India

Modi on Four-Day Central Asia Tour for SCO Summit in Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a four-day official visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent before proceeding to Bishkek. The primary engagement of the trip is the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, which will gather leaders from all ten member nations. The visit is aimed at deepening India's strategic ties with Central Asian countries. This diplomatic tour underscores India's continued engagement with the SCO bloc as a key member state.

'Like a movie scene': Chain of events that led to Nepal floods that killed over 600

India's 300mn sq ft Office Stock Seen as Major REIT Acquisition Opportunity

A new report highlights that over 300 million square feet of prime office space in India is available for acquisition by Real Estate Investment Trusts. This inventory is currently held by developers and high-net-worth investors, presenting a significant opportunity for REITs to expand their portfolios. The report notes growing REIT participation in India's office market as a strategic trend. Expected rental increases in key markets are seen as an additional incentive for REITs to pursue these assets. The combination of income potential and growth prospects makes India's office sector increasingly attractive for REIT investment.

TCS Engineer Killed After Reversing Earthmover Hits His Bike in Gurgaon

A 27-year-old TCS systems engineer, Tushar Kumar, died in Gurgaon after a reversing earthmover struck his motorcycle late Thursday night. The incident took place near Moulsari Avenue Rapid Metro station as Kumar was heading home from work. His father has alleged that the ongoing road construction site lacked adequate signage and directional indicators for commuters. Authorities have seized the earthmover involved in the accident and are investigating the claims. Police are examining whether negligence in road work safety measures contributed to the fatal crash.

Maharashtra FDA Officer Forced to Eat Expired Biscuits Amid Bribery Row

A Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officer was cornered and forced to eat expired biscuits in an incident linked to bribery allegations. The confrontation reportedly occurred as tensions rose over the officer's conduct during food safety inspections. The episode has drawn attention amid the FDA's ongoing statewide crackdown on food safety violations. The incident raises concerns about both the integrity of food safety enforcement and the treatment of regulatory officials. Authorities have not yet publicly detailed any action taken in response to the incident.

PM Modi Pitches India's SCO Vision on Security, Connectivity and Anti-Terror Goals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined India's priorities for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He emphasized that India's vision for the bloc is anchored in three key areas: security, connectivity, and opportunity. Modi expressed his intent to work alongside fellow SCO member nations toward achieving these goals. A central focus of his address was the call for a region free from the threat of terrorism.

Indore Security Guard Killed by SUV After Stopping Speeding Driver, Two Held

A security guard in Indore was run over and killed by an SUV after he attempted to stop the vehicle from speeding inside a residential housing colony. An altercation broke out between the guard and the driver before the fatal incident occurred. Police arrested the SUV driver and a woman who was accompanying him in connection with the case. The arrests were made on Friday following the incident. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the guard's death.

California deploys AI laser system to combat West Nile Virus mosquitoes

California is experiencing a rise in West Nile Virus cases, driven by increasingly warm temperatures. To address the threat, a new AI-powered device using LiDAR technology and precision lasers has been introduced to eliminate mosquitoes. The system is designed to target specific mosquito species without harming other insects. It offers a chemical-free alternative to traditional pest control methods. The outdoor unit is priced at $1,088, while the indoor version costs $988.

Delhi Couple Arrested for Supplying SIM Cards to ISI-Linked Espionage Network

Delhi Police have arrested a couple from the city on charges of involvement in anti-national activities with alleged links to Pakistan's ISI. The duo procured and routed eight Indian SIM cards to Pakistan through Dubai in exchange for payment. These SIM cards were reportedly used by ISI-backed entities to conduct espionage operations. One of the accused, Sahil, was also assigned to recruit individuals for gathering military intelligence and conducting reconnaissance. Forensic analysis of phones seized from the couple provided direct evidence of their communication with foreign handlers.

21 Tamil Nadu Pilgrims Return Safely From Nepal After Harrowing Ordeal

Twenty-one pilgrims from Tamil Nadu returned home on Friday after a distressing experience during their trip to Nepal. The group described their return as an enormous relief, likening it to being given a second chance at life. The pilgrims recounted the frightening events they had faced while on the pilgrimage. Their safe arrival brought significant relief to their families and the local community in Tamil Nadu.

Sumeet Sachdev Returns as Gautam Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Reboot

Actor Sumeet Sachdev is set to reprise his role as Gautam Virani in the reboot of the iconic Indian TV drama Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The actor has spoken about the challenges of stepping back into a character that holds a special place in audiences' hearts. According to Sachdev, Gautam Virani has grown over time, now portrayed as a more mature and seasoned individual. The show also marks his reunion with Smriti Irani, who was central to the original series. Sachdev credited the long-running show with teaching him valuable lessons about the significance of family and relationships.

Kaif: Kohli's absence cost India focus in Colombo Test draw against Sri Lanka

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized India's performance in the recently concluded Test match in Colombo, saying the team lacked intensity. Kaif suggested that Virat Kohli's presence in the playing XI could have improved the team's competitive edge. Sri Lanka managed to hold India to a draw, denying them a crucial victory. The result has complicated India's path to World Test Championship qualification, with seven matches remaining that will demand a strong turnaround.

'I still struggle': Landlady recalls Saudi man who brought 9/11 hijackers to her office

Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba, once the world’s youngest king, dies at 34

Thane Court Deems CBI Arrest of IRS Officer in Rs 1.5 Cr Bribery Case Illegal

A Thane court on Friday ruled that the CBI's arrests of a senior IRS officer and two other individuals were not legally valid. The three had been detained in connection with an alleged bribery case involving Rs 1.5 crore. The court ordered the release of all three on personal bonds of Rs 15,000 each. The CBI had carried out the arrests as part of its investigation into the bribery allegations.

Archer, Robinson dismantle Pakistan for 110 as England seize 180-run first-innings lead

England's pacers dominated the second day of the Test match, dismissing Pakistan for just 110 runs. Ollie Robinson was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for 11 runs, while Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue chipped in with three and two wickets respectively. Archer delivered what he described as the fastest spell of his career, though he cast doubt on the accuracy of the speed guns in use. The collapse handed England a commanding first-innings lead of 180 runs, putting them firmly in control of the match.

West Bengal to Hold Student Union Elections Soon, Says Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Friday that student union elections will be conducted soon across colleges and universities in the state. The declaration comes amid growing demands from opposition parties and other groups for the polls to be held. Adhikari did not specify an exact date or timeline for the elections. Student union polls have been a point of contention in West Bengal, with various stakeholders pressing for their timely conduct.

Nepal Flash Flood Death Toll Rises to 579; Over 2,000 Still Missing

Devastating flash floods in Nepal have claimed at least 579 lives, with rescue operations still ongoing. More than 2,000 people remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of the disaster. India has stepped up relief efforts, with a third flight carrying assistance landing in Kathmandu. The scale of the tragedy has prompted an international response as authorities work to locate the missing. Search and rescue teams continue to operate across affected regions as the death toll is expected to rise.

Odisha Tutor Arrested for Allegedly Raping, Impregnating Class 9 Student

A private tutor in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district was arrested on Friday on allegations of raping a Class 9 student from a residential school. The crime allegedly took place during the student's summer vacation while she was staying at home. The girl's pregnancy was discovered during a routine health check-up at her school. Police confirmed the arrest following the medical findings that prompted an investigation.

BCCI's stance on National Sports Bill leaves state cricket bodies confused

State cricket associations are uncertain about how to proceed as the BCCI takes an ambiguous position on the National Sports Governance Act. The board insists that its elections must be conducted in accordance with its own constitution, putting it at odds with a government notice that permits postponing elections until December 2026. The disagreement centers on contentious issues such as cooling-off periods for officials and conflict of interest rules. This lack of clarity has created governance confusion across multiple state-level cricket bodies.