India

Domestic chip mandate for smart meters by mid-2028: Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal

Beyond MMA: The deep brotherhood binding Khabib and Islam Makhachev

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev share a bond that goes far beyond their professional careers in mixed martial arts. Both fighters grew up together in Dagestan, training under the mentorship of Khabib's father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Their shared upbringing involved rigorous athletic training and common aspirations from an early age. Khabib regards Makhachev not merely as a training partner but as a brother, reflecting the personal depth of their relationship. This close-knit connection is seen as a significant factor underlying their respective achievements in the sport.

China to Gift Two Giant Pandas to Zoo Atlanta Amid Xi's US State Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, will be sent to Zoo Atlanta in the United States. The announcement was made at the opening of Xi's state visit to the US on Thursday. Xi stated the pandas are expected to arrive within a few days. The gesture is seen as a symbolic move during high-level diplomatic engagement between China and the United States.

Child Rape Cases Quadrupled in a Decade While Conviction Rates Stayed Low

Reported rape cases involving girl victims under 18 surged dramatically over ten years in India, according to police data. In 2015, authorities recorded 10,934 such victims, a number that climbed to 43,675 by 2024. This represents nearly a fourfold increase in registered cases over the decade. Despite the sharp rise in reported incidents, conviction rates for these offences have remained persistently low. The data highlights a widening gap between case registration and successful prosecution of child rape offences.

Centre Asks Supreme Court for 2-Year Grace Period on OBC Creamy Layer Ruling

The Indian central government has requested a two-year window before the Supreme Court's OBC creamy layer verdict is enforced. The government is seeking what it calls a 'limited prospective overruling,' meaning the judgment would apply only going forward rather than immediately. Authorities argue that instant implementation could disrupt seniority structures, cadre allocations, and appointments already made under earlier recruitment processes. The concern is that candidates who were not part of the original litigation could be adversely affected by a sudden change in rules. The government's position reflects the administrative complexity of applying a landmark ruling retroactively across ongoing and completed recruitments.

Woman Files Complaint After Photo Morphed With PM Modi's Image Via AI

A woman has alleged that her photograph was digitally manipulated using AI and face-swap technology to falsely superimpose her image with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident is said to have occurred in the context of protests related to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). Police have registered a case following the woman's complaint. The use of AI-generated morphed images raises concerns about digital misinformation and harassment during politically sensitive events.

Sahil Wakode's Death Exposes STEM-Humanities Divide at IIT Bombay

The suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode has ignited a broader conversation about academic culture at the institution. His death has brought to light a deeper divide between students in STEM disciplines and those in the humanities. While STEM students tend to view such incidents through procedural and institutional frameworks, humanities students often emphasize social identities and power dynamics. The protests that followed Wakode's death reflected these contrasting perspectives. The episode has underscored longstanding underlying tensions within the IIT Bombay campus community.

UAE Bans Iranian Airlines Amid US Sanctions Compliance

The United Arab Emirates has suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines, citing compliance with US sanctions against Iran. Dubai, a key commercial hub in the UAE, has historically been a major destination for Iranian carriers, with several flights operating daily between the two countries. The move reflects the close yet now strained ties between the UAE and Iran, given Dubai's significant Iranian expatriate community and strong business connections. The suspension marks a notable shift in regional aviation and trade dynamics as the UAE aligns itself with American sanctions policy.

How a 1914 Vanderbilt Land Sale at $5/Acre Created Pisgah National Forest

In 1914, Edith Vanderbilt sold 86,700 acres of land to the U.S. federal government at far below market value, reportedly around $5 per acre. The decision was driven by her desire to honor her late husband's commitment to forest preservation and conservation. The land was officially designated as Pisgah National Forest in 1916, making it one of the earliest national forests in the eastern United States. The sale is widely regarded as a defining moment in American public land conservation history.

Two Bike-Borne Men Snatch Earrings from Woman Sarpanch in Punjab Village

A woman sarpanch named Amritjit Kaur was robbed of her earrings by two men in Saidolehal village, Amritsar, Punjab. The incident occurred when the two accused arrived at her residence on a motorcycle. Kaur, who serves as the elected head of the village, was inside her home at the time of the snatching. The two unidentified men fled the scene after committing the crime. Authorities are believed to be investigating the incident.

Election Commission verifies VIP voter entries for Delhi's final electoral rolls

The Election Commission of India has validated the electoral entries of prominent voters in New Delhi for inclusion in the final voter rolls. These individuals received Special Intensive Revision notices requiring verification of their personal details. The Commission stated it followed standard procedures in processing these verifications. Responses to the notices were accepted through both online and offline channels. The move highlights the routine but closely watched process of maintaining accurate electoral records in the capital.

‘Let Gaza live’: Netanyahu faces protests in New York as demonstrators block roads ahead of UN speech

Goa CEO assures action after 97 voters found missing from electoral rolls

Goa's Chief Electoral Officer has addressed concerns over 97 voters who were left out of the state's electoral rolls. The individuals were flagged during the Special Intensive Revision process due to data discrepancies. Subsequent door-to-door visits by officials helped re-register many of the eligible voters. The episode has cast doubt on the reliability of the Election Commission's ECINet software. Opposition parties have seized on the issue to criticise electoral registration procedures and the centralisation of voter data management.

Lacheys relist Tarzana estate at $8.2M after buying it back from Naomi Osaka

Nick and Vanessa Lachey have listed their Tarzana, Los Angeles estate for nearly $8.2 million. The couple previously sold the property to tennis star Naomi Osaka, who purchased it for $6.3 million. Osaka later sold it back to the Lacheys for $7.95 million. During her ownership, Osaka added fitness-focused upgrades including a custom gym and a high-end recovery suite. The transaction reflects the active and high-value nature of celebrity real estate dealings in Los Angeles.

Trump's war on press runs into judicial hurdle; court orders WH to let journos back in

Jason Collins' Los Angeles home listed for $3.75 million after his passing

The longtime Los Angeles residence of late NBA star Jason Collins has been put on the market for $3.75 million. Collins originally bought the property in 2004 for $2.39 million and lived there for over 20 years. The home spans more than 5,000 square feet and was constructed in 1989. It features a red-tile roof, four en-suite bedrooms, a swimming pool, a patio, and a large hot tub.

Stalin: No Protection Orders Issued for R Veeramani, Full Legal Action to Follow

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has issued a statement clarifying that no orders were given to shield R Veeramani within the DMK party. Stalin stated that Veeramani, those accused of abetting him, and anyone who attempted to protect him must all face legal consequences. He emphasized that the maximum punishment should be applied regardless of the individuals' positions or standing. The statement signals that the ruling party will not intervene to protect any accused in the case.

US and Iran in Talks Over Hormuz Strait Access and Economic Sanctions Relief

The United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in discussions aimed at reaching a deal over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping waterway. The negotiations have emerged as a potential pathway to resolving a conflict between the two nations that has persisted for nearly seven months. Iran is seeking relief from a US-imposed economic blockade that has been severely straining its economy. Control and access to the Strait of Hormuz has become the central point of leverage in these ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Hall & Oates star John Oates sells Colorado ranch for $6.9M after 28 years

Music legend John Oates and his wife Aimee transformed a bare 4.3-acre plot in Little Woody Creek, Colorado, into a scenic ranch property over 28 years. The couple built a five-bedroom log home on the land, which became a cherished holiday retreat for the family. As their visits grew less frequent, they decided to put the property on the market. The ranch was initially listed at $6 million before being raised to $7.5 million. The sale was ultimately finalized in July 2024 at $6.9 million.

India's Wedding Economy Expands as Curated Expos Transform Couple Planning

India's wedding industry is experiencing significant growth, evolving beyond traditional planning methods. Couples are increasingly turning to curated wedding expos to explore their options in a more immersive and connected way. These events are reshaping how brides and grooms discover vendors, trends, and services. The industry is also taking on a more global character, reflecting changing aspirations among Indian couples. As the market expands, the platforms and spaces where wedding decisions are made are transforming alongside it.