A historic repatriation, a power outage in Bangladesh, and Houthis tighten their Red Sea grip
Today at a glance
Oxford's Pitt Rivers Museum will return Naga human remains after decades, while an Adani power glitch disrupts Bangladesh's grid. In the Middle East, Houthis seize a strategic island controlling Red Sea shipping, and Alexander Zverev reaches the US Open final eyeing his second Grand Slam of 2026.
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Oxford museum returns Naga remains to India
India1 min read
Oxford's Pitt Rivers Museum will return more than three dozen sets of human remains to the Naga people of Northeast India. The remains were taken during the British colonial era, often during military expeditions. This marks a significant step in repatriation efforts as UK institutions face growing pressure to return artefacts and remains taken from former colonies. The Naga people, spread across states like Nagaland and Manipur, have long demanded the return of their ancestors' remains held in British museums.
Adani power glitch disrupts Bangladesh electricity grid
India1 min read
A technical glitch at an Adani power unit in India has disrupted electricity supply to Bangladesh, affecting the neighbouring country's grid. The power plant, which supplies electricity to Bangladesh under a cross-border energy agreement, experienced operational issues that temporarily reduced transmission. Bangladesh has been importing power from India to meet its growing energy demands. The incident highlights the interdependence of South Asian energy infrastructure and the vulnerabilities that come with it. Adani officials are working to restore full capacity.
Long Beach City College in California is replacing its decades-old Veterans Memorial Stadium with a cutting-edge $250 million sports complex. The stadium, opened in 1950 and sold to the college for just $1 in 1987, will be transformed into an 18-acre sports precinct featuring a 10,000-seat outdoor stadium, an indoor arena, and specialized track and field facilities. Funded by Measure LB, the project is set to open in summer 2029. This story has limited direct India connection but showcases how legacy infrastructure is being modernized in American education.
Houthis seize Yemen island, threaten Red Sea route
World1 min read
Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized Perim Island, a strategic location controlling the Red Sea shipping lane between Yemen and Djibouti. The rebels claim major territorial advances in Yemen's ongoing civil war. Perim sits at the Bab el-Mandeb strait, one of the world's most crucial maritime chokepoints through which millions of barrels of oil pass daily. The takeover threatens global shipping routes and could escalate tensions in the region. For India, this matters significantly: nearly 12% of India's trade passes through the Red Sea, and any disruption affects oil imports and export routes to Europe.
Alexander Zverev battled past Karen Khachanov to reach the US Open final, eyeing his second Grand Slam title of 2026 after winning the French Open. The German star will face an American opponent in the championship match, marking a historic moment for US tennis which hasn't produced a men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick in 2003. Zverev's resilience and form have made him one of the season's dominant forces. A win would cement his status among tennis's elite and cap a breakthrough year for the 29-year-old.
WNBA star distances herself from Freedom's campaign
Sport1 min read
Sophie Cunningham has sent a blunt message distancing herself from former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom's controversial WNBA publicity stunt. The Phoenix Mercury guard said her focus remains squarely on the Indiana Fever's playoff push and she's trying to stay out of the noise. Freedom, known for his outspoken political activism, has attempted to draw attention to women's basketball through unconventional methods. Cunningham's response highlights the tension between activism and athletic focus during a crucial point in the WNBA season.
