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UK to ban fast food outlets near schools? MPs push for major anti-obesity measures

A UK parliamentary committee has urged the government to ban new fast food outlets near schools and prohibit junk food advertising on billboards and public transport. MPs say stronger action is needed to tackle rising obesity, accusing ministers of failing to curb unhealthy diets

Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO

A handloom weaver from Telangana has created a remarkable 5.5-metre silk saree that folds small enough to fit inside a matchbox. The intricate Ikkat saree, woven over a week, was offered to Goddess Bhramaramba at the Srisailam temple. Scroll down to see the incredible craftsmanship.

Taslima Nasrin to return to Kolkata after nearly two decades | Free speech debate rekindled

Bangladeshi-born author Taslima Nasrin is set to return to Kolkata nearly 18 years after she was forced to leave the city following violent protests in 2007. The internationally acclaimed writer will participate in an event focused on secularism, freedom of expression, and resistance against religious fundamentalism. The program, organized by secular and rationalist groups in West Bengal, will provide Nasrin an opportunity to present her literary work and discuss issues related to free speech and women's rights. Taslima Nasrin has lived in exile across Europe and the United States after facing threats in both Bangladesh and India over her writings, including her controversial novel Lajja

Aamir Khan reacts to 'love jihad' allegations: 'Gauri is not even Hindu'

Aamir Khan has finally responded to the criticism over his wedding to Gauri Spratt. He stated that he has an inclusive family, and slammed "love jihad" allegations.

Israel agrees to Lebanon withdrawal plan after US-mediated rome talks | Trump pushes Netanyahu

The first day of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon has concluded in Rome, with both sides describing the discussions as productive. Israel has reportedly expressed its willingness to move forward with plans to withdraw from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon as part of a framework agreement brokered by Washington. According to US officials, the negotiations were held in a positive atmosphere, with representatives from the United States, Israel, and Lebanon agreeing to continue discussions. Lebanon has insisted that Israeli forces begin withdrawing before any further negotiations take place, while the Lebanese Army has stated it is ready to gradually take control of the affected areas.

Iran attacks US bases in bahrain, Jordan & Kuwait | Trump warns bigger Iran strikes |  Hormuz crisis

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it has launched attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait following a fresh wave of American airstrikes on Iranian territory. According to the IRGC, the attacks targeted the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, the Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan, and a US military logistics facility at Mina Abdullah in Kuwait. Iran has also warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ends what it calls "acts of aggression." Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American fighter jets, drones, and naval forces carried out a seven-hour military operation targeting Iranian missile sites, drone infrastructure, naval assets, and coastal defense systems. The operation was aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Gulf.

BIMSTEC security chiefs convene in Delhi amid Bay of Bengal tensions

The two-day meeting, hosted by India, comes at a time of heightened regional challenges, including piracy risks in the Bay of Bengal, cross-border extremism and the impacts of climate change on food and energy security.

US-Iran conflict  | Iran fires ballistic missiles at US bases across gulf after fresh strikes

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a dangerous new phase as both sides exchange large-scale military strikes across West Asia. According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched Operation Nasr 2, firing advanced ballistic missiles, including Fateh, Fateh-110, and Zolfaghar missiles, targeting US military bases across the Gulf. Iran claims to have struck the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, along with facilities in Jordan and Kuwait. Meanwhile, the United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting military infrastructure in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, and Abu Musa, reportedly using one-way attack sea drones for the first time.

Iran threatens Strait of Hormuz closure | India protects seafarers | Russia blames Ukraine

Description Stay updated with today's biggest international headlines: A. US-Iran Conflict US Central Command releases footage of fresh strikes near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island. Fourth consecutive day of military operations targets Iranian positions. US reinforces naval blockade to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. B. India Responds India launches a seafarer-first emergency response system. New vessel-tracking mechanism introduced after attacks on merchant ships. Measures aim to safeguard Indian sailors in conflict zones. C. Iran's Warning IRGC says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US military actions stop. Iran warns additional regional oil and gas export routes could also become targets. D. Gulf Tensions Iran claims it struck facilities linked to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Command centers, fuel depots, and military infrastructure reportedly targeted. E. Russia-Ukraine Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking commercial ships in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea. Moscow says it will continue food exports and humanitarian commitments. F. Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces plans to regulate AI data centers. New rules will address electricity, water usage, and copyright protection. G. Japan Economy Manufacturers remain optimistic due to strong semiconductor demand. Services sector struggles with rising operating costs. H. FIFA World Cup Spain defeat France 2-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Final. Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro score. Spain will face either England or Argentina in the final. Watch the full report for complete global updates.

Lionel Messi signed jersey goes under hammer | FIFA world cup 2026 charity auction begins

FIFA has announced a special World Cup 2026 Charity Auction, giving football fans the opportunity to own historic memorabilia from the tournament. The auction features official match-used footballs, team-signed jerseys, Lionel Messi's signed 2022 Argentina jersey, and memorabilia from stars including Alphonso Davies and Santiago Giménez. Fans can also bid on exclusive items from the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, including performance memorabilia and a special Earth Ball signed by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

'There is no change...': India breaks silence on extradition of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

India said there is no change in its stance on former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's proposed return to Dhaka, stressing that any extradition request will be handled through legal channels. Hasina, living in India since August 2024, says she plans to return and surrender by December.

China's economy grows 4.3% in Q2, slowest pace since late 2022: Here's why

The second-quarter performance marked China's slowest economic expansion since late 2022, reflecting mounting pressure from weak domestic demand and external shocks despite steady exports and industrial production.

Ukraine destroys Russia’s largest refinery as Hormuz crisis explodes| Putin threatens bigger strikes

Ukraine has launched one of its deepest attacks yet, striking Russia's largest refinery in Siberia, nearly 2,500 km from the border, dealing a major blow to Moscow's fuel infrastructure. The attack comes as Russia intensifies missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin warning of even stronger retaliation. At the same time, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate as the United States and Iran exchange strikes for a third consecutive night. Rising attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial shipping have pushed global oil prices sharply higher, raising fears of inflation, supply disruptions, and a possible global economic slowdown.

'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs

Campaigners are calling out a salmon farm company for installing cages in the wild, which are leeching food and chemicals into the waters. Wild trout are eating them and ballooning to massive sizes, becoming almost 20 times bigger.

No more clock changes? US House backs permanent Daylight Saving Time after years of debate

The US House has overwhelmingly approved a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, potentially ending the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks. But the proposal still faces a major hurdle in the Senate before Americans can say goodbye to 'spring forward' and 'fall back'.

Rani Mukerji to be conferred Honorary Doctorate at the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which will take place from 13 to 23 August 2026, has, over the years, established itself as one of the world’s leading celebrations of Indian cinema.

Writers Guild sues to block US Paramount deal: 'Would eliminate competition, writers will be paid less'

Paramount engaged in a bidding war against Netflix to land Warner Bros., and argues the deal will create a strong rival to Netflix, Amazon and Apple. To win support, the conglomerate has pledged to release at least 30 films a year that will remain in theaters for a minimum of 45 days.

PM Modi prevented nuclear attack on Ukraine in 2022? Poland minister makes BIG claims about Putin's plans, Indian PM's role

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski praised PM Narendra Modi, saying Vladimir Putin listens to him and credited the Indian leader with helping dissuade Russia from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in 2022.

Spain beat France 2-0 to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 final | Oyarzabal & Porro seal historic win

Spain have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final after a dominant 2-0 victory over France in the semifinal. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed a memorable win as Spain produced another outstanding defensive display. The European champions will now face England or Argentina in the World Cup Final, while France will play in the third-place playoff. Watch the full match highlights, key moments, goals, and post-match analysis from this thrilling semifinal.