Valmik Thapar, a tenacious conservationist who wrote eloquently about tigers in India and worked to protect them against the impact of poachers, the loss of habitat and government policies that he abhorred, died on May 31 at his home in New Delhi. He was 72 or 73. His family said in a statement that the … Read more
For decades, a little-known nonprofit organization has played a central role in keeping the lights on for 65 million people in the Eastern United States. Even some governors and lawmakers acknowledge that they were not fully aware of how much influence the organization, PJM, has on the cost and reliability of energy in 13 states. … Read more
The deep-sea environs of the Earth’s poles are home to mysterious ocean creatures: giant sea spiders, Antarctic sea pigs, phantom jellyfish. Finding and identifying these animals can be difficult, however; some are known only because researchers found their remains in fishing nets or in the bellies of seabirds. But on Christmas Day last year, the … Read more
Indian writer-lawyer-activist Banu Mushtaq has scripted history by winning the International Booker prize for the short story anthology, Heart Lamp. It is the first book written in the Kannada language, which is spoken in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, to win the prestigious prize. The stories in Heart Lamp were translated into English by … Read more
Courtesy of Wendt family George Wendt, who starred as Norm Peterson in the popular comedy series Cheers, has died at the age of 76. The beloved actor and comedian died peacefully in his sleep at his home early on Tuesday morning, his family said. “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant … Read more
Jonathan Head South East Asia correspondent Reporting fromPagasa Island, Philippines BBC Fisherman Larry Hugo, right, was nearly rammed by a Chinese coastguard ship At just 37 hectares, the Philippines-controlled island of Pagasa – or “hope” – is smaller than Buckingham Palace. There is almost nothing there. The 300 or so inhabitants live in a cluster … Read more
The US has selected a design for the futuristic “Golden Dome” missile defence system, says US President Donald Trump, adding that it will be operational by the end of his time in office. Just days after returning to the White House in January, Trump unveiled his intentions for the system, aimed at countering “next-generation” aerial … Read more
After more than a year and a half of the war in Gaza, Britain appears to have finally lost patience with Israel. Speaking to MPs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy sounded genuinely angry. Sir Keir said the level of suffering in Gaza, especially among innocent children, was “intolerable”. Israel’s decision … Read more
Brandon Livesay BBC News, reporting from court in New York City Jane Rosenberg /Reuters Male exotic dancer Sharay Hayes testifies at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York City, An exotic dancer called The Punisher discovered his client’s identity when he turned on a hotel suite television before an encounter and the screen … Read more
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem incorrectly defined the meaning of “habeas corpus” during a Homeland Security Committee hearing. During the hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan said the government is “actively trying to suspend” the protected constitutional right, and went on to ask Noem what it means. Noem replied with a wrong answer saying that it allows … Read more