India

UK PM picks three new Indian-origin MPs from 2024 intake to join front bench

World Court Prosecutor Karim Khan Sacked Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

LeBron James takes veteran-minimum deal with 76ers, forgoing $50M for title shot

LeBron James has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a veteran-minimum contract, walking away from a salary exceeding $50 million. The move comes as James enters his record-breaking 24th NBA season, the most in league history. He had reportedly considered retirement before rediscovering his drive to continue competing. James cited his enduring passion for basketball as the motivation behind the financially significant sacrifice. The veteran forward's primary goal with Philadelphia is to win one final NBA championship.

Jay-Z Fights to Keep $119K Fraud Judgment in Alleged Son's Godmother Bankruptcy

Jay-Z has filed legal documents opposing the discharge of a $119,000 judgment against Lillie Coley, godmother of Rymir Satterthwaite, who claims to be the rapper's son. The filing was made in connection with Coley's active bankruptcy proceedings. Jay-Z argues the debt should not be wiped out because it stems from conduct involving fraud and harassment rather than a standard financial obligation. The move signals the rapper's intent to keep the judgment legally enforceable despite the bankruptcy process.

Trump Says Iran Showing Seriousness in Nuclear Talks With US

US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Iran is becoming 'very serious' in ongoing negotiations with Washington. Trump indicated he has not yet made a decision on whether to carry out major military strikes against Iran. The remarks suggest diplomatic engagement between the two countries is currently active. Trump's comments reflect a cautious but watchful stance as talks continue to develop.

Trump threatens EU with new tariffs after $1B fine imposed on Google

US President Donald Trump has warned the European Union of fresh substantial tariffs following the bloc's decision to fine Google $1 billion. The EU's executive body found that Google had breached Digital Markets Act regulations by favouring its own services over competitors and directing consumer choices. The fine marks one of the EU's significant enforcement actions under its digital competition rules. The Trump administration has framed such regulatory moves by the EU as harmful to American businesses operating in Europe.

UP Man Gets Life Sentence for Raping 18-Month-Old Cousin

A special POCSO court in Uttar Pradesh sentenced a 30-year-old man to life imprisonment on Friday. The convict was found guilty of raping his 18-month-old female cousin. The verdict was confirmed by the prosecution following the court proceedings. The case was tried under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which mandates special courts for such crimes.

Haaland's rise to football stardom built on resilience and self-belief

Erling Haaland's emergence as one of football's top strikers is attributed to more than raw talent alone. His path to success has been shaped by years of perseverance, strong family support, and a consistent drive for self-improvement. The Manchester City forward has also been a key figure for the Norwegian national team on major football stages. His journey is widely seen as a lesson in mental resilience, humility, and the ability to overcome setbacks.

Jammu-Srinagar Highway Shut for Third Day as Landslides, Rains Batter J&K

Torrential rains have triggered fresh landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, keeping the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closed for a third consecutive day. Stranded vehicles remain on the route as authorities continue to warn travellers against attempting the journey. The Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras have also been suspended for the sixth straight day due to the dangerous conditions. Flash floods struck residential areas in Udhampur district, though no casualties were reported.

Delhi Liquor Shops Must Close by 8 PM This Weekend Amid Student Protests

Delhi authorities have ordered all liquor shops to shut by 8 PM through the weekend, according to sources who spoke on Friday. The directive comes in response to ongoing student protests taking place in the capital. The early closure order is a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining public order during the demonstrations. No official statement has yet been issued by the government regarding the specific duration of the restriction.

Google expands in Miami after Page & Brin's $225m Florida homes; leased space quadruples

Centre pushes Haryana to fast-track air pollution control measures

The central government reviewed Haryana's ongoing air pollution control efforts and called for faster, time-bound implementation of key measures. The review focused on tackling stubble burning, industrial emissions, and road dust as primary sources of pollution. Authorities plan to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and improve management of legacy waste sites. Information campaigns and training programmes for farmers will be rolled out to encourage better crop residue handling. Officials stressed that strict enforcement and inter-agency coordination are essential to achieving cleaner air in the region.

Gujarat flood death toll rises to 31 as receding waters reveal damage

Floodwaters have begun receding across parts of Gujarat, exposing widespread destruction caused by recent heavy rainfall. The death toll from the floods has climbed to 31, with the worst-affected districts being Navsari, which recorded 15 deaths, and Valsad, which saw 7 fatalities. Kheda district reported 4 deaths, contributing to the statewide toll. As southern Gujarat begins to recover, the rain system is reportedly shifting northward, raising concerns about fresh flooding in other parts of the state.

US Federal Court Strikes Down FDA Restrictions on Abortion Pill Mifepristone

A federal court in Virginia has declared restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone unlawful. The ruling targets regulations previously imposed by the US Food and Drug Administration on the widely used medication. The court has directed the Trump administration to revisit and reconsider those restrictions. The decision marks a significant legal development in the ongoing debate over abortion access in the United States.

Sonam Wangchuk Defends Integrity Amid Allegations of Secret Deal

Climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk addressed allegations circulating on social media questioning his sincerity and motives. He responded via a video statement after receiving calls from people flagging posts raising doubts about him. Wangchuk expressed frustration, questioning whether he still needed to prove his commitment to the cause. The allegations reportedly involve claims of a behind-the-scenes deal, though he did not confirm specific details of the accusations. He appeared to firmly deny any compromise of his principles in the statement.

Trump Warns China and Russia Against Selling Arms to Iran

US President Donald Trump issued a warning to China and Russia on his Truth Social platform, urging them not to sell arms to Iran. The warning comes as Washington is reportedly investigating whether Moscow and Beijing have been sharing targeting information with Tehran. This follows a series of strikes on US military bases in the region. Trump stated that such arms sales would not be in the best interests of the countries involved.

Two Police Officers Injured at CJP Protest, Allege Assault Was Pre-Planned

Two police personnel were injured during a protest linked to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), with officers alleging the attack was pre-planned rather than spontaneous. Police Inspector NK Singh claimed that his gold chain and wallet were snatched during the chaos. The officers believe the violence was orchestrated in advance by elements within the crowd. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel at politically charged demonstrations.

Japan Plans Major Intelligence Overhaul, Citing China as Key Security Concern

Japan is undertaking its most significant intelligence restructuring since World War II, according to a Washington Post report. The country is working to build a modern domestic spy network comparable in scope to agencies like the US CIA. China's growing regional influence is cited as a primary driver behind the initiative. The overhaul represents a major shift in Japan's post-war security and intelligence posture.

20-Year-Old US Student Dies After Car Plunges Into Delhi Drain

A 20-year-old Indian student studying in the United States lost his life after his car fell into a drain in Delhi's Vasant Kunj area. The deceased was the son of an Army officer. The young man was driving the vehicle when it veered off and plunged into the drain. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the capital.

Antarctic ice data reliable for sea-level planning only until mid-century

Recent measurements of Antarctic ice loss offer a solid foundation for governments planning coastal defenses over the next 30 to 50 years. However, scientists warn that projections beyond mid-century may become less dependable as ice melt accelerates. The available window is considered critical for upgrading monitoring infrastructure and strengthening coastal protections. Pacific island nations, which are especially vulnerable to rising seas, stand to benefit most from acting on this data promptly. Experts urge policymakers to use this period strategically before uncertainty in long-range climate models increases.