VVS Laxman, Saikia break silence on Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan fitness calls

BCCI officials addressed criticism over selecting injured players Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan for the Sri Lanka Test series, emphasizing transparent communication regarding fitness assessments between the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and selectors. While Bumrah's and Sudharsan's injuries were initially thought manageable, they ultimately could not participate. The BCCI faces ongoing challenges with a growing injury list among players.

Violations in 'deep burial' of medical waste by 17 states, UTs: CPCB to NGT

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) plans to take action against states and Union territories failing to comply with biomedical waste disposal rules, noted during a National Green Tribunal (NGT) hearing. With 4,463 of 9,178 healthcare facilities non-compliant, officials face stringent enforcement under the Environment Act if violations persist. CPCB must report progress by October 28, 2026.

Characters have lost their distinct identity in Hindi cinema: Actor Akhilendra Mishra

Veteran actor Akhilendra Mishra lamented the loss of distinct characters in contemporary Hindi cinema, attributing it to a lack of strong characterisation and originality in roles, making today’s performances feel uniform. He noted that while previous eras fostered memorable characters, current films rely on imitation. In contrast, OTT platforms revitalize storytelling by offering diverse, meaningful roles.

JNU cancels auditorium booking as discussion centred on Umar Khalid's book

A book discussion on Umar Khalid's 'Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power' at JNU has been relocated due to a venue cancellation, attributed by the university to “non-disclosure of the full facts.” Khalid, imprisoned since 2020 for alleged involvement in riots, focuses on Adivasi histories and power dynamics amid ongoing political strife.

Spider-Man Brand New Day out-earns all Salman Khan, Aamir Khan films in India

**Spider-Man: Brand New Day** shattered box office records in its opening weekend, surpassing *Avengers: Endgame* in North America and achieving a historic ₹400 crore in India within 11 days. Featuring Tom Holland, it outperformed hits by Indian stars like Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, it continues to dominate without competition until late August.

Bihar labourer hit by J&K deputy CM's cavalcade in Gangyal, dies

A Bihar resident, Bharat Kapas, was fatally struck by a vehicle part of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary's cavalcade in Gangyal district. The accident occurred while Kapas, a labourer, crossed the road at night. Choudhary was not in the vehicle. An FIR has been filed, and an investigation is ongoing.

Glowing ash, smoke fill Sicily's skies as Mount Etna volcano erupts | WATCH

Flight operations at Catania airport in Sicily were briefly halted due to ash and smoke from an eruption at Mount Etna. Following a downgrade in the activity alert from RED to ORANGE, operations resumed gradually. Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, is known for its frequent eruptions but rarely disrupts local life. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

Nolan Wells: Ex-FBI asks why Cajun Navy isn't allowed on Nancy Guthrie search

Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer has criticized Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos for rejecting the Cajun Navy's assistance in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, missing since February. Coffindaffer suggests this decision implies law enforcement may have knowledge of her whereabouts. The Cajun Navy previously successfully aided in locating the body of missing teen Nolan Wells in July.

India natural next step in HYBE's global expansion: India CEO Damien Woochang Lee

HYBE, home to K-pop giants like BTS, is expanding into India's dynamic music scene, aiming to nurture diverse talent while respecting local culture, says CEO Damien Woochang Lee. The initiative focuses on creating opportunities for Indian artists, particularly young women, to connect with global audiences through a unique, locally relevant artist development approach. The move reflects India’s rapid evolution in music.

Question on Savarkar in primary level quiz sparks row in Kerala. What happened?

A political controversy has erupted in Kerala regarding a quiz question portraying Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar as a freedom fighter, prompting accusations from Left student organizations of promoting a "sangh parivar agenda." Education Minister N Samsudheen deemed the question "historically inaccurate" and ordered a probe, escalating tensions among political factions over Savarkar's role in India's freedom struggle.

Opposition to resist FCRA amendment; why foreign funding bill is under fire

The Opposition is preparing to block the Centre's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at tightening control over foreign-funded assets of organizations losing registration. Congress and allies are mobilizing against the bill, citing concerns over its potential impact on NGOs, particularly those serving minorities. The bill's contentious provisions raise fears of excessive government oversight.

Thailand teen shooter once brought BB gun to school: police

A 14-year-old boy shot his grandparents before killing six at his Thai school, using his grandfather's handgun. Following a history of watching violent online videos and previous BB gun incidents, investigators are examining his electronics for motives. Despite calls for stricter gun laws in gun-friendly Thailand, prior measures have failed to prevent such tragedies.

Summerland BC fire videos: Latest update as wildfire wreaks havoc in Canada

Hot, dry conditions in British Columbia have fueled wildfires, leading to over 1,500 firefighters battling more than 100 active blazes and prompting 40 evacuation orders for 20,000 residents. The Bald Range fire near Summerland has devastated homes and infrastructure. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support, while social media echoed concerns about climate change and the disaster's impact.

Why Mahesh Babu avoids curd rice: Diet rules behind actor's 'ageless' look at 51

Dr. Karan Rajan emphasizes the gut-skin connection, stating that digestive health impacts skin conditions like acne and eczema. He recommends prioritizing fiber, consuming colorful vegetables rich in polyphenols, and managing stress for healthier skin. Telugu actor Mahesh Babu's strict plant-based diet exemplifies this principle, highlighting the importance of nutrition in promoting youthful skin.

Five dead in new Russia, Ukraine strikes

Russian strikes across Ukraine killed two and wounded dozens over the weekend, while a Ukrainian drone attack on Belgorod, Russia, resulted in three deaths. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned "ballistic terror," urging for increased sanctions and air defense. The ongoing conflict has seen rising civilian casualties since Russia's invasion began over four years ago, with peace talks stalled.

Guru Randhawa seeks solace at the Golden Temple amid Fine Shyt backlash

Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa faces significant backlash online following the release of his song "Fine Shyt," criticized for its misogynistic tone and comparisons to his earlier work. While users expressed disappointment, Randhawa took a break, sharing a photo at the Golden Temple, reflecting on faith. Known for hits like "Lahore," his music has previously garnered controversy as well.

Ganguly, Yuvraj turn up at DC trials: IPL coaching reset rumours gather momentum

Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh attended Delhi Capitals' trials in Bengaluru, igniting speculation about significant changes for IPL 2027, particularly as Ganguly may join as Director of Cricket and Yuvraj as batting coach. Their involvement hints at a complete coaching overhaul following two disappointing seasons, with potential player trades on the horizon for a broader franchise reset.

Advocate claims PGIMER's heritage furniture listed for auction in US, seeks govt intervention

A PGIMER-related "day bed" is set for auction in the US, prompting heritage concerns from Chandigarh's Heritage Protection Cell. Advocate Ajay Jagga has urged immediate intervention from PGIMER and the Union Health Ministry to investigate its origins and legality. He emphasized the need to protect national heritage linked to Chandigarh's cultural legacy and ensure lawful ownership.

Andhra CM calls for mass movement to make every citizen partner in nation building

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has initiated the Partners in Nation Building programme to engage citizens in achieving Viksit Bharat and Swarna Andhra by 2047, launching it on August 15. He emphasized public participation, youth involvement, and nationwide awareness, urging citizens to move from beneficiaries to stakeholders in development. The program aims to revive volunteerism and foster leadership at the grassroots.

Tony Kakkar takes a hilarious dig at Guru Randhawa's Fine Shyt after trolling

Tony Kakkar humorously responded to Guru Randhawa's controversial new song "Fine Shyt," noting he felt left out of the trolling. In a playful video, he joked about not getting a call from Guru. The criticism of "Fine Shyt" contrasts with Tony’s well-received "Kurta Pajama," leading to viewer comparisons. Guru remains unfazed, sharing positive reflections despite backlash.

Man who went for trek at Karnataka's Shivgange missing since two days; search on

A 31-year-old man, Advaith Upadhyay, has gone missing during a trek at Shivagange near Bengaluru, prompting police to initiate a search after a missing person complaint was filed. He had informed his fiancée before his hike and was last seen on CCTV climbing the hill. His family fears he might have been kidnapped or harmed.

10 Bollywood-inspired sarees you can shop for your next glam look

Bollywood sarees offer an instant glamour, transforming even simple outfits. Key elements include soft fabrics, statement blouses, and elegant drapes. From georgettes to satin, styles inspired by celebrities like Alia Bhatt provide versatile looks for various occasions. Channeling Bollywood chic is about effective styling, with an emphasis on simplicity and a polished appearance, rather than over-embellishment.

I switched from a regular to inverter fridge, and my power bill fell sharply

Investing in an inverter refrigerator yields 5-Star efficiency, improved cooling, and voltage protection, offering substantial savings on electricity bills. Proper usage, like maintaining seals and avoiding excessive heat, further enhances efficiency. While considering a new fridge, focus on BEE ratings and annual energy consumption rather than just the inverter label, ensuring informed purchases for optimal savings.

Toxic trailer review: Yash presents ragebait as marketing strategy

The trailer for "Toxic," directed by Geetu Mohandas, aims to captivate audiences with flashy visuals but ultimately lacks coherence, borrowing from successful films like "KGF" and "Animal." Starring Yash, Nayanthara, and Kiara Advani, its August 26 release raises concerns over substance versus star power, a balance vital for engaging post-pandemic viewers seeking more than just spectacle.

What did Elizabeth Waddell tell jet-skiers? Husband reveals concerning detail

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Waddell, a 44-year-old from North Carolina, disappeared while swimming in Grenada on July 22, with her husband revealing she told jet-skiers she was fine and insisted on staying in the water. Authorities have since launched a search, but concern grows as footage shows she did not return to shore. Elizabeth's swimming abilities were limited, raising questions about her disappearance.

From Olympic bronze with Sindhu to back-to-back Super 300s, Park's next act takes shape

Park Tae-Sang celebrates a successful fortnight in Indian badminton with two Super 300 titles, as 17-year-old Tanvi Sharma and 26-year-old Ashmita Chaliha emerge victorious in the Taipei Open and Korea Masters, respectively. Focused on developing the next generation, Park aims for Olympic qualification for 2028. India's badminton future looks promising, with emerging talents challenging established players.

8 political parties join hands to form ‘Progressive Front’ in Nepal

Eight Nepalese political parties have formed the 'Progressive Front' in Kathmandu, focusing on shared political issues and agendas, aiming to create a just society by ending discrimination across various demographics. The alliance seeks to enhance representation in legislative bodies and foster a federal democratic governance system, responding to recent communal clashes and ongoing calls for political unity among marginalized groups.

US sanctions bill risks Russian crude disruption, India energy security: Report

The US Senate has advanced tougher sanctions targeting Russian oil imports, potentially disrupting crude supplies but unlikely to immediately affect India and China’s oil flows. The bill, still awaiting House approval, could impose up to 100% tariffs on major buyers. India's reliance on Russian crude has surged since 2022, now accounting for 55.5% of its imports.

The unexpected joy of downsizing slowly in retirement

In retirement, Stephen and Karen Kreider Yoder face challenges of downsizing and organization, finding joy in letting go of unused items. Their slow approach contrasts with urgent, chaotic methods. Stephen discovers newfound tidiness, transitioning from a cluttered past to an organized present. Their journey highlights how managing possessions can positively influence life after retirement.

Women’s public role shrink in China as official rhetoric shift towards family, children: Study

The Chinese Communist Party's narrative on women's rights has shifted, emphasizing domestic roles over public leadership, as a recent study of 125,000 articles in the People's Daily reveals. Although initially portraying women as vital in public life, references to them in leadership have declined since the late 1990s, reflecting broader ideological shifts amid demographic policies affecting gender equality and women's labor participation.