India

Cuba's Entire Power Grid Fails, Plunging 10 Million Into Darkness

Cuba's national electricity grid suffered a complete collapse, cutting power to the island's entire population of roughly 10 million people. The blackout marks a severe escalation of an ongoing energy crisis that has plagued the country for months. Deteriorating infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages have been major contributors to repeated outages across the island. The Cuban government attributes its inability to secure adequate fuel supplies largely to US-imposed sanctions. The crisis unfolds against the backdrop of a prolonged and deepening economic downturn in Cuba.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announces major restructuring affecting thousands of employees

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has announced a significant company-wide restructuring that will affect thousands of employees. The initiative aims to reset Xbox's content portfolio and overhaul its operating model for greater focus. As part of the realignment, four studios will be transferred to new management. The company will also reduce management layers and streamline operations across multiple divisions. These changes are designed to drive future growth and build a leaner, more focused business.

US Police Officer Killed, Three Others Dead After Responding to 911 Call

A police officer was shot and killed in the United States while responding to a 911 call at a home. The incident also resulted in the deaths of the suspect and two other individuals. Two additional officers and a police dog sustained injuries during the response. Wayne County Sheriff Tom Ballinger confirmed the details of the incident to reporters.

'Closer than people realise': Trump says both Putin, Zelenskyy want war to end

‘Organisational committees valid until 2027’: Mamata Banerjee faction to poll body over rebel group’s claim on party

Bihar Migrant Laborer Drowns in Power Tower Construction Pit Near Mumbai

A 20-year-old migrant worker from Bihar drowned in a pit dug for power tower construction near Mumbai. The incident occurred at a worksite in the Vasai area. Local police have launched an investigation into the fatal accident. Authorities are examining potential safety lapses and negligence at the construction site.

Korean Shipping Tycoon Profits from Secret Oil Shuttle Runs Through Strait of Hormuz

A South Korean shipping magnate has quietly amassed significant wealth by operating supertanker routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The businessman built a private supertanker empire that has been conducting oil shuttle runs for the UAE. These operations were carried out discreetly, despite the well-known risks associated with navigating the strategically sensitive Hormuz corridor. The shuttle runs have proven highly lucrative, generating millions in profits for the tycoon.

Goa may stop issuing new licences for rental Thars amid rising accidents

Iran's State Funeral for Khamenei Sparks Backlash Over Reported $800M Spending

The state funeral held for Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has drawn widespread public criticism over its reportedly massive cost. Estimates suggest the government may have spent as much as $800 million on the event, though official figures have not been confirmed. The expenditure has struck a nerve among ordinary Iranians already struggling with significant economic hardship. Critics have also alleged that authorities mobilised state employees and free services to artificially boost attendance numbers. The controversy underscores a growing perception of disconnect between Iran's ruling establishment and its general population.

Proteomic analysis of Homo naledi fossils suggests all known specimens may be female

A new study examining ancient dental remains from South African caves has produced a surprising finding about the extinct human relative Homo naledi. Proteomic analysis of the fossil samples detected only female protein markers across all specimens tested. This raises the possibility that every identified Homo naledi individual on record could be female. Researchers are now investigating potential explanations for this unexpected pattern. The findings challenge existing assumptions about the gender distribution within this archaic human species.

Australian Mother Warns of Delayed Breathing Risks After Kids' Swimming Lessons

An Australian mother has issued a public warning after her child developed serious health complications several hours after a swimming lesson. Despite appearing healthy immediately after the session, the child later showed signs of respiratory distress and fatigue. The condition, sometimes called secondary or dry drowning, can occur when small amounts of water affect breathing well after water exposure. The mother is urging parents to closely monitor their children for delayed symptoms following any water activity. Medical experts stress that prompt attention should be sought if a child shows unusual tiredness or breathing difficulties after swimming.

This 600-year-old French house seems to defy gravity; the real reason lies in a medieval tax rule

Skyroot Aerospace to Launch Gold and Diamonds Aboard India's Smallest Rocket

Indian space startup Skyroot Aerospace is set to make history by sending gold and diamonds into space aboard India's smallest rocket. The mission represents a significant milestone for Skyroot, which holds the distinction of being India's youngest space technology unicorn. The company is currently valued at over $1.1 billion, underscoring its rapid rise in the private space sector. This launch marks yet another pioneering achievement for the Hyderabad-based firm in India's growing commercial space industry.

Ram Mandir Trust reveals Rs 3,264 crore received, Rs 2,370 crore spent on construction

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has disclosed a detailed financial account of its operations, reporting total receipts of over Rs 3,264 crore. Of this amount, Rs 2,370 crore has been directed toward the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Silver donated by devotees has been melted down into bars, with all related records made available for public inspection. Donors wishing to verify their contributions can do so by visiting Ayodhya and reviewing the trust's financial records. The trust also accepted key resignations and announced reforms aimed at improving transparency and operational efficiency.

Trump Called FIFA Chief to Overturn Balogun's Red Card; Suspension Lifted

US President Donald Trump confirmed he personally called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of American footballer Folarin Balogun's red card and resulting suspension. FIFA subsequently lifted the suspension, allowing Balogun to continue playing in the tournament. The reversal drew public praise from Trump, who took credit for the intervention. However, the decision sparked significant outrage from Belgium, the opposing side affected by the ruling. The overturning of a suspension at this stage is considered an extraordinary and unprecedented move in World Cup history.

FIFA freezes US striker Balogun's ban after Trump contacts Infantino

US President Donald Trump reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding a red card suspension handed to American striker Balogun. FIFA subsequently invoked a rarely used rule to place the one-match ban on hold. The decision has sparked widespread controversy across the global football community. Critics contend that political pressure has no place in the governance of sport. The episode has also drawn attention to broader themes around geopolitics and immigration linked to the player.

Tamil Actor-Politician Vijay Urges PM Modi to Reconsider Food Security Law Changes

Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a reconsideration of proposed amendments to the food security law. The letter specifically calls for retaining the existing provisions under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), a scheme that provides subsidised food to the poorest households. Vijay expressed concern that the proposed changes could negatively impact the most vulnerable sections of society. The appeal highlights growing political attention around food welfare policies ahead of potential legislative revisions.

Xbox CEO Addresses Staff After Microsoft Cuts 3,200 Jobs Across FY27

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma sent an internal email to staff following a major round of layoffs affecting 3,200 employees. In her message, Sharma confirmed that 1,600 workers would be let go on Monday, with the remaining cuts to follow throughout fiscal year 2027. The layoffs represent a significant workforce reduction within Microsoft's Xbox division. Sharma's communication aimed to inform remaining staff about the timeline and scale of the job cuts.

SpaceX to Deorbit Hundreds of Starlink Satellites, Burning Them Up in Atmosphere

SpaceX plans to intentionally deorbit a large number of its Starlink satellites between late 2025 and mid-2026. The company will guide the satellites into Earth's atmosphere, where they will be completely incinerated. This controlled disposal process is part of SpaceX's strategy to manage its growing satellite constellation and avoid space debris. While SpaceX maintains that the satellites burn up entirely without surface impact, scientists have raised concerns about the long-term effects the released materials could have on the upper atmosphere.

Jharkhand Father Dies Saving Daughter From Fallen Power Line, Four Kin Injured

A man in Jharkhand lost his life while attempting to rescue his daughter from a snapped power line. The girl had come into contact with the fallen live wire, prompting her father to intervene. Four other family members who also rushed to help the girl sustained burn injuries in the incident. All four injured relatives are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital, according to police.