Human Interest

AI models are now decoding animal emotions through vocalizations, aiding in welfare monitoring across species like pigs, cows, dogs, whales, and bees. While promising, the technology raises ethical concerns about overinterpretation, ecological cost, and human responsibility in responding to distress signals

A Filipino priest, an Indian education activist, and a Maldivian diver won the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awards for transformative service in human rights, girls’ education, and environmental protection, embodying compassion, resilience, and community leadership across Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over monsoon-triggered floods and landslides, praising rescue efforts by NDRF, SDRF, and armed forces. Amid the crisis, he highlighted Pulwama's first day-night cricket match and the Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Srinagar's Dal Lake

Homer’s Odyssey shows how shared rationality is key to lasting safety, security, and peace for humanity

Filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan announced her YouTube talent show “Aunty Kisko Bola”, featuring Sajid Khan and Sunita Ahuja as the first judges. The show will spotlight women’s talents, with weekly guest judges. Farah also teased special appearances in upcoming episodes.

Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district washed away schools, a panchayat office, dispensary, and ration store in Bada Bangal village, which remains cut off. Across the state, 536 roads were blocked, thousands faced power and water disruptions, and rescues continued

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro controversially labeled the Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war,” alleging India fuels Russia’s war machine by buying discounted oil. Navarro defended Trump’s 50% tariffs on India, insisting peace “runs through New Delhi,” drawing criticism for targeting India

A man in Prayagraj murdered his 17-year-old grand-nephew on a tantrik’s advice, dismembered the body, and dumped parts in separate locations. Police arrested accused Sharan Singh after witness input. The boy, a Class 11 student, had been reported missing earlier

Two new polio cases have been confirmed in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising Pakistan’s 2025 tally to 23. The highly infectious disease persists in hard-to-reach areas with low vaccine acceptance, despite ongoing nationwide eradication efforts by health authorities and partners

The government has imposed a minimum import price of ₹67,220 per tonne on virgin multi-layer paperboard imports till March 31, 2026, to curb dumping from countries like Indonesia. The move follows an anti-dumping probe initiated after complaints from domestic manufacturers

The Supreme Court on Monday appointed an amicus curiae in its suo motu case on Himachal Pradesh’s ecological imbalance. Expressing alarm over hydropower projects, deforestation, and unchecked tourism, the bench stressed urgent action by the state and Centre to prevent further environmental degradation

India has alerted Pakistan about potential flooding in the Tawi River, marking rare contact since the Pahalgam terror attack and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan’s NDMA has issued flood warnings amid ongoing monsoon rains that have already caused heavy casualties

While the earlier order would have been unworkable and inhumane, the Supreme Court in its revised order has placed the burden of handling the issue of street dogs squarely back on municipal governance

Archaeological research at Walufeni Cave on Papua New Guinea’s Great Papuan Plateau reveals evidence of 3,200-year-old long-distance trade, including marine shells transported 200 km inland. Findings highlight dynamic cultural networks across New Guinea, Torres Strait, and northern Australia, challenging outdated Eurocentric views

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the Gaganyaan mission as a milestone in Atmanirbhar Bharat, felicitating astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla, Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap. The 2027 mission aims to send a three-member crew into low-Earth orbit for three days

From snow leopards in Ladakh to mangrove in Sundarbans, India’s wildlife photographers are frontline storytellers of conservation

A new dinosaur species, *Istiorachis macarthurae*, with a dramatic sail-like spine has been identified from Isle of Wight fossils. Discovered by Jeremy Lockwood, it likely evolved its striking features for sexual selection, broadening understanding of Early Cretaceous iguanodontians

The Supreme Court modified its August 11 order on stray dogs, allowing sterilised and vaccinated canines to be released back in the same area, excluding rabid or aggressive ones. Feeding will only be allowed in designated civic spaces, not streets

Two student suicides were reported in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. A PUC student at RGUKT, Kadapa, allegedly hanged himself, possibly due to mobile addiction and his father’s death. In Bhainsa, a 15-year-old ended his life after being denied a mobile phone

The Central Consumer Protection Authority fined Rapido ₹10 lakh for misleading advertisements like “Auto in 5 min or get Rs 50.” The regulator found unfair trade practices, unclear disclaimers, and compensation via restrictive “Rapido coins,” directing the company to refund consumers

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar revealed his health routine, stressing the importance of finishing dinner by 6.30 PM to aid digestion and reduce diseases. He also shared that he observes a complete Monday fast. Kumar’s next film 'Welcome To The Jungle' releases on December 20

New research reveals Antarctica is experiencing abrupt, accelerating changes: shrinking sea ice, melting ice shelves, weakening ocean currents, and destabilizing ice sheets. These shifts threaten wildlife, ecosystems, and global coastlines, with rising sea levels and climate disruption inevitable without urgent emission cuts

The Delhi High Court criticised civic authorities over clogged sewer lines in Tihar Jail, saying judges were “reduced to municipal commissioners.” The bench pressed PWD officials on delays, ordering urgent cleaning by August 25 and full sewer connection within four weeks

Haryana notified a new definition of “forest,” requiring 40% canopy density and minimum 2–5 hectares. Experts warn this excludes much of the Aravallis’ scrub and open forests from Forest Conservation Act protection, risking further exploitation under mining and development projects