India

Harper Seven Beckham: Everything You Need to Know About the Beckhams' Daughter

Harper Seven Beckham is the only daughter of retired football star David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham, making her one of the most recognised celebrity children in the world. Born into one of the most high-profile families in entertainment and sport, she has grown up largely in the public eye. Despite her famous parents and frequent appearances at fashion events, Harper has maintained a relatively private personal life. Her distinctive name and celebrity lineage have kept her a subject of widespread public interest.

US Hit Simultaneously by Wildfire Smoke, Texas Floods, and Northwest Fires

The United States is grappling with multiple extreme weather events at the same time. Wildfire smoke spread across the eastern US on Friday, stretching from the Great Lakes region down to Washington, DC. In Texas, floodwaters continued to ravage the Hill Country for a third consecutive day. Meanwhile, new fires broke out overnight in the Pacific Northwest, bringing the total number of large active blazes to 68 across 15 states.

Kalki Koechlin opens up about daughter Sappho's negative self-image struggles

Actress Kalki Koechlin has spoken candidly about the emotional challenges of raising her five-year-old daughter, Sappho. She revealed that it deeply upsets her when Sappho makes negative comments about her own appearance. Koechlin said she is consistently focused on nurturing confidence and independence in her daughter. She views such difficult moments as valuable opportunities to better understand how young children perceive themselves.

Supreme Court orders states to build women lawyers' toilets in courts within 6 weeks

The Supreme Court has directed all states to construct washroom facilities for women lawyers in court premises within a six-week deadline. The order comes in response to a longstanding human rights and health concern affecting women advocates practicing across the country. The court dismissed states' claims of insufficient funds, pointing to alternative sources of revenue to finance the construction. The bench emphasized that the absence of basic sanitation facilities undermines the dignity and well-being of women in the legal profession. The ruling aims to ensure that women lawyers can carry out their work in conditions that meet basic health and dignity standards.

Venezuela Twin Earthquakes Death Toll Surpasses 5,000

Two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month have resulted in more than 5,000 fatalities. The updated death toll was announced on Friday by Jorge Rodriguez, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly. Rodriguez shared the figures via a post on the messaging platform Telegram. The disaster, which occurred weeks ago, has proven to be one of the deadliest seismic events in the country's recent history.

Supreme Court to Hear Case on High Prices of Life-Saving Medicines

The Supreme Court of India is set to take up the issue of high costs of life-saving medications. The case highlights growing concerns over the affordability of critical drugs for patients. The court's intervention signals judicial recognition of the burden placed on citizens by expensive medicines. A hearing is expected to examine why such essential medications remain financially out of reach for many.

India to engage with US over immigration & visa issues

DMK, NCP(SP) Signal Support for Women's Reservation Constitution Amendment Bill

Political momentum is building around the government's proposed Constitution amendment bill, which seeks to increase Lok Sabha seats and implement women's reservation. Key opposition allies, including DMK and NCP (SP), have signaled their support for the upcoming legislation. This marks a notable shift, with DMK indicating it will take an independent stance rather than follow Congress's lead. The development comes amid recent political realignments and party splits that have reshaped the opposition landscape. To secure broader backing, the government is also planning to incorporate additional changes aimed at reassuring fence-sitters.

Maxxine Dupri recalls Vince McMahon's unusual dress request on her WWE debut day

WWE performer Maxxine Dupri has revealed an unusual request she received from former WWE chairman Vince McMahon on her very first day with the company. McMahon asked her to wear a specific black dress and heels for their scheduled meeting. Dupri had not packed the outfit and was forced to purchase it at short notice to comply with the request. The incident occurred amid a series of rapid career changes during a hectic and memorable start to her WWE journey. She described the experience as both chaotic and unforgettable.

Iran Threatens Full-Scale Offensive If US Strikes Continue Within Days

A senior military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that Tehran is prepared to launch full-scale offensive operations against the United States. The warning comes in direct response to ongoing US strikes against Iran. The advisor specified that Iran's patience has a narrow window, warning that continued US attacks over the next two to three days could trigger the escalation. The statement signals a significant rise in tensions between the two nations.

US Military Carries Out Strikes on Iran for Seventh Consecutive Night

US forces conducted strikes against Iran on Friday, marking the seventh consecutive night of military action, according to the US military. The sustained campaign represents an unusually prolonged series of strikes by American forces. The US military confirmed the latest round of strikes without providing detailed specifics. The repeated nightly operations signal an ongoing and escalating military engagement between the United States and Iran.

Congress backs NC's Jantar Mantar sit-in as BJP plans J&K secretariat gherao

Political activity in Jammu and Kashmir is escalating with multiple parties planning separate protests. The National Conference is set to hold a sit-in demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, which the Congress party has confirmed it will join. Separately, the BJP has announced a gherao of the secretariat, targeting the current J&K government over alleged corruption. Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone has questioned the intent and timing of the NC-led protest. Lone instead called for convening an assembly session and forming an all-party delegation as more constructive alternatives.

UP Sub-Inspector Found Dead in Locked Car, Cause Under Investigation

A sub-inspector in Para, Uttar Pradesh, was discovered dead inside his locked car on Friday. He had been unreachable by colleagues since Thursday afternoon, prompting a search. Police located him by tracing his mobile phone to a spot on Budheshwar-Mohan road. He was transported to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. A forensic examination and post-mortem have been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

IMD Forecasts Heavy Rainfall Across Northeast India for Next 4 Days

India's Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall across northeastern India expected to last over the next four days. The alert highlights Arunachal Pradesh as one of the key states facing significant weather risk during this period. Within Arunachal Pradesh, the Meteorological Centre at Itanagar has specifically flagged Papum Pare and Kurung Kumey districts as the most vulnerable. Residents and authorities in these areas have been urged to remain on alert as the intense rain spell continues.

Japan pays $542 to spend a night in haunted homes to clear paranormal stigma

A unique ghost investigation service in Japan is hiring specialists to spend entire nights inside properties rumored to be haunted. The service charges 88,000 yen — approximately $542 or Rs 31,000 — per property visited. Its primary goal is to certify that these homes are free of paranormal activity. Many of the properties have been abandoned due to tragic histories, making them difficult to sell or rent. The service is helping owners overcome the stigma and return these homes to the market.

India's Dept of Space hits 25-year high vacancy rate with 1 in 4 posts unfilled

India's Department of Space is facing its worst staffing shortage in 25 years, with over 25% of sanctioned posts currently vacant. The manpower gap has widened considerably since 2019, posing risks to critical space mission development. Delays in recruitment were largely attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing administrative reforms. Authorities are now working to fill more than 2,000 vacancies by the end of 2026. The department faces the dual challenge of rapidly rebuilding its workforce while retaining experienced scientists already in service.

4 schoolkids die as train rams pool car at open level crossing, gateman arrested

Maharashtra reports first notable Covid-19 rise since 2023, cases remain mild

Maharashtra is experiencing a fresh uptick in Covid-19 cases, marking the first noticeable surge in the state since approximately 2023. The cases have largely been mild, with most detected incidentally during doctor-recommended tests or pre-surgical screenings. Health experts say the virus has shifted to an influenza-like pattern, characterised by periodic spikes rather than sustained waves. Hospitals in the state are simultaneously reporting a rise in influenza and other respiratory infections. Authorities have not indicated any immediate cause for alarm given the mild nature of the current cases.

Doda on edge after man killed in police encounter; internet suspended amid protests

A man was shot and killed by police in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district during a cattle smuggling stakeout on Jai Valley Road. Three police personnel were injured in the confrontation. Mobile internet services were suspended across the district as tensions quickly mounted following the incident. Local residents staged protests against the killing, and a shutdown was announced by a local outfit. Senior officials have been deployed to Bhaderwah as authorities investigate the matter.

Allahabad High Court Defers Krishna Janmabhumi-Shahi Idgah Case to August 25

The Allahabad High Court on Friday postponed the hearing in the long-running Mathura land dispute between Krishna Janmabhumi and the Shahi Idgah mosque. The case involves a contested religious site in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, where Hindu groups claim the mosque was built over the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The court has now scheduled the next hearing for August 25. No further details regarding the reason for the adjournment were disclosed.