are emerging as a critical propulsion technology for sixth-generation fighter aircraft. These advanced engines are designed to deliver greater thrust while improving fuel efficiency during combat operations. General Electric's XA100 engine is a leading example, offering enhanced performance and lower thermal signatures. European countries are also independently developing adaptive propulsion systems for their future combat aircraft programs. Experts consider VCE technology essential to maintaining air superiority on a global scale in the years ahead.

US avocado import rules cut nitrogen pollution in Mexican waterways by 10%

New US import regulations for Mexican avocados have led growers to significantly reduce their use of agricultural chemicals. The shift in farming practices resulted in a 10% decrease in nitrogen pollution in waterways near avocado-growing regions in Mexico. Stricter inspection requirements and mandatory phytosanitary certificates encouraged farmers to adopt more careful pest management. Growers were motivated by the need to maintain market access to the lucrative US market, incentivizing cleaner production methods. The outcome highlights how trade policy can produce unexpected environmental benefits without disrupting commerce.

One case filed on basis of CAG reports in past 5 years: Union Law Minister

SC grants Omar Abdullah divorce after settlement with estranged wife Payal

AAP Pledges Protection for CJP Protesters, Promises Swift Release of Detainees

AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj has assured protection to students who participated in a recent Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) protest. He pledged support to those facing threats from right-wing groups following the demonstration. The Delhi government announced that no further adverse legal action would be taken against the protesters. Detained individuals are to be reviewed and released promptly, though those with criminal backgrounds will continue to face action.