India

Election Commission Defends Credibility Amid Opposition Backlash Over SIR Exercise

The Election Commission of India has launched a campaign to defend its credibility following strong criticism from Opposition parties over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The poll body has described SIR as a routine process aimed at cleaning up and updating electoral rolls. However, Opposition parties have mounted sustained attacks, questioning the timing and intent of the exercise. The controversy has prompted the Election Commission to go on the offensive to justify and explain the initiative to the public.

IMD Warns of Very Heavy Rainfall Across Uttar Pradesh in Next 24 Hours

India's meteorological department has issued a weather warning for Uttar Pradesh, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state. Both western and eastern regions of UP are expected to be affected, though rainfall intensity may vary by area. West Uttar Pradesh faces the prospect of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations, while East UP is also likely to see very heavy rainfall at scattered spots. Residents in affected areas have been advised to remain alert given the severity of the predicted weather conditions.

Kanpur BTech gold medallist, 23, dies by suicide after 50 failed govt job attempts

A 23-year-old BTech gold medallist from Kanpur took his own life after failing to secure a government job despite applying over fifty times. The young man had excelled academically, earning a gold medal in his engineering degree. In his suicide note, he apologized to his father for falling short of expectations. Local police have registered a case and are investigating the incident, with depression believed to be a contributing factor.

Two US Troops Killed, One Missing After Iranian Attack on Jordan Base

Two US service members were killed and one remains missing following an Iranian missile and drone attack on a US military base in Jordan. American and partner forces mounted a defense against the assault. Iran issued a stark warning to the US, threatening 'unforgettable lessons' if military operations in the region continued. In response, US Central Command launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian surveillance and infrastructure targets. The escalating conflict has also disrupted commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Kanpur Woman Contracts HIV After Tattoo Session at Delhi Parlour

A 32-year-old woman from Kanpur has tested HIV-positive weeks after getting a tattoo at a parlour in Delhi. Doctors believe the infection was transmitted through a contaminated needle used during the procedure. The woman developed a severe infection following the tattoo before the diagnosis was confirmed. She has since been enrolled in free Anti-Retroviral Therapy at a government hospital. The case highlights the serious health risks posed by unhygienic tattooing practices, which can expose individuals to blood-borne diseases.

Nirmohi Akhara Petitions Supreme Court Over Ram Temple Trust Composition

Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court seeking reconstitution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The religious body argues that the spirit of the Supreme Court's landmark 2019 verdict has not been fully honoured. Specifically, the Akhara contends that its role and representation in the temple's management body falls short of what the court had envisaged. The petition effectively calls for a restructuring of the trust to better reflect the Supreme Court's original directives.

Delhi Cafes Allowed to Stay Open Until 4 AM for FIFA World Cup Final

Delhi's Chief Minister has announced that cafes and eligible establishments in the city can remain open until 4 AM to accommodate fans watching the FIFA World Cup Final. The decision is enabled by Delhi's existing 24x7 business-friendly operating framework, which already permits certain establishments to operate through the night. The move is aimed at allowing residents to collectively experience the high-profile sporting event. No new policy was introduced, as the announcement simply clarified that current rules support extended hours for qualifying venues.

Two US Soldiers Killed, One Missing After Iranian Strike on Jordan Base

Two United States soldiers were killed and one went missing following Iranian strikes on a US military position in Jordan. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the casualties but withheld further operational details. The identities of the deceased service members have not been disclosed publicly. CENTCOM stated it would refrain from releasing additional information until 24 hours after the families of the fallen soldiers have been officially notified.

Telangana Plans Strict Law to Curb Food Adulteration and Chemical Use

The Telangana government has announced plans to introduce a stringent anti-adulteration law to address growing food safety concerns. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlighted that chemicals used to artificially ripen fruits and extend the shelf life of vegetables and leafy greens pose serious health risks. The use of preservatives in milk was also flagged as a contributing factor to health disorders among the population. The proposed legislation aims to crack down on the widespread use of such harmful substances in the food supply chain.

Iran Supreme Leader warns US of consequences, calls Trump's signature worthless

Iran's Supreme Leader issued a stark warning to the United States, threatening 'unforgettable lessons' if American attacks persist. He declared President Donald Trump's signature on agreements as worthless and invalid, signaling a breakdown in diplomatic trust. Tehran has suspended its commitments under a recent interim deal, accusing Washington of violating its terms. Both countries have exchanged strikes targeting military and infrastructure sites, sharply escalating tensions. The ongoing conflict has raised widespread concerns over regional stability and the security of global energy supplies.

Centre Recognises Trinamool Rebel Faction NCPI, Sparking Political Row

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote a letter to Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, addressing him as the leader of the NCPI in the Lok Sabha. The communication signals that the Centre may be moving toward formally recognising the National Congress of Progressive India, a breakaway faction of the Trinamool Congress. The move has triggered a political controversy, with the ruling Trinamool Congress likely to contest the recognition of the rebel group. The development comes amid ongoing tensions between dissenting Trinamool members and the party's central leadership.

Bihar Village on Edge After Two Hair-Chopping Incidents Eight Days Apart

A Bihar village is gripped by fear following two robbery incidents that occurred eight days apart. Both cases share a similar pattern, leading locals to suspect the existence of a so-called 'Baal Katarva' or hair-chopping gang operating in the area. The recurring incidents have sparked widespread concern among residents. Authorities have yet to confirm whether a organised gang is responsible for the crimes.

Khamenei Vows 'Unforgettable Lessons' for US Amid Renewed Iran Tensions

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a sharp warning to the United States on Saturday as tensions between the two countries escalated. Khamenei referred to the US as 'Satan' and pledged to teach it what he called unforgettable lessons. His remarks came amid a renewed flare-up of hostilities between Iran and the United States. The statement reflects deepening friction over ongoing disputes, including disagreements related to a potential Iran nuclear deal.

UP Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Jail For Raping 16-Year-Old Niece

Bihar government faces first pushback from within: BJP and JDU leaders say don’t change education structure

Rohit Sharma attends optional practice at Lord's amid retirement speculation

Rohit Sharma joined India's optional training session at Lord's Cricket Ground ahead of the series-deciding match. His attendance came amid growing speculation about his potential retirement from international cricket. The Indian captain had faced mounting pressure following a poor run in the recent ODI series. Despite the scrutiny, Rohit reportedly looked in good form during the practice session.

Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras halted temporarily over bad weather

Authorities have suspended both the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras as a precautionary safety measure amid adverse weather conditions. The Amarnath pilgrimage has been halted on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. Officials made the decision to protect the safety of pilgrims undertaking the annual religious journeys. Pilgrims have been urged to stay patient and monitor official channels for further updates. The yatras are expected to resume once weather conditions improve and are considered safe for travel.

Abhishek Banerjee Challenges TMC Rebels: Return to Party or I Will Resign

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee issued a bold challenge to rebel members who have been defecting from the party, daring them to return to Mamata Banerjee's fold or he would resign. His remarks came in response to questions about the growing wave of defections within the Trinamool Congress. The exits have accelerated following the party's poor performance in recent assembly polls. The increasing desertions have raised concerns about Mamata Banerjee's grip over the party she leads.

Villagers Forcibly Remove NIT Silchar Gate Locked Without Notice

Tensions erupted at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar after villagers removed a locked gate on a road connecting the campus to Bora Khali Tea Estate and surrounding villages. The gate had been locked without any prior notice to the affected communities, prompting residents to take matters into their own hands. The road in question serves as a key access route for villagers in the area. The unilateral closure of the route drew strong opposition from locals who depend on it for daily movement.

KTR Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Unfulfilled Promises to Hyderabad's Unemployed Youth

BRS leader KT Rama Rao (KTR) launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged broken promises to unemployed youth. KTR's remarks were directed at Gandhi's earlier visit to Ashok Nagar in Hyderabad, where commitments were reportedly made to jobless young people. The BRS leader used the phrase 'Gaddari Ka Ghar' as a counter to Gandhi's well-known 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' slogan. KTR accused Gandhi of failing to follow through on the assurances given to the youth during that visit.