India's Supreme Court is reviewing petitions challenging a 2018 decision that allowed women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. The court's review will also look at similar cases from other religions about women's access to places of worship. The decision may impact broader religious freedoms and women's rights to enter temples, mosques, and other religious sites.
Key Facts
India's Supreme Court is examining a 2018 ruling about women's entry into the Sabarimala temple.
The review involves a nine-judge constitutional bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
The outcome could affect women's rights to access other religious sites, like Muslim mosques and Parsi temples.
In 2018, the court ruled banning women was discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Hindu practices often prohibit menstruating women from temple rituals, considering them unclean.
The Sabarimala temple traditionally barred women aged 10 to 50 from entry.
Protests followed the 2018 decision, with incidents of violence against women attempting to enter.
The current bench, which includes judges from various backgrounds, aims to address these legal issues.
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President Donald Trump spoke with the crew of Artemis II as they journeyed far from Earth. The conversation had a minute of silence that gained attention online. President Trump attributed the silence to a communication delay.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke with the Artemis II astronauts during their mission.
The Artemis II crew traveled 248,655 miles away from Earth, setting a record for distance.
The conversation included a one-minute silence that drew widespread online attention.
President Trump mentioned talking to notable Canadians who were proud of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
President Trump cited a "9-second delay" as the reason for the communication gap.
The crew asked for a communication check before continuing the discussion.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman described the conversation as "pretty cool."
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Four astronauts on NASA's Artemis II mission are returning to Earth after flying around the Moon. During their journey, they traveled further from Earth than any humans before and temporarily lost contact while passing behind the Moon. The mission involved taking images and making observations, marking significant achievements in space exploration.
Key Facts
The Artemis II mission involves four astronauts returning home after a Moon fly-by.
They traveled further from Earth than any other humans, breaking a record from the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.
The crew lost contact with Earth for 40 minutes during their journey around the Moon.
Astronaut Christina Koch expressed relief when communication was re-established.
They witnessed a total solar eclipse from the Moon's perspective.
The mission did not plan to land on the Moon, but instead to observe its far side.
President Trump congratulated the crew, who made various observations and recorded data during the mission.
They used several types of cameras to capture detailed images of the lunar surface.
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Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested in Sydney and faces charges related to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. He is accused of murdering unarmed Afghan nationals during his military service. The charges come after an investigation by Australian authorities and follow a court ruling that upheld accusations against him related to these acts.
Key Facts
Ben Roberts-Smith is a former Australian special forces soldier.
He was arrested at Sydney airport and is facing charges for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
The charges relate to five counts of murder of unarmed Afghan nationals.
Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator conducted the investigation starting in 2021.
Roberts-Smith had previously lost a defamation case against journalists who reported on his alleged actions.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross, making him a highly decorated Australian war veteran.
His arrest is viewed as an important step for justice for Afghan victims.
About 39,000 Australian troops served in Afghanistan during operations against the Taliban and other groups.
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A synagogue in Tehran sustained significant damage due to what is reported as a US-Israeli strike, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency. Video footage shows emergency workers at the scene and books in Hebrew tossed around the area.
Key Facts
A synagogue in Tehran was hit and heavily damaged.
The incident is reported by Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency.
The strike is attributed to US and Israeli forces according to Iran.
Video footage shows civil defense workers at the site.
Hebrew books are seen scattered on the ground in the footage.
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A Swiss chalet in Glen Helen, Isle of Man, originally started as a Swiss Cottage built by a Liverpool businessman named John Astley Marsden in the 1800s. Recently, permission was granted to convert it into a farm shop and deli to revive the area. The chalet and surrounding glen have a long history as a popular beauty spot.
Key Facts
The chalet in Glen Helen started as a 'Swiss Cottage' built by businessman John Astley Marsden in the 1820s.
Marsden was originally from Liverpool and created a garden environment in the Manx glen.
The site was initially named "Glen Nelen" and later changed to "Glen Helen."
The chalet and its surroundings were a popular tourist attraction, especially after the railway began service in the 1800s.
In 2020, a fire damaged much of the building, leading to its derelict state.
Planning permission was granted to turn the chalet into a farm shop and deli to bring new life to the area.
The Isle of Man Forestry Board purchased the site in 1958, making it a national glen.
Over time, Glen Helen and its waterfall became a favorite spot for visitors and locals.
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The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, Cheng Li-wun, is visiting China for the first time in ten years. During her trip, Cheng aims to improve relations between Taiwan and China and plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. This visit occurs amid complex Taiwan-China-US relations.
Key Facts
Cheng Li-wun is the current chairperson of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party.
This is the first visit to China by a KMT leader in a decade.
Cheng accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping and is on a six-day trip to Shanghai, Nanjing, and Beijing.
Relations between Taiwan and China have been strained since 2016 when President Tsai Ing-wen took office in Taiwan.
China views Taiwan as a part of its territory, while many in Taiwan see themselves as a separate nation.
The United States has been Taiwan's primary arms supplier despite having formal ties with China.
Cheng's visit is happening just weeks before President Trump visits China.
Analysts say Cheng's visit is part of a strategy to present herself as a leader who can improve Taiwan-China relations, hoping to gain political support.
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A woman named Danielle Arme was reunited with her cat, Bodhi, nearly five years after he went missing. A woman in Sudbury found Bodhi and traced him back to Danielle using a pet tracking service. This led to an emotional reunion for Danielle and Bodhi.
Key Facts
Bodhi the cat went missing in July 2021 from Chellaston, Derby.
Danielle Arme lost hope of finding Bodhi after extensive searches.
In March 2026, Viccie Mahon found Bodhi at her home in Sudbury, Derbyshire.
Mahon discovered Bodhi had a microchip and contacted a pet tracking company.
The tracking service identified Bodhi's owner as Danielle Arme.
Arme was emotional upon learning Bodhi was found and safe.
Mahon originally thought Bodhi was a female and named the cat Martha.
Danielle collected Bodhi after confirming his identity.
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A woman known as "Sophie" shared her experience of being abducted and raped by a man pretending to be a taxi driver in Glasgow, Scotland. The attacker, Barzan Nawshowani, was initially sentenced to six years in prison, which was later increased to eight years following an appeal. Sophie expressed that she felt the sentence should have been longer due to the severity of the crime.
Key Facts
The incident happened on August 7, 2022, in Glasgow, Scotland.
The attacker, Barzan Nawshowani, posed as a taxi driver to abduct the woman.
He then took her to a barber shop where he worked and raped her.
Nawshowani's initial prison sentence was six years, later increased to eight years with three years of supervision.
The woman, referred to as "Sophie," believes the sentence should be 15-16 years.
New sentencing guidelines for rape offences in Scotland now mean longer sentences.
The crime took place in KS Turkish Barbers where the attacker worked.
The police arrested Nawshowani a few days after the incident.
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A holiday cottage owner in Wales, Paul Martin, claims that new rules on holiday lets could force him into financial trouble. The rules say holiday homes need to be rented out for a certain number of days a year to avoid higher taxes. Paul Martin says these rules will make his business too costly to maintain when he retires.
Key Facts
Paul Martin owns four holiday cottages near Newtown, Wales.
New rules require holiday homes to be rented out for at least 182 days a year, or they are treated as second homes with higher taxes.
Martin says he will face five council tax charges this year, with two having a 75% premium.
He invested in the cottages by converting old barns and outhouses on his property.
If the rules remain, Martin feels his only option might be to dismantle the cottages.
The Welsh government notes many properties could be exempt from premium rates if they have certain restrictions.
Changes to these rules aim to address housing shortages in tourist areas of Wales.
Another local, Liz Molyneux, also faces high council taxes on a property she uses as a holiday let.
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There is an ongoing debate about whether Manchester should be considered England's second city after London. Recent growth in new businesses and a strong economy have bolstered Manchester's claim, with notable events such as the Brit Awards adding to its prominence. However, the title remains unofficial, with Manchester and Birmingham both having dedicated supporters.
Key Facts
Manchester has been named the most entrepreneurial city outside of London based on Companies House data from 2025.
Manchester hosted prominent events like the Brit Awards and Mobo Awards.
It has a 3.1% annual economic growth rate over the past decade, outperforming the UK's overall economy.
More people are moving from London to Manchester than vice versa, for high-value jobs.
Manchester is part of the Greater Manchester area, which includes cities like Salford and landmarks like Old Trafford.
Over 3,000 new businesses were registered in Manchester's M40 postcode in 2025.
Business experts note that Manchester provides affordable and attractive conditions for start-ups.
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An Alderney politician, Alex Snowdon, has suggested a reduction in fuel duty to help manage the high fuel prices on the island. Currently, the prices of unleaded and diesel fuel in Alderney are higher than in other parts of the British Isles. Local businesses and residents are feeling the effects of these high costs, with discussions around moving towards renewable energy to reduce reliance on imported fuel.
Key Facts
Alex Snowdon, a States Member of Alderney, proposed reducing fuel duty to lessen the impact of high fuel prices.
The cost of unleaded fuel in Alderney is £2.30 per litre, and diesel is £2.58 per litre.
Fuel prices in Alderney are among the highest in the British Isles.
The conflict in the Middle East is cited as a factor affecting fuel prices in Alderney.
The rate of fuel duty in Alderney is 90.5p per litre, higher than in parts of the UK and Jersey.
Alderney Electricity's managing director, Chris MacGregor, highlighted the need to transition to renewable energy to reduce vulnerability to oil price shocks.
Guernsey Post, operating in Alderney, is transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles, already having four out of six vehicles electric.
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More than 1,700 people in the UK are taking legal action against the travel company Tui after they fell ill while on holiday in Cape Verde. The illnesses have been linked to gastrointestinal infections such as E. coli and salmonella. The law firm handling the case reports that at least eight UK tourists have died following their trips.
Key Facts
Over 1,700 UK holidaymakers have joined a lawsuit against Tui after getting sick in Cape Verde.
The illnesses include infections like E. coli, salmonella, and shigella.
Since 2022, Tui has taken more than one million tourists to Cape Verde.
At least eight British tourists have reportedly died following illnesses contracted there.
An investigation found over 100 reported cases of shigella and over 40 of salmonella linked to visits since October 2025.
UK health officials had warned about traveling to Cape Verde due to reports of stomach bugs.
Lawyers gathered evidence showing potential hotel health issues, such as undercooked food and poor hygiene.
Tui has not yet made a full statement as they lack the complete health report from Cape Verde.
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An 11-year-old girl named Niovi creates fictional stories about trees at Hackney Marshes in London, which she shares on signs posted on the trees. The project, called the Talking Tree Collective, offers visitors whimsical tales about each tree's imagined past.
Key Facts
Niovi is 11 years old and walks with her father Doug in Hackney Marshes.
She creates stories for trees and posts them on signs, forming the Talking Tree Collective.
Each tree has a unique story, often related to its physical appearance.
One fictional character is Humble Dick, involved in a story set in 1952.
Another character is Bernard, inspired by nature documentaries.
The project started as a fun activity during family walks.
There are 16 trees currently featuring stories.
The signs are expected to stay up for a few weeks in Hackney Marshes.
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President Donald Trump stated on social media that the United States plans to attack Iran's power plants if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz. This potential military action targets Iran's electricity infrastructure.
Key Facts
President Trump suggests attacking Iran's power plants.
The reason is Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil transport.
President Trump mentioned "Tuesday will be power plant day" in a social media post.
The statement adds tension to US-Iran relations.
Al Jazeera reported on the risks of attacking Iran's power plants.
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Iran has turned down a ceasefire deal proposed by the US and Israel. This decision is linked to past experiences where previous agreements were not honored.
Key Facts
Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal involving the US and Israel.
Trita Parsi, a political analyst, discussed Iran's decision.
Iran's decision is influenced by past instances where agreements were not kept.
The focus is on the historical context of US and Israeli agreements with Iran.
The article highlights skepticism due to previous deal violations.
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President Donald Trump called the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission as they traveled farther into space than any humans before. The astronauts shared their experiences of seeing sights like the far side of the moon and a solar eclipse. The mission is planned to last for a total of 10 days.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke with the Artemis II crew during their space mission.
The crew traveled farther into space than any humans in history, breaking the previous record set during the Apollo missions.
They experienced over 40 minutes of planned communication blackout during the mission.
Commander Reid Wiseman described seeing unique sights, including the far side of the moon and a solar eclipse.
The crew saw the sun’s corona and a "planet train," or line-up of planets, during the eclipse.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman noted the crew reached 252,756 miles from Earth, the farthest humans have traveled.
The mission is a step towards making humans a "two-planet species" according to the astronauts.
The mission is planned to last 10 days before the crew returns to Earth.
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Australia's most-decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been arrested at Sydney airport. He will face charges related to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, including the murder of unarmed detainees. Roberts-Smith denies the allegations, which were highlighted in a 2020 investigation into unlawful killings by Australian soldiers.
Key Facts
Ben Roberts-Smith is a highly decorated former soldier from Australia.
He was arrested at Sydney airport and is facing five charges of war crimes murder.
Roberts-Smith served in the Australian Defence Force and left in 2013.
He is accused of killing unarmed Afghans during his service in Afghanistan.
In a 2023 defamation case, a court found he had killed several unarmed people.
The 2020 Brereton Report found evidence of unlawful killings by Australian soldiers.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed his arrest and upcoming charges.
Roberts-Smith argues the actions were legal combat actions or did not happen.
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A study from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that using pink noise sleep machines may reduce deep and REM sleep in adults. While the study was not conducted on babies, researchers warn that similar effects might occur in infants and toddlers, who need REM sleep for brain development.
Key Facts
Pink noise is a gentle noise similar to the sound of steady rain.
Researchers found that when adults were exposed to pink noise, they experienced around 20 minutes less REM sleep compared to sleeping without noise.
REM sleep is important for emotions, learning, and brain growth.
Babies often spend more time in REM sleep than adults.
The study cautions that using pink noise could have negative effects on babies, possibly affecting their sleep quality and development.
Pink noise is often used because it is thought to be more natural and soothing compared to white noise, which sounds more like static.
Experts advise keeping sleep machine volumes low and distant from sleeping areas to avoid possible negative effects.
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Astronauts from NASA's Artemis II mission set a new record for traveling the farthest distance from Earth. They broke the previous record, which was held by the Apollo 13 mission since 1970.
Key Facts
The Artemis II mission includes four astronauts.
They traveled farther from Earth than any humans before.
The new distance record is over 400,171 kilometers.
Apollo 13 previously held the record since April 1970.
NASA's Artemis II mission is part of a program aimed at exploring the Moon.
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