India

'Judiciary reduced to playing second fiddle to govt’: SC slams collegium critics

Pat Boone's Beverly Hills estate listed at $22.95M, bought for $159K in 1960

Legendary entertainer Pat Boone has put his long-time Beverly Hills estate on the market for $22.95 million. He and his late wife Shirley originally purchased the property back in 1960 for just $159,000. The estate spans 1.12 acres and includes a six-bedroom main residence along with a separate guest house. Boone has decided to part with the home after residing there for over 60 years. The listing reflects the dramatic appreciation in Beverly Hills real estate values over the past six decades.

North Carolina town of Ronda votes to dissolve amid severe financial struggles

Ronda, a small North Carolina town founded in 1907, has voted to begin the process of dissolving itself due to serious financial difficulties. The town has been struggling with issues including late audits and budget violations, drawing scrutiny to its local government. Despite attempts to address these fiscal problems, town leaders concluded that dissolution may be the only sustainable path forward. Residents are expected to experience changes to services currently provided by the town as the process unfolds.

Gadkari Pushes Sugar Mills to Produce CBG, Ethanol to Cut Fuel Import Bill

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged sugar mills across India to diversify into value-added by-products as a strategy to reduce the country's dependence on fuel imports. He highlighted that India currently spends around Rs 22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports, calling it a significant economic burden. Gadkari specifically encouraged mills to invest in producing compressed bio-gas (CBG), ethanol, bio-manure, and sustainable aviation fuel. The minister's appeal is part of a broader push to promote domestic clean energy alternatives and strengthen the agricultural processing sector.

Michael Jordan's 1995 Signed Baseball Card Sells for $625,250 at Auction

A 1995 autographed baseball card featuring Michael Jordan has sold for $625,250. The card highlights Jordan's brief but notable foray into professional baseball during his first retirement from the NBA. The sale underscores the enduring market demand for rare memorabilia tied to the basketball legend. No further details about the auction house, buyer, or exact sale date were provided in the source.

Iran Uses Telugu Film Clip to Mock Trump in Social Media Post

Iran shared a 58-second clip from the Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari on social media, apparently using it to mock US President Donald Trump. The clip features actor Nandamuri Balakrishna in an intense standoff scene involving two armed groups carrying rifles, riot shields, and other weapons. The post drew attention for its unusual use of Indian cinema in a geopolitical context. The move reflects ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, with Iran opting for an unconventional form of political messaging.

UN Begins Search for New Secretary-General Amid Wars and Financial Crisis

The United Nations has formally launched the process to select a new Secretary-General, with the search gaining momentum after beginning in November 2025. The UN Security Council plays a central role, as it must put forward a candidate for approval by the General Assembly. The incoming chief will inherit a deeply challenging global landscape marked by ongoing armed conflicts and sharp geopolitical divisions among member states. Adding to the difficulty, the organisation is also grappling with a significant financial shortfall that threatens its operational capacity.

Ladakh administration withdraws cases against 20 booked in last year’s Leh violence

Mirabai Chanu Wins Asian Games Silver, Ends India's 28-Year Weightlifting Drought

Mirabai Chanu claimed her first-ever Asian Games medal by finishing second in the women's 49kg weightlifting event. The Olympic silver medallist lifted a combined total of 198kg, comprising 87kg in Snatch and 111kg in Clean & Jerk. Her podium finish ended a 28-year wait for India in weightlifting at the Asian Games. The last Indian weightlifter to win an Asiad medal was Karnam Malleswari, who also took silver back in 1998.

Supreme Court Rejects Collegium Comparison During Election Commission Bias Hearing

The Supreme Court sharply responded to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta after he referenced the collegium system for appointing judges during a hearing on Election Commission appointments. Mehta raised the judges' selection method in an apparent attempt to counter an argument made by Justice Dipankar Datta regarding possible bias in how Election Commissioners are appointed. The court viewed the collegium reference as an attempt to divert attention from the core issue under discussion. The bench's reaction underscored its focus on examining the appointment process for Election Commission officials rather than engaging in comparisons with judicial selection.

Bihar Cops Arrest Groping Suspect, Accidentally Nab His Father Wanted for 2003 Murder

A man accused of groping was arrested by Bihar police, leading them unexpectedly to his father, Ganori Yadav. Yadav had been a fugitive for over two decades in connection with a double murder case. The killings took place in 2003 in Pratappur village in Bihar's Jamui district, where two brothers were allegedly slain. Yadav had successfully evaded law enforcement for 21 years before his son's arrest brought police to his location.

Can Pakistan afford to be the Muslim world's 'security guard'?

Josh Allen leads NFL MVP race despite Mahomes outpassing him in Week 2

Analyst Nick Wright has voiced his support for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen over Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes in the NFL MVP race. Despite Mahomes leading Week 2 in passing yards, multiple analysts continue to favour Allen as the frontrunner. Allen has made a strong case for the award, recording nine touchdowns across the first two games of the season. In current MVP odds and rankings, Allen holds the top spot while Mahomes sits just behind him at number two. The rivalry between the two quarterbacks remains one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL.

India could see nearly 16,000 more heat deaths in next 6 months: Report

Jaishankar Raises India's Concerns Over Russia Sanctions Law in Rubio Meeting

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a bilateral discussion. India raised concerns about US sanctions legislation targeting Russia, which could affect Indian entities engaging in trade with Moscow. The meeting reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts between India and the United States to navigate differences over India's ties with Russia. New Delhi has consistently maintained its independent foreign policy stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ex-Election Commissioner Lavasa Calls for Scrapping Phase 3 of SIR

Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa has called for scrapping Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, speaking to NDTV. His remarks follow a media report alleging that two election commissioners had disagreed with several decisions taken by the Election Commission of India. The controversy has drawn fresh attention to internal differences within the poll body. Lavasa's intervention adds to the ongoing debate over the ECI's functioning and decision-making processes.

Hacker Group Claims FBI Jobs Site Breach, Agency Launches Investigation

A hacker group has claimed responsibility for breaching FBIjobs.gov, alleging it obtained data on nearly all FBI agents. The FBI has acknowledged the claims, confirming it is aware of reports of unauthorised activity on the recruitment website. The agency stated it is currently investigating the alleged breach. No further details have been disclosed by the FBI regarding the scope or validity of the hackers' claims.

One Dead, Six Hurt After Car Overturns on Purvanchal Expressway in UP

A road accident on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh left one person dead and six others injured. The incident occurred when a car lost control and overturned on the expressway. Rescue personnel deployed at the expressway responded promptly and transported all those injured to a hospital in Kumar Ganj. Doctors at the hospital declared one of the victims, identified as Ansar, dead on arrival. Police confirmed the details of the accident and the subsequent rescue operation.

Identifying weak areas, manning emergency hotlines: How Odisha braces for deep depression

Speeding Truck Kills Man and 3 Children in Haryana's Nuh District

A tragic road accident in Haryana's Nuh district claimed the lives of a man and three children late Tuesday night. The collision occurred around 11 pm when a speeding truck struck a motorcycle. The incident took place near Maria Manzil School on Tauru road in Nuh. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.