In a landmark legal showdown, Meta Platforms has agreed to a massive multi-billion-dollar settlement—peaking at nearly $16.68 billion—to resolve extensive claims brought by 29 U.S. states. The high-stakes federal trial, which commenced in California, addressed allegations that the tech giant intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram features to foster teen addiction, misled the public regarding platform safety, and unlawfully harvested data from young users without parental consent.

US child-safety trial: META reaches settlement with 29 states over child safety claims

The United States has designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, a move that comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict and growing scrutiny of activist groups linked to anti-Israel protests. The designation could have significant legal and financial consequences, including restrictions on funding, support networks and organizational activities. Supporters argue the group engages in direct action against companies linked to Israel, while critics have accused it of unlawful and disruptive tactics. Here's what the designation means, why Washington took the step, and how it could impact activism related to the Gaza crisis.

Gaza crisis: US Labels Palestine action a terrorist group

CIA Director John Ratcliffe has reportedly travelled to Moscow for meetings, in what is believed to be his first known trip to Russia since taking charge of the agency. U.S. media reports say Ratcliffe travelled via Latvia aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, which landed at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. The CIA, Pentagon and Kremlin have not publicly confirmed the purpose of the visit. The trip comes as U.S.-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace efforts remain stalled and tensions over Iran add another layer to Washington-Moscow relations.

Trump downplays CIA Director's Moscow visit 

Terrifying flash floods unleashed massive destruction across Nepal, sweeping away roads, bridges and homes.
Shocking visuals show raging floodwaters tearing through entire communities within seconds.
The disaster has left over 150 people dead, with rescue teams racing against time to find survivors.
Authorities fear the toll could rise as flood-hit regions remain cut off and devastated.


Nepal floods major reveal: USGS says landslide first, then tremors

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has arrived in New York on the first leg of a high-profile, three-nation global outreach tour covering the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.


RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on global outreach tour 

In a landmark legal showdown, Meta Platforms has agreed to a massive multi-billion-dollar settlement—peaking at nearly $16.68 billion—to resolve extensive claims brought by 29 U.S. states. The high-stakes federal trial, which commenced in California, addressed allegations that the tech giant intentionally designed Facebook and Instagram features to foster teen addiction, misled the public regarding platform safety, and unlawfully harvested data from young users without parental consent.


META reaches settlement worth $16.68 bn with 29 US states over child safety claims

A wave of grief and fierce student protests has engulfed the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi following the tragic death of 31-year-old M.Sc. Physics student Rishikesh Kumar.


Rishikesh Kumar 'jumped off' building in IIT Delhi campus

As appellate tribunals in West Bengal disclose that over 82,782 Special Intensive Revision (SIR) appeals have been disposed of so far—with a striking 91% resulting in names being re-added to the electoral rolls—fresh questions are mounting over the massive backlog of millions of pending cases.


West Bengal: Over 82 thousand S.I.R. appeals disposed of so far

In a historic first, China's advanced J-16 'Hidden Dragon' heavyweight multirole fighters have gone head-to-head against French-made Rafale jets in simulated combat. Taking place during the 'Eagles of Civilization 2026' joint air exercise in Egypt, this rare tactical drills phase gave People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) pilots direct, real-world data and flying experience against a premier Western-origin 4.5-generation platform.


China gets real flying experience against the Rafale

Two massive tragedies have sent shockwaves across South Asia. In northern Nepal, a catastrophic flash flood—dubbed a 'Chinese Tsunami' after a sudden landslide breached the Tibet border—has left at least 95 people dead and nearly 400 missing, including dozens of Indian tourists and pilgrims. Entire villages, bridges, and hydropower facilities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers have been wiped out as multi-agency rescue teams race against time. 

Meanwhile, in Islamabad, Pakistan, a horrific fire triggered by an AC explosion swept through the neonatal nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), tragically claiming the lives of 14 newborns.


Himalayan tsunami devastates Nepal | 95 killed, 400+ missing | 14 infants die in Pak hospital fire

Unimpeakable grief has engulfed Islamabad as 14 newborn infants tragically lost their lives following a devastating fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital. 

The catastrophic blaze erupted early in the morning on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health ward's nursery. According to preliminary reports and government officials, an air-conditioning unit compressor explosion, coupled with combustible oxygen lines, caused the fire to spread rapidly through the intensive care unit where vulnerable babies were housed.

Pakistan hospital fire: Parents wail as 14 infants die in Pakistan hospital horror

In a rare and high-stakes unannounced visit, CIA Director John Ratcliffe flew to Moscow for secretive backchannel talks with Russian intelligence counterparts. 

The surprise diplomatic mission—facilitated by a temporary halt on long-term drone and missile strikes near the Russian capital—comes as U.S.-brokered peace negotiations over the Ukraine war remain heavily stalled.

CIA chief in Moscow: CIA chief pleads with Putin for peace in Ukraine | What's Putin planning?

As part of a major push to modernise the Bangladesh Air Force and replace its aging fleet, Dhaka is moving forward with formal negotiations to acquire Chinese-made J-10CE multirole fighter jets. 

Valued at an estimated $2.3 billion for a multi-aircraft package—including training, technical support, and logistics—the proposed acquisition marks one of Bangladesh's largest defense deals. Government advisers have highlighted the strategic shift and cost-effectiveness of the 4.5-generation Chinese fighter, pointing to its regional profile following recent South Asian operational deployments.

Bangladesh seeks Chinese multi-role jet to modernise its air force

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has formally written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, urgently seeking an extension of the timeline for claims and objections under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.


Karnataka CM writes to Chief Election Commissioner, seeks more time for S.I.R.

India's food safety landscape is undergoing a massive, high-stakes overhaul as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bodies intensify a nationwide enforcement crackdown.


Food safety crackdown intensifies in India, big facilities under FDA lens

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal continues to face intense legal scrutiny, with the Supreme Court pressing the Election Commission of India (ECI) for detailed data on pending and disposed appeals regarding voter exclusion.


West Bengal S.I.R. faces fresh scrutiny, were eligible voters denied voting right?

Fresh concerns have emerged over the health of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, with his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, demanding proof of his well-being and access to independent medical assessments. The appeal comes amid conflicting claims over Khan's condition, with his family and supporters alleging restricted access and inadequate medical care, while Pakistani authorities insist he is receiving proper treatment. 

The controversy has intensified after court-ordered medical examinations and growing international calls for transparency regarding Khan's health and prison conditions. Khan's sons say they have been unable to communicate with him for months and are seeking direct access.

Imran Khan's sons call for independent medical examination over health worries

Trans athlete Anaya Bangar has been allowed by Cricket Australia to play community cricket in the country.


Anaya Bangar cleared to play community cricket in Australia

The Indian football team will face 2026 World Cup participants Panama on September 26 ahead of their highly-anticipated friendly against Brazil.

India to face Panama ahead of Brazil friendly

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is set to return to the Pakistan side for the Lord's test against England.

Babar Azam set to return for Lord's Test

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down hard on the booming quick-commerce sector, suspending the food licenses and issuing notices to restaurants in Mumbai. Watch the full video to know more on this.


Maharashtra FDA crackdown: 31 notices served after inspection at 37 sites, 4 licences cancelled

Fresh questions have emerged over the August 15 forest shootout in Karnataka's Hanur region that killed three Tamils, after postmortem reports revealed two victims were shot from close range, contradicting the forest department's version of events. The autopsy found multiple shotgun injuries to the chest and abdomen, with one victim, Sebastian David Kumar, sustaining two shotgun entry wounds. Karnataka Police have now ordered a CID probe, even as Tamil Nadu leaders demand a full CBI investigation into the killings.


Karnataka forest encounter: Autopsy report sparks new questions over shootout

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning and vowed a strict clampdown on perpetrators of violent anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks. Speaking in Parliament in response to mounting pressure over unlawful mobilization, vigilante groups, and targeted violence against African foreign nationals, Ramaphosa assured that law enforcement is actively processing evidence to arrest and prosecute instigators.


Ramaphosa vows clampdown on violent anti-immigrant protesters

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate, large-scale joint security operation to rescue approximately 600 citizens who were mass-abducted in north-central Niger State.

Nigeria mass kidnapping: Nigeria launches operation to rescue 600 kidnapped victims

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has issued a stark warning, stating that weak governance, entrenched bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of integrated military innovation are severely hindering Kyiv's war effort against Russia.


Russia-Ukraine war: Fedorov says weak innovation is hurting Ukraine's war effort

Student union elections are set to make a historic comeback to Karnataka’s college campuses after a massive 37-year ban. Originally halted in 1989 by the then-Congress government under Veerendra Patil due to concerns over campus violence and politicization, the Siddaramaiah government is moving forward with plans to revive campus polls across Pre-University (PU) and affiliated degree colleges.


Student elections set to return to Karnataka after 37 years

The Karnataka government, led by CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, is facing severe backlash from citizen groups, environmentalists, and opposition parties following the hasty passage of the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.


Karnataka park land use: DK Shivakumar government faces heat over parks amendment bill

Bengaluru is gearing up for a major traffic and urban mobility overhaul with a proposal to introduce premium congestion-based parking pricing across high-density commercial hubs and tech corridors. Aimed at curbing vehicular congestion, encouraging public transport adoption, and streamlining parking management, the new civic policy could significantly alter daily commuting costs in India's Silicon Valley.

Bengaluru eyes premium pricing for parking

Experience the vibrant colors, rich cultural heritage, and joyous spirit of Onam, Kerala's most celebrated harvest festival! From stunning intricate flower carpets (Pookkalam) adorning doorsteps to traditional folk dances, rhythmic boat races (Vallam Kali), and the grand, multi-course Onasadya feast, Onam brings people together in a celebration of unity, prosperity, and mythic homecoming of King Mahabali.

Onam Kerala: Flower carpets, festivities & feasts mark Onam celebrations

Discover the transformative power of 'Hara Hachi Bu'—the ancient Confucian and traditional Japanese mindful eating practice that has helped Okinawan populations maintain longevity, vitality, and a healthy relationship with food for centuries. In this video, we explore the science and philosophy behind stopping when you are 80% full, how slowing down your pace resets your natural hunger cues, and simple, actionable steps to bring mindful eating into your daily routine. Say goodbye to mindless snacking and overeating, and learn how a simple shift in awareness can completely transform your health and well-being.

A traditional Japanese mindful eating practice | The return to mindful eating

India and China have committed to advancing talks toward a political settlement of their long-standing boundary question, emphasizing overall bilateral growth and long-term mutual interests. During the 25th round of Special Representatives' Talks in Beijing—led by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit G. Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi—both nations highlighted that maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains a prerequisite for normalized diplomatic, economic, and regional ties.


India, China push for settlement of border dispute in 'long-term' interests

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