India

NIA Busts Cross-Border Terror Plot Involving IED, Pistol and Heroin in Punjab

India's anti-terror agency foiled a cross-border terror plot originating in Punjab. The case was registered in February 2026 by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar. The investigation was launched following the arrest of a suspect identified as Kumar. Authorities recovered an IED, a pistol, and heroin linked to the plot. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to intercept terror networks operating across the border.

Iltija Mufti questioned over alleged assault on cop; Omar calls incident staged

Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, was interrogated by police over an alleged assault on an officer during a protest in Jammu & Kashmir. Iltija claimed she was manhandled by police during the demonstration, framing her actions as a reflection of broader Kashmiri grievances rather than a personal agenda. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed the episode as a manufactured controversy, alleging that agencies were orchestrating events to rehabilitate the PDP's declining political image. A First Information Report has been filed against Iltija in connection with the incident.

High-Level Panel on Demographic Change to Visit Jammu on Monday

A high-level panel examining demographic changes is scheduled to visit Jammu on Monday. The visit comes amid longstanding concerns raised by political parties, civil society groups, and Dogra organisations in the region. Over the past three decades, these groups have repeatedly flagged what they describe as unnatural demographic shifts in the Jammu region. The panel's visit signals an official-level acknowledgment of these concerns and an effort to assess the situation on the ground.

J&K Police Offer Rs 15 Lakh Reward for Lashkar Commander Mohammad Lateef Bhat

Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a region-wide manhunt for Lashkar commander Mohammad Lateef Bhat, putting up posters across the union territory. Authorities are offering a cash reward of Rs 15 lakh for any information leading to his arrest. Bhat is suspected to be involved in the targeted killings of a police officer and two migrant workers. In a separate security incident, an SUV allegedly attempted to run over personnel at a checkpoint in Ramban. Police seized the vehicle and made one arrest in connection with that incident.

New Mapping Software Helps Restore Joshua Trees After 2020 Dome Fire

California scientists have developed digital tools to map and assess fire damage caused by the 2020 Dome Fire in the Mojave National Preserve, which destroyed 1.3 million Joshua trees. The software helps park managers identify the most vulnerable areas and prioritize restoration efforts. Scenario modeling allows conservationists to direct limited resources toward high-elevation climate refugia best suited for Joshua tree survival. The tools also support the development of structured recovery plans for fire-affected regions. The technology is intended to improve long-term survival prospects for these iconic desert plants.

Rahul Gandhi Names Amarinder Singh as Favourite BJP Politician, Sparks Punjab Buzz

A fresh wave of political speculation has emerged in Punjab after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi publicly named former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh as his favourite politician from the BJP. Gandhi made the remark during a recent interaction, drawing significant attention given the two leaders' shared Congress history. Amarinder Singh had left the Congress party and later joined the BJP after a fallout with the party leadership. Several Punjab Congress leaders have since responded positively to Gandhi's comments, fuelling speculation about a possible political realignment. No official statement regarding any return or alliance has been made by either side.

Maharashtra Issues First Regulatory Rulebook Governing Blood Bank Operations

Maharashtra's food and drug regulatory authority has released its first formal rulebook specifically governing blood banks in the state. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, human blood and its components are legally classified as a 'drug' in India. This classification means that any centre or institution involved in blood-related activities must hold a valid licence to operate. No blood centre is permitted to collect, process, store, or distribute blood without such authorisation. The new rulebook is expected to bring greater standardisation and accountability to blood bank operations across Maharashtra.

Trump Vows Supreme Court Fight Over Halted $400M White House Ballroom Project

A US appeals court has ordered a halt to the $400 million White House ballroom renovation project. President Donald Trump strongly condemned the ruling, calling it 'horrendous.' Trump has announced his intention to challenge the appellate court's decision at the Supreme Court. The legal dispute centers on the proposed ballroom construction project at the White House complex.

Jharkhand protest, Day 14: Government holds talks with students, seeks time to examine demands

India Fact-Checks Claims of Israel Defence Pact Amid Pak-Saudi-Turkey Agreement

The Indian government has issued an official response to circulating claims about a defence pact between India and Israel. The clarification comes after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signed the 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement', aimed at strengthening military cooperation among the three nations. Rumours of a corresponding India-Israel defence deal emerged in the wake of that agreement. The Centre stepped in to fact-check and address these claims, though the specific findings of the fact-check were part of the official statement. The government's response highlights the sensitivity around regional security alliances and misinformation in that context.

India Fact-Checks Claims of Israel Defence Pact Amid Pak-Saudi-Turkey Agreement

The Indian government has issued an official response to circulating claims about a defence pact between India and Israel. The clarification comes after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signed the 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement', aimed at strengthening military cooperation among the three nations. Rumours of a counter-alliance involving India and Israel spread widely following the announcement of that trilateral pact. Authorities sought to address misinformation by fact-checking the claims through official channels.

'Fake news, AI': MEA dismisses report of India requesting Israel defence pact

Two IIT Bombay Canteens Shut After Food Regulator Finds Licence Violations

Food safety regulators have ordered the closure of two hostel canteens at IIT Bombay following an inspection at the institute's Powai campus. The facilities in question, identified as Mess No. 1 and Mess No. 3, were found to be operating without the required licences and registrations. Authorities conducted the inspection to verify compliance with food safety norms. The mess operators had failed to obtain the necessary permissions mandated by the food regulatory body.

Delhi Govt Proposes 25% Seat Quota for Local Students in Private Universities

The Delhi government has approved a bill to allow the establishment of private universities in the capital. The proposed legislation includes a mandatory 25% reservation of seats for students from Delhi. Additionally, merit-cum-means scholarships will be introduced to offer financial support to eligible local students. A strict regulatory framework will oversee the functioning of these new private institutions. The move is aimed at improving access to and quality of higher education for Delhi residents.

US Senate Passes Bill to Penalise Nations Purchasing Russian Oil and Gas

The US Senate has passed a bill that would impose penalties on countries buying Russian oil and gas. The legislation marks the most significant legislative action taken during President Donald Trump's second term in relation to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The move is aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia amid the ongoing war. The conflict has now lasted more than four years, exceeding the duration of World War I. The bill represents a major shift in the United States' approach to influencing the course of the war.

US Senate passes sanctions bill; India could face tariff over Russia, Iran oil

BJP Member Arrested in Rs 21 Crore Crypto Fraud in Madhya Pradesh

A BJP member has been arrested in connection with what authorities describe as Madhya Pradesh's largest cryptocurrency scam. The accused allegedly laundered Rs 21.06 crore by splitting the amount into hundreds of smaller transactions. The money was moved through a complex and sophisticated banking network to avoid detection. Investigators traced the intricate financial trail back to the accused, leading to the arrest.

Jharkhand Ministers Meet Protesting Students Over JPSC Recruitment Irregularities

Jharkhand government ministers held talks with protesting students at the State Guest House in Ranchi on Friday evening. The negotiations were prompted by ongoing demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the JPSC recruitment process. The protests had entered their 14th consecutive day by the time the meeting took place. Despite the dialogue, students announced that their agitation would continue.

CID Summons 3 Jharkhand Public Service Commission Members Amid Student Protests

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has summoned three members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission amid ongoing student protests. The summons are related to a recruitment examination conducted by the commission. Investigators are expected to question the members about decisions made during the examination process. The CID seeks to establish a clear sequence of events surrounding the conduct of the recruitment test.

Bombay High Court Rebukes FDA for Disproportionate Action Against Amazon Warehouse

Amazon Retail India approached the Bombay High Court after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action against its Bhiwandi warehouse. The FDA alleged that the warehouse had been supplying expired food products into the retail market rather than destroying them. The court criticized the FDA's response as excessive, likening it to 'killing a mosquito with a sword.' The case highlights tensions between regulatory enforcement and proportionality in action taken against large e-commerce operators.