India

Suicide, intoxication or accident? Indian-origin woman, friend killed on NYC tracks

Two NJ women killed by NYC subway train; investigators probe cause

Malaika Chitre and Navam Kaul, two young friends from New Jersey, were struck and killed by a New York City subway train early Sunday morning. The two were found sitting on the tracks at the time of the incident. Authorities are currently investigating several theories to explain how they ended up on the tracks. Possible factors being examined include intoxication or an attempt to assist someone else. The medical examiner has yet to release an official determination on the cause of death.

Restored 1928 Bel-Air Founder Mansion Listed at $32.5M After $5.5M Purchase

A historic 1928 mansion originally built for Alphonzo Bell, the oil tycoon behind the creation of Los Angeles' Bel-Air neighbourhood, has been listed for $32.5 million. Michael Wexler purchased the property in 2010 for $5.5 million and undertook an extensive restoration over the following years. The Los Angeles estate spans 10,600 square feet and features seven bedrooms, a home theatre, a swimming pool, and a wine cellar. The grounds have also been enhanced with 26 newly planted redwood sequoias.

Israel mulls crocodile-filled prison moats, drawing animal rights and environmental concerns

Israel is considering a plan to use Nile crocodiles in prison moats as a security measure, reportedly inspired by a similar concept floated in the United States. The proposal has drawn significant scrutiny from environmental groups and animal rights advocates, who are challenging the initiative through the judiciary. Critics have raised ethical concerns over the use of wild animals in a custodial security context. The debate has also touched on broader issues of land use and wildlife conservation policy within Israel. Authorities have classified the Nile crocodile as a 'cultivated wild animal,' adding a layer of complexity to the legal and regulatory discussion.

MahaRERA's Repeat Extensions Leave Homebuyers Waiting Despite '100% Complete' Claims

A rising number of housing projects in Maharashtra are missing their completion deadlines, prompting repeated regulatory extensions under MahaRERA. Data from the authority reveals that a significant number of such extensions are granted each year, offering no firm guarantee of actual delivery. Developers frequently report high completion percentages while critical approvals and possession handovers remain pending. The existing oversight mechanism has proven inadequate in ensuring that buyers receive timely possession of their homes. This pattern has sparked serious concerns about the real effectiveness of the regulatory framework in protecting homebuyers.

Four Family Members Killed After Refrigerator Explosion in Karnataka Home

A refrigerator explosion at a residential house in Karnataka claimed the lives of four family members, police confirmed on Tuesday. Two other members of the same family sustained serious injuries in the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast. The exact circumstances that led to the refrigerator exploding remain under scrutiny.

Female Athletes Criticise Sydney Sweeney Ad Campaign for Sexualising Women in Sport

An advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney has drawn sharp criticism from female athletes who say it undermines their achievements. Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus publicly expressed her frustration over the objectification of women in such campaigns. Sprinter Amy Hunt also spoke out, stressing the immense dedication and hard work that defines athleticism. Former gymnast Gracie Kramer added her voice to the debate, drawing on personal experience to argue that female athletes should be recognised for their strength rather than their appearance.

Ladakh's Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Empowers Women as Astronomy Ambassadors

Hanle, located at an altitude of 4,500 metres in Ladakh, is home to India's first Dark Sky Reserve. The site has become a popular destination for stargazers drawn by its exceptionally clear and vivid night skies. The reserve has opened new opportunities for local women, who are being trained and engaged as astronomy ambassadors. These women are playing a growing role in promoting astro-tourism and science outreach in the remote region.

Oracle Cuts 21,000 Jobs in FY2026, Workforce Drops to 141,000

Oracle laid off approximately 21,000 employees during fiscal year 2026, representing a 13 percent reduction in its total workforce. The cuts were reportedly communicated abruptly, with some workers receiving termination notices via early-morning emails. The company's global headcount stood at around 141,000 by the end of May. The large-scale reduction reflects a broader trend of tech giants streamlining operations amid shifting business priorities.

Three DMK Leaders Face Cases Over Remarks Against TN CM Vijay's Speech

Chennai and Kallakurichi police have registered cases against three DMK leaders over protest speeches made on September 12. Former minister P K Sekarbabu was charged in Chennai in connection with his remarks at one such protest. DMK MP A Raja faces a separate case over allegedly derogatory comments directed at a state minister. Additional cases have been filed in Kallakurichi and Cuddalore, all stemming from the same round of protests. The legal actions mark a significant escalation following the DMK leaders' public remarks against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's speech.

"I'll Make Sure Nobody Harasses A Woman Biker Again": Gurugram Hit-And-Run Victim To NDTV

"Wherever you are hiding like a criminal, know that the entire biking community is with me,

Accenture Pays $25M to Settle DOJ Discrimination Claims Over Federal Contracts

Accenture Federal Services has agreed to pay $25 million to settle allegations brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. The company was accused of violating anti-discrimination rules tied to its federal contracts by factoring race and sex into hiring and promotion decisions. These practices were allegedly carried out to meet undisclosed internal workforce composition targets. The settlement covers claims of false compliance certifications dating back to 2017. The U.S. Attorney General emphasized that employment decisions at federal contractors must be based on merit alone.

PCB Eyes Major Overhaul After Pakistan's Poor Show in England

Pakistan Cricket Board is considering significant structural changes following the national team's underwhelming performance in England. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is consulting with board members and staff to determine the way forward. The national selection committee is under review, with former cricketer Aaqib Javed reportedly at risk of losing his role as selector. Wahab Riaz is also among those who may face removal in the reshuffle. The potential changes are expected to extend beyond the men's setup, with the women's team and coaching staff also under scrutiny.

Gold Rate Today, September 15: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

Przewalski's Horses Thrive in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Despite Radiation

Przewalski's horses, a species once extinct in the wild, were introduced into the Chernobyl exclusion zone between 1998 and 1999. The radioactive, largely uninhabited landscape unexpectedly provided a suitable refuge for the animals to breed and survive. Despite early setbacks including deaths during transport and losses to poaching, the population continued to grow steadily. By 2018, researchers documented 137 horses in Ukraine, with additional groups establishing themselves across the border in Belarus.

Obama Urges AI Safety Laws, Warns of Catastrophic Risks From Unchecked Tech

Former US President Barack Obama has cautioned that artificial intelligence could trigger a catastrophe if left unregulated. He called for the introduction of safety laws to govern the rapidly advancing technology. Without naming him directly, Obama implicitly criticized President Donald Trump's administration for its hands-off stance on AI regulation. The remarks highlight a growing divide between those who favor strict AI oversight and those who prefer minimal government intervention in the sector.

Microsoft Releases Draft AI Code Mandating Human Control and Override Rights

Microsoft has unveiled a draft AI code of conduct that has been in development for five to six months. The guidelines require the company's AI systems to never resist correction or shutdown by human operators. The code also mandates that AI must communicate in ways that are understandable to humans. The document reflects Microsoft's effort to establish clear boundaries around AI behavior and accountability. It signals the tech giant's push toward building AI systems that remain transparent and controllable.

Tamil Nadu biryani shop owner arrested over Lord Ganesha banner

Tirunelveli police arrested a biryani shop owner on Saturday over a controversial promotional banner. The banner allegedly depicted Lord Ganesha eating biryani, which a complainant claimed hurt Hindu religious sentiments. Following the complaint, police launched an inquiry into the matter. The shop owner was subsequently taken into custody under applicable laws.

US Deploys First-Ever On-Orbit Space Weapon, Confirms Pentagon

The United States has officially confirmed the deployment of its first-ever on-orbit weapon in space, marking a significant milestone in space-based defense capability. The announcement signals a major shift in how the US intends to protect its interests beyond Earth's atmosphere. Russia and China, identified as the primary geopolitical rivals of the US, are considered potential threats to American assets in space. The move reflects growing concerns over the militarization of space as global powers compete for strategic advantage in orbit.

Keralite vlogger, who claimed arrest by Mujahideen, now says she escaped arrest threat in Afghanistan