India

California may fine influencers who hide political campaign payments

Zach Dell's Base Power hits $13bn valuation with home battery storage push

Base Power, a residential energy startup founded by Zach Dell, son of tech billionaire Michael Dell, has reached a valuation of $13 billion. The company has raised $1 billion in funding to support its growth in the home battery storage sector. Base Power has already completed around 23,000 battery installations across residential properties. The startup is now expanding its operations into additional US states as demand for home energy solutions grows.

Pumas in Washington cut deer-vehicle collisions by 76%, study finds

A new study highlights the role of pumas on Washington's Olympic Peninsula in significantly reducing deer-related road accidents. The large carnivores alter deer behavior, pushing them away from highways and discouraging nighttime movement near roads. This behavioral shift has been linked to a 76% drop in vehicle collisions involving deer in the region. Researchers say the findings demonstrate the broader environmental and safety benefits that large carnivores provide to local communities. The study makes a case for coexistence with apex predators as a practical tool for public safety.

100% tariffs on India soon? US Senate clears Russia sanctions bill; 10 things to know

Turkey's KAAN Jet Surges Ahead as India's AMCA Program Faces Delays

Turkey's KAAN fifth-generation fighter program is making significant strides, with multiple prototypes under testing and deliveries on the horizon. In contrast, India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is hampered by unresolved engine selection and challenges in stealth material development. Turkey's multi-prototype approach has notably compressed its development timeline, giving it a clear edge. India's AMCA is not expected to make its first flight until the early 2030s at the earliest. The widening gap raises concerns about India falling behind in next-generation air combat capabilities.

Seven Dead, Eleven Hurt in Himachal Pradesh Bus Crash in Chamba District

A bus accident near Chalunj Mor in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district claimed seven lives and left eleven others injured on Saturday morning. All injured passengers were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Six of the more seriously injured were subsequently transferred to a larger facility for advanced care. Rescue teams were deployed to the scene to assist with the emergency response.

Microsoft sets AI token budgets, warns engineers against excessive Copilot use

Microsoft EVP Jay Parikh has issued an internal memo warning engineers that maximizing AI token usage is not a company goal. The memo, first reported by 404 Media, reveals that Microsoft has switched its default internal model to OpenAI's more cost-efficient GPT-5.6. The company has introduced token budget targets across every division to manage spending on AI tools. Employees now have access to individual dashboards to monitor their own GitHub Copilot usage and costs. The guidelines highlight that many engineers are currently spending hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly on the tool.

CM Dhami Promises Support to Rishabh Pant for Land Acquisition in Uttarakhand

Cricketer Rishabh Pant approached Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami seeking assistance in acquiring land in the state. Dhami responded positively, assuring government support in accordance with applicable regulations. Pant expressed his wish to build his first home in his home state and indicated willingness to purchase land at official rates. State officials are set to contact Pant directly to facilitate and simplify the land acquisition process.

Bengaluru Hotel Body Demands Swiggy Reform Fees, Commissions and Promotions Policy

The Bengaluru hotel association has written a formal letter to Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor seeking immediate resolution of several grievances. The association has demanded that service charges be applied exclusively to food items and not extended to other fees. It has also raised concerns over commission structures, promotional obligations, and additional charges imposed on partner restaurants. The letter calls for prompt action from Swiggy's leadership to address these issues affecting the hospitality sector in the city.

Maharashtra Court Awards Death Penalty for Rape and Murder of 9-Year-Old Girl

A court in Maharashtra has sentenced a man to death for the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl. The accused was an acquaintance of the victim's father, making the crime a severe breach of trust. The court described the act as one of extreme brutality, noting the child was subjected to what it called 'animal passion.' Condemning the nature of the offense, the court observed that a child who deserved a carefree childhood was instead met with horrific violence. The case was classified as one of the rarest of rare crimes, warranting the capital punishment awarded.

India steps up sixth-gen fighter push, moves to co-join French-led FCAS

Bengaluru 3-star and 5-star hotels flagged for expired food and hygiene lapses

Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has initiated action against multiple premium hotels in Bengaluru following a special inspection drive. Both three-star and five-star establishments were found to be in violation of food safety standards. Inspectors uncovered issues including expired food items and poor hygiene conditions on the premises. The crackdown was carried out by the department's dedicated Food Safety Wing as part of a targeted enforcement effort.

Odisha Woman Dies After Receiving Wrong Injection at Medical Store

A woman in Odisha died after being administered an incorrect injection at a local medical store for fever treatment. She rapidly developed severe adverse reactions shortly after receiving the injection. Her family rushed her to a nearby hospital, but she could not survive and was declared dead on the way. The incident has raised serious concerns about unqualified medical practices at retail pharmacies.

Akal Takht Panel Urges Punjab Govt to Address Concerns Before Anti-Sacrilege Law Talks

An expert panel from Akal Takht met on Thursday to review the proposed anti-sacrilege law in Punjab. The panel found that the state government's response had not adequately addressed key objections raised earlier. It called on the government to submit a compliance report before any further discussions on the matter can proceed. The panel also noted that the government had not yet formed its own discussion group to engage with the issue. Members stressed that a broader consensus within the Sikh community is essential for resolving this sensitive matter effectively.

Amarinder Singh Reaffirms BJP Loyalty After Rahul Gandhi's Warm Remarks

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has reaffirmed his political commitment to the BJP following a notable comment by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had referred to Amarinder Singh in warm terms, describing him as a favourite. Singh acknowledged that his personal and family ties with Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi remain intact. However, he drew a clear distinction between his personal relationships and his political allegiances, firmly stating his continued loyalty to the BJP.

Bengaluru 5-Star Hotels Found Storing Rotten Vegetables, Expired Milk in Raids

Food safety officials conducted inspection raids on premium hotels in Bengaluru, uncovering serious hygiene violations. Authorities discovered rotten vegetables and expired milk being stored at several five-star establishments. The drive was specifically aimed at ensuring that top-tier hospitality venues comply with food safety regulations. Officials stated the inspections were intended to hold even the city's most prestigious hotels accountable to hygiene standards.

Gravely injured, 'a voice in the dark', not in Iran: Where is Mojtaba Khamenei?

'There needs to be accountability': UN warns Pakistan over crackdown in PoK

Tharoor urges parties to heed youth vote ahead of 2029 elections

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called on political parties to actively engage with young voters, warning that their influence can no longer be ignored. He pointed out that Gen Z and Gen Alpha will collectively form the largest voting bloc by the 2029 general elections. Tharoor cited recent protests and bypoll outcomes as evidence of the growing electoral clout of younger generations. He suggested the ruling party has received a clear warning signal from these developments. The Congress party, meanwhile, is looking to capitalise on this momentum in state elections scheduled for March.

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions coach to lead Sydney Thunder in BBL

Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of the England Lions after two years in the role. He is set to move to Australia, where he will take charge of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. Flintoff expressed pride in having mentored young cricketers during his tenure with the Lions. He also acknowledged the contributions of the coaching staff and support team who worked alongside him.