India

UP Police Officer Arrested for Rape and Murder of Young Girl

A police officer in Uttar Pradesh has been arrested on charges of raping and murdering a young girl. Investigators examined more than 200 CCTV footage clips as part of the probe, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Kaustubh. The accused allegedly lured the victim by offering to drop her home before committing the crime. The case has drawn significant attention due to the accused being a serving law enforcement officer. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Ajinkya Rahane retires from international cricket with tributes from legends

Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, bringing an end to a distinguished Test career. Sachin Tendulkar paid a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Rahane's dedication and leadership qualities throughout his career. Former head coach Ravi Shastri also honored his contributions, calling his service to Indian cricket invaluable. Teammates and contemporaries including Cheteshwar Pujara and Virender Sehwag joined in celebrating his achievements. Rahane signs off with 5,077 Test runs to his name and an unblemished record as Test captain.

Russia Reportedly Used North Korean Missile in Deadly Kryvyi Rih Strike

A Russian overnight strike near the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih resulted in the deaths of a family. Two sources indicate the attack likely involved a North Korean-supplied missile. If confirmed, this would mark the first use of such a weapon in the conflict in nearly a year. The reported deployment signals continued military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Authorities are still investigating the details of the strike.

Delhi Govt Drops Cases Against Most July 20 'Chalo Sansad' March Protesters

The Delhi government has decided to drop legal proceedings against the majority of participants in the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament. The move offers significant relief to those who were detained or faced charges following the protest. Authorities are actively reviewing cases and working toward releasing eligible detainees. However, the relief does not extend to all — individuals with prior criminal records are excluded from this amnesty. Police have identified over 2,800 protest-linked individuals who fall into this exception category.

Fortnite v41.30 Adds John Wick Sprite to Reload Mode with Enemy-Reveal Ability

Fortnite's latest v41.30 update introduces the John Wick Sprite as an exclusive addition to the game's Reload mode. Players can obtain the Sprite by looting normal or special Sprite chests found within the mode. It can also be acquired by eliminating opponents who already carry it. Winning a Victory Royale in Reload mode guarantees the John Wick Sprite for all players in the match. The Sprite's key ability briefly reveals the locations of nearby enemies following an elimination.

UP Police Inspector Grabs Kangana Effigy Mid-Protest, Video Goes Viral

A police inspector in Uttar Pradesh intervened during a Congress party protest targeting actress and politician Kangana Ranaut. The officer seized an effigy of Ranaut to stop demonstrators from setting it ablaze. The protest was held in response to remarks Ranaut allegedly made that were deemed disrespectful toward young women. Videos of the inspector running off with the effigy while being chased by Congress workers spread widely on social media. The incident has triggered widespread online debate about both the protest and the police response.

Saturn's moon Titan has methane rain, rivers and seasons lasting 7 Earth years

Titan, Saturn's largest moon, experiences a unique and elongated seasonal cycle because of Saturn's slow orbit around the Sun, with each season lasting over seven Earth years. The moon is enveloped in a thick atmosphere and features liquid methane flowing across its surface in the form of rivers and lakes. Data collected by NASA's Cassini spacecraft has revealed dynamic weather patterns on Titan, including the mysterious disappearance of certain lakes over time. Scientists have also observed shifting wind directions and migrating sand dunes, pointing to significant climate changes across seasons. These findings make Titan one of the most weather-active and Earth-like bodies in the solar system despite its extreme conditions.

Lok Sabha Passes Bill Making Insult to Vande Mataram a Criminal Offence

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill to criminalise insults to Vande Mataram, India's national song. The legislation seeks to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, which currently covers protections for the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. Under existing law, intentionally preventing the singing of the national anthem or disrupting related assemblies is already prohibited. The new bill extends similar legal protections to Vande Mataram, making its disrespect a punishable offence.

Supreme Court Orders Karnataka to Release 3,500 Cusecs Daily to Tamil Nadu

The Supreme Court has directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery river water per day to Tamil Nadu. This ruling comes as a partial relief for Tamil Nadu, which had originally demanded 7,000 cusecs daily for a period of 15 days. Karnataka faces a setback as it is now bound by the court's order to share the disputed river water. The Cauvery water dispute remains a long-standing inter-state conflict between the two southern states.

Vande Mataram Bill clears Parliament as Kharge, Nadda lock horns in RS

India summons Meta over temporary block on PM Modi's Facebook video

The Indian government has called Meta executives for an explanation after a video post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was temporarily restricted on Facebook. Meta acknowledged the incident was an error and has since restored the content. The episode has drawn fresh scrutiny toward how major tech platforms moderate content, particularly posts by prominent public figures. In response, new protocols are reportedly being developed to handle accounts of high-profile individuals. The government is pressing Meta for greater clarity on its platform governance and content moderation practices.

Indian IT Sector Shifts Away from Mass Fresher Hiring as Demand Drives Jobs

The Indian IT sector is undergoing a significant shift in its hiring practices, making entry-level employment increasingly difficult for fresh graduates. Companies are moving away from bulk recruitment, where thousands of freshers were hired to build bench strength, toward a more selective, project-based and demand-driven model. This change has resulted in fewer job openings and delayed onboarding for new candidates entering the workforce. Industry experts describe the trend as part of a broader structural reset within the IT sector. The shift signals a long-term change in how Indian IT firms plan and manage their talent pipelines.

Priyanka's 'gaumutra expert' remark stirs row, over 200 academicians slam Lok Sabha MP

Delhi Govt Halts Action Against CJP Protesters, Excludes Those With Criminal Records

The Delhi government has directed police to drop further legal proceedings against participants in the CJP protests. However, the order does not apply to individuals who already have criminal records. Authorities are also working to expedite the release of protesters who remain in detention. A total of thirteen cases had been registered in connection with demonstrations over the NEET paper leak controversy. The move comes after allegations emerged that students were being harassed and threatened with arrest.

Ex-Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64 after CTE-linked dementia

Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 64. His death followed a prolonged battle with dementia attributed to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Smith spent his entire NFL career with the Chargers, establishing himself as a franchise legend. After retiring from professional football, he went on to build a respected career in sports broadcasting. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hunt, and leaves behind a lasting legacy in American football.

UP landlord arrested for repeatedly assaulting 10-year-old tenant's daughter

A 42-year-old man from West Bengal, residing in Goverdhan, Uttar Pradesh, has been accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting his tenant's 10-year-old daughter. The child disclosed the abuse to her mother following an incident that occurred on Wednesday. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The girl has since undergone a medical examination as part of the investigation. Further legal proceedings in the case are currently pending.

E20 Petrol May Cut Mileage by Up to 6% but Reduces Carbon Emissions: Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament that E20 petrol, a blend containing 20% ethanol, can reduce vehicle mileage by between two and six percent. However, extensive testing has not revealed any engine failures associated with the use of this fuel. Research suggests that E20 offers benefits such as improved acceleration and a smoother ride compared to conventional petrol. The fuel also delivers around 30% lower carbon emissions relative to E10 blends. Automakers have confirmed they will continue to honour warranty claims for vehicles running on E20.

Air Force Chief Urges Faster Tech Adoption, Warns Against Friendly-Fire Risks

India's Air Force Chief has made a strong pitch for self-reliance in defence technology, warning that delays in adoption are equivalent to denial of capability. He stressed the need for robust identification systems to prevent friendly-fire incidents involving drones. The chief highlighted the risk of forces accidentally shooting down their own drones or assets due to inadequate technology. His remarks underline the growing urgency for India to accelerate indigenous defence tech development and deployment.

Delhi Govt Promises No Action Against NEET Protest Detainees, Arrests Under Review

The Delhi government has announced that individuals booked in connection with protests over alleged NEET-UG irregularities will not face adverse legal consequences. Authorities have indicated that existing arrests related to the demonstrations will be reviewed. The protests were held in Delhi over concerns surrounding alleged misconduct in the NEET-UG examination process. The government's assurance signals a conciliatory approach toward those who participated in the demonstrations.

Pune Marathon Runner Dies After Auto-Rickshaw Crash, Organs Save Four Lives

Uday Birmal, a marathon runner from Pune, suffered critical head injuries after being struck by an out-of-control auto-rickshaw on the morning of July 19. The accident occurred while Birmal was training for an upcoming marathon. He succumbed to his injuries following the incident. In a compassionate decision, his family chose to donate his organs after his death. The donation has given a new lease of life to four recipients in need of transplants.