Indian mountaineer Arjun Vajpai has become the youngest person in the world to scale six peaks of over 8,000 metres. On May 20, the Noida-based mountaineer summited Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, to achieve this honour.
Vajpai says the feat was possible as a result of the "combined effort" of a team of sherpas and mountaineers. This was Vajpai's second attempt on Kangchenjunga as bad weather played spoilsport during his first attempt in 2017.
"There was no perfect recipe but a little of everything mixed into the mess. So in the end it was like a beautiful montage of things falling into place,” Vajpai was quoted as saying by PTI. "This time we had a great team with us. The coordination between the sherpas and the climbing members was much better. We did better planning before embarking on the mission," he said.
Since its first ascent, only 237 people have successfully climbed Kangchenjunga.
The 24-year-old now wants to scale all 14 mountains over 8,000 metres across the world.
In 2010, Vajpai climbed Mount Everest at the age of 16 to become the youngest person to have ever climbed it at that point in time.
Staying Fit
Vajpai is active on social media platforms and he constantly keeps his fans updated on his movements. Last year, he garnered a lot of media attention after a picture of him doing yoga at 18,000 feet (about 5,500m) above sea level became viral.
According to Vajpai's mother Priya, he has always been interested in yoga.
"He has always been a practitioner of yoga, and regularly performs it during a climb to stay fit and focused," she told Times of India. "This time, a lot of foreign climbers have joined him for the expedition, and when they saw him doing yoga, they also started doing it along with him. It has now become a group activity for them, and they are doing it regularly."
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned homebuyers to be cautious of agents offering to reclaim Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on properties that need repairs.
The warning follows a Court of Appeal ruling in the case of Mudan & Anor v HMRC, which confirmed that homes requiring repairs remain subject to residential SDLT rates.
The judgment stated that claims for repayment based solely on a property’s condition are not valid.
HMRC said some agents advertise that they can secure refunds by arguing that a property is non-residential because it is uninhabitable.
Buyers making such claims may face repayment of the full tax along with penalties and interest.
Anthony Burke, HMRC’s Deputy Director of Compliance Assets, said: “The Court of Appeal’s decision is a major win, protecting public funds. Homebuyers should be cautious of allowing someone to make a Stamp Duty Land Tax repayment claim on their behalf. If the claim is inaccurate, you could end up paying more than the amount you were trying to recover.”
HMRC is using civil and criminal powers to act against false claims.
In one case, a London buyer paid £53,750 in SDLT on a £1.1 million property.
After an agent claimed a refund on the basis that the house needed repairs, he received £6,475 after the agent’s fee.
HMRC later ruled the claim invalid, leaving him to repay the tax, plus interest and a penalty, with the agent refusing to cover the costs.
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Shocking discovery at Dharmasthala: Human remains unearthed in mass grave probe
Skeletal remains found on 31 July at Dharmasthala’s sixth excavation site, possibly male, marking first forensic breakthrough
The complaint was filed by a Dalit former sanitation worker alleging forced burials of murdered and assaulted women and minors from 1995–2014
SIT led by DGP Pronab Mohanty is probing 13 sites; five prior sites showed no human remains
Forensic tests and DNA analysis are underway, while families of missing persons are filing fresh complaints
The temple town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka has been thrust into the national spotlight after skeletal remains were discovered on 31 July 2025, during a Special Investigation Team (SIT) excavation near the Netravathi River. This is the first confirmed physical evidence in an ongoing investigation into allegations of secret burials of sexual violence and murder victims spanning decades. The discovery, made at the sixth of 13 suspected sites, is being seen as a turning point in the probe initiated after a former sanitation worker came forward with explosive claims.
Human remains unearthed in mass grave probe at Dharmasthala
What are the Dharmasthala mass burial allegations?
A former temple sanitation worker, now 48, filed a formal complaint on 3 July 2025, stating he was coerced, under death threats, into burying bodies of murdered women, minors and destitute men during his service between 1995 and 2014. The complainant claimed that many victims had visible signs of violence such as strangulation, acid burns and partial nudity. According to his statement, he personally buried hundreds of victims across the temple town's forested regions and riverbanks. He specifically recalled burying a young schoolgirl in uniform and a woman scarred by acid, claiming these acts were covered up under threats. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered on 4 July under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The allegations triggered widespread public anger, with the Karnataka State Women’s Commission demanding a high-level inquiry. Activists have also linked these claims to long-standing unresolved cases, including the 2012 rape and murder of 17-year-old Sowjanya, which remains unsolved.
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What did the SIT find during excavations?
Following mounting pressure, the state government set up an SIT on 19 July, led by senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty. The team began exhumation work at multiple sites from 29 July. The whistleblower identified up to 15 potential burial sites. The team, including forensic specialists, is systematically excavating each location, using machinery like mini excavators and tools to aid their search. Every step is videographed for transparency. Initial excavations at five locations did not yield any human remains.
What exactly was found at the sixth site?
Digging deep into forested land near the Netravathi River, SIT members and forensic experts recovered approximately 15 bones on the third day of excavations. Initial observations suggest the remains likely belong to a male individual. Alongside the bones, fragments of cloth were also collected. This discovery followed extensive digging at five other locations identified by the protected whistleblower. The findings have been sent to the state Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed analysis, including DNA testing and determining the cause and approximate time of death. Heavy rain and difficult terrain had complicated earlier efforts.
While Site 6 produced remains, the first five sites dug between 29 and 30 July found no human evidence. At Site 1, unrelated items like a debit card and a male PAN card were found; the PAN card led investigators to a family who confirmed the man died naturally in March 2025, suggesting the card was lost or discarded earlier.
Why has a media gag order been issued?
Even as the SIT continues its investigation, a Bengaluru civil court passed a controversial ex parte gag order blocking over 8,800 online links that referred to the whistleblower’s claims. The plea, filed by a relative of the temple’s leadership, argued that the allegations were unverified and defamatory, while many argue that this order curtails free speech and hinders accountability.
The court will review the gag order on 5 August. Activists and media watchdogs argue that gagging information on such serious allegations may weaken public trust in the legal process.
Who is leading the Dharmasthala probe and what’s next?
While SIT chief Pronab Mohanty currently leads the investigation, reports suggest he has been listed for central deputation. Karnataka’s Home Minister clarified there is no formal transfer request yet, but concern remains that any leadership change could affect the pace and integrity of the probe.
The team has been tasked with examining 13 potential burial sites. Following the skeletal discovery at Site 6, the SIT may now prioritise excavation at Site 7 and other high-yield locations flagged by the whistleblower. Experts also suggest deploying ground-penetrating radar and trained sniffer dogs to assist further.
What are families of missing persons saying?
For decades, families in the Dharmasthala region have grappled with unexplained disappearances, often feeling their pleas were ignored. The whistleblower's claims and the subsequent discovery of remains have reignited painful hopes for answers.
As developments unfold, families who lost loved ones in the Dharmasthala region have come forward to file fresh complaints. One woman, whose MBBS student daughter vanished during a 2003 college trip, has requested that authorities investigate whether her daughter is among the buried victims. Activists claim over 360 missing persons cases from the Dharmasthala area remain unsolved. The discovery, even if preliminary, validates their persistent demands for a serious investigation.
What is the significance of Dharmasthala and who leads the temple?
Dharmasthala is one of Karnataka’s most prominent pilgrimage sites, home to the 800-year-old Manjunatha Temple. The temple is administered by Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade, a Rajya Sabha MP nominated by the BJP. The temple trust also runs schools, museums and social welfare initiatives. However, many feel the influence may have contributed to the silencing of serious allegations in the past.
The current probe has reopened public scrutiny of the temple’s operations and whether certain past crimes were systematically buried, literally and figuratively.
Human bones found in Dharmasthala probe as whistleblower\u2019s mass grave claims gain credibility shri kshetra dharmasthala
What happens next in the Dharmasthala mass grave investigation?
The SIT will continue excavating remaining burial sites
Forensic results from Site 6 will determine the sex, identity and likely cause of death of the skeletal remains
Families of missing persons may submit DNA for cross-matching
The court will revisit the gag order on 5 August
SIT leadership and political involvement remain closely watched
The search for truth continues
The discovery of skeletal remains at Site 6 has transformed the Dharmasthala mass burial case from a mere allegation into an evidence-backed probe. With real bones now in forensic custody, the investigation is no longer hypothetical. The coming weeks will decide if the truth about decades of alleged abuse, death and cover-ups in one of India’s most sacred towns can finally see the light of day, and whether justice will be delivered to those long forgotten.
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Campaigner Martin Cosser, whose son was killed in a knife attack two years ago, sits on a memorial bench with a plaque honouring his son Charlie, at Devil's Punch Bowl, in Surrey. (Photo: Reuters)
AT LEAST 1,000 weapons were surrendered under a British government amnesty launched last month to tackle knife crime, the home ministry said on Friday, as a ban on ninja swords came into force.
Knife crime in England and Wales has risen 87 per cent over the past decade. Last year, 54,587 offences were recorded, a 2 per cent increase from 2023, placing the region among the highest rates in Europe.
On July 29, 2024, teenager Axel Rudakubana attacked a Taylor Swift-themed children's dance event in Southport, northern England, killing three girls and stabbing 10 people in one of Britain's most severe knife assaults.
Following the incident, the government announced tougher age checks for knife buyers, warned social media firms about potential fines for failing to curb weapon sales and promotion, and banned zombie-style knives, machetes and ninja swords.
Throughout July, young people were encouraged to surrender weapons at “amnesty” bins or a mobile van. The government confirmed at least 1,000 weapons were handed in.
Later this month, a mobile van will be deployed at the Notting Hill Carnival in London in response to past knife-related violence at the event. It remains unclear whether the “amnesty” bins will remain after the month-long campaign ends.
The interior ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
Charities and experts said the measures were a step forward but did not address underlying causes.
According to the interior ministry, knife-related robberies in the seven highest-risk areas have decreased, falling from 14 per cent of all robberies in the year ending June 2024 to 6 per cent in the year to June 2025.
The ban on ninja swords is part of the government's pledge to introduce Ronan's Law, named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was fatally stabbed with a ninja sword in 2022.
Campaigner Martin Cosser, whose son was killed in a knife attack two years ago, earlier told Reuters the issue was not just about the weapon but also the "emotional drivers" that lead people to carry knives.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Professor Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Bristol, receives the Letter of Intent from Vineet Joshi, secretary higher education and acting chairman of the University Grants Committee. (Photo: University of Bristol)
THE University of Bristol has received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish its first international campus in Mumbai, which is set to open in the summer of 2026, marking a significant milestone in the UK-India education corridor, the British high commission in India has announced.
In a post on X, the British high commission in India said that the university would be offering its globally acclaimed programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, fintech, and more to Indian students.
"Big news from the UK-India education corridor! The University of Bristol is set to open a comprehensive campus in Mumbai. Approved by UGC, the campus will bring the university's world-renowned academic offerings spanning AI, data science, fintech, and more to Indian students," the British high commission said in the post on Tuesday (29).
The deputy high commissioner of the UK to India, Christina Scott, expressed her enthusiasm about the development, saying, "We are very excited, as today the University of Bristol has received the letter of intent from the University Grants Commission. The University of Bristol is the seventh British university to get permission to open a campus in India... We are very excited that they will be opening soon next year in Mumbai."
She added that the approval, granted on the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (2020), would help deepen the UK's engagement with India in terms of education, providing transnational education models that blend academic experiences in both countries.
"Today, we are celebrating five years of the National Education Policy, and it speaks to the quality of young people in India and British universities recognise the country's potential and the appetite of young Indians to learn, making them keen to be here and work with them to help them grow into the leaders they aspire to be," Scott stated.
"We have a lot of British universities that want to do more with India. Some are thinking about putting in applications, or some whom the University Grants Commission is considering. We also have numerous universities eager to attract Indian students to the UK for study, as well as those offering transnational education, which combines elements of both India and the UK. Those are all really very exciting opportunities."
According to a statement from the university, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will serve as a hub for collaboration among industry leaders, academics, students, and local community partners, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment.
The campus will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in key areas where the University of Bristol excels globally, such as data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts, and fintech.
"Mumbai Enterprise Campus will bring together industry, academics, students and local community partners within a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Initial subjects taught at undergraduate and postgraduate level will focus on areas of global distinction for Bristol, such as data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts and financial technology, expanding to computer science and AI, business and management," the statement added.
(Agencies)
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India's minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat prays after he received repatriated sacred Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha, at the airport in New Delhi, India, July 30, 2025. India's Press Information Bureau/Handout via REUTERS
A COLLECTION of hundreds of jewels linked to Buddha's remains has returned to India after 127 years following an auction planned for earlier this year that drew threats of legal action from the government in Delhi.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi hailed the return of the collection, known as the Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha.
"A joyous day for our cultural heritage!" Modi wrote in a post on X on Wednesday (30). "It would make every Indian proud."
The collection of more than 300 gems including amethyst, topaz and pearls dates from the Mauryan Empire, Ashokan Era, around 240-200 BCE.
The collection, first unearthed by a Briton in northern India, was originally scheduled to be auctioned by Sotheby's in Hong Kong in May but the sale was postponed after India's government threatened legal action and demanded the jewels be returned.
Sotheby's subsequently identified Indian conglomerate Godrej Industries Group as the buyer and secured a sale that saw the permanent return of the gems to India, where they would be placed on public display.
"Sotheby’s is delighted to have facilitated the return of the Piprahwa Gems to India," the auction house said in a statement.
India's ministry of culture said it was an exemplary public-private partnership and the initiative aligned with Modi’s broader mission to reclaim and celebrate India's ancient cultural and spiritual heritage from across the world.
The gems were unearthed in 1898 from an ancient stupa in Piprahwa, northern India, by English estate manager William Claxton Peppe, along with fragments of bone thought to belong to Buddha.
Peppe was later allowed to keep more than 300 duplicate gems, which remained in his family.