Human Interest

Puri Jagannath Temple authorities conducted a special inventory of the Ratna Bhandar treasury during Rath Yatra rituals. The process involved counting, weighing and digitally documenting ornaments used by deities, including gold and silver jewellery, following Odisha government-approved procedures

US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance welcomed their fourth child, Alec Neel Vance, becoming the first sitting vice president in over 150 years to have a baby while in office. Mother and child are healthy

A nine-year-old horse donated to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams' Sri Venkateswara Goshala died despite intensive veterinary care. Preliminary findings indicated chronic liver, heart and kidney ailments, while authorities await the final post-mortem report to confirm the exact cause of death

Flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall inundated Rajouri town in Jammu and Kashmir, forcing hundreds to evacuate as rivers overflowed. Vehicles were swept away, homes flooded, and rescue teams launched relief operations while authorities warned of more heavy rainfall through July 23

The Rajasthan forest department rescued two leopards near Ranthambore Tiger Reserve after repeated sightings caused panic among residents. Officials used camera traps, field tracking and local inputs for 24-hour monitoring before safely capturing the animals through a scientific rescue operation

The Supreme Court allowed the nationwide release of the animated film Mahaprabhu Jagannath on or after July 28, following Rath Yatra festivities. The court noted the CBFC certification and existing web series, while the Orissa High Court had earlier stayed its release

The US has introduced fixed stay limits for student, exchange visitor and journalist visas, ending indefinite admission rules. The policy caps most F and J visas at four years, shortens post-study grace periods, and increases federal oversight, affecting thousands of Indian students

Aamir Khan clarified that his "3 Idiots" character Rancho was not based on Sonam Wangchuk, calling it a misconception. While praising Wangchuk's social work, Khan expressed concern over the activist's indefinite hunger strike and urged him to end his fast for health

The Supreme Court expressed concern over introducing a third language in Class 9 under CBSE, saying it may increase student stress. The bench suggested starting language learning in Classes 5 or 6 instead. Remarks came during a hearing on Tamil Nadu’s JNV concerns

More than 500 Rohingya migrants are feared dead after two boats reportedly capsized in the Bay of Bengal during separate journeys from Myanmar. The vessels carried refugees fleeing persecution, while UNHCR and IOM await official confirmation and expressed grave concern over the tragedy

If a creature does not ask for freedom, will it be free? Freedoms are demanded and fought for, but what of those who cannot do either?

The Supreme Court raised concerns over student grievances in CBSE’s digital marking system and sought Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s assistance in a PIL seeking reforms. The court noted possible systemic issues, while the government said a committee is reviewing evaluation-related concerns

A translocated male tiger in Rajasthan’s Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve has successfully adapted to the wild after leaving its rewilding enclosure. The tiger has hunted prey, marked territory and interacted with other tigers, indicating promising survival prospects while officials continue monitoring

Survivors of the Vietnam tourist boat tragedy criticised the lack of emergency medical facilities, saying delayed treatment may have cost lives. Fifteen Indian tourists died after the boat capsized near Phu Quoc Island, while rescued passengers recalled desperate attempts to save victims

Actor Ram Kapoor revealed on Lock Upp that he was molested at age 13, sharing the experience publicly for the first time. He said the incident caused lasting trauma, but the person later apologised, helping him begin the healing process

The Madhya Pradesh High Court sought a status report on all nine tiger reserves after recent tiger deaths and suspected Canine Distemper Virus infections at Kanha. It directed stronger disease prevention, dog vaccination, veterinary staffing and compliance with Supreme Court conservation guidelines

A second Great Indian Bustard chick born through the 'jumpstart' conservation technique in Gujarat's Kutch has survived beyond the critical 40-day stage. The success strengthens efforts to revive the critically endangered species ahead of its planned rewilding phase

The Wayanad tunnel road mudslide death toll rose to seven after another body was recovered, while one person remains missing. Rescue operations continue despite difficult conditions as an expert probe, political blame game, and Kerala High Court scrutiny gather momentum.

A 12-year-old girl died and three students were hospitalised after a venomous krait snake entered a girls' hostel at a residential school in Jharkhand's Lohardaga district and bit them while they slept. Police are investigating how the snake entered the room

Thirty years after Dolly the sheep became the first cloned mammal, cloning has evolved from a sci-fi idea into a biotechnology tool. Scientists now use cloning for disease research, conservation and agriculture, while challenges remain in efficiency, ethics, extinct species revival and human cloning

The makers of Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups released the first song, Tabaahi, featuring Yash and Kiara Advani. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the action film's music video introduces its grand cinematic world ahead of its August 26 release

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, inaugurating an India-supported restoration project. The initiative highlights shared cultural heritage and strengthens bilateral ties during Modi's three-nation diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania

Narendra Modi received Indonesia's highest honour, the Bintang Adipurna, from Prabowo Subianto during his Jakarta visit. The leaders also held talks to strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across key sectors

An exploration of popcorn's journey from an ancient snack to the world's favourite cinema treat traces its rise alongside the film industry. The article also highlights regional movie snacks, including choc tops in Australasia and roasted ants in Colombia