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At 7, she was 'gifted' to Queen Victoria; 176 years later, her descendant revisits her life
Times of India •

At 7, she was 'gifted' to Queen Victoria; 176 years later, her descendant revisits her life

In 1850, a seven-year-old African girl named Aina was presented to Queen Victoria as a diplomatic 'gift' after losing her family and spending two years in captivity. Renamed Sarah Forbes Bonetta, she grew up under royal protection but faced restrictions on her freedom. Now, 176 years later, a new biography is examining her life, while her great-great-grandson, Bayo Randle, reflects on her struggle...

$3.1 billion St. Louis data centre plan faces court fight over 120-MW project
Times of India •

$3.1 billion St. Louis data centre plan faces court fight over 120-MW project

St. Louis is undergoing a notable shift with the establishment of several data centres throughout the region. However, community members have voiced considerable opposition, raising health and environmental issues linked to these facilities. Legal actions have been launched by residents and developers encountering permit restrictions, leading to new legislation governing the operation and placemen...

Kandinsky painting sold under Nazi occupation returns to heirs, fetches £31.56m at London auction

Kandinsky painting sold under Nazi occupation returns to heirs, fetches £31.56m at London auction

Times of India •

A remarkable Wassily Kandinsky painting achieved a staggering £31.56 million at auction, after being returned to the Lewenstein heirs. This valuable artwork had a tumultuous history, changing ownership during World War II amid sales disputes. Following an independent inquiry, it was restituted to the family, underscoring persistent endeavors to reclaim art stolen during the Nazi era.

Indian-origin couple spent over $100,000 to open cafe in Australia; an arson attack has them crodwfunding for repairs

Indian-origin couple spent over $100,000 to open cafe in Australia; an arson attack has them crodwfunding for repairs

Times of India •

Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit's dream of running their vegan cafe 'And Bodega' in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, turned tragic when it suffered extensive damage from an arson attack shortly after opening. This incident, linked to a nearby tobacco shop, cost them their life savings and brought additional theft. To recover, they initiated a crowdfunding campaign and are searching for new locations, bu...

Camera giant Kodak operated a uranium-based nuclear device beneath its laboratory

Camera giant Kodak operated a uranium-based nuclear device beneath its laboratory

Times of India •

For 31 years, Kodak operated a uranium-based research device beneath its Rochester laboratory, using it to examine materials and detect impurities. Installed in 1975 and shut down in 2006, the machine attracted public attention in 2012 because it contained highly enriched uranium. A new Popular Mechanics report explains how the device produced neutrons through nuclear fission but could not sustain...

Flight Cleared After Bomb Alert: Bomb threat diverts Tel Aviv–Vienna flight; checks find no risk

Flight Cleared After Bomb Alert: Bomb threat diverts Tel Aviv–Vienna flight; checks find no risk

Times of India •

Austrian Airlines flight OS82 faced a critical situation when it was diverted to Sofia due to a bomb threat. With 51 passengers on board, the plane made an emergency landing under the watch of a Bulgarian Air Force fighter jet. Upon arrival, security teams conducted extensive searches, finding no threats. The flight then continued its journey to Vienna later that night, ensuring the safety of all ...

Michigan to ban untreated firewood from January 2027 over risk of 140-plus pests and diseases

Michigan to ban untreated firewood from January 2027 over risk of 140-plus pests and diseases

Times of India •

Michigan will ban untreated, uncertified firewood from entering the state starting January 1, 2027, to prevent the spread of more than 140 plant pests and diseases. The restriction will apply to travellers, campers and businesses, with exemptions for certified, heat-treated wood and certain other wood products. Authorities will focus on public awareness in 2027, while repeat violations could attra...

After two years living in a tent, Gaza potter built a clay dome home for his parents using earth and rubble

After two years living in a tent, Gaza potter built a clay dome home for his parents using earth and rubble

Times of India •

In the face of displacement from war, Jaafar Atallah crafted an innovative dome-shaped home from local clay for his family. Along with his community, he explored the potential of mud bricks, resulting in sturdier shelters compared to standard tents. This method emerges amidst Gaza's pressing housing crisis, driven by material shortages. Neighbors are also embracing recycled resources, ensuring tra...

China’s economy gains pace on exports as domestic demand falters

China’s economy gains pace on exports as domestic demand falters

Times of India •

In the July-September quarter, China recorded an economic growth of 4.5%, surpassing analysts' expectations. While exports showed strong performance, internal demand is tempering due to a sluggish property sector. The International Monetary Fund has projected a 4.5% growth rate for 2026, and Beijing aims for a 4.5%-5% growth this year. Meanwhile, trade imbalance concerns ignite dialogue among trad...

British man told no action needed after Brexit, now hides in caravan to fight deportation from Sweden

British man told no action needed after Brexit, now hides in caravan to fight deportation from Sweden

Times of India •

Mark Smith, who moved to Sweden seeking a better life, is now facing possible deportation. After being misinformed about Brexit residency requirements, he and his wife now live in hiding. The couple's application for residency was denied on grounds of not being married at the time. There are broader concerns about the treatment of British citizens under Sweden's residency rules post-Brexit.

Civilian Toll From Drone Strikes: HRW alleges Mali, Russia killed 94 civilians; strikes more than doubled

Civilian Toll From Drone Strikes: HRW alleges Mali, Russia killed 94 civilians; strikes more than doubled

Times of India •

Mali's armed forces and their Russian allies have intensified drone strikes against insurgents, resulting in civilian deaths. Human Rights Watch reported that civilian casualties doubled from the previous year during this period. Some drone strikes targeted marketplaces and health centers, causing significant collateral damage. Insurgents have also been implicated in executing soldiers and committ...

Species Fund Beats Habitat Target: Evaluation finds 4,800ha restored; 51,000 people engaged

Species Fund Beats Habitat Target: Evaluation finds 4,800ha restored; 51,000 people engaged

Times of India •

A transformative £25 million conservation initiative has revitalized wildlife across England. By restoring vast areas and planting over 127,500 trees, the programme fostered community engagement with nature for more than 51,000 individuals. Various projects played a critical role in reconnecting segmented habitats and enhancing wetlands and rivers, underscoring the necessity of strategic investmen...

Woman returns to her former North Carolina school, now senior housing, nearly 60 years later

Woman returns to her former North Carolina school, now senior housing, nearly 60 years later

Times of India •

Cassandra Henderson has returned to her old school, now transformed into Dillard School Senior Apartments. After sitting empty for twenty years, this historic building has emerged as a vital haven for seniors, featuring thoughtful designs and amenities tailored to their needs. Originally a cornerstone for Black education, this repurposing highlights how adaptive reuse can effectively tackle housin...

When John Legend donated $500,000 to give Ohio students a stage

When John Legend donated $500,000 to give Ohio students a stage

Times of India •

John Legend has pledged $500,000 to revitalize a former high school auditorium in Springfield, Ohio, transforming it into the John Legend Theater. This venue now hosts youth concerts and community events, reflecting Legend's personal ties to the space, where he performed as a child. With state-of-the-art production facilities, the theater fosters arts education, empowering local students to showca...

Missouri woman accused of pointing gun at neighbour during property-line dispute

Missouri woman accused of pointing gun at neighbour during property-line dispute

Times of India •

A dispute over property lines in St. Charles County turned alarming when a neighbour was allegedly shot at. Facing felony charges, Paula Kohensky is at the center of this escalation tied to a fence repair matter. The ongoing tension between the neighbours is highlighted by surveillance footage that contradicts her version of events. A preliminary hearing is set for December 2, as the case unfolds.

Indiana legal secretary faces 42 felonies over alleged fake court orders and stolen client fees

Indiana legal secretary faces 42 felonies over alleged fake court orders and stolen client fees

Times of India •

Following a lengthy three-year investigation, Heather Ann Textor, a legal secretary, has been taken into custody for alleged fraudulent activities. She is accused of forging court documents and misappropriating client funds intended for legal fees. The investigation was sparked when a local resident submitted a counterfeit expungement petition to the state police, leading to further scrutiny of su...

John Oliver bought $15 million in medical debt for $60,000, then erased bills for 9,000 people

John Oliver bought $15 million in medical debt for $60,000, then erased bills for 9,000 people

Times of India •

In June 2016, John Oliver's show made headlines by acquiring nearly $15 million of unpaid medical debt for only $60,000. This debt was funneled through a newly established company aimed at giving it away. Rather than pursuing payments, the debt was assigned to a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating medical debt, drawing attention to critical flaws in the American healthcare system.

Rare hawks nest in California county after 30 years as abandoned farmland gets a new life

Rare hawks nest in California county after 30 years as abandoned farmland gets a new life

Times of India •

A California floodplain restoration project launched in 2023 has recorded its first confirmed nesting Swainson’s hawks in Shasta County in about 30 years. More than 32,000 native trees and plants were introduced across 150 acres of damaged land near the Sacramento River. Conservationists have also recorded rare indigo buntings breeding at the site, raising hopes for wildlife recovery.