India

Pennsylvania grandfather's backyard roller coaster sparks local zoning dispute

A Pennsylvania grandfather built a private backyard amusement area for his grandchildren over several years, featuring a go-kart track, waterslide, and vintage carousel. His most recent addition, a restored roller coaster named The Tidal Wave valued at $24,700, has drawn scrutiny from local authorities. The township's zoning code does not explicitly permit such a structure on residential property. The matter was taken to court, which has referred the case back to the local zoning board for a decision.

Russia Supports India's Permanent UN Security Council Membership Bid

Russia has voiced its support for India's long-standing bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. The statement was made during a UN speech by a Russian representative. However, Russia simultaneously warned against expanding permanent membership to additional Western nations. It specifically called out Germany and Japan, accusing both countries of moving toward militarism and revanchism. The remarks highlight Russia's selective approach to backing Security Council reform.

CNN Barred from Boarding Air Force One by White House

CNN reported that it was denied access to board Air Force One by the White House on Saturday. The network was scheduled to fly aboard the presidential aircraft for coverage of a midday game visit. CNN is a member of the US network video pool, which rotates responsibilities for shooting and sharing video coverage of the president. The White House's decision to block CNN marks a notable restriction on press access to presidential travel.

CJI Reaffirms Judiciary's Commitment to Protecting Students' Right to Protest

Chief Justice of India made a strong statement affirming the judiciary's commitment to protecting students' right to protest. The remarks were delivered during a visit to Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna. The CJI engaged in what was described as an 'unfiltered interaction' with students at the institution. He expressed a clear preference for open, frank question-and-answer sessions over formal addresses.

Indian Pilots Federation Urges Review of Technical Records in AI-171 Crash Probe

The Federation of Indian Pilots has called for a thorough examination of technical records in the investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash. The pilots' body specifically wants scrutiny of documentation submitted by the Foundation for Aviation Safety. These records reportedly cover the aircraft's operational history, maintenance activities, and recurring system faults. The federation believes these materials could be critical to understanding the cause of the crash.

Gunmen Attack Ambulance Carrying Pakistan Suicide Bombing Victims

Armed attackers fired upon an ambulance that was transporting victims of a suicide bombing in Pakistan to a nearby hospital. The assault resulted in the death of one rescue worker, while two others sustained injuries. The attack targeted emergency personnel who were actively responding to the initial bombing incident. The double-strike pattern — first a suicide bombing, then an attack on responders — reflects a tactic aimed at maximizing casualties and disrupting relief efforts.

Ex-Kerala Chief Secretary Accuses CEC Gyanesh Kumar of Offering BJP Ticket in 2016

Former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson has alleged that current Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar offered him a BJP ticket in 2016. Thomson made this claim on local media amid a broader controversy surrounding the Election Commission of India. The poll body is currently under scrutiny over its handling of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. There are also reported tensions among the three members of the Election Commission. The allegations have added to the political pressure on Gyanesh Kumar at a particularly sensitive time for the institution.

Gujarat school principal, three others held for raping 13-year-old student

A 13-year-old girl at a residential school in Gujarat was allegedly raped by the school principal and three other individuals. The crime came to light after a teacher found a pregnancy test kit on the school premises. The principal is reported to have assaulted the girl on two occasions around Independence Day. School authorities initially attempted to conceal the incident rather than report it to police. An FIR has since been filed and the matter is now under investigation.

LSR Students Return to Campus Amid Protests After Nearby Gangrape Case

Students of Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi resumed offline classes after just one day of online learning following a gangrape incident near the campus. The victim was a teenager who was allegedly assaulted in the vicinity of the college. Students returned to campus even as protests over the case continued on the grounds. Anxiety remains high among the student community despite the resumption of in-person classes.

Delhi WagonR Flips After Risky Overtake, Rear Passenger Flung Out Window

A WagonR car in Delhi was involved in a serious accident after the driver attempted a risky overtaking manoeuvre. The vehicle lost control and flipped over following the dangerous move. The crash was captured on camera, revealing the severity of the incident. A passenger seated in the rear of the car was nearly thrown completely out through the back window during the impact.

Merely 11% of IIT-B faculty from reserved categories: RTI

JKCA ‘scam’: Jammu and Kashmir HC rejects ED plea to add charges

Influencer Who Flaunted Wealth Online Robbed of Rs 1 Crore by Burglars

Madhumita, a social media influencer with over 4.5 lakh followers, regularly showcased her affluent lifestyle, including gold and cash, on Instagram. Burglars reportedly targeted her after gaining knowledge of her wealth through her online posts. The theft resulted in losses estimated at approximately Rs 1 crore. The incident highlights the security risks of publicly displaying valuable possessions on social media platforms.

Notting Hill film's iconic blue door property listed for £7.95 million

The London home featured in the 1999 romantic film 'Notting Hill', starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, has been put up for sale for £7.95 million. The property was previously owned by the film's screenwriter, Richard Curtis, and gained worldwide recognition following the movie's release. Located in the Notting Hill neighbourhood, the converted church spans 3,000 square feet. The residence includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and has since become a popular tourist destination in London.

Essex siblings ordered to pay £209K after felling neighbour's trees in boundary dispute

Three siblings in Essex have been ordered to pay approximately £209,000 following a prolonged boundary dispute with their neighbours. The siblings cut down a row of 33-foot Leylandii trees, which a judge determined required trespassing into the neighbouring property. The court awarded the affected couple around £30,500 in damages, with the remainder covering legal costs totalling £178,668. The neighbours stated that the removal of the trees destroyed their privacy and significantly impacted how they used their home.

J&K BJP bigwig meets HM day after CM moves statehood resolution with autonomy reference

Sibal Urges Legal Action Over Election Commission Dissent Report

Rajya Sabha MP and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal has weighed in on the controversy surrounding an alleged dissent note linked to the Election Commission of India. Speaking to NDTV, Sibal stated that if the report was untrue, those named should file a defamation case rather than dismiss it. He further argued that if voters were being deleted through centrally coordinated decisions, it could amount to a case of treason. Sibal's remarks come as several electoral practices attributed to the poll body face growing public and political scrutiny. His comments have intensified the ongoing debate over transparency and accountability within India's election administration.

22-Year-Old Student Found Dead at Homestay, Alleged Lover Detained for Questioning

Nimisha Thakuria, a 22-year-old sociology student, was found dead at a homestay in Dharapur. A man identified as Ashiq Ali, reportedly her lover, has been detained by police for questioning in connection with the case. Authorities have sent the body for a post-mortem examination while investigating multiple angles. The two were said to have visited the same homestay on previous occasions before the incident. Local residents took to the streets demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into her death.

Jaishankar Calls Out Pakistan at UN as Serial Terrorism Practitioner

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp rebuke at the United Nations, indirectly targeting Pakistan without naming the country. He was responding to remarks made by Pakistani representatives the previous day at the UN forum. Jaishankar accused the unnamed nation of attempting to 'normalise tension' through its arguments. He firmly reaffirmed India's right to self-defence in the face of cross-border threats. The remarks underscored the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan on the international stage.

Sonam Wangchuk apologises for comparing Ladakh situation with Tibet