India

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Ethanol Blending Kept Delhi Petrol at Rs 95, Saved Rs 30/Litre: Govt

India's petroleum ministry has defended its ethanol blending programme, crediting it with keeping petrol prices significantly lower for consumers. Without the blend, petrol in Delhi would have cost around Rs 125 per litre, compared to the current price of approximately Rs 94.77. The ministry also dismissed concerns that the programme diverts foodgrain or uses subsidised rice for ethanol production. While acknowledging a marginal drop in vehicle fuel efficiency with E20 fuel, officials said the programme was developed after thorough stakeholder consultations and validation.

Ram Gopal Kothari becomes first Indian to run a marathon at the Geographic North Pole

Ram Gopal Kothari has made history by becoming the first Indian to complete a marathon at the Geographic North Pole. His achievement comes after overcoming significant personal hardships, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Beyond athletics, Kothari has also built a successful business career and is an avid global traveler. His story has inspired many to pursue ambitious goals despite facing adversity.

Zelensky Urges Trump to Persuade Musk to Extend Starlink Access Into Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to former US President Donald Trump to intervene with Elon Musk over expanding Starlink access for military operations. Currently, Musk permits Ukraine to use the Starlink satellite network within Ukrainian territory, including Russian-occupied regions. However, Musk has placed restrictions on using the system inside Russian territory itself. Zelensky is seeking to lift these restrictions to enable Ukrainian strikes deeper into Russia with Starlink support.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant Urges Balance Between Development and Heritage Preservation

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has stressed the importance of protecting the state's cultural heritage amid ongoing urban development. He called for a careful balance between infrastructure growth and the preservation of historical and environmental assets. Sawant's remarks highlight growing concerns over rapid development threatening Goa's unique identity. The Chief Minister emphasized that progress should not come at the cost of the state's rich heritage and natural surroundings.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named East Zone Vice-Captain for Duleep Trophy

East Zone selectors have appointed teenage batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. The decision is aimed at nurturing his leadership qualities by keeping him close to the captaincy experience. Ishan Kishan will serve as the team's captain, with Sooryavanshi acting as his deputy. Notably, more experienced players such as Abhimanyu Easwaran were overlooked for the vice-captaincy role. Both Kishan and Sooryavanshi are regarded as strong candidates for India's cricketing future.

Army Officer Major Hamza Arif Dies in Road Accident Near Jaisalmer, Weeks After Wedding

Major Hamza Arif, an Indian Army officer, was killed in a road accident near Jaisalmer Military Station in Rajasthan. His SUV collided with a camel and overturned, proving fatal. The tragedy struck just one month after he had married his Hindu engineer partner, with whom he had been in a relationship for seven years. Their interfaith union had been accepted by both families after considerable effort. His sudden death has left his newlywed wife and family in deep grief.

FIFA Drops $20bn Private Equity Plan After Widespread Opposition

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has abandoned a plan to create a $20 billion company to manage the organisation's commercial operations, including the men's and women's World Cups and Club World Cups. The proposal would have offered private investors a 20% stake in the new entity. The intended anchor investor was a New York-based firm founded by Joshua Kushner, younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is son-in-law to US President Donald Trump. The plan was scrapped following significant global backlash from stakeholders across the football world.

Chinese Researchers Reportedly Used OpenAI and Anthropic Models to Train Local AI

Chinese researchers have reportedly used AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic to develop domestic artificial intelligence systems, according to newly surfaced documents. The technique involved is known as 'model distillation,' where outputs generated by powerful AI systems are used to train smaller, more specialised models. These smaller models can then be deployed locally without requiring continued access to the original systems. The practice raises concerns about the use of Western AI technology to advance Chinese AI capabilities outside intended usage terms.

PM Modi Inaugurates AI-Equipped International Airport in Andhra Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday. The newly built airport is designed to accommodate up to six million passengers per year, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity. Modi also laid foundation stones for major development projects valued at over Rs 17,900 crore in the state. Among the key projects is Andhra Pradesh's first semiconductor manufacturing facility, marking a significant step in the state's industrial growth.

Jaish Operative Arrested in Burdwan for Allegedly Tracking Bengal Politician

A 24-year-old man was arrested by the Special Task Force in Burdwan, West Bengal, on suspicion of being a Jaish operative. Investigators allege he spent approximately a year monitoring the movements of senior politician Suvendu Adhikari. The accused reportedly maintained contact with a Pakistan-based network through social media. His family had relocated to Burdwan just three months before his arrest, according to local residents. The case has raised concerns among locals about security vulnerabilities within the gated township where he resided.

Rishabh Pant trains with MS Dhoni in Ranchi ahead of Sri Lanka Test series

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been training with former India captain MS Dhoni in Ranchi as he prepares for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The training session gained widespread attention after a photo circulated online. India's performance in the Sri Lanka series carries significant weight in the context of the World Test Championship standings. Dhoni himself has been absent from competitive cricket amid ongoing injury concerns. The Chennai Super Kings legend is reportedly being considered for a mentorship role with the franchise.

Nirmal Purja Among 10 Climbers Missing After Avalanche Hits Broad Peak

An avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday, leaving ten climbers missing. The group includes renowned Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja, known for his record-breaking high-altitude climbs. Broad Peak, standing at 8,051 metres, is one of the world's 14 eight-thousanders located in the Karakoram range. Search and rescue efforts are likely underway, though conditions in the region following an avalanche can make operations extremely difficult.

Assam Riders Battle Floods and Landslides on Nagaland Roads

A group of riders from Assam faced severe travel disruptions while navigating roads in Nagaland. Heavy rainfall caused multiple stretches of road to be submerged and covered in mud, making passage extremely difficult. Landslides compounded the hazards, blocking or damaging sections of the route. Cracked road surfaces further slowed the riders' progress through the affected areas.

Kerala Rain Live News Updates: State reels under heavy rain as landslides, floods hit multiple districts

Three of Ten Missing Climbers Found Dead After Broad Peak Avalanche in PoK

An avalanche on Broad Peak, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, left ten climbers missing. Rescue teams have since recovered the bodies of three of the missing climbers. The remaining seven climbers are still unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations are likely ongoing in the high-altitude region.

Ashwin picks his India squad for 2027 ODI World Cup, leaves out Pant and Samson

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his predicted squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, to be held in South Africa. He sorted players into three categories — 'Yes', 'Maybe', and 'No' — based on his assessment of their suitability. Notably, wicketkeeper-batters Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and Abhishek Sharma did not feature in his preferred picks. Ashwin backed veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for inclusion, citing his ability to perform in South African conditions.

Russia's overnight ballistic missile and drone attack on Ukraine capital Kyiv kills 3

Two Dead, Several Trapped as Landslides and Floods Strike Central Kerala

Heavy and continuous rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods across central Kerala on Saturday. At least two people were killed, with several others feared trapped beneath debris. Idukki district was the hardest hit, recording both fatalities in separate landslide incidents. Rescue teams have been deployed across multiple districts, and authorities have issued red alerts for several vulnerable zones. Schools have been shut and residents in at-risk areas have been urged to stay cautious.

Bombay High Court Slams Mumbai Littering, Urges Strict Civic Action

The Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the widespread habit of littering in Mumbai, expressing frustration over poor civic hygiene in the city. The court made a pointed observation about Indians who maintain cleanliness abroad but disregard it at home. The remarks came during a hearing where the bench called for stricter enforcement of civic norms and accountability. The court's comments highlight a growing concern over the lack of public responsibility in maintaining urban cleanliness. Authorities have been urged to take firm and concrete steps to address the persistent littering problem across Mumbai.