India

London Homes Face Cracking and Sinking Risk as Heatwaves Shrink Clay Soil

Homeowners in London are facing growing structural risks as increasingly hot summers cause clay-rich soil to shrink and shift. When clay soil dries out, it contracts significantly, potentially destabilizing the foundations of buildings above it. Older properties with shallower foundations are particularly vulnerable to this type of ground movement. The presence of nearby trees worsens the problem, as roots absorb moisture and accelerate soil drying. Experts warn that the trend is likely to intensify as extreme heat becomes more frequent across the UK capital.

Mahira Khan Expecting Second Child at 41 with Husband Salim Karim

Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has announced that she is pregnant with her second child. The 41-year-old shared the news publicly, describing the pregnancy as a surprising yet welcome new chapter in her life. Khan is married to Salim Karim, with whom she is expecting the child. She noted that this pregnancy feels distinctly different from her first, both physically and emotionally. The actress expressed gratitude and excitement about her growing family.

Ladakh Marathon 2026 to offer Rs 1 crore prize at world's highest AIMS race

The 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon is scheduled to be held in Leh from September 10 to 13, 2026. The four-day event features six running categories and holds the distinction of being the highest AIMS-certified marathon in the world. This year, participants will compete for a total prize pool of Rs 1 crore. Runners are advised to acclimatize adequately to the high-altitude conditions ahead of the race.

UN Backs Modi's Call for Long-Overdue Security Council Reforms

The United Nations Secretary-General's spokesperson has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for urgent reform of the UN Security Council. The spokesperson acknowledged that the Council's current structure, dominated by five permanent members, no longer reflects 21st-century global realities. Modi had stated that such reforms "can no longer be delayed," a position the UN has now publicly aligned with. The UN stressed the need for the organization to adapt to the realities of 2026 and beyond.

Indonesian Passenger Ship With 240 Aboard Goes Missing in Java Sea

An Indonesian vessel carrying 240 passengers has lost contact while sailing in the Java Sea. The ship's last known position was approximately 148 kilometres from a pier in Banjarmasin. Authorities have launched a search operation to locate the missing vessel. The cause of the communication loss has not yet been determined.

Ship carrying 240 onboard loses contact in Java Sea near Indonesia

Ship carrying 240 onboard loses contact in Java Sea near Indonesia

How Middle Class Students Can Fund Their Study Abroad Dreams

Studying abroad is an aspiration for many middle-class students, but financing it requires careful planning across multiple avenues. Scholarships remain one of the most accessible options, helping reduce the overall financial burden significantly. Education loans from banks and financial institutions can bridge the remaining gap, covering tuition and living expenses. Students should also explore part-time work opportunities permitted under their student visa to supplement their income. Combining savings, scholarships, loans, and permitted earnings can make an international education financially manageable.

West Bengal shuts 252 madrasas, issues notices to 100 more over non-compliance

West Bengal's minority affairs department has ordered the closure of 252 madrasas across the state. An additional 100 madrasas received show-cause notices for failing to meet compliance requirements. The action follows a state-wide survey targeting unaided and unauthorized religious schools. Authorities stated the move is aimed at ensuring access to modern education for all students. The department has indicated that further verification and enforcement measures will follow.

Sabalenka smashes racket, hits ball into crowd after US Open defeat to Rybakina

Elena Rybakina won her first US Open title on Saturday after beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final, completing a run that also took her to the No. 1 spot in the WTA rankings.

Shreyas Iyer to lead full-strength India against Afghanistan in T20I series opener

India face Afghanistan in the first T20I with Shreyas Iyer leading the side for the series. The squad is at full strength, highlighted by the return of pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah from a prolonged injury layoff. The series serves as key preparation ahead of India's campaign at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Iyer, set to experience a multi-sport event for the first time, has expressed excitement about the opportunity.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay flags off Le Mans Cup race at Silverstone in support of Ajith Kumar

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay travelled to Silverstone, UK, to cheer on actor-racer Ajith Kumar at the Michelin Le Mans Cup event. Vijay officially started the race by waving the green flag at the iconic circuit. Actor Trisha Krishnan, who was filming in London, was also spotted at the venue. Ajith Kumar's team completed the two-hour race in thirty-eighth position overall. Following the Silverstone round, the team has accumulated twenty-one championship points.

Ship Hit by Unknown Projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UK Agency Reports

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions in a strategically critical waterway. The report came a day after Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its East-West pipeline as a precautionary measure following a drone attack. Both Baghdad and Riyadh confirmed the drone had originated from Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias are known to operate.

BRICS Summit 2026 Live Updates: On Day 2, leaders to explore opportunities for inclusive growth

Break-in attempt at ex-US VP Kamala Harris' Malibu house

Mumbai cleaner jailed 1 year for forcibly kissing saleswoman, court rejects accident claim

A Mumbai court has convicted a cleaner for forcibly kissing a saleswoman on two occasions. The accused had claimed he had accidentally slipped and fallen onto the victim, but the court rejected this defence. Judicial findings confirmed the act was deliberate, involving criminal force and sexual intent. The convict was sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment along with a monetary fine. The case was prosecuted under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita laws.

CIA releases 9/11 anniversary documents showing Bin Laden targeted India pre-attack

The CIA has declassified over 70 presidential intelligence briefs related to Osama Bin Laden, comprising more than 100 pages of materials. The release was made to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York City. Among the revelations, the documents indicate that India was on Bin Laden's hit list prior to the 9/11 attacks. The declassified briefs offer new insight into the intelligence community's awareness of Bin Laden's targets and intentions in the period leading up to the attacks.

Carlsen suffers first GCL 2026 loss as Firouzja's Kings upset APL Pipers

Magnus Carlsen lost his first match of GCL 2026 as Alireza Firouzja led Triveni Continental Kings to a victory over APL Pipers. Despite the upset, the result did not change the overall standings in the tournament. American Gambits briefly rekindled their qualification hopes before falling to the Pipers in a subsequent match. Indian player Nihal Sarin's time forfeit effectively ended American Gambits' bid to reach the finals. The team will now face Mumba Masters in a third-place playoff on Sunday.

Brics declaration: India’s readout skips mention of Xi’s ‘partners, not rivals’ statement

Thousands protest in Erfurt to block AfD annual conference amid rising far-right influence

Large crowds gathered in Erfurt, Germany, to physically block access to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's annual conference. The demonstrations reflect growing public opposition to the far-right party's political agenda. The AfD has been leading in national opinion polls and is targeting gains in upcoming elections in eastern German states. Mainstream political parties have maintained a strategy of non-cooperation, refusing to form any alliances with the AfD. The protests highlight escalating tensions surrounding the party's expanding influence in German politics.