India

Members acknowledge progress in expanding remote-sensing satellite constellation

HDFC Bank submits two CEO candidates to RBI for approval

HDFC Bank has forwarded the names of two candidates to the Reserve Bank of India for the position of Managing Director and CEO. The bank's board has also approved the promotion of Jimmy Tata to executive director and sought a tenure extension for V Srinivasa Rangan. These changes would raise the total number of whole-time directors to four, strengthening governance over its subsidiaries. All appointments remain subject to final clearance from the RBI.

RBI Rejects Tata Sons' Plea to Stay Private, Pushes Firm Toward IPO

The Reserve Bank of India has rejected Tata Sons' application to surrender its core investment company registration, bringing the Tata Group's holding firm closer to a stock market listing. Tata Sons had sought to shed the designation in an effort to avoid mandatory listing requirements. Tata Trusts, which holds a majority stake, has been pushing to keep the company private in order to maintain long-term control. However, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, another key stakeholder, has been in favour of a public offering. The RBI's decision effectively narrows Tata Sons' options for remaining unlisted.

Delhi rolls out red carpet for Pezeshkian, daughter: Rashtrapati Bhavan to shopping at BRICS Bazaar

India to build new DRDO missile testing range in West Bengal's Junput

India is set to establish a new weapons and missile testing facility in Junput, West Bengal. The site will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will serve as its third major testing range in the country. It will complement the existing facility in Chandipur, Odisha, strengthening India's defence testing infrastructure. Beyond national security, the project is expected to drive significant infrastructure development and economic growth in West Bengal.

Global nutrition experts back FSSAI warning labels, seek stricter rules

Sebi Proposes Changes to Closing Auction Timings and Derivatives Settlement Pricing

India's market regulator Sebi has put forward new proposals to revise the Closing Auction Session (CAS) timings and the method for determining derivatives settlement prices. The move comes after traders reported increased market volatility following the session's recent introduction. Sebi is considering two options for derivative settlement pricing, along with adjustments to market timings that would introduce a transition break and extended trading intervals. The regulator has invited public feedback on these proposals, with a deadline set for October 3.

BRICS nations reject EU carbon border tax, call for equitable climate action

BRICS nations have collectively opposed the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism, calling it an unfair unilateral trade measure. The bloc emphasized that energy security must be balanced with climate goals, and that fossil fuels will continue to play a role in the global energy mix. Member countries called for climate actions grounded in equity and shared responsibilities among nations. BRICS expressed its preference for multilateral frameworks over unilateral measures in addressing global climate challenges.

Modi at BRICS Pushes UN Security Council Reform and Global South Voice

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BRICS Summit, calling for urgent reforms to the United Nations Security Council. He argued that global governance must shift from a privilege-based system to one built on equal partnership for developing nations. Modi proposed that BRICS collectively draft ten actionable proposals to strengthen inclusive multilateralism. He also put forward the idea of a dedicated Seafarers Emergency Support Network to protect maritime workers globally. The overarching theme of his address was empowering Global South nations to actively shape international rules rather than merely follow them.

Brics Summit success gives BJP a boost in domestic politics

Restored 1912 Tugboat Turned Floating Home Lists for $1M in Sausalito

A Bay Area couple purchased a neglected 1912 tugboat for just $8,000 in 1982 and spent over four decades transforming it into a livable floating home in Sausalito. The historic vessel has now been listed on the real estate market for $1 million. The asking price reflects an $800,000 reduction from its previous listing, making it a significantly more accessible offer for prospective buyers. The converted tugboat represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of maritime history as a functional residence.

EC meets both TMC factions amid their 'real party' claims

Meet Kelly Liu, 16, whose AI pollution project helped change county policy

Ruth Suckow's 'Iowa Interiors' Returns in Centennial Edition with New Illustrations

Ruth Suckow's celebrated short story collection 'Iowa Interiors,' which brought her literary fame, is being reissued in a special centennial edition marking 100 years since its original publication. The new edition features fresh illustrations created by artist Claudia McGehee. To accompany the relaunch, the Hearst Center is hosting an exhibition showcasing McGehee's original artwork inspired by the book. The initiative aims to reintroduce Suckow's work to modern readers and preserve Iowa's literary heritage. The project connects the state's historical storytelling tradition with contemporary audiences.

King County proposes $100M conservation plan covering 1,500 acres across 57 projects

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has put forward a $100 million proposal targeting 57 conservation initiatives across approximately 1,500 acres. The plan aims to safeguard parks and agricultural land while expanding green spaces in urban areas. Key efforts include restoring salmon habitat along the Duwamish River, improving stormwater infrastructure, and extending recreational trail networks. Specific projects also involve preserving sections of North SeaTac Park and broadening community access to nature countywide.

BRICS Issues Joint Declaration After India Helps Bridge Iran-UAE Divide

BRICS nations reached a consensus and issued a joint declaration following intense late-night diplomatic negotiations. India played a key bridging role in resolving differences between Iran and the UAE to make the agreement possible. The declaration emphasized the protection of civilian and peaceful nuclear sites as a key concern among member states. Leaders also collectively reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all forms. Additionally, the bloc called for comprehensive reforms to the United Nations Security Council to better reflect current global realities.

1,600-Year-Old Skeleton Found Inside Storage Jar at Bulgarian Archaeological Site

Archaeologists excavating the ancient site of Deultum in Bulgaria discovered the skeletal remains of a young man sealed inside a large storage jar. Evidence suggests the individual climbed into the vessel seeking shelter during a violent attack on the settlement. The man likely entered the jar after fire had already spread through the area, indicating extreme desperation. His remains were preserved when the structure was rebuilt over the jar, trapping him inside. The discovery offers a rare and sobering look at the fear and chaos experienced by civilians during ancient conflicts.

Meet Nithya Tammana, 11, who built a $38 moss filter to remove lead from water

Allahabad HC quashes UP Goonda Act order, flags misuse for harassment

The Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concern over the alleged misuse of the Uttar Pradesh Goonda Act, calling it a potential tool for harassment. The court quashed an expulsion order issued against Zahid Ali from Gonda district under the Act. The ruling noted that the order was based on a case in which Ali had already been acquitted, as well as an outdated report. The court stressed that laws with such significant consequences must be applied with careful deliberation and scrutiny.

Manoj Jarange's Mumbai March Set to Coincide with Ganesh Festival

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange is planning a march to Mumbai that is expected to coincide with the Ganesh festival. The timing of the march has drawn attention due to its overlap with one of Maharashtra's most prominent religious celebrations. Jarange has been a leading voice in the ongoing agitation demanding reservations for the Maratha community. The convergence of the protest march and the festival period is likely to draw significant public and administrative attention in Mumbai.