The Kerala High Court ordered an investigation on Monday into allegations surrounding gold plating at Sabarimala temple's Dwarapalaka idol. A retired district judge will lead the probe under the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The court emphasized confidential scrutiny of all sanctum sanctorum matters, and officials must verify strong room contents while examining the Thiruvabharanam register.
Justices expressed concern about a nearly four-kilogram weight reduction in the gold-coated plate when officials returned it in 2019. The temple committee faced criticism for failing to document the plate's weight in official ledgers upon its return. Authorities must investigate potential lapses by Devaswom officials...
Japanese Nobel Prize winner Takaaki Kajita credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership on Monday for India's dramatic improvement in the Global Innovation Index. The physicist noted India climbed from 91st place in 2014 to 38th in 2025, and he urged Japan to study India's research and development strategies. Kajita joined 19 other prominent Japanese scientists in signing a resolution supporting stronger Indo-Japan scientific partnerships during a conference hosted by Chandigarh University and the University of Tokyo. The Global Innovation Index began tracking national innovation capabilities in 2007 through comprehensive economic measurements. Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted India would break into the top 10 rankings...
Sunil Gavaskar disclosed that his heart pounded at dangerous levels during the Asia Cup 2025 final between India, and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Indian cricket icon told India Today his pulse accelerated to alarming rates as his country chased down 147 runs, and secured victory with just two balls remaining in the match. The triumph represented India's record ninth tournament championship, and marked three consecutive victories over Pakistan during the 2025 competition. Gavaskar criticized the top-order batsmen for attempting unnecessary aggressive strokes after early wickets left India at 20 for three, and stated the modest target required a measured approach rather than reckless shot selection that created...
Bangladesh has become Turkey's fourth-largest weapons buyer after Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government. Indian intelligence agencies report Pakistan's ISI orchestrated this partnership through Jamaat-e-Islami to channel Turkish arms into Bangladesh. Turkish Defense Industry Agency President Haluk Gorgun met with Yunus to discuss procuring Bayraktar TB-2 drones, TRG-300 rocket systems, and infantry weapons. Turkey committed to building two defense facilities in Narayanganj and Chittagong.
Indian officials fear these weapons could target India. Relations deteriorated after India granted asylum to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ISI maintains influence over Yunus through Jamaat-e-Islami, which released...
African parliamentary leaders gathered on Monday in Midrand to coordinate their approach for the Group of Twenty Summit scheduled for November in Johannesburg. The Pan-African Parliament hosted the Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments to prepare unified positions ahead of the first G20 meeting held on the continent. South African Deputy Minister of International Relations Alvin Botes said the gathering presents a chance to elevate concerns from developing nations under the presidency's theme of solidarity and sustainability.
Gambian representative Alhagie Mbow noted the summit demonstrates Africa's significance in global economic development, and parliamentary participation remains essential to government...
Zimbabwe trained 40 agricultural inspectors in digital surveillance methods to combat devastating crop diseases that threaten the nation's food supply and export capabilities. The Africa Phytosanitary Programme conducted the instruction to help officers detect and track pest outbreaks through modern technology.
Six Zimbabwean experts led the three-day session in Kadoma after receiving their instruction in Egypt during 2023. The workshop addressed five quarantine pests that endanger crops, household earnings, and trade relationships with other nations.
Participants received tablets that enable instant mapping and accelerated reporting of agricultural threats across the country. The continental initiative strengthens plant health...
Police in Zimbabwe have located two teenage boys suspected of a sexual assault case that has shocked the nation. The incident took place in Mutare District last week and involved a 17-year-old girl who was attacked by students from Masasi High School in Marange. A video recording of the assault circulated on social media platforms and sparked widespread condemnation across the country. The footage has prompted renewed discussions about protecting children, and investigators continue building their case against the suspects.
The Public Service Commission brought its university lecture series to the Women's University in Africa on Monday. Deputy Chairperson Nomathemba Ndiweni spoke on behalf of Chairperson Vincent Hungwe about the commission's mandate, and she addressed public sector careers and human capital development. Ndiweni emphasized gender inclusivity and the challenges facing scholar-mothers who pursue academics while raising children.
The commission plans to visit every university nationwide to help institutions align curricula with employer needs. Semukeliso Gono from the university praised the PSC for sharing expertise on workforce development. Students asked questions about recruitment, training, and performance management standards. The...
Eight Zanu PF provincial affiliates from Mashonaland West received $220,000 from the Presidential Empowerment Fund on Friday at Kutama grounds in Zvimba. Dr Paul Tungwarara distributed the money, and he emphasized that the program aims to strengthen communities rather than create political divisions. VaPostori for ED and Children of War Veterans each collected $50,000, while six other groups received $20,000 apiece for their initiatives.
The revolving facility requires beneficiaries to invest the funds, and then they must return them to help additional groups. Tungwarara warned recipients against wasteful spending, and he stressed that President Mnangagwa expects financial accountability. Mashonaland West Minister Marian Chombo pledged...
