Scientists discover hydrogen-rich water 1.3 km under Atlantic seafloor

Supreme Court clarifies demolition order: Illegal structures on public land can be razed

The Supreme Court has clarified its earlier ruling on demolitions, stating it does not impose a blanket ban on razing illegal constructions. Authorities are permitted to demolish encroachments on public land, provided they strictly follow municipal laws and due procedures. The court specified that individual contempt petitions arising from demolition cases will be handled by the respective jurisdictional High Courts. Fact-finding exercises will be conducted to determine whether authorities acted arbitrarily in carrying out any demolitions.

India's shipping regulator warns against deploying sailors through Strait of Hormuz

India's Directorate General of Merchant Affairs (DGMA) has advised shipping companies to avoid deploying seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory comes amid escalating attacks on merchant ships in the West Asia region. Two attacks reported on Tuesday involved commercial vessels carrying 30 Indian seafarers. The regulator cited heightened security risks and ongoing regional conflict as the basis for the enhanced precautionary measures. This follows an earlier directive to fleet owners to limit seafarer deployment in the affected area.

PM Narendra Modi speaks to Amir of Qatar, conveys condolences on passing of the Father Amir

Supreme Court acquits three men after 45 years, finds prosecution case deeply flawed

The Supreme Court of India acquitted three surviving accused in a murder case dating back to 1977, nearly five decades after the crime occurred. The men had already served life imprisonment sentences following their conviction in 1981. The court identified serious flaws in the prosecution's case, including inconsistencies in witness testimonies. These discrepancies led the bench to extend the benefit of doubt to the accused. The prosecution was ultimately found to have failed in establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in the acquittal in 2026.