World

Pakistan denies UN report that documents civilian casualties in Afghanistan, calls it ‘baseless’ Pakistan’s military has rejected a UN report documenting hundreds of civilian casualties from cross-border fighting with Afghanistan, saying its forces targeted only Pakistani Taliban hideouts and other militant infrastructure and carried out the strikes in self-defence.Pakistan’s military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif…

Barn owls help vineyards control rodents naturally. Representational image. Barn owls can help vineyards reduce rodent damage in a natural way, by making rodents more cautious, and reducing their activity in vineyards, according to a new study from researchers in California.The study was focused on vineyards in Napa Valley, California, where rodents damage grapevines during…

Library manager Michelle Hudson holds the book “Antiquities of Athens”, after its return in Kiama An Australian public library has received a book that was returned around 150 years overdue, with the “late fee” calculation coming to about A$28,000 (around Rs 16 lakh) under the library’s original rules.The rare copy of “Antiquities of Athens”, published…

Nepal-born British mountaineer Nirmal Purja. (AP photo) King Charles III and Prince William have paid heartfelt tributes to celebrated Nepal-born British mountaineer Nirmal Purja after he was killed in a devastating avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, praising his military service, extraordinary climbing achievements and lasting legacy in the world of mountaineering.Purja, widely known as “Nims…

At least five people have died and 41 others remain missing after a ferry carrying around 250 passengers and crew caught fire off Madura Island in Indonesia on Sunday morning, authorities said.The ferry, KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, was en route from Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya to Makassar on Sulawesi Island when the captain reported…

FILE – A collection of yellow flowers and notes sit at the home of Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie Today show host, Savannah Guthrie, has made a fresh appeal for information about her mother who disappeared from her Arizona home. She urged anyone who recognises the writing in two…

Generosity is often discussed in terms of money, yet most people recognise that the moments which stay with them rarely depend on financial value alone. A thoughtful conversation, practical help during a difficult week, a useful introduction or simply making time for someone can leave a lasting impression. Giving has always taken many forms, even…

The discovery has prompted authorities to limit public access to the region while conservationists monitor the nesting site. In a routine search for wild mushrooms deep in a community forest in Nepal, extraordinary wildlife has been discovered. Local residents exploring the forest floor near Jhakri Sota in the Ambe Community Forest came across something few…

Caulerpa taxifolia, commonly known as “killer algae,” originates from the tropical waters of the Caribbean Some of the biggest ecological disasters start in the least likely places. Here it may have started with a home aquarium. An online report by the Centre for Invasive Species Research states that an ornamental seaweed, Caulerpa taxifolia, escaped into…

Representative Image (Canva) According to a study published in the journal Gondwana Research, supported by findings from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), neutron and synchrotron scans of a 100-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil from Queensland have uncovered the marine reptile’s final meal, and clues to its violent end. Researchers found the remains of fish,…

Saudi Arabia arrests over 14,000 in one-week/Image: Representative Image More than 14,000 people were arrested across Saudi Arabia during a week-long enforcement campaign targeting residency, labour and border security violations, the Ministry of Interior said, as cited by Saudi Gazette.The operation, conducted between July 23 and July 29, led to the arrest of 14,154 people….

Old Trails Fire burns near Dwight Merkel Sports Complex (AP photo) More than 4,000 firefighters, backed by the National Guard and crews from over a dozen states, battled multiple wildfires across Washington state, US on Saturday as strong winds and extreme heat fuelled blazes that forced widespread evacuations and power outages.Governor Bob Ferguson declared a…