Author: Rahul M

SEOUL, South Korea — In many parts of the world, convenience stores are the shops of last resort: cigarettes, sodas and laundry detergent. But in South Korea, you might find single malt whiskeys, $800 French wines, 24K gold bars, shampoo and conditioner refill stations, televisions or a dine-in instant noodle bar with more than 200 varieties of ramyon.A customer might be able to pick up a package, wash and dry their clothes, or sign up for a new debit card.The stores are best known for their numerous feats of “instant-izing” food, a process in which nearly every conceivable dish is turned…

PatnaSeptember 4, 2025 07:54 PM IST First published on: Sep 4, 2025 at 07:54 PM IST THREE days after the conclusion of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s Voter Adhikar Rally, which drew huge crowds across Bihar, BJP ally and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) supremo Upendra Kushwaha has said that the Election Commission should have given more time for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of poll rolls in the state. Asked about the Yatra at The Indian Express’s Idea Exchange session Thursday, the RLM chief and former Union minister said he did not think that the SIR was an…

Bengaluru’s skies are preparing for a dramatic display this weekend as a total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a “Blood Moon,” takes place on the night of September 7–8. The phenomenon, in which the Moon takes on a deep crimson hue, will be visible across the city and is expected to be one of the most striking astronomical events of the year.This eclipse will also mark the final total lunar eclipse of 2025, making it a rare opportunity for observers in India. Bengaluru is considered among the prime locations worldwide for viewing, with clear visibility forecast for the night.Also…

Former BCCI president N Srinivasan has made a comeback as chairman of the Chennai Super Kings, marking a significant development for the record Indian Premier League champions. Srinivasan, who is 80, returns to CSK at a crucial juncture after their struggles in IPL 2025, bringing with him decades of cricket administration expertise and experience in guiding one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history. Though he will not travel frequently, Srinivasan will serve in an advisory capacity, staying connected with team operations and offering strategic direction. Having played a key role in CSK’s earlier dominance in the IPL,…

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is preparing to host its 33rd annual convocation on September 7. The event marks an important milestone for the premier legal institution as it brings together graduating students, faculty, and distinguished guests to celebrate academic achievements.Also read: Construction of offices for Greater Bengaluru Authority to begin November 1The ceremony will be presided over by Justice Surya Kant, justice of the Supreme Court of India. His presence highlights the university’s longstanding connection with the country’s legal and judicial community. Adding further significance to the occasion, T.N. Ninan, former editor and chairperson of…

Bengaluru city police have registered a case against a woman for allegedly renting out her property to two foreign nationals without notifying authorities. The matter came to light after the Central Crime Branch (CCB) conducted a surprise inspection in Chudasandra on August 26.During the operation, officials discovered two Ugandan women residing in the house without valid documentation. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the homeowner, identified as Ambuja, had not filed the mandatory Form-C, a requirement under the Foreigners Act. The form is crucial for recording the accommodation details of foreign nationals and ensuring their movements are tracked during their stay in…

The Harare Sports Club achieved a remarkable milestone after hosting the first T20I between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in 2025. The venue has now staged 289 international matches, surpassing the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which stands at 288 games. This shift places Harare firmly in third position on the global list of venues with the most international fixtures. Global Rankings of Most-Used Cricket Venues The updated standings underline Harare’s rising stature in world cricket. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE continues to hold the top spot with 309 matches, followed closely by the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in…

KOSTIANTYNIVKA, Ukraine (AP) — For many residents of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, evacuation begins with one defining blast — the explosion that makes it impossible to stay. For 69-year-old Tetiana Zaichikova, it came when a strike reduced her home to rubble.The region has been the epicenter of heavy fighting for years and evacuations there have continued as long as Russia’s invasion — more than three years. Town after town in the region, larger than Slovenia or roughly the size of Massachusetts, is emptying amid the fighting as Russian forces now control around 70% of the area.Some are staying in shattered…

THE PROTESTS against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act have started reviving in Assam in the wake of the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order issued by the government this week, which allows minorities facing religious persecution (essentially non-Muslims) from neighbouring countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have entered India up till December 31, 2024, to stay without visa and passport requirements.The exemption order was among the various rules notified by the government this week regarding the recently enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Under the CAA, those who had entered India till December 31, 2014, were eligible for speedy citizenship if they…

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli strikes killed at least 28 people in the Gaza Strip, mostly women and children, overnight and into Thursday, local health officials said. Hamas and Israel reiterated their incompatible demands for ending the nearly two-year war sparked by the militant group’s Oct. 7 attack.The Gaza Health Ministry meanwhile said the overall Palestinian death toll has climbed past 64,000, including around 400 people who were listed as missing but who it said had been confirmed dead.Hamas released a statement late Wednesday saying it was open to returning all 48 hostages it still holds — around…