India

Woman on Ventilator After Police Lathi-Charge at CJP's 'Sansad Chalo' March

A young woman was left on ventilator support after sustaining injuries during a CJP-led protest march toward Parliament in New Delhi. Thousands of CJP supporters participated in the demonstration, demanding the resignation of the education minister. Police deployed lathis and tear gas to push back protesters who attempted to breach security barricades. The CJP accused Delhi Police of using excessive and brutal force against what it described as a peaceful gathering. The protest extended into its second day, with leaders maintaining a sit-in and hunger strike at the site.

Mamata Calls for INDIA Bloc Unity, Bars Defectors from Rejoining Trinamool

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee urged opposition INDIA bloc parties to unite against the BJP at the party's Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata. She firmly shut the door on defectors, stating they would not be welcomed back into the party. Banerjee added that there are enough capable individuals within the ranks to fill any vacancies left by those who departed. Her remarks come amid significant internal turmoil in Trinamool Congress, with several senior leaders and MPs having recently split from the party.

Leonardo DiCaprio's Real Estate Portfolio Spans US and Belize

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio owns an extensive real estate portfolio spread across the United States and Belize. His American properties include a compound in Hollywood Hills, apartments in New York City, an estate in Palm Springs, and residences in Los Feliz, Malibu, and Beverly Hills. Beyond the mainland, DiCaprio also owns a private island in Belize. The collection reflects a diverse mix of property types, ranging from beachfront homes to urban apartments. Together, these assets make up a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio for the acclaimed actor.

ASML Offers Staff €20,000 Share Bonus to Retain Talent Through 2030

Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML is offering eligible employees worldwide a conditional share award worth €20,000 as a retention incentive. The shares will be granted on January 1, 2027, and will fully vest on January 1, 2030. The move reflects ASML's ongoing investment in innovation and business expansion. This retention strategy stands in contrast to the wave of significant layoffs seen across many US tech companies in 2024.

India's 2.56-Billion-Year-Old Pichhore Granite Puzzles Geologists with Rare Structures

A granite formation in India's Pichhore region, estimated to be 2.56 billion years old, has intrigued scientists due to its rare spherical structures known as orbicules. The rock dates to the Neoarchean Era and contains inherited zircon crystals that point to the recycling of Earth's earliest crust. Researchers believe the granite formed through magma intrusion and rapid cooling deep underground. The discovery is considered significant for understanding the geological conditions of the early Earth and the formation of ancient continents.

Water levels ‘unseen in half a century’: Flooding continues in Assam, thousands in relief camps

4,500 Google Employees Petition Sundar Pichai Over Layoffs Amid AI Expansion

Around 4,500 Google employees have written an open letter to CEO Sundar Pichai expressing concerns over ongoing layoffs at the company. The petition comes as parent company Alphabet continues to heavily invest in and prioritize artificial intelligence development. Alphabet Workers Union President Parul Koul criticized the company's leadership for placing shareholder returns above employee welfare. The move highlights growing internal tension at Google between its ambitious AI push and workforce stability.

US Strikes on Chabahar Port Raise Questions About India's Strategic Autonomy

The United States has carried out attacks on Chabahar, a strategically significant port located in Iran. The development has drawn attention to India's long-standing investment and interest in the port, which New Delhi has developed as a key trade and connectivity route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. India has spent years building its presence at Chabahar as an alternative to Pakistan-controlled routes. The situation has prompted debate among analysts about whether India needs to assert greater independence in pursuing its strategic and economic interests rather than deferring to the priorities of other nations.

Five dead in Ohio river after rescue attempts turn tragic

Gaza Families Queue Hours for Water as Health Crisis Deepens

Residents of Gaza are enduring severe water shortages, forcing families to wait for hours beside damaged water trucks. They receive only a few litres of water per visit, barely enough to meet basic needs. After collecting water, people return to overcrowded tent camps that are increasingly affected by disease. The situation points to a rapidly worsening humanitarian and public health crisis across the territory.

France Braces for Hotter Summers as Heatwaves Intensify and Arrive Earlier

France is facing increasing pressure to adapt to a hotter future as deadly heatwaves grow more frequent and arrive earlier in the year. The extreme temperatures have triggered unprecedented wildfires in areas near Paris, a development that has alarmed authorities. Schools have been forced to close and hospitals, many of which are poorly equipped to handle heat-related emergencies, have come under significant strain. The country's ageing population makes it particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by rising temperatures. These compounding challenges have pushed France to urgently rethink its infrastructure and emergency preparedness for a warmer climate.

Kerala consumer court orders mechanic to pay Rs 66,000 for faulty bike repair

A Kerala consumer commission ruled against a bike mechanic after a daily wage labourer's motorcycle broke down shortly following a repair job. The mechanic had originally quoted Rs 10,000 for the work but collected Rs 12,000 in advance. The commission determined that the repair was negligent and constituted a deficiency in service. The labourer endured financial hardship and mental distress as a result of the faulty work. The mechanic was directed to pay over Rs 66,000 in compensation to the affected customer.

Delhi HC orders Sonam Wangchuk's transfer to Medanta amid hunger strike

The Delhi High Court has granted permission for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to be transferred to Medanta Hospital for medical treatment. Wangchuk is currently on a hunger strike in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. The court directed Safdarjung Hospital to share all relevant medical records to ensure continuity of care. A dedicated panel of doctors will monitor and oversee his treatment at the new private facility.

Delhi High Court Proposes Moving Sonam Wangchuk to Medanta from Safdarjung Hospital

The Delhi High Court has proposed transferring climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital. The court indicated it could not overlook the health concerns surrounding Wangchuk's condition. The suggestion came as part of ongoing judicial proceedings related to his medical care. The move to a private facility like Medanta is being considered to ensure better treatment for the activist.

Anduril Unveils Thunder Drone as India Advances Naval UAS Varun Mk I

Anduril Industries debuted its autonomous attack rotorcraft, Thunder, at the Farnborough Airshow, designed to operate as a drone wingman alongside manned attack helicopters. Simultaneously, India showcased the Varun Mk I, an indigenous naval shipborne unmanned aerial system, marking a significant step in its domestic drone development. Both unveilings signal a growing global shift toward unmanned rotary-wing systems in military operations. These platforms are seen as key tools for modern warfare, offering greater operational flexibility while reducing risk to human pilots and crew.

US education groups slam DHS rule ending 'duration of status' for int'l students

Thane Residents Protest Amazon's Proposed Rs 45,000-Crore Data Centre

Residents of Thane have taken to the streets in protest against Amazon's planned data centre project in the city. The facility, estimated at Rs 45,000 crore, is proposed to operate at 422 MW of power capacity. Protesters have raised concerns over potential environmental impact and strain on local infrastructure. The demonstration reflects growing public scrutiny of large-scale tech infrastructure projects in residential and urban areas.

UK landlord firm fined £42,500 for leaving tenants in rat-infested, unsafe homes

A landlord company based in County Durham, UK, has been fined £42,500 following the discovery of severely unsafe living conditions at its rental properties. Tenants were found residing alongside dead rats, mice, human waste, and urine. The firm was also found to have neglected mandatory property inspections and failed to maintain valid gas safety certificates across multiple homes. Durham County Council initiated legal proceedings against the company, leading to the court ruling.

Rahul Gandhi demands Modi apology over police crackdown on student protesters

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on police action taken against student demonstrators. Opposition leaders visited the Lok Sabha Speaker to push for a parliamentary debate on the matter. Students have been protesting against perceived failures in the education and examination system. Both protesters and police have traded accusations of initiating violence during the demonstrations. The opposition has pledged to raise students' concerns on the floor of Parliament.

E20 petrol may reduce mileage by up to 5% but won't harm engines, govt says

The Indian government has informed Parliament that E20 petrol — a blend containing 20% ethanol — may reduce fuel efficiency by around 3 to 5 percent in some older vehicles. Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi made this disclosure in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The government clarified that the blended fuel does not cause any damage to engines. Officials also noted that fuel economy is affected by multiple factors, including driving habits, vehicle maintenance, tyre pressure, wheel alignment, and air conditioning use.