India

ABVP and Akali-Backed SOI Form Alliance for Punjab University Elections

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the BJP, and the Students' Organisation of India (SOI), backed by the Shiromani Akali Dal, announced a joint alliance on Sunday. The tie-up is aimed at contesting upcoming university polls together. The development comes even as the broader political alliance between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal remains uncertain. The student-level partnership signals a possible thaw in relations between the two parties at the grassroots level.

Manoj Jarange Sets Mumbai Protest Deadline Over Maratha OBC Certificates

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has announced a protest deadline in Mumbai, demanding the immediate issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Maratha community members. His demand is backed by 58 lakh historical records that he says establish the community's eligibility. Jarange made clear that the Maratha community will not extend any further deadlines to the government. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reached out in response to the escalating pressure from the activist.

Assam Approves Rs 50,000-Crore Package Covering Women, Health, Roads and Education

The Assam government has approved a comprehensive Rs 50,000-crore development package spanning multiple sectors. A significant portion of the funds is directed toward building and improving public infrastructure across the state. Education is among the key focus areas, with approximately Rs 700 crore earmarked for upgrading close to 1,000 high schools. The package also addresses priorities related to women's welfare, healthcare, and road development.

Karnataka Minister's 'Islam Superior' Remark Draws BJP Demand for Apology

A Karnataka state minister sparked controversy after making a remark claiming Islam is superior, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP. BJP spokesperson Ashok Gowda condemned the statement, accusing the minister and the Congress-led state government of attempting to appease a section of voters. The BJP has demanded a public apology to Hindus over the remark. The incident has intensified political tensions between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka.

Assam Approves Proton Beam Cancer Therapy Centre Under Capital Expenditure Plan

The Assam government has approved the establishment of a proton beam cancer therapy facility in the state. The project forms part of a broader capital expenditure initiative announced by the government. The plan spans multiple sectors including healthcare, education, roads, power, housing, and industrial infrastructure. Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment that targets tumours with greater precision than conventional radiation. The approval signals Assam's push to expand specialised medical infrastructure for its residents.

Phoenix promoter auctions 2,100-piece music collection to fund cancer patient meals

Danny Zelisko, a Phoenix-based music promoter, is selling his personal collection of over 2,100 music memorabilia items through an online auction. The collection was built over five decades of attending and organizing live music performances. All proceeds from the auction will go to The Joy Bus, a charitable organization based in the Phoenix area. The Joy Bus delivers nutritious meals to cancer patients who are homebound and undergoing treatment. The initiative aims to ensure vulnerable patients receive proper nutrition and support during their recovery.

6 Dead, Several Hurt in Bus-Truck Collision in Assam

A deadly road accident in Assam claimed six lives and left several others injured after a bus collided with a truck. The vehicle involved was a 26-seater traveller bus operating on the Nagaon-to-Guwahati route. The collision occurred while the bus was in transit between the two cities. Authorities have been alerted and the injured are reportedly receiving medical attention.

Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim celebrate Eid and Rakhi amid her cancer battle

Television couple Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim recently marked both Eid-E-Milad and Raksha Bandhan with their family. Despite undergoing infusion treatment for liver cancer, Dipika made efforts to decorate their home for the festivities. Shoaib contributed by preparing kheer and also accompanied his father for a medical check-up. His sister Saba and niece Reza visited to observe the Rakhi tradition with the family. Shoaib also revealed his long-term aspiration of opening a restaurant someday.

Brij Bhushan credits accusers for fame, laments wrestlers' public absence

Former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has claimed that the sexual harassment allegations made against him by wrestlers brought him national recognition. He expressed concern that the women wrestlers who accused him are no longer being invited to public events. Singh drew a comparison between the accusers and the Ramayana character Kaikeyi, implying a sense of betrayal. He also referenced his acquittal in a prior sexual harassment case while reflecting on his personal and legal hardships.

Two Malayali women killed in California; friend detained

Deepti Sharma becomes all-time leading wicket-taker in Women's T20I cricket

Indian spinner Deepti Sharma has etched her name in history by surpassing all previous records to become the highest wicket-taker in Women's T20I cricket. She achieved the milestone with a stunning spell of 3 wickets for 0 runs against Thailand in Dubai. Opener Shafali Verma had earlier anchored India's innings with a brisk 64, helping the team post a commanding total. India went on to win the match by a massive 94-run margin. The victory gave India a strong start to their Women's Asia Cup campaign.

CID detains Bidar political functionary in Delhi over KPSC vet recruitment scam

Karnataka's CID has detained Basavaraj Kannale, a senior political party functionary from Bidar district, in connection with the KPSC veterinary officer recruitment scam. Kannale was apprehended in Delhi and is being brought to Bengaluru for further questioning. Investigators have identified his connections to previously arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, raising suspicions about his role in the case. The CID believes Kannale may be more deeply involved in the scam than initially known. The ongoing probe is also pointing toward possible additional accomplices linked to the recruitment irregularities.

Mumbai Woman Arrested After Running Over 8-Year-Old Boy While on Phone

A woman in Bandra, Mumbai, was arrested after her vehicle struck an 8-year-old boy named Ansh Ravindra Gupta. The incident took place in the afternoon on John Baptist Road, opposite Jijamata Garden. The boy was crossing the road when he was hit by the vehicle. Authorities confirmed the driver was speaking on her phone at the time of the accident.

Trump Calls for Punishment of NBC Journalist in Fresh Press Freedom Row

President Donald Trump has demanded punishment for an NBC journalist, marking the latest in a series of attacks on the press by his administration. The move is part of a broader, months-long campaign by the Trump administration targeting media outlets it considers overly critical of his presidency. The administration has repeatedly taken aim at major news organizations throughout this period. The incident has drawn renewed attention to concerns over press freedom under the current administration.

Shimla-Kalka Toy Train Route Disrupted After Bridge Foundation Erodes

A bridge on the historic Shimla-Kalka toy train line has lost its foundation due to soil slippage caused by heavy rainfall. The affected section lies between Koti and Gumman stations on the heritage rail route. The continuous rain undermined the ground beneath the structure, leaving the track exposed and vulnerable. The damage has disrupted operations on this UNESCO-recognised mountain railway line.

FIR Filed Against Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand Over Alleged Caste Remarks

An FIR was registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, late Sunday night. He has been charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST Act based on statements he reportedly made. A local resident filed the complaint, alleging that Gandhi unnecessarily introduced a caste dimension to what was described as routine cleaning work. The complainant further claimed that Gandhi's remarks hurt the sentiments of certain caste communities and had the potential to stoke hostility. The incident follows a reported purification ritual conducted at a rally venue where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a gathering.

Indian Army pilots rescue casualty from 18,600ft steep slope near Nun Kun in Ladakh

Indian Army Aviation pilots successfully carried out a high-altitude medical evacuation near the Nun Kun massif in Ladakh at an elevation of 18,600 feet. The mission was complicated by the absence of a flat landing surface, forcing the crew to extract the casualty from a steep slope. Reduced engine efficiency at such extreme altitudes added further difficulty to the operation. To compensate for the performance limitations, the pilots removed non-essential equipment from the helicopter before the rescue. The operation has been praised as a demonstration of exceptional skill and courage by the aviation crew.

Shafali's 64 and Deepti's record haul power India to 94-run win over Thailand

India began their Women's T20 Asia Cup campaign with a commanding 94-run victory over Thailand. Opener Shafali Verma played a blazing knock of 64 runs, providing India with a strong batting foundation. The Indian bowlers then dominated, restricting Thailand to a low total in response. Deepti Sharma was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 3 for 0. The match also marked a historic milestone for Deepti, who became the leading wicket-taker in women's T20 international cricket history.

Family pushes for Medal of Honor for Korean War hero, 74 years after his death

The family of Sergeant Willie Estrada is campaigning to have him awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest distinction. Estrada, who was 23 years old, died in 1952 while protecting his tank crew near Bongowol, North Korea, during the Korean War. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, but his family believes his bravery merits a higher recognition. Relatives are now working alongside legislators to formally document his heroism and build a case for the upgraded honor, more than seven decades after his death.

Iceland Referendum Rejects Resuming EU Membership Talks

Icelandic voters have rejected a proposal to resume negotiations for joining the European Union. The Arctic island nation, home to approximately 400,000 people, has been debating potential EU membership for over a decade. The outcome came as a surprise, as earlier expectations had pointed to a narrow majority in favour of restarting talks. However, opinion polls conducted this month indicated a notable shift in public sentiment ahead of the vote.