India

Six barn owlets discovered at Cambridgeshire farm hit by suspected arson

A Cambridgeshire farm dealing with a difficult summer of suspected arson attacks has received uplifting news with the discovery of six barn owlets. The young birds were found and ringed as part of ongoing local conservation work. Volunteer Simon Dudhill described finding six owlets as an exceptionally positive outcome for the year. The farm owner expressed relief at the development amid the hardships faced this season. The find highlights how community-led conservation efforts can support local wildlife recovery.

India Builds First Homegrown 350 kg Expendable Turbojet Engine

India has developed its first indigenous 350 kg expendable turbojet engine, marking a significant milestone in domestic defence manufacturing. The engine was developed with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) leading the project. GTRE selected Azad Engineering as its industry partner for the manufacturing and assembly of the engine. This development reflects India's growing push toward self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

India's Putul Sonowal upsets world champion Ryan Bester at CWG 2026 lawn bowls

Indian lawn bowls player Putul Sonowal delivered a major upset by defeating reigning world champion Ryan Bester of Canada in his debut at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Sonowal's composed performance against a highly decorated opponent has drawn widespread attention. In the Women's Pairs event, Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh also secured a hard-fought victory over Malta following a tense tie-break. Both results have significantly boosted India's prospects in the lawn bowls competition at the Games.

2026 NFL Full Season Schedule Released for All 32 Teams

The complete 2026 NFL regular season schedule has been unveiled for all 32 franchises, including high-profile teams like the Eagles, Chiefs, and Cowboys. The schedule covers game dates, kickoff times, and bye weeks across the entire season. It also includes details on international matchups, prime-time games, and available TV and streaming options. Fans can track updates through Week 18 and monitor any late-season scheduling changes. The guide spans from opening night through the final weeks of the regular season playoff push.

Premium Petrol to Stay Ethanol-Free, E20 Blend Cap to Hold: Government

The Indian government has informed Parliament that premium petrol grades will continue to be sold without ethanol blending. Regular petrol will maintain its current ethanol blend level of 20%, with no plans to revert to lower blends such as E0 or E10. Authorities stated that no significant adverse effects have been observed from the use of E20 fuel so far. Any decision to increase ethanol blending beyond 20% will only be considered after thorough studies and stakeholder consultations.

Salman Khan Appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to End Hunger Strike Over Exam Reforms

Ladakhi activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28, demanding accountability for paper leaks and reforms in India's education system. Bollywood actor Salman Khan has personally appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, reportedly telling him the matter has been addressed. Khan also urged protesting students to return to their normal lives. The appeal comes amid widespread public attention on Wangchuk's protest, which has drawn support from students and activists across the country. It remains unclear whether Wangchuk has agreed to call off his strike following Khan's intervention.

India Successfully Tests Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

India has conducted a successful test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile, marking a significant milestone in the country's air defence programme. The development was acknowledged by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who described it as a major advancement in India's air defence capability. Singh called the test a 'giant leap' for the nation's defence sector. The Kusha missile system is designed to intercept and neutralize aerial threats at long range, strengthening India's overall defence preparedness.

Rahul Gandhi, Opposition MPs Rally at Gandhi Smriti in Support of Students

Rahul Gandhi and several Opposition members of parliament held a protest at Gandhi Smriti to express solidarity with students. Gandhi assured students that they are not alone in their struggle and that the entire Opposition backs their demands. The demonstration took place at Gandhi Smriti, a memorial site in New Delhi with symbolic significance. The protest underscores the Opposition's effort to align itself with student grievances and amplify their concerns at a national level.

Bihar exam protests turn violent: Lathicharge, stone pelting in three districts after Jantar Mantar rally

Three sisters in UP marry same man to avoid separation after wedding

In Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, two sisters and their cousin collectively married the same man, who had previously worked as their social media cameraman. The women said their primary motivation was to stay together permanently, as they did not want to be separated by individual marriages. The cameraman agreed to the arrangement out of respect for the strong emotional bond shared among the three women. However, legal experts have clarified that such a marriage has no validity or recognition under Hindu law.

Mobile Internet Blocked Near Jantar Mantar, Section 163 Imposed Around Amit Shah's Home

Authorities suspended mobile internet services within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar until midnight. Section 163 has also been imposed in the vicinity of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence. Police issued warnings to people in the surrounding areas. The restrictions appear to be precautionary security measures put in place by law enforcement.

Brent Crude Hits Three-Month High as Red Sea Houthi Attacks Fuel Supply Fears

Crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, reaching a three-month high amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Houthi attacks targeting Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea have raised serious concerns about the safety of global energy supply routes. The escalation has made geopolitical risk the dominant factor driving the current rally in oil markets. Domestic crude futures have also risen sharply, tracking the broader international price surge.

D.H. Lawrence's Literary Legacy: Love, Emotion, and Freedom Revisited

D.H. Lawrence was a groundbreaking author who challenged literary norms through candid explorations of human emotion and relationships. He believed that industrialization had disconnected people from their authentic feelings and natural connections. His writing was distinguished by a focus on characters' inner emotional worlds and the symbolic use of nature. Once considered scandalous, his novels are now widely respected and studied in academic circles. Today, Lawrence's works remain influential for their insights into human freedom and the complexities of the human condition.

Alpine Ice Core Unlocks 2,000-Year Record of Fires, Mining and Volcanoes

An ice core extracted from an Alpine glacier has provided scientists with a detailed climate record stretching back 2,000 years. The frozen archive contains evidence of early metal smelting, widespread forest fires, and volcanic ash deposited from distant eruptions. Researchers say the core offers a rare window into European air quality long before modern industrial pollution began. However, accelerating glacier retreat is putting such climate records at risk of being lost permanently. Scientists are now working urgently to extract and preserve these ice cores before they disappear.

Chile village ends drought dependency by restoring forests and building water network

A rural community on Chiloe Island, Chile, has successfully restored its local water supply after years of dependence on emergency tanker trucks. The community achieved this by protecting forests, rehabilitating its watershed, and constructing a gravity-fed water distribution network. Local residents were actively involved in maintaining the system, contributing to its sustainability. The solution has remained reliable for nearly seven years since its implementation. Authorities and planners are now highlighting the project as a replicable model for other rural communities struggling with water scarcity.

Sooryavanshi smashes record 19-ball fifty as India beat Zimbabwe in first T20I

Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck a record-breaking half-century off just 19 balls in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe, becoming the youngest player to reach this international milestone. India's bowlers set the foundation by restricting Zimbabwe to 125 for 7. India chased down the target comfortably, winning by seven wickets. Captain Shreyas Iyer marked his first T20I win as skipper, praising Sooryavanshi for his fearless approach at the crease.

Mayank Yadav takes 2/18 on T20I comeback as India restrict Zimbabwe to 125/7

Pacer Mayank Yadav made his return to the Indian T20I squad after nearly two years, playing in the first match of a three-game series against Zimbabwe. The game was held at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Thursday. Yadav delivered an impressive spell of 2/18 in four overs, helping India restrict the hosts to 125/7. The bowler credited mental strength as a key factor in his successful comeback to international cricket.

Nolan's The Odyssey Limited to 41 True IMAX Screens Due to Aging Projector Tech

Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey will be shown in true 70mm IMAX format at only 41 theaters worldwide. The scarcity is rooted in a decades-old technology problem, as no new IMAX projectors are currently being manufactured. IMAX has to rebuild and retrofit its aging machines, which are large and highly complex to maintain. Adding to the challenge, the physical film prints for 70mm IMAX are enormous, weighing hundreds of pounds. Together, these factors make a full true-IMAX release logistically impossible beyond a limited number of global venues.

BJP Veteran MM Joshi Urges Empathy Over Force in Handling Student Protests

Senior BJP leader and former party chief Murli Manohar Joshi has spoken out on ongoing student unrest, calling for a compassionate approach from authorities. He stated that the concerns raised by students are genuine and must be addressed with empathy. Joshi expressed strong hope that the situation would not be reduced to a mere law-and-order problem to be resolved through force. His remarks signal a notable voice within the ruling party urging restraint and dialogue over coercive measures.

Burnham approves US use of UK bases for defensive strikes on Iran: Report