India
Helicopters, influencers and nail art: The money trail of 2026 assembly elections
BJP declared substantial campaign expenses across several states during the recent assembly elections. Congress's spending was significantly lower, particularly in states like West Bengal and Keralam. The BJP's funding included extensive media advertisements and the use of star campaigners to draw crowds. The results demonstrated a stark contrast in electoral success despite the varying expenditures between parties.
Akhilesh asks SP leaders to keep seat-sharing concerns with Congress internal
Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, encouraged leaders to express seat-sharing concerns privately. Tensions arose after Shiv Pal Singh Patel criticized Congress' demand for 150 seats in upcoming elections. Patel emphasized that Congress should receive a more realistic allocation based on their previous performance. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Aradhana Mishra stated that top leadership will decide the seat allocation.
Opposition Continues To Stoke Poll Body Row, BJP Launches Counter-Campaign
Party leaders questioned the rationale behind the Opposition's demand for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, asking whether it would automatically annul previous decisions.

Four Helene-damaged NC homes repaired after storm will now be demolished in FEMA buyouts
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, four homes in the Cottages at Cypress Run neighborhood in Hendersonville face demolition due to severe flooding. Previously, these homes were repaired through homeowner efforts and community volunteerism. To address the persistent flood threats, homeowners have chosen FEMA's voluntary buyouts, aligning with the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program's initiative to convert affected land into green spaces, thereby reducing future flood risks.
Queensland farmer opened 4 campsites after drought; they brought in over A$50,000
Agritourism is gaining momentum among Australian farmers struggling with drought-related financial pressures. Landowners like Libby Rough are transforming their properties into camping havens, creating alternative income streams. This shift not only aids in sustaining their farms during tough times but also promotes local agricultural education among visitors. Moreover, local authorities are streamlining regulations to encourage this thriving sector, enhancing community engagement with farming practices.
Opinion: Blog | From Swachh To Swasth: 13 Years Of A Campaign, And People Who Make It Matter
A clean India meant a healthy India, and a healthy India meant a stronger, more productive and more prosperous country.

How landlord won tax relief on Rs 14.96 lakh demonetisation cash deposit
The Bangalore bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) recently held that rental income already disclosed to the income tax authorities can be considered as an identifiable source of cash deposited into a bank account at a later date. Even where a landlord claims to have collected rent in cash, the subsequent deposit of that money cannot be disregarded merely because the rental earnings have already been taxed.
Bitchat Removed From Apple's India App Store After Centre's Order
"Government of India officially removes Bitchat from the App Store," the app's developer and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey wrote in his post, alongside a screenshot of what appeared to be a notice from Apple's App Review team.

Kolkata, AIFF pull out all stops for India vs Brazil but crowd stays away
In many ways, it was a historic occasion. Brazil hadn't faced a team as lower ranked than India in 28 years. India hadn't gone up against a team as higher ranked as Brazil since rankings were introduced in August 1993. It helps significantly that Kolkata raves over Brazil (and Argentina).
Apple removes Bitchat app from India App Store 'after government order'
In a significant move, Apple has removed the decentralised messaging app Bitchat from its India App Store. This action follows a directive issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, citing illegal content linked to the app. Bitchat, known for its Bluetooth-based mesh networking that allows offline communication, had previously been removed in July before returning to the store. As it stands, Indian users can no longer download Bitchat.
Bhutan's 'Gateway To World' Takes Shape With Gelephu Airport Construction
The airfield package is one of the two largest remaining construction contracts for the airport, alongside the Passenger Terminal Building and associated landside works.

Key Conspirator In 2016 Nabha Jailbreak In Punjab Gets Bail
Romi has been granted bail in the Nabha jailbreak case by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while a Nabha court has also granted him bail in a separate case registered under the Arms Act.

Caitlin Clark’s Excel connection: Why is Linda Cohn questioning the WNBA?
Excel Search & Advisory is helping the NBA find Cathy Engelbert’s successor as WNBA commissioner. Because Excel Sports Management represents Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier, former ESPN host Linda Cohn has questioned how the company will separate its executive search work from player representation. The NBA has not publicly detailed specific safeguards, while Adam Silver remains involved in the final decision.
Honeytrapped Indian Navy sailor arrested for leaking key data to Pakistani agent
A sailor from the Indian Navy was detained in Coimbatore after being tricked into disclosing defense secrets to a female Pakistani operative. Approached through social media, he ultimately exposed sensitive information regarding naval operations. Digital surveillance confirmed his links before his arrest at INS Agrani. Authorities have obtained a transit warrant to conduct deeper questioning while they assess the gravity of the leaked information and any financial exchanges involved.
AAP Expels Punjab MLA For Alleging Lack Of Teachers In Government Schools
Aam Aadmi Party's Maur MLA Sukhbir Singh Maiserkhana has publicly raised concerns over teacher shortages in government schools -- an act AAP deemed an anti-party activity.

