India

Ex-Badrinath Temple Officer Arrested for Alleged Donation Theft After SIT Probe

Former Badrinath temple officer Rajendra Chauhan has been arrested in connection with an alleged donation theft case following questioning by a Special Investigation Team. CCTV footage reportedly captured Chauhan pocketing cash bundles from the temple premises. The SIT also received an internal inquiry report submitted by the temple committee to aid the investigation. Analysis of additional recent CCTV footage has led investigators to identify further suspects in the case. The probe into the donation theft remains active and ongoing.

A Visit to Israel Reveals Coexistence and Contradictions Beyond War Headlines

A traveler visited Israel feeling apprehensive, shaped by the dominant narratives surrounding the ongoing conflict. Beyond the war headlines, the trip uncovered a more complex reality marked by cultural mixing, political debate, and coexistence. The short visit raised more questions than it answered, reflecting the layered contradictions present on the ground. No brief trip, the traveler concluded, could fully resolve the tensions and nuances that define life in the region.

Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 Rocket Poised for Landmark Private Launch

Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is preparing to launch its Vikram-1 rocket, a milestone in India's private space sector. The rocket was developed by a young team of engineers based in Hyderabad. If successful, Skyroot would join a select group of private companies globally to have achieved orbital launch capability. The launch represents a significant step forward for India's emerging commercial space industry.

'Whoever kills Trump ...': Iran-backed Iraqi militia puts $10m bounty on US prez

Sam Altman admits OpenAI scared people, vows AI should empower not frighten

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has acknowledged that the company's past actions caused fear among millions of people worldwide. He stated that AI should give users more freedom and control rather than cause alarm. Altman expressed optimism about the year ahead, suggesting AI will create new opportunities for individuals. The company is currently developing new products and updates aimed at improving the user experience.

India's Tier-2 and Tier-3 Airport Growth Hinges on Right Aircraft Choices

India has made significant strides in expanding aviation infrastructure to smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with new runways and supportive policies already in place. However, experts argue that the critical missing element for fully unlocking this growth is the deployment of suitable aircraft for these routes. Smaller regional airports require aircraft that are economically viable and operationally appropriate for shorter, lower-traffic routes. Without the right fleet choices, the potential of India's regional aviation expansion may remain unrealized despite the infrastructure investments made.

How MP's Aawaas Sahayata scheme helps tribal students - FAQ's answered

DDA Posts Record Rs 1,020 Crore Revenue in Q1 FY27 on Housing Demand

The Delhi Development Authority recorded its highest-ever first-quarter revenue of Rs 1,020 crore in Q1 FY27, driven by strong demand across housing categories. The authority's multiple housing schemes and ongoing infrastructure development were key contributors to the robust sales performance. Narela sub-city led the charge, accounting for the sale of 1,153 flats under the Economically Weaker Section category. The results build on DDA's improving sales trajectory over recent financial years. The milestone reflects growing demand for affordable housing in the national capital.

'Absurd, bogus': US VP JD Vance rejects report Kushner, Witkoff profiting from Iran talks

Pakistan's Mohammad Nawaz banned for doping violation during T20 World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been handed a three-month suspension after testing positive for a cannabis metabolite during the T20 World Cup. The ban can be reduced to one month if Nawaz completes a designated treatment program. Nawaz acknowledged the doping offense but clarified that the substance was not intended to enhance his sporting performance. As a consequence of the violation, his match results from February 7 to May 1 have been officially disqualified.

Newborn kangaroos develop arms early so they can crawl to the pouch

Five Key Factors Keeping Separatist Sentiment Alive in Punjab

Separatist tendencies continue to persist in Punjab due to a combination of deeply rooted historical grievances and ongoing socio-economic distress. Many residents remain trapped in cycles of debt, contributing to widespread frustration and disillusionment. Regional geopolitical dynamics have further complicated the situation, with external forces potentially exploiting existing tensions. Weak institutional delivery and governance gaps have also eroded public trust in the state. Together, these five factors sustain an environment in which separatist sentiment finds continued relevance.

'No proof, no facts': Former envoy Sanjay Verma on Nijjar case indictment

Cheaper AI Models May Deflate Tech Giant Valuations, Warn Industry Leaders

Nikhil Kamath and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong have both flagged a structural threat to the lofty valuations of major AI companies. The leaders drew comparisons between the current AI investment frenzy and historical market bubbles, including the dot-com crash. Open-source AI alternatives are rapidly emerging as cost-effective competitors to premium proprietary models. Countries are also expected to build their own domestic AI models, further reducing dependence on high-priced services. Together, these trends could put significant downward pressure on the premium pricing that top AI firms currently command.

India's LPG Subsidy Bill May Triple Budget Estimate to Rs 1 Lakh Crore in FY27

India's LPG subsidy expenditure for FY27 is projected to exceed Rs 1 lakh crore, far surpassing the Rs 30,000 crore allocated in the budget. The sharp gap between allocation and actual spending is being driven by elevated fuel prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty linked to the war. These rising subsidy commitments are placing considerable strain on government finances. Capital expenditure is expected to be kept in check during the first half of FY27 as a result.

Punjab Paddy Crop Threatened by 28% Rain Shortfall and Rising Farm Costs

Punjab's paddy crop is facing significant risks due to a 28% rainfall deficit in the region. Farmers have been forced to rely heavily on groundwater to compensate for the lack of rain. This increased dependence on irrigation has driven up overall cultivation costs considerably. Growers are also spending more on fertilisers and crop protection chemicals to maintain field health. The combined pressure of water scarcity and rising input costs is putting the state's paddy yield under serious strain.

Milei skips World Cup final in New Jersey, cites superstition for staying home

Argentine President Javier Milei has decided not to attend the FIFA World Cup final scheduled in New Jersey. Milei attributes his absence to a personal superstition called cábalas, which he believes helps secure Argentina's victories. He plans to watch the match from his Buenos Aires residence instead. US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino are among the high-profile figures expected to be present at the final. Milei's decision also aligns with a longstanding tradition among Argentine presidents of skipping high-stakes matches.

Japan converts abandoned rice fields into wetlands to restore wildlife habitat

Abandoned rice fields in Japan's Aso region are being transformed into permanent wetlands as part of a community-led conservation effort. The project aims to replenish groundwater supplies while creating safe habitats for freshwater species such as frogs and dragonflies. Local residents and researchers are collaborating to drive the initiative forward. The effort demonstrates how unused agricultural land can be repurposed to support biodiversity and long-term water resource restoration.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train to Launch on Surat-Bilimora Stretch by 2027

India's first bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad is making steady progress. The project will begin partial operations between Surat and Bilimora in Gujarat using Indian high-speed trains in 2027. Japan's next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains are planned for introduction on the route after 2030. The corridor is expected to significantly cut travel time between the two major cities.

Mehbooba Mufti Criticises Centre Over Sonam Wangchuk Protest; BJP Responds

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has criticised the central government for its refusal to engage with protesters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The protesters were demonstrating in support of climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk. Mufti remarked that while the British had left India, a 'colonial mindset seems to endure,' taking a pointed jab at the Centre's approach. The BJP hit back at Mufti's remarks in response to her criticism.