E-PaperSubscribe Now! Get features like


Why Mexican cartels are increasingly using car bombs and other explosives
Mexican drug cartels are increasingly using car bombs and explosives, raising security concerns and straining U.S.-Mexico relations amid President Trump’s military threats against them. The latest bombing in Zacatecas injured 11 and disrupted numerous homes. Cartels like CJNG are escalating violence to intimidate rivals and authorities, prompting fears of heightened civilian targeting and potential foreign intervention.

Punjab Police conduct 551 anti-gangster raids, 225 held
In its ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign spanning 227 days, Punjab Police has arrested 67,864 individuals linked to gangster networks, with 225 apprehended during recent raids. The operation also led to the preventive detention of 252 individuals and the capture of eight proclaimed offenders, alongside the recovery of two weapons, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on organized crime in the region.

Exclusive-India flags Abhayrab rabies vaccine batch as substandard, probes if spurious, document shows
India’s drug regulator has identified a batch of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab as substandard after it failed potency tests, raising concerns about potential counterfeits, as the country sees nearly 6,000 rabies deaths annually. This marks the second alert in two years regarding Abhayrab. The vaccine, by Indian Immunologicals Ltd, has supplied over 210 million doses globally.

India flags Abhayrab rabies vaccine batch as substandard, probes if spurious, document shows
India's drug regulator has flagged a potentially spurious batch of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab after it failed a potency test, raising alarms about its identity and authenticity. The alert follows previous warnings about counterfeit doses. Indian Immunologicals, which supplies millions of doses, faces scrutiny as India combats nearly 6,000 rabies deaths annually. Background concerns date back to January 2025.

Packers running back Josh Jacobs' initial court appearance gets moved up to Thursday
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs' court appearance for misdemeanor charges related to a May incident has been moved to next week, just before the season opener. The NFL placed him on the exempt list, allowing him to receive pay but barring him from practices and games. Jacobs faces allegations of battery against his girlfriend, with supporting video evidence.

Did Trump’s ex-labor secretary force a staffer into a strip club? Shock report
A Department of Labor report alleges former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer engaged in misconduct, including drinking during work hours, keeping alcohol on federal property, and directing staff to a strip club. Appointed by Trump in January 2025, she resigned in April 2026 amid an investigation stemming from an anonymous complaint detailing inappropriate relationships and potential misuse of agency funds.

Aryna Sabalenka complains about the smell of marijuana during her US Open match
Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion at the U.S. Open, expressed her irritation over the strong smell of marijuana during her third-round match against Kamilla Rakhimova, prompting her to seek assistance from the chair umpire. Previous players have also complained about this issue, linked to a nearby park. The U.S. Tennis Association maintains a smoke-free policy.

Sixth, last accused in UP illegal cracker factory blast arrested after encounter
Kaushambi police arrested the last accused in the August 31 illegal cracker factory blast, Shakil, following an encounter. He was detained as he attempted to flee, sustaining injuries in the process. The blast killed 14, prompting the arrest of five others. Background includes demolitions of properties linked to the factory and arrests under the Explosives Act.

Tennis-Pegula fights through, Sabalenka cruises as US Open awaits Williams sisters' return
Jessica Pegula rallied from a set down to defeat Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, advancing to the U.S. Open fourth round, where she aims for the world number one ranking. Aryna Sabalenka easily overcame Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4. Meanwhile, Venus and Serena Williams will reunite for doubles, marking a nostalgic return to Flushing Meadows.

Cambodia’s army to resume joint military exercises with the US next year
Cambodia's army will resume joint military exercises with the U.S. in February 2027 after a hiatus since 2017, reflecting improving relations following recent high-level meetings. The exercise, "Angkor Sentinel," aims to enhance interoperability and disaster response capabilities while addressing U.S. concerns over Cambodia's ties with China and its human rights record under Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Ecuador says vessel sinkings part of joint US drug trafficking probe
Ecuador defended U.S. operations that sank three Ecuadorean vessels this week, asserting they disrupt drug trafficking. This action is part of Operation Southern Spear, which has targeted 70 vessels and resulted in over 220 deaths amid criticism for potential extrajudicial killings. Ecuador's Interior Minister emphasized the importance of international cooperation in these investigations.

Africa bigger, US smaller - UN adopts new map
The UN General Assembly approved a resolution to adopt the Equal Earth map, which enhances the representation of Africa while downscaling North America and Europe, garnering support from 164 nations despite opposition from the US. Proposed by African nations, the resolution critiques the Mercator projection's distortion of landmass sizes, aiming for more accurate global representation.

Edgar Davids art thief misses sentencing after being 'knocked out by luggage'
Nabila Habiby, a thief who pawned former footballer Edgar Davids's £188,000 modern art collection, missed her sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court, claiming she suffered a concussion from being struck by a bag. Habiby obtained £31,500 in loans by pawning Davids's art, unearthing the theft when collectors contacted him. Background: Davids entrusted Habiby during a house move in 2014.

Class 9 student stabbed to death in dispute over female friend, 3 juveniles held
In Delhi's Nangloi area, a 15-year-old class 9 student was fatally stabbed by three juveniles over a dispute regarding his friendship with a girl. Following the attack, police apprehended the suspects shortly after the incident, which occurred while the victim was returning home from school. The victim succumbed to his injuries due to blood loss. The investigation continues.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly docked Monaco podium for 2nd time
Pierre Gasly lost his third-place finish to Isack Hadjar after penalties from the Monaco Grand Prix were reinstated following an appeal by McLaren and Red Bull. Initially dismissed, the penalties dropped Gasly to seventh. Alpine expressed disappointment over the FIA's decision but remains focused on improving performance in the competitive championship. The appeals hearing took place on August 25.

Lindsay Clancy mistrial verdict: Kevin Reddington’s emergency appeal denied
A Massachusetts judge declared a mistrial in Lindsay Clancy's case after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict, with a split indicating favor for acquittal. Clancy, accused of murdering her three children, admitted to the acts but claimed postpartum psychosis. The mistrial leaves the possibility of a new trial as prosecutors deliberate next steps.

HCMTR land acquisition cost pegged at ₹2,534 crore
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) estimates a ₹2,534-crore cost for acquiring 51.73 hectares for the 43-km High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR). Proposals for land transfers must be submitted by September 11. This project, essential for Pune's connectivity, follows efforts to expedite the ₹4,003-crore inner ring road, aimed at enhancing regional mobility.

Ahead of Delhi pollution season, CAQM asks Isro to improve stubble burning accuracy
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has urged ISRO to enhance its methodology for analyzing stubble burning by categorizing fire intensity to accurately assess emissions. Currently, ISRO's models can't distinguish between fire sizes. CAQM has introduced drones for real-time monitoring this winter, aiming to improve data accuracy, particularly as air quality deteriorates in late autumn.

‘Lower rate or…': Trump threatens to stop trading with US trade-deficit nations
US President Donald Trump threatened to halt trading with countries where the US has a trade deficit unless the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, citing a need for a more favorable economic position. His demand stems from strong job growth and precedes crucial midterm elections. However, the Fed operates independently, often disregarding Trump's calls for lower rates.

HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on Sept 5 in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram
A range of cultural events is scheduled for September 5 across Delhi, including "Staged" at Akshara Theatre, "Legends of Tomorrow" at Triveni Auditorium, and "Vision to Victory" at the India International Centre, with free entry for many. Events feature dance performances, art workshops, and performances by North East artists at various venues.

Dialogue, not oil bans, will end Ukraine war: Jaishankar defends energy buys
The Russia-Ukraine conflict can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasized India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after talks with Polish counterpart Radosław Sikorski. Jaishankar reiterated that energy purchases, essential for India, are not the solution. Discussions also covered trade, defense, and maritime safety, reflecting the broader cooperation between India and Poland. This engagement underscores the need for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts.

Lindsay Clancy trial: Why did Kevin Reddington ‘whip off’ his glasses?
Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended in a mistrial after the jury, deadlocked during deliberations, reported they could not reach a unanimous verdict, prompting Judge William Sullivan's declaration. Tensions escalated between the judge and Clancy's lawyer, Kevin Reddington, who sought time for an appeal. This situation follows substantial public interest and sympathy surrounding Clancy's case.

3 Ludhiana educators among 55 selected for state teacher awards
Three Ludhiana teachers, Sukhdhir Singh, Sarabjit Singh, and Sukhpal Kaur, have been selected for the Punjab State Teacher Awards, with the presentation set for Teachers’ Day. Singh has improved GPS Moti Nagar significantly since 2020, while Sarabjit enhanced economics interest at his school. Kaur promotes Punjabi literature through a Canada-based project, fostering student engagement.

Kolkata school teacher suspended for asking student to wipe off tilak: Adhikari
A Kolkata school teacher has been suspended for forcing a student to remove his sandalwood tilak, following a complaint from a Class 5 student. An FIR has been filed against her. The Holy Mission English Medium School, which serves predominantly non-Bengali Hindus, is reviewing the case. The government also suspended a state employee for an inappropriate post about the Prime Minister.

Expired curd, misbranded food, bed bugs powder: 23 Bengaluru PGs under scanner
Bengaluru's food safety officials inspected 64 paying guest accommodations, discovering that 23 violated food safety norms, including using expired items. Inspections, ordered by Health Minister U T Khader, revealed unhygienic conditions and led to the seizure of expired food. The department emphasized compliance with food safety regulations, warning of legal action for violations.

Ludhiana: Countrymade pistol, live bullet recovered in espionage case
Ludhiana Police recovered a .32 bore countrymade pistol and a live bullet from Rachhpal Singh, a key suspect in an espionage case involving the transmission of live CCTV footage to Pakistan. His accomplices were arrested as police investigate further. Rachhpal, arrested on August 27, used CCTV to monitor Ludhiana for security intelligence. He allegedly intended to sell the weapon to local gangs.

Over delayed principal appointments: Panjab University summons four Ludhiana reps
Panjab University has summoned representatives from four Ludhiana colleges, including Arya College, on September 11 to address their failure to appoint regular principals. Despite previous reminders, many colleges have stalled hiring processes. Concurrently, Arya College faculty protests continue over governance violations, with faculty demanding a permanent principal and addressing service grievances. The university remains firm on timelines.

GCL hopes to becomes the format chess needs
Viswanathan Anand, Magnus Carlsen, and 14-year-old Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş headline the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League starting September 5, showcasing a generational clash. With six teams competing in a double round robin, the event introduces live features to engage audiences and promote chess. The league aims to expand the game's appeal through innovative formats and real-time fan interactions.

Chirag Paswan’s party seeks FIR against ‘influencer’ over ‘misuse’ of his name
Union Minister Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) filed a police complaint against influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, accusing him of misusing Paswan's name for false political claims. Viral footage allegedly shows Bhardwaj confessing to violence linked to a CJP activist's father, while asserting immunity from arrest due to political ties, prompting calls for legal action. Paswan emphasized his commitment to justice for the victim's family.

Is Lindsay Clancy jury divided 11-1? Latest verdict and mistrial update
The Lindsay Clancy jury was split 11-1, favoring acquittal, leading Judge William Sullivan to declare a mistrial on September 4. The jury foreperson reported the lone juror acknowledged doubt but wouldn't apply it, prompting defense attorney Kevin Reddington to seek removal, a request denied by Sullivan. The case centers on interpretations of reasonable doubt.


