India

CM Dhami Promises Support to Rishabh Pant for Land Acquisition in Uttarakhand

Cricketer Rishabh Pant approached Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami seeking assistance in acquiring land in the state. Dhami responded positively, assuring government support in accordance with applicable regulations. Pant expressed his wish to build his first home in his home state and indicated willingness to purchase land at official rates. State officials are set to contact Pant directly to facilitate and simplify the land acquisition process.

Bengaluru Hotel Body Demands Swiggy Reform Fees, Commissions and Promotions Policy

The Bengaluru hotel association has written a formal letter to Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor seeking immediate resolution of several grievances. The association has demanded that service charges be applied exclusively to food items and not extended to other fees. It has also raised concerns over commission structures, promotional obligations, and additional charges imposed on partner restaurants. The letter calls for prompt action from Swiggy's leadership to address these issues affecting the hospitality sector in the city.

Maharashtra Court Awards Death Penalty for Rape and Murder of 9-Year-Old Girl

A court in Maharashtra has sentenced a man to death for the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl. The accused was an acquaintance of the victim's father, making the crime a severe breach of trust. The court described the act as one of extreme brutality, noting the child was subjected to what it called 'animal passion.' Condemning the nature of the offense, the court observed that a child who deserved a carefree childhood was instead met with horrific violence. The case was classified as one of the rarest of rare crimes, warranting the capital punishment awarded.

India steps up sixth-gen fighter push, moves to co-join French-led FCAS

Bengaluru 3-star and 5-star hotels flagged for expired food and hygiene lapses

Karnataka's Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has initiated action against multiple premium hotels in Bengaluru following a special inspection drive. Both three-star and five-star establishments were found to be in violation of food safety standards. Inspectors uncovered issues including expired food items and poor hygiene conditions on the premises. The crackdown was carried out by the department's dedicated Food Safety Wing as part of a targeted enforcement effort.

Odisha Woman Dies After Receiving Wrong Injection at Medical Store

A woman in Odisha died after being administered an incorrect injection at a local medical store for fever treatment. She rapidly developed severe adverse reactions shortly after receiving the injection. Her family rushed her to a nearby hospital, but she could not survive and was declared dead on the way. The incident has raised serious concerns about unqualified medical practices at retail pharmacies.

Akal Takht Panel Urges Punjab Govt to Address Concerns Before Anti-Sacrilege Law Talks

An expert panel from Akal Takht met on Thursday to review the proposed anti-sacrilege law in Punjab. The panel found that the state government's response had not adequately addressed key objections raised earlier. It called on the government to submit a compliance report before any further discussions on the matter can proceed. The panel also noted that the government had not yet formed its own discussion group to engage with the issue. Members stressed that a broader consensus within the Sikh community is essential for resolving this sensitive matter effectively.

Amarinder Singh Reaffirms BJP Loyalty After Rahul Gandhi's Warm Remarks

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has reaffirmed his political commitment to the BJP following a notable comment by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had referred to Amarinder Singh in warm terms, describing him as a favourite. Singh acknowledged that his personal and family ties with Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi remain intact. However, he drew a clear distinction between his personal relationships and his political allegiances, firmly stating his continued loyalty to the BJP.

Bengaluru 5-Star Hotels Found Storing Rotten Vegetables, Expired Milk in Raids

Food safety officials conducted inspection raids on premium hotels in Bengaluru, uncovering serious hygiene violations. Authorities discovered rotten vegetables and expired milk being stored at several five-star establishments. The drive was specifically aimed at ensuring that top-tier hospitality venues comply with food safety regulations. Officials stated the inspections were intended to hold even the city's most prestigious hotels accountable to hygiene standards.

Gravely injured, 'a voice in the dark', not in Iran: Where is Mojtaba Khamenei?

'There needs to be accountability': UN warns Pakistan over crackdown in PoK

Tharoor urges parties to heed youth vote ahead of 2029 elections

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called on political parties to actively engage with young voters, warning that their influence can no longer be ignored. He pointed out that Gen Z and Gen Alpha will collectively form the largest voting bloc by the 2029 general elections. Tharoor cited recent protests and bypoll outcomes as evidence of the growing electoral clout of younger generations. He suggested the ruling party has received a clear warning signal from these developments. The Congress party, meanwhile, is looking to capitalise on this momentum in state elections scheduled for March.

Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions coach to lead Sydney Thunder in BBL

Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of the England Lions after two years in the role. He is set to move to Australia, where he will take charge of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. Flintoff expressed pride in having mentored young cricketers during his tenure with the Lions. He also acknowledged the contributions of the coaching staff and support team who worked alongside him.

8-Year-Old Girl Drugged and Raped in Rajasthan Park, Neighbour Arrested

An 8-year-old girl was drugged and sexually assaulted in a park near her home in Rajasthan on Wednesday afternoon. The child had gone to the park to play on the swings when the incident occurred. A relative later discovered the girl lying unconscious in the park and alerted her family. Police have identified the accused as a neighbour of the victim. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter.

'Airpower has its limits': Top US General looking for a way out from Iran

Congress leader David D'Souza shot dead in Udupi's Padubidri in daylight attack

David D'Souza, a local Congress leader and contractor, was fatally shot by assailants in Padubidri, Udupi district, Karnataka on Friday afternoon. D'Souza, who had previously served as a village panchayat president, succumbed to his bullet injuries following the attack. The incident was recorded on camera, aiding the ongoing police investigation. Authorities are exploring possible personal and business rivalries as motives behind the killing. D'Souza had earlier served a jail term after being convicted in connection with a suicide case.

US Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill With 86-11 Vote, Tariffs Threatened

The US Senate has passed a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia with an overwhelming 86-11 vote. The legislation is named in honour of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent advocate for Ukraine. The bill includes a threat of 100% tariffs aimed at countries that continue trading with Russia, potentially impacting major economies like India and China. The move signals strong bipartisan support in the Senate for increasing economic pressure on Moscow.

Sam Altman credits Peter Thiel, Paul Graham for his contrarian investing approach

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has spoken about the investment philosophies that have shaped his approach to venture capital. He highlighted advice from mentors Peter Thiel and Paul Graham, noting that the best opportunities are often initially unpopular or overlooked. This contrarian thinking heavily influences his portfolio, which focuses on early-stage companies. Altman's outlook closely mirrors the broader philosophies of seasoned investors like Peter Thiel and Warren Buffett.

Pentagon strips ex-Air Force secy of security clearance over Air Force One claim

Former Panchayat Chief Shot Dead at Point-Blank Range in Karnataka

A former panchayat chief identified as D'Souza was shot and killed in Karnataka in an attack caught on camera. Two unidentified assailants arrived at the scene on a motorcycle. One of the men fired at D'Souza at point-blank range before both fled the spot. The incident has been recorded on surveillance footage, which is expected to aid investigators. Authorities are currently working to identify and apprehend the suspects.