India

Ecuador Now Allows Pets to Serve as Witnesses at Wedding Ceremonies

Ecuador has officially authorized 'pet friendly' weddings, allowing couples to include their animals in marriage ceremonies. Government officials have formally recognized the growing role that pets play in contemporary family life. The new policy permits furry companions to serve as witnesses during the wedding proceedings. This move reflects a broader cultural shift in Ecuador toward acknowledging pets as meaningful members of modern households.

Bison attack at Yellowstone leaves man with serious hip and leg injuries

A bull bison charged and launched a man approximately eight feet into the air at Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The animal targeted the victim and his grandson as they were walking through the park. Bystanders intervened by shouting and rushing toward the bison, managing to drive it away from the injured man. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported the victim for medical treatment. The man was reported to be suffering from significant hip and leg injuries following the attack.

Dhamaal 4 approaches Rs 50 crore gross in opening weekend on nostalgia wave

Dhamaal 4, featuring Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, and Jaaved Jaaferi, has recorded a strong box office debut in India. The film earned a net of Rs 22.50 crore on its second day, reflecting a 60.7% rise over its opening day collection. Heading into Day 3, live tracking suggests the film is close to crossing the Rs 50 crore India gross mark within its first weekend. The comedy sequel has benefited from audience nostalgia for the franchise, which spans nearly two decades.

India’s first hydrogen train: 6 things passengers should know before its launch

Thane Court Acquits Coach in Minor Rape Case, Cites Lack of Evidence

A Thane court has acquitted a 40-year-old sports coach of all charges related to the alleged rape of a minor. The accused faced charges under both the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court found inconsistencies in the case and noted an absence of corroborative evidence to support the prosecution's claims. The fact that the minor continued training with the accused was among the factors that influenced the court's decision to clear him of all charges.

Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace Hotel receives bomb threat, police launch investigation

Mumbai Police are investigating a bomb threat made against the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel on Sunday. The threat call was received by Navi Mumbai Police around midnight, who promptly notified Mumbai authorities. Security personnel conducted a thorough search of the hotel premises in response to the alert. The incident came just a day after a similar hoax bomb threat was reported at Delhi's Red Fort. Authorities are working to trace the source of both recent threat calls.

'Boat overturned within seconds': Indian survivor recalls horror of Vietnam boat tragedy

Delhi Police Arrest 3 Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Shooters Plotting Targeted Killing

Delhi Police have arrested three alleged shooters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who were planning a targeted killing in the city. The accused were reportedly coordinating with an overseas-based network that was feeding them operational information. Authorities intervened before the suspected attack could be carried out. The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by Delhi Police to dismantle the gang's local operations.

Cabinet Clears Delhi Tunnel and UP Greenfield Highway in Rs 14,115-Crore Push

The Union Cabinet has approved two major infrastructure projects worth a combined Rs 14,115 crore aimed at improving connectivity in Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi is set to receive a new six-lane tunnel as part of the package. Uttar Pradesh will benefit from a 117.7-km greenfield highway connecting Kanpur and Kabrai, approved at a cost of Rs 7,145.14 crore. The projects are expected to ease traffic congestion and boost regional development across both areas.

A Hyderabad businessman, a US investor with ‘Trump links’ and a derailed World Cup bid

Legendary singer S. Janaki, who refused Padma Bhushan, dies at 88 in Mysuru

Veteran South Indian playback singer S. Janaki, widely celebrated as the Nightingale of South India, passed away at the age of 88 in Mysuru. Affectionately known as Janaki Amma, she had a distinguished career that earned her widespread admiration across South Indian film industries. In 2013, she made headlines by declining the Padma Bhushan, stating that honours for artists should be conferred while they are still active. She felt her contributions to music deserved the country's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, underscoring her belief in the value of timely recognition.

Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal credits Satya Nadella as inspiration for founder mindset

Former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal has revealed that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella inspired him to adopt a founder-like approach to leadership. Agrawal viewed Nadella as a re-founder who successfully transformed both the business model and culture of Microsoft. During his tenure at Twitter, Agrawal had conceived ambitious internal initiatives such as Project Saturn and Birdwatch, aimed at overhauling user experience and content moderation. However, his time as CEO ended abruptly before these plans could be fully implemented or realized.

DMK Rejects Alliance with Actor Vijay's Party, Deepening INDIA Bloc Rift in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's DMK has refused to join hands with actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party in the state. The decision signals a growing rift within the INDIA bloc alliance in Tamil Nadu. DMK accused the Congress of betraying the alliance following the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The internal tensions highlight increasing disagreements among INDIA bloc partners over electoral strategy in the state.

Paw-sper economy: From kibble to birthday cakes - India's pets are living large

Indus Waters Treaty: History, Current Status and What Lies Ahead

The Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, has a complex history shaped by diplomacy and conflict. A major turning point in the treaty's trajectory came in the wake of a terror attack, rather than through formal legal or diplomatic channels. The treaty has faced repeated strains over the decades, with both nations holding differing positions on its interpretation and implementation. Recent geopolitical tensions have brought the future of the agreement under fresh scrutiny. The treaty's fate now hangs in the balance as both countries navigate an increasingly fraught bilateral relationship.

UK House Prices Set for Prolonged Stagnation Amid High Rates and Uncertainty

House prices across the United Kingdom are expected to remain largely flat for an extended period. Elevated mortgage rates and ongoing geopolitical tensions are discouraging prospective buyers, leading to subdued activity in the property market. Domestic political uncertainty is further unsettling financial markets and dampening confidence in the sector. Analysts suggest that a meaningful recovery will depend on greater stability in interest rates and the broader global economy.

Para athlete Tejas Nandakumar barred from CWG 2026 despite qualifying

Indian national record holder Tejas Nandakumar, 20, has been ruled out of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after his para sport classification did not meet eligibility requirements. The young athlete had already qualified for the Games, making his exclusion a significant blow. Nandakumar told Times of India that administrative delays cost him the opportunity despite months of international travel and considerable personal expense. He expressed devastation over the outcome and called for systemic reforms to protect future para athletes from facing similar situations.

India's Para Record Holder Tejas Nandakumar Barred from CWG 2026 Despite Qualifying

Indian para athlete Tejas Nandakumar, 20, has been ruled out of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow despite having qualified for the event. His exclusion stems from his para sport classification failing to meet the games' eligibility requirements. Nandakumar says administrative delays cost him his spot, even after months of international travel and significant personal expense to complete the process. The national record holder described the outcome as devastating and called for systemic reforms to protect future para athletes from similar situations.

Why do hotel rooms almost never have a 13th floor?

Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies Aged 74

Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74. He served as Qatar's emir for 18 years before voluntarily stepping down in June 2013. During his tenure, Sheikh Hamad is widely credited with transforming Qatar from a relatively obscure nation into a globally influential hub. His ambitious vision leveraged the country's vast energy wealth to elevate Qatar's standing on the world stage within a single generation.