India's first nationwide DNA-based census has found that the country's wild elephant population has fallen by about 25% in eight years, underscoring growing threats from shrinking forests and rising human-elephant conflict.


DNA testing shows India lost thousands of Elephants since 2017

US Treasury Secretary said US expects India and Europe to back Washington in countering China's dominance over rare earth supplies, calling it "China versus the world." Despite steep US tariffs on Indian goods, Bessent said global support is vital.

US Calls for India's Support Against China

India’s Supreme Court has relaxed the firecracker ban in the Delhi-NCR region ahead of Diwali celebrations. The decision allows limited use of firecrackers, balancing festive traditions with environmental concerns. Authorities urge residents to follow guidelines to minimize pollution and ensure safety during the festival.


India: Firecracker ban partially lifted in Delhi-NCR ahead of Diwali

Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, best known as Karna from Mahabharat, passed away on October 15, 2025, at 68, after battling cancer. He had undergone surgery, but the illness relapsed.


India: ‘Mahabharat’ star Pankaj Dheer passes away at 68 after long battle with cancer 

Ashley Tellis, a prominent US scholar on India who has long advised Washington on South Asia policy, has been charged with unlawfully retaining classified information and allegedly meeting with Chinese officials, US prosecutors said Tuesday. 64-year-old Tellis stands accused of keeping more than 1,000 pages of top-secret and secret documents at his home, according to a criminal affidavit. The Justice Department said he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ex-journalist-pete-hegseth-mocks-press-as-us-media-revolts-against-pentagon-s-gag-order-press-no-longer-roams-free-1760402303105">Ex-journalist Pete Hegseth mocks press as US media revolts against Pentagon’s gag order: ‘Press no longer roams free’</a><h2>How was Tellis caught?</h2>As per a federal affidavit, investigators found over 1,000 pages of top-secret and secret material at Tellis’s home. According to an AFP report, citing prosecutors, Tellis, who was serving as an unpaid State Department adviser, was seen printing from a classified document on US Air Force techniques on September 25. He allegedly met several times with Chinese government officials at a restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia. During one such dinner with Chinese government officials, Tellis allegedly carried a manila envelope that he did not appear to leave with; at others, Chinese officials allegedly handed him gift bags.He was arrested Saturday (Oct 11), the same day he was scheduled to fly to Rome, officials said. The State Department confirmed his arrest but declined further comment. Lawyers for Tellis have not yet commented on the charges.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mi5-issues-chilling-warning-to-uk-mps-china-russia-iran-spies-trying-to-erode-the-foundations-of-our-sovereignty-1760406481007">MI5 issues chilling warning to UK MPs: China, Russia, Iran spies trying to 'erode the foundations of our sovereignty'</a><h2>Who is Ashley Tellis?</h2>Ashley Tellis, as per reports, is a naturalised US citizen from India. He is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and previously helped negotiate the landmark US–India civil nuclear deal under President George W. Bush.In recent years, he has been a vocal critic of Washington’s approach to India, arguing that New Delhi’s strategic alignment was at odds with Washington. He warned that New Delhi often acts independently of US strategic goals, citing its ties with Russia and Iran. &nbsp;

US-based India expert Ashley Tellis has been charged with unlawfully keeping classified material and allegedly meeting Chinese officials. Here's all you need to know.

Ashley Tellis, a prominent US scholar on India who has long advised Washington on South Asia policy, has been charged with unlawfully retaining classified information and allegedly meeting with Chinese officials, US prosecutors said Tuesday. 64-year-old Tellis stands accused of keeping more than 1,000 pages of top-secret and secret documents at his home, according to a criminal affidavit. The Justice Department said he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. Also read | Ex-journalist Pete Hegseth mocks press as US media revolts against Pentagon’s gag order: ‘Press no longer roams free’ How was Tellis caught? As per a federal affidavit, investigators found over 1,000 pages of top-secret and secret material at Tellis’s home. According to an AFP report, citing prosecutors, Tellis, who was serving as an unpaid State Department adviser, was seen printing from a classified document on US Air Force techniques on September 25. He allegedly met several times with Chinese government officials at a restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia. During one such dinner with Chinese government officials, Tellis allegedly carried a manila envelope that he did not appear to leave with; at others, Chinese officials allegedly handed him gift bags. He was arrested Saturday (Oct 11), the same day he was scheduled to fly to Rome, officials said. The State Department confirmed his arrest but declined further comment. Lawyers for Tellis have not yet commented on the charges. Also read | MI5 issues chilling warning to UK MPs: China, Russia, Iran spies trying to 'erode the foundations of our sovereignty' Who is Ashley Tellis? Ashley Tellis, as per reports, is a naturalised US citizen from India. He is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and previously helped negotiate the landmark US–India civil nuclear deal under President George W. Bush. In recent years, he has been a vocal critic of Washington’s approach to India, arguing that New Delhi’s strategic alignment was at odds with Washington. He warned that New Delhi often acts independently of US strategic goals, citing its ties with Russia and Iran.

US-based India expert Ashley Tellis has been charged with unlawfully keeping classified material and allegedly meeting Chinese officials. Here's all you need to know.

US arrests Indian-origin scholar Ashley Tellis for mishandling classified documents — and dining with Chinese officials

Bihar is preparing for a crucial Assembly election for its 243-seat legislature, with polling set for November 6 and 11 and counting scheduled for November 14. The elections will witness a stiff contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition-led INDIA bloc, alongside a new entrant, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav Face Friction Before the Seat Distribution

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the country views India as a close friend, highlighting that New Delhi was the first responder during the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. Speaking on bilateral ties, he emphasized that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used to threaten or act against other nations.

Afghanistan Aims To Boost Investments in Mining, Woos Indian Investors At FICCI

In shocking remarks in the aftermath of an MBBS student's gang rape in West Bengal's Durgapur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has tried to shift the responsibility of students' security to private colleges and questioned how the 23-year-old student managed to leave the campus late at night. 


Durgapur horror: 'Girls have to protect themselves', Bengal CM's shocker after alleged gang rape 

On Saturday, Vaishnaw experienced Mappls' features first-hand. In particular, he pointed out the apps’ ability to provide three dimensional junction views or previews of flyovers, underpasses, and roundabouts, and real time driving alerts for speed limits, accident-prone spots, sharp curves, speed breakers, traffic signals, and traffic camera locations.


An Indian alternative to Google Maps? ‘Mappls’ fuels the swadeshi tech push 

As per the pact, the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has been allocated 29. The Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha will contest six seats each.


India: BJP, JD(U) to contest 101 seats each, Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV) impacts NDA's Bihar math

After facing sharp criticism for excluding women journalists from a press meet in New Delhi on Friday, visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday called another, "inclusive" press conference and offered a clarification for the earlier omission.


Muttaqi's press meet redo with women journalists, says 'snub not intentional'

Durgapur horror: Bengal CM's shocker after gang rape; three accused held in alleged gang rape case

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi holds a crucial briefing on the escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions. He delivers a stern warning, highlighting Afghanistan’s firm stance and regional concerns. 


Breaking: Amir Khan Muttaqi holds press conference in New Delhi, women journalists attend press meet

BREAKING: Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to Agra cancelled

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor met PM Modi in New Delhi to discuss defence, trade, technology, and critical minerals, presenting him a signed photo from Trump, who called Modi a "great and personal friend".

India-US Ties: US Envoy Sergio Gor Meets Indian PM Modi, Trump Sends Signed Photo Gift to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly received an invitation from US President Donald Trump and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend a peace summit in Sharm-el Sheikh on Monday, October 13.

US Extends Gaza Summit Invite to India, Iran to Attend in Sharm Al-Sheikh

A second-year MBBS student from Odisha was gang-raped near a private medical college in West Bengal's Durgapur on Friday night.

India: Odisha Origin Medical Student Allegedly Gang-Raped In West Bengal's Durgapur

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the country views India as a close friend, highlighting that New Delhi was the first responder during the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. Speaking on bilateral ties, he emphasized that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used to threaten or act against other nations.


India-Afghanistan ties: Pak Defence Minister says India creating chaos via Afghanistan 

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor met PM Modi in New Delhi to discuss defence, trade, technology, and critical minerals, presenting him a signed photo from Trump, who called Modi a "great and personal friend".


India-US ties: PM Modi says Gor's tenure to boost India-US relations

India-Afghanistan ties: How India can benefit from Afghanistan's mineral wealth  

Security forces have launched a search operation after two Pakistani drones were seen hovering over the forward villages along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district.


J&K: Security forces & police launch massive joint search operation

A second-year MBBS student from Odisha was gang-raped near a private medical college in West Bengal's Durgapur on Friday night.


India: 2nd year medical college student gang-raped in West Bengal's Durgapur

Afghanistan's Taliban regime's foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday visited the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district as part of his six-day trip to India.


Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi visits historic Darul Uloom Deoband in UP

India-Afghanistan strengthens trade ties: Afghanistan invites India to explore untapped minerals 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi to discuss the India-US relationship and its global impact. 


India-US ties: Envoy-designate Sergio Gor meets Jaishankar, hope floats again for US-India trade

India's living legend, Amitabh Bachchan turns 83 today. He is one of the rare actors who has consistently reinvented himself throughout his journey as an actor in the cinema industry. Find out more about his career in this episode of WION. 


83 Years of Amitabh Bachchan: Revisiting the best cinematic moments of the legendary actor

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is taking a firm stand against Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head Mohsin Naqvi. Following the Asia Cup 2025 controversy—where Naqvi allegedly withheld the trophy after India’s win—BCCI is now seeking his removal from the ICC Board of Directors. The Indian board plans to escalate the matter to the International Cricket Council, accusing Naqvi of politicizing the sport and disrespecting tournament protocols.

India Moves to Sanction Mohsin Naqvi, Wants Him Removed From ICC Board

During Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s high-profile visit to New Delhi, India announced an upgrade in diplomatic engagement with the Taliban-led administration in Kabul. The talks, which included meetings with senior Indian officials, focused on strengthening trade, infrastructure, and regional stability. Muttaqi emphasized the importance of economic cooperation, while Indian counterparts reiterated the need for peace, inclusive governance, and curbing terrorism in the region.

New Delhi Upgrades Diplomatic Ties With Kabul

India's games at the Women's ODI World Cup have drawn huge crowds, while the men's tests against the West Indies have seen several empty seats.


India Women's games against Australia and England sold out, empty seats at Men's Tests

The Gadole Forest, a dense, high-altitude wilderness in the Kokernag region of Anantnag district, spans the rugged and remote terrain between Kishtwar and Anantnag districts in Jammu and Kashmir. Known for its inaccessibility, the forest has long been a hotspot for terrorist activity.


J&K: Indian army loses two elite para commandos amid anti-terror operations

New Delhi Upgrades Diplomatic Ties With Kabul, Muttaqi Emphasizes Trade

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