India

NHAI Issues New Guidelines for Barrier-Free Tolling on High-Speed Highways

India's National Highways Authority (NHAI) has rolled out fresh guidelines aimed at modernising the country's high-speed highway infrastructure. The new rules mandate barrier-free tolling systems, allowing vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping. The guidelines also emphasise smarter traffic planning to improve overall flow and reduce congestion on major corridors. Additional measures include enhanced drainage systems to address waterlogging and road safety concerns. The move is part of a broader push to make Indian highways more efficient, safer, and environmentally sustainable.

Texas homeowner wins $33K lawsuit against HOA after three-year rental dispute

Texas homeowner Elizabeth Luna has been awarded $33,243 following a nearly three-year legal battle with her homeowners association. A Bexar County judge ruled against the Oaks Northwest HOA, ordering it to pay $20,743.39 in damages and attorney's fees. HOA president Terri Thomure was separately ordered to pay $12,500 for interfering with Luna's rental contract. The dispute centered on rental restrictions, tenant interference, and a blocked property sale. The ruling marks a significant win for homeowners challenging HOA authority over rental and property rights.

NALSAR students screen uncertified Umar Khalid documentary amid censorship concerns

A student-led group at NALSAR University held a solidarity screening of a documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid. The film has not received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification. Similar screenings at other universities had previously been called off following intimidation and threats, sparking debate over censorship. The university's vice-chancellor clarified that the event was not officially authorized by the institution. The screening has reignited discussions around academic freedom, justice, and human rights.

Delhi court allows foreign nationals held in NIA terror case to leave India for one month

Hollywood Stars Arrested at New York Protest Against Netanyahu's UN Visit

Several Hollywood celebrities were among those arrested during an anti-Netanyahu protest in New York City. Demonstrators staged a sit-in on city streets, carrying banners with messages such as 'Stop Arming Israel' and 'End the Genocide.' The protest coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address at the United Nations. Netanyahu delivered a defiant speech at the UN while the demonstrations unfolded outside.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to close San Francisco museum after 59 years

Man Attacked Outside Gurugram Police Station After Escaping Robbery Attempt

A man named Gautam was allegedly confronted by four individuals who attempted to rob him while he was driving in Gurugram. He managed to escape and went to the New Colony police station along with associates to report the incident. The four suspects followed and attacked Gautam and his companions outside the police station, leaving them with multiple injuries. Police subsequently tracked down and arrested the suspects, who had taken refuge in a nearby hotel.

IMD Warns of Heavy Rain Across Bengal, Odisha as Bay of Bengal Depression Forms

A new weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal is set to trigger heavy rainfall across several Indian states. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy showers for the affected regions. States including West Bengal and Odisha are expected to bear the brunt of the incoming rainfall. The fresh spell of rain is forecast to impact multiple parts of India on Friday.

Court Rules Wife's Comments on Husband's Looks Not Grounds for Divorce

A High Court has rejected a husband's petition seeking divorce from his wife. The man had alleged cruelty based on his wife reportedly calling him 'dark' and 'fat'. The court found that such remarks did not meet the legal threshold for cruelty or desertion. The husband was also unable to provide sufficient evidence to establish either ground for dissolution of the marriage. The court therefore declined to grant the divorce.

Hundreds of Trucks Stranded at Turkey-Iran Border Amid US Blockade

Hundreds of trucks have piled up at the Turkey-Iran border following a US blockade on Iran. The blockade has severely restricted the majority of Iran's imports, disrupting overland trade routes. Iran's oil and gas exports, which form the backbone of its economy, have also been significantly curtailed. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for urgent measures to speed up overland trade as an alternative. The situation highlights the mounting economic pressure Iran faces due to the US-imposed restrictions.

Shehbaz-Pezeshkian meet in New York, Pak pushes de-escalation, Islamabad MoU

California's Historic 5,650-Acre Spanish Ranch Secured from Future Development

Spanish Ranch, a 5,650-acre property in California's Cuyama region dating back to an 1843 Mexican land grant, has been permanently protected from development. The California Rangeland Trust led a fundraising campaign that successfully raised $1 million to secure the conservation effort. Funding came from a combination of private donors and conservation programs. The initiative aims to preserve sustainable agricultural practices alongside diverse wildlife habitats on the historic land.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico back at White House after court halts Trump ban

UK tribunal allows £76M disability discrimination claim against Gitpod to proceed

Tech executive Shannon Burns has been granted the right to pursue £76 million in compensation from software firm Gitpod following a disability discrimination ruling. Burns was dismissed after she fell asleep in a sauna during a company work trip in Austria, having forgotten her room key. The employment tribunal rejected Gitpod's attempt to limit her compensation claim to £1 million. The case has additional financial implications as Gitpod's recent acquisition by OpenAI could impact the value of Burns' shares in the company.

Netanyahu Claims Jews Feel Unsafe in New York After Mamdani's Election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a controversial claim at the United Nations on Thursday. He alleged that many Jewish people no longer feel safe in New York City following the election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Netanyahu characterized Mamdani as a leftist politician whose rise to power has contributed to this sense of insecurity. The remarks were delivered during Netanyahu's address at the UN, drawing attention to the political climate in New York.

Barmer MLA Ravindra Bhati to Launch 5-Day March to Expand Political Reach in Rajasthan

Barmer MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati is planning a 5-day march aimed at strengthening his political presence across Rajasthan. Bhati has built a significant social media following, with 3.1 million Instagram followers, over 1.6 million on Facebook, and around 349,000 on Twitter. The march is intended to translate his online popularity into broader ground-level support. The move signals Bhati's ambitions to expand his influence beyond his Barmer constituency.

Goa Electoral Officer Assures No Eligible Voter Will Be Left Off Rolls

Goa's Chief Electoral Officer has addressed concerns over 97 electors who were not included in the electoral rolls. The officer clarified that many of the affected individuals have since been added to the rolls. Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring no eligible voter is excluded from the electoral process. The statement came in response to questions raised about the omissions in the state's voter registration records.

Union Ministers Told to Boost Grassroots Outreach for Welfare Schemes

Union ministers have been directed to stay actively engaged at the grassroots level to ensure welfare scheme benefits reach all intended recipients. The instruction came during a brainstorming session held among members of the Union Cabinet. Ministers were also asked to exchange learnings and best practices with one another. These shared insights are being formally documented for broader use within the government.

Meta AI Chief Posts Edited Modi Photo Mocking Altman-Amodei Snub, Then Deletes It

Meta's AI chief Alexandr Wang shared an edited version of a widely circulated photo featuring OpenAI's Sam Altman and Anthropic's Dario Amodei with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the original image, Altman and Amodei were notably not holding hands, creating an awkward gap in the chain. Wang inserted Meta's furry mascot Muse between the two AI executives, depicting it holding both their hands. The edit was framed as a humorous jab suggesting Muse could unite even rival AI figures. Wang later deleted the post without explanation.

Owners didn’t engage ‘qualified’ persons for structural changes to Satya Niketan building: Cops