Times of India

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is awarded annually as part of the Nobel Prizes established under the will of Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel. Nobel, who made his fortune through inventions including dynamite, specified that prizes should be awarded to those who had made the “greatest benefit to humankind” in five fields: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace.

Shreyas Iyer has made a significant leap to seventh place in T20I batting rankings after his maiden century. Axar Patel has also joined the top 10 bowlers, moving up to seventh place following impressive performances. In ODI rankings, Shubman Gill extended his lead after scoring an unbeaten 223 against the West Indies. West Indies captain Shai Hope has climbed to sixth in the ODI batting rankings with his strong performance.

In a fascinating move, the MV Shingle was purposefully submerged along Ireland's northwest coast, transforming into a thriving artificial reef. Legal challenges and its deteriorating state made scrapping impractical, leading to its sinking in 2024. As marine life increasingly flourishes around the wreck, the area has seen a spike in biodiversity and year-round visitor interest, highlighting the necessity of effectively managing these ecological projects for lasting benefits.

In 1934, J.C. Hunter proposed a land donation to the government for national park purposes, though it did not proceed. Years later, in 1969, his son, J.C. Hunter Jr., facilitated the sale of a much larger land parcel to the government, constituting more than 90% of what would eventually become Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Priscilla Chan's tuition-free private school in California has shut down after receiving over $125 million in funding. The school, which aimed to support low-income children and families, faced challenges leading to its closure. About 540 children were enrolled, and families expressed concern over the abrupt announcement of the closure. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative pledged $50 million to assist with transition services and education savings accounts.

A couple was allegedly subjected to severe humiliation and torture after being traced by the woman's husband. They were taken to a house where a so-called purification ritual was conducted against them. The man was tied to a tree, forced to perform sexual acts, and drink urine. This incident was recorded and subsequently circulated on social media, leading to police intervention.

Eva Marie Saint, the acclaimed actress famed for her iconic role in ‘On the Waterfront’, has sadly passed away at her Los Angeles residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, she was raised in Albany and Delmar, New York. Throughout her illustrious career, Saint captivated audiences with her performances in numerous films and television series, earning a multitude of prestigious awards.

Christa Pike, a death row inmate in Tennessee, is recovering at a hospital following a failed execution attempt. Her lawyers reported that she is awake and speaking after being unconscious for several days. Doctors say the extent of her recovery remains uncertain, and she might face a long rehabilitation process. Legal questions arise about whether Tennessee can execute her again after the failed lethal injection.

The GST Council intends to shorten the refund processing period to around 17 days for businesses. It will also work to automate registering for a GST number to speed up the process. For small businesses operating in multiple states, avoiding repetitive registrations will be considered. Additionally, the proposal includes eliminating physical verification for registration cancellations. Changes will allow input tax credit on various business-related expenses to facilitate smoother operations.

The extraordinary migration of monarch butterflies stretches across thousands of miles, connecting North America and Mexico. Sadly, their population has sharply declined, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature to mark them as endangered. Key threats include habitat loss, pesticide usage, and climate change, which disproportionately impact their crucial milkweed supply. To aid these delicate creatures, conservation efforts are imperative, with U.S. federal protection still pending.

Bypolls across Nandigram and Rejinagar saw an 80% turnout despite allegations of rigging and voter intimidation. In Tamil Nadu, turnout dipped compared to previous elections, with results showing 86% and 80% participation. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency recorded 76% turnout during the bypolls, while Puducherry's Thattanchavady seat had a turnout of 78% by 5pm. Various candidates and parties reported incidents of interference and blocked agents during the polling process.

Michael Douglas has recently published a memoir that shares intriguing details about his past relationships. He recounts an affair with Jeanne Tripplehorn during the filming of 'Basic Instinct'. The actor also reflects on being caught by his wife in a compromising situation, which led to an ultimatum. Douglas chose rehabilitation over divorce after the incident with his wife, Diandra Luker.

Narendra Modi's journey began with his role as Gujarat Chief Minister, addressing state issues and implementing reforms. His tenure included launching significant initiatives like the Jan Dhan Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at improving welfare. The BJP's political maneuvers led to Modi becoming Prime Minister in 2014, marking a significant shift in governance.

Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes have made children a major focus of their charitable work through the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Their efforts include a $1.625 million Boys & Girls Clubs commitment, a $1 million inclusive Kansas City playground, literacy programs reaching more than 20,000 students, community grants and food support for families facing hardship.

BJP has dismissed the march demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar as a sign of opposition frustration. During the protests, BJP representatives criticized Rahul Gandhi and questioned the credibility of his claims about member attendance. Union ministers expressed that the Election Commission is not responsible for Congress's electoral failures. BJP spokespersons emphasized the party's continued success and the opposition’s inability to connect with voters.

The Aframax Rio tanker caught fire off the Russian coast after an attack by unmanned vessels. All 23 crew members onboard, who were Indian nationals, were successfully rescued by emergency crews. The incident occurred near Sochi, leading to the closure of beaches in the area. Authorities monitored air and water quality, assuring safety for public health.

India and Canada are engaged in a security dialogue to strengthen their bilateral relations. NSA Ajit Doval hosted his Canadian counterpart David Morrison for discussions on security issues. Both nations reviewed their progress in law enforcement cooperation and identified areas for further collaboration. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is also scheduled to visit India later this month.

In one such case in Chennai, a man received cash gifts of Rs 85.03 lakh from his relatives. The Income Tax Department began making enquiries into the source of the Rs 85.03 lakh deposited by the man. The department also sent tax notices to the relatives who had given him the cash. The man eventually won relief in ITAT Chennai.