India

3 years on, why MPs’ entrance at Parliament may get a porch

Amritsar Police Chief Removed Amid Jantar Mantar 'Terror Plot' Controversy

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar has been abruptly transferred, with Harmanbir Singh Gill, DIG of Border Range, taking on the additional charge of Commissioner of Police. The Punjab government has cited administrative reasons for the reshuffle, though sources suggest a controversial statement linked to the Jantar Mantar alleged terror plot may have played a role. The timing of the removal has sparked political debate, with the BJP questioning the decision. The development has drawn significant attention given the sensitive backdrop of the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged terror plot.

Martha Hunt lists hidden Tribeca condo for $3.75 million

Minnesota retiree breaks state bluegill record with 2.21-pound catch on first outing

Dale Hoffman, a Minnesota retiree, set a new state record by catching a 2.21-pound bluegill on his very first fishing trip. The record-breaking fish was landed at Big Stone Lake, a body of water known for producing unusually large bluegills due to ongoing habitat improvement efforts. Hoffman made the catch using a spinning rod he had received as a retirement gift, adding personal significance to the milestone. The catch has been recognized as the heaviest bluegill ever recorded in Minnesota fishing history.

India develops affordable next-gen precision glide bombs for deep-strike capability

India is building a new generation of low-cost precision weapons to meet the demands of modern warfare, which requires large stockpiles of such munitions. The country is developing advanced glide bombs, including powered variants of the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). These weapons are designed to enable strikes deep inside enemy territory while minimizing risk to aircraft and crew. Both private companies and government defence organizations are actively contributing to the development of this capability. The initiative aims to ensure the Indian Air Force retains effective and survivable strike options well into the future.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey sign mutual defence pact in Mecca

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have signed a mutual defence agreement following a joint summit held in Mecca. The pact was concluded in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Sharif attended the summit after performing the Umrah pilgrimage in the city. According to Pakistan's foreign ministry, the agreement is rooted in longstanding historical and brotherly ties among the three nations. India has issued a reaction to the signing of the trilateral defence pact.

India Hits Back at US Lawmaker's Criticism of Foreign Funding Bill

The Indian government responded on Friday to criticism from a US lawmaker regarding the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill. New Delhi pointed out that the United States itself regulates the flow of foreign funds into its country. The response came as India defended its right to legislate on matters of foreign contributions. The government's remarks underscored that regulating foreign funding is a common practice among sovereign nations, including the US.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey Sign Trilateral Defence Cooperation Pact

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have signed a significant trilateral defence agreement, framing it under the principle that an attack on one signatory constitutes an attack on all. The pact unites three major regional powers with distinct strategic assets: Saudi Arabia's vast oil wealth, Pakistan's nuclear capabilities, and Turkey's large NATO-aligned military. Turkey also brings a rapidly expanding domestic defence industry to the partnership. The agreement is seen as a notable step toward deeper security coordination among the three Muslim-majority nations.

Liquor Worth Rs 1.2 Crore Seized in Gujarat's Banaskantha, Two Arrested

Authorities seized liquor valued at Rs 1.2 crore during a raid in Gujarat's Banaskantha district. The operation was conducted under the Un village overbridge on the Thara-Randhanpur stretch of National Highway 27, within Thara taluka. Two men from Rajasthan were apprehended in connection with the seizure. The raid highlights ongoing enforcement efforts against liquor smuggling in Gujarat, a prohibition state.

Key New York slang terms that help newcomers blend into local culture

New York City has a distinctive local vernacular that goes beyond mere communication and reflects the identity of its residents. Locals commonly refer to Manhattan simply as 'the city' and call neighborhood convenience stores 'bodegas.' Phrases such as 'what am I, chopped liver?' are used to express disappointment, while 'like I need a hole in the head' conveys firm refusal. Familiarity with these idiomatic expressions can help newcomers better connect with the city's culture.

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition

Sangeetha, wife of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, has withdrawn her divorce case against him. The legal proceedings had seen multiple adjournments throughout the year before this development. A prior hearing on June 15 had already been adjourned after Sangeetha signaled her intent to withdraw the petition. The withdrawal marks a significant turn in the couple's prolonged marital dispute.

MEA Calls US Lawmaker's Criticism of FCRA Amendments an Internal Matter

India's Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed criticism from a US Congressman over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The ministry asserted that legislative decisions are sovereign matters to be determined by India's Parliament. The US lawmaker had warned that the proposed FCRA changes could strain India-US bilateral relations. India's MEA countered by noting that many countries, including the United States itself, have laws regulating foreign funding.

India's AI Job Market Adds More Hires Than Losses, Nomura Finds

A Nomura report released on Friday highlights a net positive trend in India's AI-driven job market. The country saw approximately 83,100 AI-related hires during the study period, significantly outpacing losses. In contrast, layoffs and attrition linked to AI stood at around 31,921. The data suggests that artificial intelligence is currently creating more employment opportunities in India than it is displacing.

Three Arrested After Rs 45 Crore Meth Found Hidden in Mizoram Ambulance

Authorities in Mizoram seized methamphetamine worth Rs 45 crore that was concealed inside an ambulance. Three individuals were arrested in connection with the bust, one of whom was a woman who had been disguising herself as a patient in the vehicle. The ambulance itself was also seized as part of the operation. Officials indicated the suspects had used the medical vehicle as a cover to smuggle the contraband.

Microsoft AI CEO outlines four capabilities that would require AI shutdown

Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, has issued a warning about the risks posed by uncontrolled artificial intelligence systems. He identified four critical capabilities that, if developed by AI, would necessitate an immediate shutdown of such systems. Among the concerning abilities highlighted are self-improvement and the independent acquisition of resources. Suleyman stressed the urgent need for robust oversight and regulation of AI development. He cautioned that without proper controls, AI could become unmanageable within the next five to ten years.

Punjab Removes Amritsar Police Chief After Controversial Jantar Mantar Comments

The Punjab government has removed the Amritsar police commissioner following remarks he made linking arrested individuals to the Jantar Mantar protests. Authorities clarified that the officer's statements had been selectively edited, creating a misleading impression that those arrested were connected to the demonstrators. The state government maintained that the edited version of his comments did not reflect the full context of what was said. The BJP has raised questions over the timing of the official's removal, suggesting political motivations may be at play.

Over 60% of Kolkata's stalled real estate projects set for clearance by mid-August

More than half of Kolkata's stalled real estate projects are expected to receive regulatory clearance within days. Authorities anticipate granting approvals before mid-August following a comprehensive review of pending projects. The review was initiated in the wake of a warehouse collapse that prompted the government to scrutinize construction activity across the city. Officials say the clearances will help restart construction work and provide relief to workers in the sector.

Patna: Cops attacked, vehicles torched as protest after road mishap death turns violent

Delhi man drowns pregnant teenage daughter in Chambal river fearing social stigma

A pregnant teenager was killed in the Chambal river, allegedly by her father and brother-in-law. The 16-year-old, who was four months pregnant, was forced into the river, and when she resisted, the two men overpowered and drowned her. Her father confessed to the crime, stating that fear of social stigma motivated the act. Both the father and the brother-in-law have been taken into police custody following the incident.

Two Tribal Girls Allegedly Kidnapped and Gang-Raped in Moving Car in Assam

Two tribal girls were allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped inside a moving vehicle in Assam. The incident came to light in the early hours of August 3, when the victims approached Dholai Police Station at approximately 2:30 am. The girls reported that they had been abducted and sexually assaulted by unknown individuals. Authorities have registered the complaint and are investigating the case.