India

India's exports surge 25.4% in August, trimming trade deficit to $9.41bn

India's trade deficit narrowed to $9.41 billion in August 2026, driven by strong export growth. Overall exports rose 25.41% year-on-year to $82.68 billion, while imports climbed to $92.09 billion. Merchandise exports led the charge with a 26.12% increase, reaching $43.81 billion. Services exports also posted robust gains, further supporting the positive trend. The accelerating export momentum points to an improving trade outlook for India.

SpiceJet passengers stage sit-in at Delhi airport after 24-hour Dubai flight delay

Dozens of SpiceJet passengers were stranded at Delhi airport for over 24 hours after their flights to Dubai suffered significant delays. Frustrated travelers staged a sit-in protest, demanding basic amenities and clear communication from the airline. SpiceJet attributed the disruptions to operational issues and grounded aircraft. The airline issued an apology and said it was working to arrange alternate flights for the affected passengers.

Uber cuts 3,300 jobs, CEO promises lower fares and leaner structure

Ride-hailing giant Uber has laid off approximately 3,300 employees, representing nearly 10% of its global workforce. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced the move at the Goldman Sachs conference, stating that cost savings from the layoffs and declining insurance expenses would be passed on to customers through lower fares. The restructuring is also aimed at improving ride selection and fueling business growth. As part of the reorganisation, Uber is eliminating management layers and cutting almost all remote positions. The changes come as Uber faces intensifying competition in the US from autonomous vehicle services such as Waymo robotaxis.

Far-Right AfD Party Posts Landslide Win in German Election, Raising Alarm

Germany's Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has recorded a landslide victory in a recent election, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The party has drawn widespread concern due to its members' alleged neo-Nazi backgrounds and its leaders' history of downplaying the Holocaust. The result comes approximately 80 years after the end of the Nazi era, making the rise of the far-right movement particularly alarming to many observers. Critics warn that the AfD's growing influence echoes troubling parallels with Hitler's Nazi Germany. The party now stands on the brink of a major role in German governance, intensifying debate about the future of democratic norms in the country.

Airbnb buys New York Park Avenue building for $81.5M amid business flight fears

Airbnb has acquired a six-story building on Park Avenue in New York City for $81.5 million, signaling strong confidence in the city's long-term prospects. The purchase comes as some billionaires have publicly warned about a potential exodus of businesses from New York. AI firm Anthropic is also notably expanding its office footprint in the city around the same time. These moves stand in contrast to ongoing concerns about New York's progressive tax policies and regulatory environment. Together, the expansions suggest that major companies remain committed to the city despite the warnings.

'See how many allies of Pak were in that room': Omar praises Centre for Brics

Gurgaon Hit-and-Run: Two Arrested After Video Shows Deliberate Attack on Woman Biker

Gurgaon police have arrested Kalyan Singh Bainsla and his cousin Lavish in connection with a hit-and-run case involving a woman biker. Authorities stated that the accused deliberately rammed his car into the victim's bike with the intent to kill her, as evidenced by video footage. Charges of attempt to murder were added based on the statement provided by the victim. After making a media statement, the primary accused fled to Rajasthan but was subsequently tracked down and arrested.

‘Public will back BJP again’: CM Adhikari predicts win in Bengal's Nandigram

Josh Duhamel transforms 52-acre Minnesota property into off-grid family retreat

Actor Josh Duhamel has developed a 52-acre rural retreat in Minnesota, starting from a modest old cabin on the property. Over time, he expanded the land and upgraded it with basic utilities including electricity and running water. The transformation turned the once-rustic plot into a functional yet nature-focused getaway for his family. The retreat serves as a space for outdoor activities, including lakeside leisure time with his son.

'Perfect in doing drama': SC gives Rajpal Yadav final chance to deposit Rs 2 crore

Rupee drops 0.4% to 85.96 against dollar in sharpest single-day fall in two months

The Indian rupee recorded its steepest single-day decline in two months, falling 0.4% against the US dollar. Rising crude oil prices, partly driven by attacks on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure, added pressure on the currency. Expectations of higher US interest rates further weakened the rupee's position. The Reserve Bank of India intervened by selling dollars to help cushion the currency's losses. Bond yields also climbed as inflation concerns and bets on rate hikes intensified.

Indian teen Aaryan Shukla holds 9 Guinness records as world's top human calculator

Aaryan Shukla, a 16-year-old Indian prodigy, has earned global recognition as the world's best human calculator. He holds nine Guinness World Records and has won two Mental Calculation World Cup titles. Shukla began his mental arithmetic journey at age six and became a world champion by the time he was twelve. His achievements highlight the power of disciplined mental training and serve as an inspiration at a time when mathematical proficiency among students is reportedly declining.

CJP protest assault case: 'Influencer' Swatantra Bhardwaj gets 3-week interim bail

Historic Yorkshire mill seen in Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey catches fire

Sagrada Familia undergoes major structural reinforcement ahead of Gaudí centenary

Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia basilica is undergoing significant construction work as it approaches the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí's death. A 24-tonne adhesive solution is being used to bond stone and steel elements across the structure's many panels. Workers are employing digital modeling and off-site prefabrication techniques to accelerate the building process. The project also contends with environmental challenges such as salinity and underground vibrations. The ongoing effort reflects a broader commitment to innovation and collaboration in modern architectural practice.

Michigan test kills over 80% of invasive zebra mussels in five days

Ohio eyes 118-acre expansion to protect rare Kinnikinnick Fen wetland preserve

Ross County officials are backing a proposal to acquire 118 acres of land to strengthen protection around Kinnikinnick Fen and Herron Downs, a rare wetland area in Ohio. If approved, the acquisition would grow the existing preserve to approximately 450 acres. The effort is expected to be funded through Ohio's Clean Ohio conservation program. In a notable gesture, the current property owners have offered to donate their home and surrounding land as part of the deal. The project's broader goal is to establish a larger, contiguous protected habitat in the region.

HC permits 15-year-old rape survivor to terminate pregnancy

A High Court has granted permission to a 15-year-old rape survivor to terminate her pregnancy. The court emphasized that no child should be denied basic dignity in such circumstances. The ruling came after a petition was filed seeking judicial approval for the termination. Indian law requires court approval for termination of pregnancies beyond the standard permissible limit, particularly in cases involving minors.

BRICS Nations Adopt New Delhi Declaration 2026 at 18th Summit

The 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi concluded with all member nations unanimously adopting the New Delhi Declaration 2026. The comprehensive document spans 45 pages and covers 140 points. The declaration notably included a mention of Pahalgam, which Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described as a success of India's foreign policy. The summit's outcome was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement for India on the multilateral stage.

'Born without making a sound': New docs reveal Trump rally shooter details