India

Tarun Tejpal Draws Parallel Between His Case and Jailed Activists Khalid, Imam

Former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal made a public statement drawing a comparison between himself and jailed activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Khalid and Imam have been in custody in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. Speaking to reporters, Tejpal claimed he considered himself to be in the same category as the two detained individuals. The remark highlights Tejpal's attempt to frame his own legal troubles within a broader context of what he appears to view as politically sensitive cases.

Two nurses revive man, 77, after heart attack on Southwest flight

Japan coins term 'Kokushobi' as deadly heatwaves trigger mass hospitalizations

Japan is grappling with a severe heatwave crisis that has led to widespread hospitalizations and multiple deaths. The extreme temperatures are also hampering recovery efforts in regions still rebuilding after recent earthquakes. In a notable incident, three lions at a Tokyo zoo died due to the intense heat. Authorities have issued heatstroke alerts across large parts of western and southern Japan in response to the escalating danger. Officials have introduced the term 'kokushobi' to formally identify and communicate exceptionally dangerous hot days to the public.

K Kavitha Charts Political Course for New Party at Hyderabad Social Justice Meet

BRS leader K Kavitha held a 'Social Justice' meeting in Hyderabad to outline the direction of her newly launched political party. The event centered on themes of social justice, representation, and empowerment. Kavitha aims to position her party as an alternative political platform for voters. The gathering is seen as a significant step in establishing the new outfit's ideological identity and public presence.

Hanford Vit Plant Converts Cold War Nuclear Waste into 4.2 Tons of Glass Daily

The Hanford Site in the United States accumulated vast quantities of radioactive waste during Cold War-era plutonium production. To address this long-standing environmental hazard, authorities are employing a process called vitrification, which converts the liquid radioactive waste into solid glass. This method is considered safer for long-term storage and containment of hazardous nuclear material. The Hanford Vit Plant has begun processing actual nuclear waste and is working toward producing approximately 4.2 metric tons of glass per day on a consistent basis.

Atiq Ahmed's Youngest Son Abaan Dies in Road Accident in Jhansi

Abaan Ahmed, the youngest son of jailed gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, died in a road accident in Jhansi. His SUV struck a divider, killing him and one of his friends on the spot. Three other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities are investigating the incident amid conflicting accounts of how the crash unfolded. Abaan's burial has been scheduled for Friday in Prayagraj.

US Navy's Trump-Class Battleship Fleet Projected to Cost $275 Billion Over 30 Years

A new report from the Congressional Budget Office has outlined the scope and cost of the US Navy's proposed Trump-class battleship program. The plan calls for building a fleet of fifteen vessels at an estimated total cost of $275 billion, spread across nearly three decades. The steep price tag is attributed to the ships' exceptional size and advanced nuclear propulsion technology. To stay on schedule, large surface combatant production would need to double by 2035. The program is being considered one of the most expensive surface warship initiatives in naval history.

Tejashwi Rules Out Nitish Kumar's Return to RJD Alliance

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has firmly stated that the door is closed for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to rejoin his party's alliance. The statement came after Nitish Kumar made a courtesy call to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, sparking political speculation in Bihar. Tejashwi's RJD believes the call may be linked to tensions between Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United and its NDA partners led by the BJP. The phone call has fuelled buzz about a possible political realignment in Bihar, though Tejashwi has moved to dismiss such speculation outright.

Lok Sabha passes Taxation Bill enabling MDR charges on UPI transactions

The Indian Parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha, has passed a new taxation bill that opens the door for imposing Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions. The legislation grants the Central government authority to designate, via official notification, which electronic payment modes or transactions will remain free of charge. This marks a significant policy shift, as UPI transactions have been exempt from MDR since January 2020. The bill effectively gives the government flexibility to decide which digital payment methods continue to carry zero-cost status. The move has drawn attention from merchants, payment platforms, and consumers who currently benefit from free UPI-based transactions.

Bengaluru Techie Arrested After Firing Air Gun at Guards and Cars From Balcony

A software professional in Bengaluru was arrested after allegedly opening fire with an air gun from his apartment balcony while reportedly drunk. The incident targeted security guards and vehicles parked in the vicinity. The firing continued for approximately 45 minutes before authorities were alerted and responded to the scene. Police took the accused into custody following the prolonged episode.

CJP to Launch 'Kya Bolti Public' Nationwide Pressure Campaign in September

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced a nationwide pressure campaign titled 'Kya Bolti Public', scheduled to begin in September. The initiative is primarily focused on addressing unemployment and education reform across India. The campaign aims to engage young people in conversations around transparency and accountability in public life. CJP also intends to take on rising education costs and concerns about media reliability as part of its agenda.

Indian Railways takes up 764 km of new lines to boost connectivity in Bihar’s Seemanchal region

India Builds Indigenous Counter-Drone Systems to Combat UAV and Swarm Threats

India is accelerating the development of homegrown counter-drone technologies to address growing aerial threats. Systems such as Bhargavastra and Indrajaal provide a range of capabilities to detect and neutralise hostile unmanned aerial vehicles. Bharat Electronics Limited's D4 platform consolidates multiple neutralisation methods into a single integrated system. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has also developed precision-guided munitions to broaden engagement options against aerial threats. Together, these advancements are strengthening India's readiness to handle the evolving challenges of modern drone warfare.

England recall Pope, Cook and Lawrence for Pakistan Test series

England have recalled Ollie Pope, Sam Cook, and Dan Lawrence to their Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. Jordan Cox has also been named in the squad and is expected to bat at number three. Cox earns his place following Jacob Bethell's withdrawal from the series due to injury. Joe Root has been named to lead the side for the Tests.

Jharkhand Students Demand CM Soren's Resignation Ahead of Assembly Gherao

Protesting students in Jharkhand have called for Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation, declaring him unfit for office. The demonstrators are planning a gherao of the state assembly on August 10 to escalate pressure on the government. Protesters expressed frustration that Soren has taken no action on their demands despite returning from Bengaluru some time ago. The agitation stems from what students describe as an ineffective redressal of their grievances by the state government. They have vowed to continue their protest until the government formally accepts their demands.

Green roofs can lower rooftop temperatures by up to 40°F, scientists find

Scientists have revealed that green roofs can reduce rooftop temperatures by as much as 40°F, offering a natural solution to urban heat. The vegetation works by absorbing sunlight and releasing water through evapotranspiration, which cools the surrounding area. Beyond temperature control, these living roof systems also help manage rainwater runoff and create habitats for urban wildlife. Green roofs come in extensive and intensive varieties, making them adaptable to different building types and budgets. Cities around the world are increasingly adopting the technology as part of broader efforts to combat rising urban temperatures.

'Convey sentiments to Amit Shah': Rajya Sabha Chairman tells Centre

Bombay HC Convicts Tarun Tejpal in 2013 Rape Case, Sentences Him to 10 Years

The Bombay High Court has convicted journalist Tarun Tejpal in a 2013 rape case, overturning his earlier acquittal and sentencing him to ten years of rigorous imprisonment. The case stems from an alleged incident involving a female colleague in a hotel elevator, which occurred thirteen years ago. Tejpal appealed for leniency before the court, claiming he was a political victim, drawing comparisons to jailed activist Umar Khalid. The court granted him a two-week window to surrender following the verdict.

Ukraine Hits Two Russian Oil Facilities Deep Inside Russian Territory

Ukraine launched strikes on two oil facilities located deep inside Russian territory, President Zelensky confirmed. The repeated attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have led to fuel shortages within Russia. The strikes have unsettled the Russian public while boosting morale among Ukrainians. Ukraine continues to face sustained Russian aerial bombardments that its weakened air defenses are finding increasingly difficult to repel.

Amazon's $35M Melania Documentary Flopped at Box Office but Thrived on Prime Video

Amazon MGM Studios acquired and heavily promoted a documentary about Melania Trump, spending around $35 million on the project. Melania Trump received a significant licensing fee as part of the deal. The film performed poorly at the box office, earning far less than its production and marketing costs. However, it reportedly recovered ground by drawing strong viewership on Prime Video after its theatrical run. The deal has attracted political scrutiny, with critics raising concerns about potential influence-seeking.