The Sen Times

NEW DELHI, Aug 24 India has enough sugar stocks to meet festival-season demand, with a record price rally driven by speculative buying rather than any real supply shortfall, the head of the countrys top sugar industry body said on Monday. Sugar prices in India, the worlds biggest consumer of the sweetener, have jumped more than 40% in two months to a record high, prompting New Delhi to allow duty-free imports of 1 million metric tons of raw sugar for the first time in nearly a decade. Sugar sto

ISLAMABAD, August 24, 2026 (AP) Famous cricketers from around the world have renewed their appeal for the medical treatment of former star player turned politician Imran Khan in a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A group of 22 former international cricket captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev of India and Australian greats Greg Chappell and Ian Chappell, signed a second such letter to the Pakistan prime minister within six months. The latest appeal comes days after K

Mumbai, Aug 24 (PTI) The rupee pared initial gains and settled for the day lower by 3 paise at 95.74 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, on a positive American currency and weak domestic markets. Forex traders said the USD/INR pair traded in a narrow range as rising Brent crude prices, persistent importer demand, and cautious sentiment over new US sanctions targeting Iran weighed on investor sentiment. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 95.65, then touched an intra

Mumbai, Aug 24 (PTI) Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Monday as persistent geopolitical tensions and elevated crude oil prices hampered risk appetite. Investors remained cautious ahead of fresh US sanctions on Iran, experts said. Despite a positive beginning, the 30-share BSE Sensex failed to carry forward the momentum and declined 171.72 points, or 0.22 per cent, to settle at 77,369.11. During the day, it dropped 339.17 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 77,201.66. The 50-shar

New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) Gold prices on Monday rose by Rs 1,283 to Rs 1.63 lakh per 10 grams in futures trade as speculators created fresh positions on a firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the yellow metal contracts for October delivery traded higher by Rs 1,283, or 0.79 per cent, at Rs 1,63,721 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 3,424 lots. Fresh positions built up by participants led to a rise in precious metal prices, analysts said. Globally, gold futures increased 0.99 per

Amritsar, Aug 24 (PTI) Former diplomat Navdeep Suri has raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll underway in Punjab after he was served a notice saying his details do not match. Suri, who served as Indias Ambassador to the UAE and Egypt and high commissioner to Australia, on Sunday took to X to express his anguish. Dear @ECISVEEP, Sharing my experience with #SIR in Punjab. Went to BLO, submitted a Voter Card and Aadhaar Card, was assured that everything was

MUMBAI, Aug 24 (Reuters) Tukaram Mundhe is an Indian bureaucrat on a mission. As a state food safety commissioner, the 51-year-old has raided food businesses in the countrys commercial capital Mumbai in an unprecedented crackdown on poor hygiene and unsafe food that has captivated the public nationwide. Mundhe has led the suspension of food permits of four Dominos and one Pizza Hut outlet in recent weeks, and has also targeted cricket clubs, hotels and well-known restaurants in over 3,000 raids

Mumbai, Aug 24 (PTI) The rupee traded in a narrow range and rose 7 paise to 95.64 against the American currency in early trade on Monday, supported by a softer US dollar, but simmering geopolitical tensions kept it from making strong gains. Forex traders said the Dollar Index has weakened, but elevated Brent crude and persistent importer demand limited the rupees gains. Moreover, investors are treading a cautious path as Washington is set to unveil a fresh wave of sanctions on Iran, targeting it

August 21, 2026 (Conversation) Online spaces, and social media in particular, are forums for vigorous political debate. They provide a space for members of the public to express political opinions, organise, and sometimes even interact directly with politicians. While they clearly have democratising potential, these platforms have also become fertile ground for hate speech, toxic interactions and online violence. By analysing over 3.2 million responses on X (formerly Twitter) to 88 candidates fo

NEW DELHI, Aug 21 (Reuters) Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to visit India from August 23 to 25, the Indian Express newspaper reported on Friday, his first trip to the country since taking office in February. The visit comes amid efforts by the South Asian neighbours to repair ties strained by the 2024 ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whom Dhaka has asked New Delhi to extradite. The Bangladeshi and Indian foreign ministries did not immediately respond to request

New Delhi, Aug 21 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday sat on a dharna at the Parliament Street police station here seeking the registration of an FIR over pellet injuries suffered by a youth during the CJP-led July 20 protest and said brutality against a peaceful protest is a serious crime. The leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha said neither Union Home Minister Amit Shah has offered an explanation on the use of pellet guns at the protest, nor has Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologis

TORONTO (AP) The premier of a Canadian province launched a blistering attack on U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, calling him a bad person and not to be trusted and urging Canada to keep fighting rather than rush to make concessions in trade talks with Washington. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Canada has leverage in the talks even as his province weighs restoring U.S. alcohol sales at Prime Minister Mark Carneys urging to help secure a deal that would avert threatened 50% U.S. tariffs.

Mumbai, Aug 21 (PTI) Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty were trading marginally higher in early deals on Friday as elevated crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties and a sharp fall in US markets made investors cautious. After a positive beginning to the trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex turned flat and was down 25.97 points to 77,506.51 in early deals. The 50-share NSE Nifty also skidded 5.75 points to 24,223.10 after a positive start. However, both the benchmark indices bounced b

Washington, Aug 21 (PTI) The FBI is on the lookout for Indian national Kamal, allegedly involved in transnational crime as part of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Kamal is wanted for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organisation engaged in conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion, the FBI said on Thursday. No Name Given Kamal is #wanted by the #FBI for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organization known as The Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group. The

New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 20 (PTI) Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday said the opposition alliance could win the 2029 Lok Sabha elections only if it builds its campaign around projecting Rahul Gandhi as its leader. In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos in New Delhi, Chennithala, who was actively involved in Congress organisational politics at the national level before returning to Keralam, described Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as a visionary leader c

Mumbai, Aug 20 (PTI) The rupee pared initial gains and settled for the day with gains of just 3 paise at 95.70 against the US dollar on Thursday, as the support from the weaker dollar index was negated by elevated crude oil prices. Forex traders said while a weaker US dollar eases some depreciation pressure on the domestic currency, crude oil hovering above USD 90 would continue to keep pressure on Indias import bill. The dollar index fell to its lowest level since late May after the US Treasury

New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) Gold price climbed by Rs 264 to Rs 1.58 lakh per 10 grams in futures trade on Thursday, tracking firm global cues as a sharp fall in US dollar boosted the demand for bullion. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the yellow metal futures for October delivery increased by Rs 264, or 0.17 per cent, to Rs 1,58,260 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 10,450 lots. Analysts said easing US Treasury yields and a weaker dollar supported gold prices, while persistent inflation concer

LOS ANGELES, August 20, 2026 (AP) U.S. immigration officials worked with Iran to deport Iranians in 2025, newly released emails show, revealing a working relationship between the U.S. and Iranian governments despite tensions mounting between the countries. Hundreds of emails exchanged between U.S. immigration officials, which were obtained by the National Iranian American Council and made public Tuesday, offer the most transparent play by play yet of how the two countries worked together to arr

MUMBAI, Aug 20 (Reuters) The RBI expects close to $80 billion in inflows via subsidised swap facilities opened in June as a way to bolster foreign exchange reserves, RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra said in an interview to the Financial Express newspaper on Thursday. Last week, the Reserve Bank of India decided to close one of the schemes, a discounted swap facility for dollar deposits by non-resident Indians, earlier than anticipated. Here are Malhotras key comments: Across all three schemes, we e

Mumbai, Aug 20 (PTI) Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty rebounded in early trade on Thursday, tracking a recovery in world markets as easing US Treasury yields improved global risk sentiment. Fresh foreign fund inflows also added to the markets optimism during the initial trading. The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 504.32 points to 77,416.16 in early trade after four days of decline. The 50-share NSE Nifty also bounced back after seven days of losses. It climbed 118.85 points to 24,198.55. In

New Delhi, Aug 20 (PTI) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday said that given the youth ferment across the country, it is important to recall that it was Rajiv Gandhi who, as the prime minister, gave the 18-year-olds the right to vote by reducing the minimum voting age and led India decisively into the IT era. Ramesh also recalled that Gandhi declared January 12 as the National Youth Day, produced the New Education Policy of 1988 and set up the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan covering all distri

August 20, 2026 (Conversation) In the United States, leading HR software company Workday is currently facing a lawsuit over its use of job screening tools powered by AI which allegedly discriminated against applicants based on factors such as age, disability and race. The company, whose hiring software is widely used by large employers around the world, has denied the allegations. The case is one of many examples of AI systems alleged to have caused discriminatory harm. When AI systems replicate

New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) Gold prices declined by Rs 800 to Rs 1,58,000 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday as rising crude oil rates and lingering geopolitical uncertainty weighed on investor sentiment. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,58,800 per 10 grams on Tuesday. Silver also declined, dragged by heavy selling, tumbling Rs 5,730 to Rs 2,35,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes), from the previous close of Rs 2,40,730 per kg, according to the All Indi

The growing assertion of a majority Hindu identity is fueling debates about religious pluralism in India. A 2025 Washington-based research group report documented a steady, incremental increase in hate speech since 2023 targeting religious minorities in India, while Human Rights Watch reported a rise in religious and communal violence in 2024. Much of this rhetoric and violence has been justified as defending religious identity. When India became independent in 1947, its constitution affirmed a

Mumbai, Aug 19 (PTI) The rupee fell 2 paise to close at 95.76 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday as a sharp rise in global crude oil prices amid heightened tensions in West Asia kept markets on edge. A sharp decline in domestic equity markets put further pressure on the local unit, while RBI intervention and foreign fund inflows lent support, according to forex traders. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 95.72 and traded in a very narrow range of 95.72-95.76. It

New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) Expressing support for the tribals staging a satyagraha against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said he stands with them in this struggle and will visit the site to exert pressure on the government. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha shared on X a video of his recent meeting with a group of tribals affected by the project. - - , ,

GUWAHATI, India, August 19, 2026 (AP) Rojo Neog left his house in Indias Assam state on the evening of July 19 to buy candles after heavy rain knocked out electricity. As he rode back on his bicycle, the Dikhow River suddenly rose and the current intensified. The floodwaters swept him away, and his body was found three days later, said his niece Priyakshi Gogoi, who lives nearby. Gogoi said floodwaters around her uncles village Hulang Katoni rose from knee-deep to neck-deep in about 30 minutes.

Mumbai, Aug 19 (PTI) The rupee rose marginally by 1 paisa to 95.73 on Wednesday, assisted by RBI intervention, as heightened tensions in West Asia kept global markets on the edge. A rise in global crude oil prices added pressure to the local unit while a decline in the dollar index and FII inflows provided support, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 95.72 before slipping to 95.73, up 1 paisa from its previous close. The rupee depreciated 13 paise to close

MUMBAI, Aug 14 (Reuters) The RBI (Reserve Bank of Indias) discounted swap facility to hedge overseas FX deposits will only be available for deposits mobilized until the end of August, the RBI said on Friday. The swap facility was set to close by September end.

New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) Gold prices fell for the second straight session on Friday, declining Rs 800 to Rs 1,56,200 per 10 grams in the national capital as profit-booking and weak global cues weighed on bullion. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity had closed at Rs 1,57,000 per 10 grams on Thursday. Silver, however, remained unchanged at Rs 2,40,000 per kilogram (inclusive of all taxes), according to local traders. Gold pulled back on Friday amid weaker global cues, with spot yellow metal ed

Mumbai, Aug 14 (PTI) Market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Friday as elevated oil prices and the prolonged US-Iran impasse weighed on investors sentiment. The 30-share BSE Sensex was down 70.71 points, or 0.09 per cent, to settle at 78,009.25. During the day, it dropped 395.59 points, or 0.50 per cent, to 77,684.37. The 50-share NSE Nifty dipped 29.85 points, or 0.12 per cent, to end at 24,366. From the Sensex pack, Asian Paints, InterGlobe Aviation, NTPC, Power Grid, State Ba

Mumbai, Aug 14 (PTI) The rupee appreciated 3 paise to close at 95.42 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, due to weakness in the greenback against major rivals overseas. According to forex traders, the rupee stayed under pressure due to foreign fund outflows and rising crude oil prices amid geopolitical uncertainties. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.39 and moved in a tight range of 95.38 to 95.44 against the American currency before ending the session a

August 14, 2026 (Conversation) The devastating recent deaths of three toddlers in Queensland, linked to low iron levels, have understandably left many parents wondering whether their own child is getting enough iron. The good news is that life-threatening iron deficiency is uncommon. But being low in iron is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in young children. So its worth understanding why iron matters and how to tell if theyre getting enough. There are simple ways to help children m

Bengaluru, Aug 14 (PTI) Congress MLA Gurupadagouda Sanganagouda Patil was elected Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Friday. Popularly known as G S Patil, his name was proposed by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and seconded by Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. Pro-tem Speaker T B Jayachandra, who presided over the proceedings, declared Patil elected after a voice vote. The Opposition BJP and JD(S) boycotted the Speaker election. The post fell vacant following the resignation of

August 12, 2026 (Conversation) Gen Z protesters have taken to the streets in mass numbers in South Asia in recent years particularly in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, leading to regime change in those countries. These protests are part of a broader, global Gen Z movement. Experts suggest these youth movements are fuelled by economic precarity, exclusion from power and corruption. Young people are also often facing state repression. But India, the worlds biggest democracy, has largely seemed i

New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) Researchers have reviewed 77 meta-analyses spanning 116 different bipolar disorder treatments and identified the most effective ones across age groups and mood phases. Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder, characterised by extreme swings in mood, energy levels and activity. The disorder can causes phases of depression marked by a low mood and energy or mania, in which mood and activity levels tend to be high. Researchers, led by those from The Ottawa Hospital in Canada a

NEW DELHI, Aug 12 (Reuters) The chairman of Indias largest conglomerate Tata Sons will not seek reappointment, he said, citing the boards lack of backing after tensions with the charitable arm that controls the group. N. Chandrasekarans decision to leave in February adds to the difficulties of the 158-year-old group that faces mounting losses at airline Air India, a sharp decline in sales for its Jaguar Land Rover car business and was forced to revamp processes after a data leak at its electron

Mumbai, Aug 12 (PTI) Falling for the second day, benchmark BSE Sensex closed lower by nearly 188 points on Wednesday following elevated crude oil prices and selling in TCS and other Tata Group shares after N Chandrasekaran said he will not seek reappointment as Tata Sons Chairman when his current term ends on February 20, 2027. The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 187.90 points, or 0.24 per cent, to settle at 77,966.35 with its 21 constituents ending lower, eight with gains and one unchanged. During

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, August 12, 2026 (AP) New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Wednesday that he survived a leadership vote prompted by a challenge from his defense minister less than three months before an election. The vote took place during a hastily convened meeting of Luxons center-right National Party lawmakers at Parliament in Wellington, which was held behind closed doors and ran for more than three hours. Luxon then emerged flanked by his lawmakers to give a brief stat

August 12, 2026 (Conversation) You walk in a park. Children are playing, people are walking their dogs, and then you hear someone: Whos my little sweetie? You turn around expecting to see a pram. But someone is sitting beside a dog, speaking in the same voice they would use with a baby. Its not in your head. The way we speak to babies is very similar to the way we speak to our pets and research confirms this. So why do we do this? And do pets even care? The useful features of baby-talk For pets

New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Gold prices climbed for the sixth straight session, rising Rs 1,200 to a two-month high of Rs 1.57 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Tuesday, as stronger investment demand by traders kept bullion elevated despite firm oil rates. The yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity jumped Rs 1,200 to 1,57,200 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Mondays closing level of Rs 1,56,000 per 10 grams, according to the All India Sarafa Association. It had last traded near th

August 11, 2026 (Associated Press) The first night in a new place is always the same for Robinson Leoni: He takes longer to fall asleep, wakes up more often during the night and gets less sleep overall. At home he averages seven hours. The first night away with or without earplugs and regardless of the beds quality his smartwatch tells him he gets about five. I feel normal, you know, no stress, nothing, but its just I notice I wake up continuously, said Leoni, a sales director for a tech compa

Aizawl, Aug 11 (PTI) Thousands of people belonging to various Christian denominations staged a rally in Mizorams capital Aizawl on Tuesday to protest the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill. The event was organised by the newly formed Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), a conglomerate of nine major churches, including the Presbyterian Church of India and Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM). The protest march was held in two directions one from Zarkawt and another

New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Monday announced a nationwide campaign to improve government schools in villages, calling on parents to conduct social audits of basic facilities and sarpanches to take up the task of improving the institutions. The campaign will be launched on August 15, with the CJP calling upon citizens, parents and village leaders to work together to address what it termed neglect of rural educational infrastructure. In a video mes

New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Gold prices on Tuesday rose by Rs 1,501 to Rs 1.54 lakh per 10 grams in futures trade as speculators created fresh positions on a firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, the yellow metal contracts for October delivery traded higher by Rs 1,501, or 0.98 per cent, at Rs 1,54,600 per 10 grams in a business turnover of 1,332 lots. Fresh positions built up by participants led to a rise in precious metal prices, analysts said. Globally, gold futures increased 0.35 pe

BOGOTA, Colombia, August 11, 2026 (AP) Search and rescue efforts were underway early Tuesday in dozens of cities and towns in western Colombia after a powerful earthquake struck the region, killing at least 111 people and leaving many trapped under the debris of damaged and destroyed buildings. Mondays 7.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Cali, Quibdo, Pereira and numerous other cities and towns. Around 1,600 buildings were reported damaged or collapsed. Soldiers, rescue personnel and families pick

Mumbai, Aug 11 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Tuesday amid elevated crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties. The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 320.14 points to 78,204.40 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 94.35 points to 24,490.85. From the Sensex pack, InterGlobe Aviation, Axis Bank, UltraTech Cement, Bharti Airtel, Eternal and Bajaj Finance were among the laggards. Titan, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, and Infosys were among the gainers. Bre

August 11, 2026 (Conversation) What causes a dog to slink away from a cranky person, when they will quietly approach and lean against someone who is weeping? Weve all seen it they can respond to our feelings. And science agrees dogs have emotions too. These social skills could underpin dogs success in living with us. But do you think your dog could tell an angry persons face from a sad or fearful one? New research published in the journal iScience explored that question, and revealed interestin

August 10, 2026 (Conversation) Approximately three-quarters of 393 preschool and K-12 teachers in the U.S. say they use YouTube for instructional purposes, with roughly half using it on a daily or weekly basis, according to our new nationally representative survey. Those findings come from our new research, published in June 2026 in Educational Researcher, an academic journal. Our sample included teachers from all grade levels and subject areas, and from across public, charter and private school

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., August 10, 2026 (AP) Software engineer Josh Dersch loves old computers. He spends countless hours tinkering in his garage, trying to coax decades-old machines back to life. He estimates he owns more than 200 vintage computers and devices in his Seattle home. Its always been fascinating to me to see the origins of things, Dersch said. Its a fun challenge to debug and repair. You can understand the entire system from top to bottom. Dersch is part of a growing community of v