India

CM Yogi predicts SP wipeout in next UP polls, says 'Babua' Akhilesh ignored the poor

Deepender Hooda Denies Making Remark About Convicted Politician Sajjan Kumar

Congress Lok Sabha MP Deepender Hooda has distanced himself from a remark attributed to him regarding convicted politician Sajjan Kumar. Hooda claimed he was facing criticism for words he never actually said. The controversy sparked backlash, prompting him to publicly clarify his position. He maintained that the statements being circulated were not his own.

Former Indian Envoy Flags Personal Data Mismatch in Voter SIR List

A former Indian ambassador has raised concerns after finding discrepancies in his details listed in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The ex-diplomat stated he has represented India in three countries, highlighting his established public identity, yet his information appeared incorrectly in the list. This is not an isolated case, as several public figures have previously reported similar errors or missing entries in the SIR data. The issue draws attention to potential inaccuracies in the voter roll revision process that could affect legitimate voters. Electoral authorities have yet to officially respond to the specific concerns raised by the former envoy.

JeM Terror Base Rebuilt After Op Sindoor Strike, Pakistan Govt Funded Rs 8 Crore

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terror facility destroyed during India's Operation Sindoor has been fully rebuilt and is operational again, according to fresh footage. The reconstructed site features new domes, fresh plasterwork, new paint, and premium marble flooring that covers evidence of previous blast damage. Deep blast craters inside the main hall were filled with concrete, while damaged satellite structures including a seminary and leadership housing were razed to make way for new construction. The Pakistani government reportedly funded the rebuilding effort to the tune of Rs 8 crore, raising serious concerns about state support for the terror outfit.

Exhausted barn owl rescued by army sailors 70 miles offshore during yacht race

A British Army sailing crew discovered a severely exhausted barn owl approximately 70 nautical miles from shore while competing in the RORC Round Britain and Ireland Race. The bird fell into the sea three times before finally managing to climb aboard the vessel and collapsing on the deck. The sailors took care of the owl, which they named Little Regina, providing it shelter and attention during its time on the boat. A lifeboat eventually transported the bird back to land, where it was handed over to a wildlife centre for professional treatment.

Agartala Flooding Forces Evacuations as River Levels Rise in Chandrapur-Baldakhal

Rising river levels triggered flooding in the Chandrapur-Baldakhal area of Agartala late Saturday night. Floodwaters entered residential homes, compelling many residents to evacuate. Affected families left their homes carrying essential belongings. Evacuation efforts are currently underway in the impacted neighbourhoods.

Listed developers' housing bookings drop 21% YoY amid buyer hesitation

Sales bookings for major listed real estate developers fell 21% year-on-year as homebuyer caution weighed on the market. Godrej Properties led the segment, while Prestige Estates Projects recorded a significant decline. In contrast, Max Estates and Mahindra Lifespace bucked the trend with strong growth. Firms such as DLF and Oberoi Realty also faced headwinds during this period. Analysts, however, remain optimistic and expect a recovery in housing sales by the second quarter.

Indian National Killed, 9 Hurt in Oman Road Accident

One Indian national was killed and nine others were injured in a road accident in Oman on Saturday. The incident took place on Sultan Said bin Teymur Street when their vehicle veered off the road and overturned. The cause of the vehicle losing control has not been officially confirmed. Authorities in Oman responded to the scene following the crash.

Padikkal Scores Second Test Century After Two Early Reprieves Against Sri Lanka

Indian batsman Devdutt Padikkal scored his second Test century against Sri Lanka, capitalizing on two dropped catches early in his innings. He reached his hundred after hitting two consecutive boundaries off Prabath Jayasuriya, followed by a single. Padikkal had been on 91 when he accelerated to the milestone in just a few deliveries. The knock highlighted Sri Lanka's costly fielding errors, as Padikkal had been dropped on both 0 and 1.

'Grassroots outreach, youth connect': BJP sharpens poll strategy for 7 states

Mukesh Khanna joins calls to replace Jana Gana Mana with Vande Mataram

Actor Mukesh Khanna has publicly proposed replacing India's national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, with Vande Mataram. He argues that Jana Gana Mana carries colonial-era associations and was composed as a tribute to a monarch. Khanna believes Vande Mataram better reflects genuine patriotic sentiment. His remarks follow similar statements made by actors Sharmila Tagore and Kangana Ranaut on the same subject. The debate has resurfaced amid renewed attention to Vande Mataram during national celebrations.

Sajjan Kumar row: Haryana Cong leader urges Kharge to remove Hooda from CWC

Raut dares Modi, Shah to sing full Vande Mataram without teleprompter

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to recite Vande Mataram in full without the aid of a teleprompter. The challenge came amid a political row sparked by the Congress party's decision to sing only two stanzas of the national song. The BJP criticised Congress over the move, framing it as a question of patriotism. Congress leaders hit back, accusing the BJP of exploiting nationalism for political purposes. The dispute has escalated into a broader exchange of accusations between the two parties over the song's recitation and its national significance.

Stokes Scores Two Fifties and Takes 7 Wickets on Red-Ball Return for Durham

Ben Stokes made an impressive comeback to red-ball cricket, playing for Durham in the County Championship. The England all-rounder contributed with the bat, scoring 53 and an unbeaten 66 across both innings. He followed that up with a dominant bowling display, claiming seven wickets including a spell of 5-17 that featured three wickets in four balls. His all-round performance helped Durham beat Derbyshire by a commanding 338 runs. The victory lifted Durham to the top of the County Championship standings.

Teen dies after jumping from Khavda Hill amid family dispute in Maharashtra

A teenager died on Friday morning after jumping from Khavda Hill in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra. The incident was triggered by a family dispute, according to reports. The youth had stood near the edge of the cliff for approximately three hours before the fatal fall. Both villagers and police personnel attempted to persuade him to step back to safety, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. His parents also died at the same location shortly after the incident.

Faroe Islands Residents Struggle as Tourists Invade Privacy of Scenic Homes

Homeowners in the Faroe Islands are facing growing disruptions as tourists treat their private residences like tourist attractions. Visitors frequently cross personal boundaries by peering through windows and leaning on fences, ignoring the fact that real people live in these picturesque properties. The constant intrusion is eroding the privacy and daily comfort of local residents. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of tourists when visiting visually striking destinations. Advocates are calling for more mindful and respectful travel behavior to ensure that scenic beauty does not come at the expense of residents' quality of life.

Trump’s ‘D-Day’ economic war on Iran: Why Gulf states are most worried

Su-30MKI Remains Core to IAF Strategy Alongside Rafale and Tejas

The Su-30MKI continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet despite the induction of newer aircraft. The heavy fighter offers long-range strike and air superiority capabilities that differ from those provided by the Rafale and the indigenous Tejas. Each platform fills a distinct operational role, making them complementary rather than interchangeable within the IAF. Ongoing modernization efforts are expected to keep the Su-30MKI relevant and effective for several more decades. This multi-platform approach allows India to balance fleet numbers, operational range, and advanced technology in its national defense posture.

Rishabh Pant retires hurt after taking blow to wrist during match

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was struck on the wrist while attempting a pull shot during a recent match. He immediately showed signs of pain and clutched his wrist after the ball made contact. The team physio rushed onto the field and applied an ice pack to reduce potential swelling. After a prolonged stoppage, tape was briefly applied to the wrist before being taken off. Pant ultimately walked off the field retired hurt following a check by the on-field umpire.

Microdrama Trend Gains Momentum in India, Fuelled by Gen Z Viewers

India is experiencing the beginnings of a microdrama boom, mirroring a trend that previously took hold in China. Microdramas are short-form video series designed for quick, on-the-go consumption, often likened to the 'fast food of entertainment.' The format is finding a particularly receptive audience among younger, Gen Z viewers in the country. The trend reflects a broader shift in content consumption habits toward shorter, faster storytelling formats.