India

Punjab BJP Leader Warns Union Minister Over Satluj Film Controversy

The film Satluj was released on the OTT platform ZEE5 on July 3, but was taken down just two days later, sparking a major controversy in Punjab. The removal of the film triggered a political dispute within the BJP, with a Punjab-based party leader publicly rebuking a Union Minister over their stance on the matter. The leader's sharp 'stay in your limits' remark signals internal tensions within the party over the issue. The controversy highlights sensitivities around regional content and political boundaries in Punjab.

Circle K clerk and store clash over $12.8M lottery ticket left by customer

A legal dispute has erupted over a $12.8 million winning lottery ticket that a customer left behind at an Arizona Circle K store on November 24, 2025. Store clerk Robert Gawlitza purchased the abandoned tickets, later discovering one was a jackpot winner. Circle K filed a complaint against Gawlitza in February, alleging he wrongfully attempted to claim the prize. Gawlitza, however, contends that he was simply following company policy when he bought the unclaimed tickets. The case raises questions about ownership rights over lottery tickets left behind at retail stores.

Asian praying mantis species invade Europe, threatening pollinators and small wildlife

Two invasive Asian praying mantis species are spreading rapidly across Europe, posing a serious risk to local pollinators and small endangered animals. Warmer temperatures driven by climate change and the growth of urban areas are facilitating their northward expansion. Scientists warn that these aggressive insects could disrupt local ecosystems if left unchecked. Citizen science programs are being highlighted as a key tool for tracking and managing their populations. Experts also recommend removing egg cases seasonally as a practical measure to limit their environmental impact.

Assam activist protesting Kaziranga luxury hotels project detained, Opposition slams ‘bid to silence’

Projectiles Strike Iran's Qeshm Island Amid US-Iran Tensions

Projectiles struck Iran's Qeshm Island during a period of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that all targets hit were military in nature. The agency confirmed that there were no casualties as a result of the strikes. The incident occurred as the two countries continued to exchange hostile actions against each other.

Delhi Landfill Crisis: MCD Misses Five Deadlines Since 2020 With No End in Sight

Delhi's Municipal Corporation has failed to meet five consecutive deadlines since 2020 to flatten the city's overflowing landfill sites. Daily dumping of fresh waste continues to obstruct progress on clearing legacy waste accumulated over decades. While bio-mining efforts are exceeding targets at some sites, others are significantly behind schedule. New waste-to-energy plants have been planned as a long-term solution, but are still years away from becoming operational. Meanwhile, residents living near these garbage mountains continue to endure serious health and environmental consequences.

Israel Heads to Elections on October 27 Amid Gaza War Scrutiny

Israel is set to hold elections on October 27, with the vote widely regarded as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. The polls come against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza war, which has dominated the country's political landscape. Netanyahu's handling of the conflict is expected to be the central issue for voters. The outcome of the election will likely determine whether the long-serving prime minister retains his hold on power.

Bolton: Iran's Divided Leadership Undermines Trump's Middle East Peace Efforts

Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton shared his views on the Middle East situation in an exclusive interview with NDTV. He argued that the ceasefire in the region was fundamentally fragile from the outset. Bolton attributed this instability to the absence of a unified decision-making authority within Iran's government. According to him, no single entity in Tehran holds enough power to enforce or uphold any truce agreement.

How Jeff Bezos drafted Amazon's business plan on a cross-country road trip

Jeff Bezos conceived the idea for Amazon during a 2,000-mile road trip across the United States. To pursue the venture, he left behind a lucrative career on Wall Street. His then-wife MacKenzie Scott played a key operational role in the company's early days. The couple initially projected modest sales figures when they launched the online bookstore. However, customer response far exceeded expectations, prompting Amazon to expand well beyond its original retail model.

PM Modi Gifts Australian PM Premium Indian Coffee and Colonial Cousins Vinyl

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a curated set of gifts to Australian Prime Minister during a recent diplomatic meeting. Among the gifts was an Indian Premium Coffee Box, highlighting the variety of coffee cultivated across India's key coffee-growing regions. The selection was designed to showcase India's rich agricultural and cultural heritage. The gifting reflects the warm bilateral ties between India and Australia.

France Shuts Down 3 Nuclear Reactors Temporarily During Heatwave

France has temporarily taken three nuclear reactors offline in response to an ongoing heatwave. The decision is driven by environmental protection regulations that limit the discharge of heated water into nearby rivers. With river temperatures already rising due to the extreme heat, releasing additional warm water from the reactors could cause further ecological harm. The shutdown reflects France's legal obligations to protect aquatic ecosystems during periods of high ambient temperature.

Russia and Ukraine Exchange Deadly Strikes, Killing 9 Ahead of Paris Talks

At least nine people were killed as Russia and Ukraine escalated attacks against each other in a fresh round of mutual strikes. The intensified hostilities came just one day before a scheduled meeting in Paris among Ukraine's allies. The gathering was aimed at discussing ways to pressure Russia into ending the ongoing war. The conflict has now stretched beyond four years, with no ceasefire in sight.

India Declares One-Day Mourning After Death of Qatar's Former Emir Sheikh Hamad

India has announced a one-day national mourning following the death of Qatar's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad. The decision reflects the diplomatic ties between India and Qatar. No further details about the cause or date of death were provided in the available text. The mourning is a formal gesture of condolence extended by the Indian government.

India Observes National Mourning for Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad Al Thani

India declared a one-day national mourning on Monday to honor the late former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The former Qatari ruler passed away at the age of 74. The mourning was observed as a mark of respect for the deceased leader. India's gesture reflects the diplomatic ties and goodwill between the two nations.

India observes national mourning for former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa

India has declared a one-day national mourning in honour of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the former ruler of Qatar. The national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect. Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the late leader, describing him as a visionary and a close friend of India. Sheikh Hamad governed Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he voluntarily stepped down in favour of his son. He is remembered for his significant role in shaping modern Qatar and fostering international ties.

Driving road roller over seized narcotics, Himanta Biswa Sarma kicks off massive anti-drug campaign

Mercedes hits two outside Chandigarh nightclub, driver flees scene

Two young people were injured after a speeding Mercedes struck them outside a nightclub in Chandigarh. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled immediately after the incident. Bystanders at the scene captured the collision on their mobile phones. Both victims were hospitalised and are currently receiving medical treatment. Police have launched an investigation and are analysing CCTV footage to trace and identify the absconding driver.

Orlando Bloom credits Nichiren Buddhism for grounding him through fame and hardship

Actor Orlando Bloom has spoken about how Nichiren Buddhism has been a guiding force in both his personal life and acting career. He was introduced to the practice at age sixteen through a Soka Gakkai member he encountered in London. A near-fatal accident at twenty-one deepened his commitment, reinforcing the Buddhist principle of transforming adversity into strength. Bloom turned to chanting as a coping tool during auditions and while dealing with the pressures of public life. His encounter with Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda further inspired and grounded his spiritual journey.

Second Pregnancy Alters Maternal Brain Differently Than First, Study Finds

New research reveals that a mother's brain changes in distinct ways during a second pregnancy compared to the first. These neurological shifts appear to boost attention and sensory processing, likely helping mothers manage the demands of caring for more than one child. Brain scans in the study were able to clearly distinguish between first and second pregnancies, pointing to differences in maternal bonding experiences. The findings also highlight a potential link to peripartum depression risks in subsequent pregnancies. Researchers say the study underscores the importance of tailored mental health support for mothers at different stages of parenthood.

Earnings, Inflation Data and Global Cues to Drive Indian Markets This Week

Indian equity markets this week will be guided by corporate earnings results and key domestic economic data. India is set to release inflation figures and foreign exchange reserves data in the coming days. Global factors, including ongoing tensions in West Asia, are expected to influence investor sentiment. Foreign institutional investors have recently shifted to net buyers of Indian equities, adding a positive undertone. Market participants will also keep a close watch on monsoon progress as an additional economic indicator.