India

Rising US Childcare Costs Push Grandparents Into Full-Time Caregiving Roles

Soaring childcare expenses in the United States are compelling many working parents to rely on grandparents for childcare support. Mary Jo Galusha, a 67-year-old teacher from Idaho, retired early and relocated across the country to Delaware to care for her grandchildren. Her decision came as childcare costs reportedly rivaled mortgage payments, making professional care financially unviable for her family. This growing trend exposes a significant gap in America's childcare infrastructure, leaving families to seek informal arrangements. Many grandparents, however, willingly step into these roles, valuing the extra time spent with their grandchildren.

Rubio Open to Iran Talks at UNGA as Tehran Offers Hormuz Deal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is open to holding talks with Iran at the United Nations General Assembly. He made these remarks during an interview with NBC. The development comes amid reports that Iran has signaled willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US lifts its blockade. The exchange marks a potential diplomatic opening between the two countries amid ongoing tensions.

EC announces biennial polls on October 16 for 11 Rajya Sabha seats across UP, Uttarakhand

Mahindra Thar OG Launched at Rs 10.32 Lakh With New Platform and Upgrades

Mahindra has officially launched the updated Thar OG, with prices starting at Rs 10.32 lakh ex-showroom. The SUV is built on a new platform and comes with a revised suspension setup for better ride dynamics. It features more powerful engine options, enhanced safety equipment, styling updates, and improved interior comfort. Customer deliveries for the new Thar OG are expected to commence in October 2026.

Amit Shah Sets 2029 Target to Make India Drug-Free, Urges Action Over Talk

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set 2029 as the deadline to achieve a drug-free India, vowing that not a single gram of narcotics should enter the country. Shah directed all states to move beyond routine meetings and reports, focusing instead on mission-driven action and tangible results. He emphasized that the goal should not merely be seizing drugs but completely dismantling the networks behind their distribution. The minister's remarks signal a sharper, more outcome-oriented approach to India's ongoing war against drug trafficking.

PT Usha questions absence of Athletes Village model at Asian Games

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha, one of India's most decorated Asian Games athletes, has raised concerns about the accommodation model at the Asian Games. Usha emphasized that an Athletes Village serves a purpose beyond just housing competitors. She argued that such a village fosters interaction among athletes from different nations and builds the unique atmosphere associated with multi-sport events. Her remarks highlight a broader concern about preserving the traditional spirit and community experience of major international sporting competitions.

Class 2 Student Dies After Collapsing Near High-Volume DJ Procession in UP

A Class 2 student in Uttar Pradesh collapsed and died shortly after a loud DJ procession passed in front of the school. The incident occurred when an immersion procession featuring a DJ playing music at extremely high volume moved past the school premises. The sudden and loud noise is believed to have triggered the child's collapse. The tragic event has raised serious concerns about the dangers of high-decibel music near schools and public spaces.

Rajya Sabha polls for 12 seats: BJP likely to retain 8 in UP, SP eyes gain

Supreme Court Contrasts Gurugram's Rain Failures With Greater Noida's Long-Term Planning

The Supreme Court observed that Gurugram's infrastructure repeatedly fails during rains due to insufficient investment, contrasting it with Greater Noida, which was planned with a 30–40 year vision. The remarks came while the court was hearing a petition challenging Karnataka's Premium Floor Area Ratio (FAR) scheme. The scheme permits developers to purchase additional construction rights by paying a premium to authorities. The court, however, made clear that the scheme must not be used as a tool to regularise illegal constructions.

Bollywood mourns as Rani Mukerji's mother Krishna passes away at 75

Krishna Mukerji, mother of actress Rani Mukerji, passed away at the age of 75, with Yash Raj Films confirming the news and requesting privacy for the family. The funeral was held on Tuesday, drawing several prominent Bollywood figures including Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt to pay their last respects. Krishna was widely credited with fostering Rani's love for acting from a young age. Rani has recently been associated with projects such as 'Mardaani 3' and the forthcoming film 'King.'

IIT-Bombay Student Died by Suicide After Reporting Caste Abuse to Parents

Sahil Wakode, a student at IIT-Bombay, died by suicide after allegedly facing caste-based discrimination on campus. His father revealed that Sahil had informed the family about the abuse he was experiencing. The father admitted he advised his son to endure the mistreatment, citing the difficulty of securing admission to a prestigious institution like IIT. The case has raised serious concerns about caste discrimination within India's top academic institutions.

Kerala Orders Crime Branch Inquiry Into Bribery Allegations Against CM Vijayan, Daughter

The Kerala government has ordered a police inquiry into bribery allegations levelled against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter. The probe will be conducted by the Crime Branch wing of the state police. Notably, no First Information Report (FIR) will be registered as part of this inquiry. The decision signals a formal but preliminary investigation into the allegations surrounding the state's top leadership.

India Women's Cricket Wins Asian Games Gold, Beats Sri Lanka by 147 Runs

India's women's cricket team claimed gold at the Asian Games for the second consecutive time, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs. The team was led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur throughout the tournament. The victory updated India's overall medal tally to one gold, four silver, and two bronze medals. With events such as badminton and wushu still to conclude, India's tally is expected to grow further.

Angel One Founder Dinesh Thakkar Buys Juhu Tower from Embassy for Rs 711 Crore

Embassy Developments has signed an MoU to sell an entire residential tower at its Embassy Terrazza project in Juhu to Dinesh Thakkar, founder of broking firm Angel One. The deal is valued at approximately Rs 711 crore, inclusive of all associated costs. The transaction marks the largest single residential unit sale ever recorded by Embassy Developments in India. The luxury property is located in Juhu, one of Mumbai's most prestigious neighbourhoods.

Michigan sixth-grader builds $300 firefighting drone that extinguished 18 of 20 fires

Sanat Pandit, a sixth-grade student at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has built a low-cost drone aimed at fighting fires without endangering human lives. The unmanned aerial vehicle cost just $300 to construct and successfully put out 18 of 20 test fires. The drone is equipped with thermal imaging, sonar, and path-planning technology to detect and target hot spots. Pandit designed the device to address one of firefighting's most critical challenges — reaching dangerous blazes remotely and safely.

Assam Singer Simanta Shekhar Resigns from BJP After Criticising Party MLA

Assamese singer Simanta Shekhar has quit the Bharatiya Janata Party following a dispute involving a BJP MLA over fellow singer Zubeen Garg. Shekhar announced his resignation on Monday through a Facebook post. He stated that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The singer also sent his resignation to the BJP's state president in Assam.

Mumbai Court Bans Firecrackers on Roads Over Toxic Pollution Concerns

A court in Mumbai has banned the use of firecrackers on roads, citing serious concerns over noise and air pollution. The court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, meaning it initiated the case on its own without a formal petition. The action was triggered by the severe pollution caused during public processions in the city. The court described firecrackers as dangerous and a source of toxic pollution.

India Leads Major Economies in Growth Outlook, Beats Southeast Asia: Survey

A recent survey has ranked India as having the strongest growth outlook among major economies globally. India edged out Southeast Asia, where 73 percent of respondents anticipated strong or very strong economic growth. The findings highlight India's relative economic resilience compared to other significant regional and global players. The survey reflects broad confidence among respondents in India's near-term economic trajectory.

Sri Lanka Court Convicts 14 for 2019 Easter Bombings That Killed 279

A Sri Lankan three-judge bench has convicted 14 individuals on all charges related to the deadly Easter Sunday bombings of 2019. The charges included murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms and explosives under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The attacks, which targeted churches and hotels, killed 279 people and wounded hundreds more. The verdict marks a significant legal milestone in one of South Asia's deadliest terrorist incidents in recent history.

Meetings In Hotels, Deal Promise: How Investment Turned Into Fraud Case