India
India pushes China for trans-border river data sharing amid major dam project
India and China held candid diplomatic discussions focused on border conditions along the Line of Actual Control. New Delhi stressed that maintaining peace in the border region is essential for the progress of bilateral ties. India called for an early meeting of the expert committee on trans-border rivers, a body that facilitates cooperation on shared waterways. The push for dialogue comes in the context of China unveiling a major dam project on an upstream river that flows into India.
Centre tells Supreme Court little hope remains for two missing sailors after drone attack
Two Indian seafarers have been missing following a drone strike on a merchant vessel. Extensive search operations conducted in the aftermath have failed to locate any trace of the missing crew members. The Indian government apprised the Supreme Court of the bleak prospects of finding the sailors alive. The court subsequently directed authorities to facilitate the disbursement of maritime insurance claims. This move aims to provide financial relief to the families of the missing seafarers during their time of distress.
Air India raises pilot salaries by up to 15%, speeds up command upgrades
Air India has announced a pay hike for its pilots ranging from 8% to 15%, with commanders receiving the largest increases. The move is part of a broader strategy to address fleet shortages and improve career progression within the airline. First officers will be prioritised for command upgrades at Air India Express before advancing further. The airline also confirmed plans to resume international flight operations starting next month.
NCAER study urges Bihar to end alcohol ban, citing failed outcomes
A new study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has recommended lifting Bihar's alcohol prohibition, arguing it has not achieved its intended goals. The research found that the ban has failed to reduce crime rates and has instead encouraged the growth of illegal liquor trade. Ending prohibition could generate a tax revenue increase of 14 to 15 percent for the state. The study suggests redirecting this additional revenue toward development projects and capital expenditure in Bihar.
Trump Moves Again to Remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook After Court Setback
The Trump administration has renewed its effort to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, issuing a letter giving her 21 days to respond to allegations against her. Cook is accused of making false statements on mortgage applications, charges she has firmly denied. The move comes despite a prior court ruling that had previously challenged the administration's authority to remove Fed officials. The allegations against Cook remain unproven at this stage.

Supreme Court Transfers Two Delhi Judges Hearing Coal Scam Cases
The Supreme Court has replaced two special judges overseeing coal scam trials in Delhi following an unusual request from the Delhi High Court. Judges Sunena Sharma and Dheeraj Mor were transferred after serving for varying durations on these cases. The Delhi High Court cited other judicial responsibilities as the reason for seeking their reassignment. Both judges have been attached to the principal district and sessions judge office. Virender Kumar Kharta and Ajay Garg will now take charge of the high-profile coal scam proceedings.
Thai woman married to American says US life fell short of expectations after 3 years
A Thai woman who relocated to the United States following her marriage to an American man has gone viral after sharing her experience of living there. After spending three years in the country, she says she is disillusioned with American life and wishes to return to Thailand. She described the reality of living in the US as vastly different from what she had anticipated before moving. Her candid account resonated widely online, sparking broader discussion about the gap between the idealized image of American life and its day-to-day reality.
India's Q1 Crude Import Bill Jumps 26% to $49B Despite 18% Volume Drop
India's crude oil import expenditure rose sharply to $49 billion in the first quarter of 2026-27, a 26% increase from $39 billion in the same period last year. This cost surge occurred even as import volumes fell by 18%, highlighting the impact of elevated global oil prices. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts have been a key driver behind the price increases, pushing costs higher despite lower purchase volumes. Russia remained India's top crude supplier, accounting for more than 40% of total imports. Indian refiners also faced significant war-risk premium charges to secure a steady and reliable energy supply.
8-Year-Old Girl Raped and Murdered in MP, Suspect Taken Into Custody
An eight-year-old schoolgirl was raped and murdered in Madhya Pradesh, with the incident occurring on Wednesday. The accused allegedly approached the child during her school lunch break under false pretenses. He reportedly told her that her father had summoned her home, luring her away from the school premises. Authorities have since arrested the accused in connection with the crime.

Parliamentary Panel Calls for Integrated Security at J&K Tourist Sites Post Pahalgam Attack
A parliamentary committee has proposed an integrated security framework for tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir. The recommendations include comprehensive CCTV surveillance and centralized monitoring systems to strengthen safety measures. The panel also called for clear inter-agency standard operating procedures to be established ahead of peak tourist seasons. These proposals follow a terror attack in Pahalgam and a subsequent committee visit to evaluate existing security arrangements. The committee acknowledged that tourist arrivals have grown steadily owing to prior improvements in security and infrastructure.
India officially names 27 Arunachal Pradesh sites to counter China's territorial claims
India has assigned official names to 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, marking them formally on national maps. The move is aimed at reinforcing India's territorial claims and countering China's repeated attempts to rename places in the region. The named sites include key mountains and villages situated along the McMahon Line, a historically significant boundary. Many of these locations are linked to important events related to border conflicts between the two countries. The decision is seen as a firm assertion of Indian sovereignty over the disputed northeastern state.
Pema Khandu Calls Court Summons to Arunachal Officials One-Sided
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has criticised a court summons issued to state officials, describing the hearing as one-sided. He argued that the absence of the state's legal representatives meant the government could not present its case before the court. Khandu noted that the state had been unable to explain the assistance it had already provided to the CBI. He added that details of records and data shared with the agency were also left unplaced before the court due to this gap in representation.

CBI Used WhatsApp Chats and Mygate Logs to Crack NEET-UG Paper Leak
The CBI's investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak was set in motion after investigators traced a WhatsApp conversation linked to the scam. Subject matter experts involved in setting the exam allegedly memorized questions and sold them to students for money. Digital trails from the Mygate app and WhatsApp groups helped authorities identify both students and question setters implicated in the scheme. Leaked papers were also smuggled to Rajasthan, where coaching centres distributed the materials to candidates. The CBI's chargesheet details how an organized gang systematically exploited vulnerabilities within the National Testing Agency.
Thai teen kills 7, wounds 23 in school shooting with grandfather's gun
A teenage student opened fire at a school in Thailand on Friday, killing five people and wounding 23 others. Before the school attack, the teen also fatally shot his grandparents at home using his grandfather's firearm. Authorities confirmed a total of seven deaths linked to the incident. The attack is considered Thailand's deadliest mass killing in nearly four years.
India Rebuffs US Criticism of FCRA Bill, Calls It an Internal Matter
India's Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed criticism from a US Congressman over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA), asserting it is a domestic issue. The FCRA governs the flow of foreign funding to organizations operating within India. Home Minister Amit Shah has held meetings with church leaders to address their concerns about the proposed changes. The Indian government is moving swiftly to advance the Bill, with parliamentary discussion and a potential vote expected soon.
US sanctions Dubai crypto exchange Shelbit for alleged Iran IRGC funding
The United States Treasury Department has sanctioned Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange Shelbit, accusing it of processing millions of dollars for Iranian state entities. The exchange is alleged to have facilitated financial transactions on behalf of Iran's central bank and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Washington said the move is aimed at curbing sanctions evasion through cryptocurrency networks. Shelbit denied the allegations and claimed it had already halted operations in January 2026. Dubai's financial regulator had previously flagged the exchange for violations of anti-money laundering regulations.
Apple Accuses OpenAI of Deliberate Theft in New Court Filing
Apple has filed a new court document accusing OpenAI of what it calls repeated instances of deliberate theft. The filing, submitted on Monday, signals a sharp escalation in the legal dispute between the two tech giants. The conflict centers on a secretive device project, though specific details about the project remain undisclosed. Apple's strong language in the filing suggests the company views OpenAI's alleged actions as intentional rather than accidental. The case highlights growing tensions between major technology firms over intellectual property and proprietary developments.



