India

Kolkata developer ordered to refund Rs 20 lakh after stalling construction for years

A Kolkata-based developer has been directed to refund over Rs 20 lakh to a couple who had booked a flat with the firm. The couple decided to cancel their booking after construction remained stalled for several years with no progress. The consumer commission held the developer guilty of deficiency in service, noting that no justification was offered for the prolonged delay or the refund hold-up. Along with the principal amount, the commission ordered the developer to pay interest on the refund as well as litigation costs to the aggrieved buyers.

Trump Pushes for Clarity Act to Establish US Crypto Regulatory Framework

The Clarity Act is a proposed piece of US federal legislation aimed at building a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to pass the bill, framing it as a tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham. The legislation seeks to bring much-needed regulatory clarity to the rapidly evolving digital assets space in the United States. If passed, the bill would mark a significant step toward formalizing how cryptocurrencies are governed at the federal level.

Lauren Sánchez leads $100M Bezos Earth Fund push to green 8 US cities

Lauren Sánchez Bezos is spearheading a $100 million investment through the Bezos Earth Fund aimed at transforming urban spaces in eight US cities. The initiative focuses on converting city areas into green community hubs that better connect residents with nature. Beyond urban greening, the Bezos Earth Fund also supports broader environmental causes including marine protection and AI-driven climate solutions. The fund's latest move reflects its continued commitment to addressing climate change and protecting natural ecosystems.

Telangana Municipal Engineer Arrested for Bribery, Rs 32 Lakh Found at Home

A 33-year-old municipal engineer named Kallepalli Sathish Kumar was arrested in Telangana's Peddapally district for accepting a bribe. Anti-corruption officials caught him in the act of accepting Rs 2 lakh as an illegal gratification. Kumar was employed at the local Municipal Office at the time of his arrest. A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of Rs 32 lakh in cash. The case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption within municipal bodies in the region.

India Emerges as Central Player in Shifting Indo-Pacific Strategic Order

A significant realignment is underway across the Indo-Pacific region, with India increasingly positioned at its core. The shift has been driven not by China's growing assertiveness, but paradoxically by uncertainty surrounding US foreign policy behavior. America's unpredictability has prompted regional nations to recalibrate their strategic partnerships and reduce dependence on Washington. India, long cautious about committing to bloc-style alliances, is now seen as a more reliable anchor for regional stability. This quiet but consequential transformation is reshaping the balance of influence across the Indo-Pacific.

'Expelled him from AAP long back': How Kejriwal reacted to Tahir Hussain's conviction

Bangkok Pub Fire Kills 30, Dozens Critical Amid Safety Concerns

A devastating fire at a pub in Bangkok has killed at least 30 people, with 24 of the 75 injured still in critical condition. The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety standards at entertainment venues in the Thai capital. Investigators are examining whether flammable decorations and inadequate safety regulations contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze. The tragedy has prompted renewed scrutiny of enforcement of fire codes at bars and clubs across Bangkok.

India develops high-altitude airships for continuous border surveillance

India is working on indigenously built stratospheric airships designed to monitor its borders around the clock. These unmanned platforms will operate at high altitudes, enabling persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Beyond visual monitoring, the airships will also extend communications range and electronic intelligence-gathering capabilities. The program is part of a broader modernization effort by India's armed forces to improve target acquisition. The initiative seeks to establish a robust, redundant network of surveillance assets along sensitive border regions.

4,000-Year-Old Noodles Unearthed in China Rewrite Culinary History

Archaeologists excavating the Lajia archaeological site in China uncovered noodles estimated to be 4,000 years old. The ancient strands were found remarkably preserved beneath sediment inside an overturned bowl. The discovery pushes back the known origins of noodles significantly earlier than previously recorded. Researchers have been examining the composition and preparation methods of these millet-based noodles. The find further establishes China's prominent place in the early development of noodle-making traditions.

Tech Giants Cut Jobs and Boost AI Hiring in Permanent Workforce Shift

Major technology companies, including Microsoft, are carrying out repeated rounds of layoffs while simultaneously ramping up investment in artificial intelligence. Firms are restructuring their operations to align with a rapidly changing technological environment. This pattern reflects a wider industry trend of ongoing workforce adjustments rather than one-time restructuring events. Employees across the sector face growing job insecurity as companies prioritize AI integration and productivity gains. Analysts suggest this marks a fundamental and lasting shift in how tech businesses manage their workforces.

Assam's Tinsukia Municipality Names Public Urinators in 'Hall of Shame' Drive

The Tinsukia municipality in Assam has launched a 'Hall of Shame' campaign to curb public urination and littering. The initiative uses CCTV cameras installed at multiple locations across the town to identify offenders. Footage captured by these cameras is used to publicly name and shame individuals caught violating civic norms. The campaign aims to deter residents from engaging in unhygienic behavior in public spaces.

Mumbai Police Bust Fake Insurance Call Centre Racket, 12 Arrested

Mumbai Police have arrested 12 individuals in connection with a fraudulent insurance scheme that cheated customers out of ₹17 lakh. The accused operated three fake call centres to carry out the scam. Posing as insurance representatives, they allegedly duped unsuspecting customers into making payments. Authorities dismantled all three call centres as part of the crackdown.

Heat Dome to Drive Dangerous Overnight Temperatures Across US This Week

A powerful heat dome is set to grip the United States this week, bringing dangerously high temperatures that will persist even through the night. Unlike typical heat events, overnight temperatures are expected to remain unusually elevated, limiting the body's ability to recover from daytime heat. This prolonged exposure significantly raises the risk of heatstroke for millions of Americans. Health officials are likely to urge vulnerable populations, including the elderly and outdoor workers, to take precautions. The extreme heat pattern is expected to affect large portions of the country throughout the week.

Florida Man Charged With Felony for Listing Protected Hawksbill Turtle Shell Online

A Florida man is facing a felony wildlife charge after he posted a rare turtle shell for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $2,700. Authorities identified the shell as belonging to an Atlantic hawksbill sea turtle, a protected and endangered marine species. Wildlife officers traced the listing and recovered the shell from the suspect's home. The man was charged under laws prohibiting the sale of parts from protected marine animals. The hawksbill sea turtle is already under threat from fishing gear entanglement and destruction of its natural habitat.

Ram Charan and Upasana acquire 5-acre luxury farmhouse near Hyderabad

Telugu actor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana have purchased a sprawling luxury farmhouse spread across five acres on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The couple is reportedly planning a housewarming event to mark their move into the new private retreat. The property boasts premium interiors crafted by designers Aamir and Hameeda Sharma. Ram Charan also intends to dedicate a portion of the land to organic farming, reflecting a sustainable lifestyle choice.

Scientists Eye Cloud Geoengineering as Super El Niño Threatens Global Weather

A powerful El Niño event is developing over the Pacific Ocean, raising concerns about extreme weather and global food price volatility. Scientists are now exploring geoengineering techniques, including cloud modification, as a possible way to mitigate its damaging effects. The phenomenon is expected to trigger widespread climatic disruptions across multiple regions. In the near term, experts are urging governments to strengthen disaster preparedness and accelerate emissions reductions to limit the anticipated fallout.

Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agarwal's AI Startup Parallel Web Systems Valued at $2 Billion

Parag Agarwal, who served as Twitter's CEO before being removed by Elon Musk, has founded an AI startup called Parallel Web Systems. The company focuses on developing infrastructure to support artificial intelligence workloads. Agarwal, an alumnus of IIT Bombay and Stanford University, had originally joined Twitter in 2011 and rose to the role of Chief Technology Officer before becoming CEO. His new venture has now reached a valuation of $2 billion, marking a significant comeback in the tech world.

Suspended Delhi cop arrested after drunk driving injures two on Delhi-Lucknow Highway

A suspended police constable was arrested after driving under the influence on the Delhi-Lucknow Highway, striking two pedestrians. Despite a tire detaching from his vehicle, he continued speeding without stopping. Nearby motorists and residents gave chase, intercepted the vehicle, and physically confronted the constable. Police arrived at the scene, rescued him from the crowd, and took him into custody for investigation. The two injured pedestrians are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Supreme Court orders separate namaz space near Bhojshala, restricts ASI alterations

The Supreme Court has issued directives regarding the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh. The court ordered that a separate space be made available near the site for Muslims to offer Friday prayers between 1pm and 3pm. It also ruled that any structural changes by the Archaeological Survey of India at the site will require prior court approval. Both Hindu and Muslim parties involved in the case were asked to maintain restraint during the ongoing legal proceedings.

Kerala BJP Councillor Takes Oath in Prison After High Court Order

In an unprecedented event in Kerala, jailed BJP councillor R Sugathan was administered his oath of office inside prison. The oath-taking followed a directive from the Kerala High Court. Sugathan remains in judicial custody under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, commonly known as KAAPA. This marks the first time in Kerala that an elected councillor has been sworn in from behind bars.