India

Caught on cam: Strike hits close to reporter live on air in Lebanon

Rakesh Mehta, Visionary IAS Officer Who Shaped Delhi, Passes Away

Rakesh Mehta, a senior Indian Administrative Service officer, has passed away, leaving behind a significant legacy in Delhi's governance and development. He was widely regarded as an ideas-driven bureaucrat who dedicated his career to finding solutions to the city's challenges. Mehta was known for his deep commitment to public service and his innovative approach to urban administration. His death came as a shock to those who knew him, as it was largely unexpected. Colleagues and peers remembered him as a rare civil servant whose contributions to Delhi went far beyond routine administrative duties.

Shiva Rajkumar walks back remark, clarifies Hindi is not the sole national language

Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar issued an apology after facing backlash over a remark in which he referred to Hindi as 'a national language.' He clarified that his intent was to describe Hindi as one among several national languages, not the exclusive one. The actor emphasized that Kannada holds deep personal significance for him and acknowledged the importance of all Indian languages. His comments had sparked controversy, prompting the swift public clarification.

US military's 'modern, intelligent' submarine captured by Iran? All about Dive-LD

German woman who came to India in 1978 now runs shelter for 2,500 abandoned cows

A German traveler arrived in India in 1978 originally seeking spiritual growth, but her journey took a deeply unexpected direction. She gradually dedicated her life to rescuing and caring for abandoned cows across the country. Over the decades, her efforts grew into a large-scale animal shelter based in Radha Kund. Her lifelong commitment to this cause earned her the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Indian government. She currently oversees the care of around 2,500 cows at her shelter.

Apple to Unveil $2,000 Foldable iPhone Duo at Cupertino Event Wednesday

Apple Inc. is scheduled to hold a major product event on Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time in Cupertino, California. The centerpiece of the announcement is expected to be a new foldable iPhone, tentatively referred to as the iPhone Duo, priced at approximately $2,000. The event signals a significant expansion of Apple's iPhone lineup into the foldable device segment. The reveal is anticipated to be one of Apple's most wide-ranging product announcements in recent memory.

Ex-teacher spends 30 years restoring 150-acre Minnesota wetland

A retired teacher in Minnesota has dedicated three decades to converting 150 acres of his private land into a restored wetland habitat. The project seeks to address the widespread loss of wetlands that the state has experienced over the years. Wetlands are ecologically critical, offering biodiversity support and a range of environmental services. The restoration effort has received backing from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Ben Shelton beats Alcaraz in five sets to reach US Open semifinals

American tennis player Ben Shelton defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set match at the US Open on Wednesday. The match was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with Shelton winning 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6. Alcaraz, currently ranked World No. 2, was unable to defend his title run after the grueling contest. With the victory, Shelton secured his spot in the US Open semifinals.

Mother, 80, seeks return of son's Shaurya Chakra over unmet govt promises after 22 years

An 80-year-old woman is demanding accountability from the government over unfulfilled commitments made after her son Vivek Saxena's death in service. Saxena was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery in Manipur. For over two decades, the family has been awaiting promised benefits including land and a memorial in his honor. The elderly mother is now seeking meetings with both the President and the Chief Minister to raise her grievances. Her protest underscores the long-standing neglect of pledges made to the families of decorated soldiers.

Telangana Inspects 83 Units in 5-Day Anti-Drug Supply Chain Operation

Telangana authorities conducted a five-day crackdown targeting the drug supply chain across the state. A total of 83 units were inspected during the operation. The drive focused on preventing the diversion of raw materials used in the production of synthetic drugs. Officials emphasized that cutting off access to these materials is a key step in curbing synthetic drug manufacturing.

Delhi HC denies rail compensation as widow fails to prove husband was on train

The Delhi High Court has rejected a compensation claim filed by a widow over the death of her husband, who allegedly fell from a moving train. The court found that the claimant failed to establish that the deceased was a genuine passenger on the train in question. A critical discrepancy undermined the case: the train ticket had been purchased four hours after the train had already departed. Without proof of valid passenger status, the court ruled the claim did not meet the basic legal requirements for railway accident compensation.

Reintroducing 30 Bison to Kansas Prairie Doubled Native Plant Diversity Over 29 Years

In 1987, 30 bison were reintroduced to Konza Prairie in Kansas as part of a long-term grassland ecology study. Over the following 29 years, researchers observed a strong link between bison grazing and a significant increase in native plant diversity. Local native species richness grew by 103%, while diversity across broader catchment areas rose by 86%. Notably, plant diversity recovered even after a severe drought, suggesting bison grazing supports ecological resilience. The findings highlight the role large herbivores can play in restoring native grassland ecosystems.

Ex-Army Special Forces Colonel with Locked-In Syndrome Seeks Advanced Medical Aid

Colonel Anurag Upadhyay, a former Indian Army Special Forces officer, suffered a severe stroke in August 2025 that left him with locked-in syndrome and bilateral below-knee amputations. Despite being unable to move, he remains conscious and communicates solely through eye movements. His family is exploring cutting-edge rehabilitation options, including brain-computer interfaces and eye-tracking assistive technologies. A public appeal has been launched to connect the family with credible neurological specialists, research institutions, and organisations. The goal is to identify viable pathways toward greater recovery and independence for Colonel Upadhyay.

Ammy Virk's convoy shot at in Canada after concert; no injuries reported

Punjabi singer and actor Ammy Virk's convoy was attacked by gunfire following a concert in Canada. A dark SUV reportedly fired shots at the bulletproof Rolls-Royce in which Virk was travelling. The rear window of the vehicle was shattered, though all occupants escaped unharmed. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are examining a burnt SUV found nearby for possible links to the shooting.

Swiss entrepreneur builds 20 Alpine mega bunkers for ultra-wealthy asset storage

Swiss businessman Thomas Gasser is drilling deep into the Alps to construct 20 underground mega bunkers designed to store the valuables of the world's richest individuals. Each vault is available on a 99-year lease starting at one million Swiss francs. The facility is situated near Lungern, Switzerland, and is expected to open next year following extensive construction work. The bunkers are intended to provide high-security storage for assets such as gold, artwork, and other prized possessions.

A Firsthand Account of Life in Delhi's Decaying Satya Niketan Colony

A former resident of Satya Niketan, a neighbourhood in Delhi, has written a personal account reflecting on the area's long-running physical deterioration. The writer describes living amid sparking electrical switches, falling ceilings, and rooms divided by cardboard partitions. The colony had reportedly been in a state of gradual structural decline for years. The author acknowledges that, at the time of living there, they were too young to fully grasp the extent of the decay around them. The piece serves as a retrospective look at how deteriorating living conditions can go unnoticed by those embedded within them.

US Suspends Cognizant's Green Card Filings Over Alleged Visa Abuse

The United States has suspended PERM labor certification filings for IT services giant Cognizant amid allegations of visa abuse. PERM certification is a federal process linked to permanent employment and employment-based green cards for foreign workers. The suspension is distinct from the H-1B visa programme, which allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign nationals for specialty roles. The action signals heightened scrutiny of large tech firms that rely heavily on employment-based immigration pathways. Authorities have warned of potential legal consequences for those found in violation of immigration rules.

Noskova criticises delayed roof closure during third-set loss to Sabalenka

Russian tennis player Linda Noskova raised concerns about the delayed closure of the roof during her match against Aryna Sabalenka. The issue arose in the decisive third set, when rapidly shifting shadows created uneven lighting conditions across the court. Noskova noted that the shadow had moved significantly across the playing surface within just a few points of her serving game at 4-5 down. She expressed frustration that neither she nor her team was informed about any decision regarding the roof. The changing light conditions are believed to have affected play during the crucial late stages of the match.

BJP Launches Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to Celebrate PM Modi's 25 Years in Public Life

The BJP has announced a new initiative called Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service. Party leader Nitin Nabin stated that October 7 holds special significance as it commemorates the milestone. Modi began his public service journey on October 7, 2001, when he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The campaign is being launched to honour this anniversary and highlight his tenure in public life.

Supreme Court questions income-only creamy layer rule; ~100 OBC civil service candidates await posts

Nearly 100 OBC candidates who cleared the Civil Services Examination were denied reservation benefits after being classified under the creamy layer based solely on their parents' salaries. The Supreme Court ruled that parental income alone cannot be the determining factor for creamy layer status among OBC candidates. The judgment has raised questions about how eligibility was assessed for these candidates, who have been waiting for appointments despite successfully clearing the exam. The government has sought further clarification on applying this ruling to future civil services examinations. The affected candidates continue to await resolution after years of preparation and prolonged legal proceedings.