India

Gujarat ATS arrests 5 more suspects linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed IED plot

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested five more individuals connected to a Jaish-e-Mohammed module that was allegedly planning explosive device attacks. The suspects had been involved in recruitment, radicalization, and bomb-making training over a period of several years. Investigators found that the group conducted at least eight trial runs using explosive timers as part of their preparations. Authorities are continuing to probe the case to identify intended targets and any external links the module may have had.

Delhi Police Arrest 3, Including Kingpin, in Fake Currency Bust

Delhi Police have dismantled a counterfeit currency operation, arresting three individuals including the alleged kingpin. The racket was uncovered after a shopkeeper in the Bhalswa Dairy area noticed fake currency notes during a routine transaction. The alert shopkeeper reported the suspicious notes to authorities, prompting an investigation. Police traced and apprehended the accused following the tip-off from the shopkeeper.

PM Modi Inaugurates Key Stretch of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a new stretch of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, a major infrastructure project spanning four states. The expressway is part of a larger 667-kilometre corridor connecting Delhi to the religious town of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. The project is being developed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 38,905 crore. The corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity for millions of travellers, including pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 5,470 Crore Rail and Road Projects in Punjab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of rail and road infrastructure projects in Punjab valued at Rs 5,470 crore. The initiative was announced to boost regional connectivity and improve travel convenience for passengers. The projects are also expected to accelerate economic development across the state. The launch underscores the central government's continued focus on infrastructure expansion in Punjab.

NYC Mayor Mamdani proposes mandatory AI image disclosure in rental listings

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a proposal requiring landlords to disclose the use of AI-generated images in rental listings. The measure is aimed at curbing misleading apartment advertisements and safeguarding prospective tenants from deceptive listings. The proposal is part of a broader tenant protection package that also addresses issues such as black mould, pest infestations, and landlord accountability. Together, these regulations seek to strengthen renter rights across New York City. The full set of measures is expected to be rolled out over the next three years.

Maharashtra Hotels Seek 3:30 AM Bar Extension for FIFA World Cup Final

Maharashtra's hospitality industry has requested government permission to keep bars open until 3:30 AM on July 20 for the FIFA World Cup Final. The industry association argues the extended hours would offer fans a safe and regulated venue to watch the high-profile match. Similar one-time relaxations have previously been granted by other Indian states during past World Cup finals. The government's response is expected to significantly affect both fan viewing arrangements and business prospects for the hospitality sector.

Assam Madrassa Sealed After Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Minor Girls

Authorities in Assam's Bongaigaon district sealed a private girls' madrassa on Wednesday amid serious allegations of sexual abuse involving minor students. The district administration took the sealing action as part of its response to the reported misconduct at the institution. A key accused in the case has been arrested in connection with the alleged abuse. The incident has drawn attention to the safety and oversight of private religious educational institutions in the region.

Pakistan Struggles to Resolve Deep-Rooted Tensions With Iran

Pakistan has been engaged in ongoing mediation efforts to manage its complex relationship with neighboring Iran, but progress remains elusive. Despite some diplomatic achievements, the two countries continue to face persistent underlying tensions that resist easy resolution. Iran has proven to be a particularly difficult partner for Islamabad to win over, even as Pakistan pursues regional dialogue. The challenges stem from deep-rooted structural and geopolitical differences that continue to strain bilateral ties. Analysts suggest that Pakistan's Iran problem is likely to remain a long-term foreign policy challenge with no quick fix in sight.

Mumbai Mayor Rejects BMC Report That Cleared Officials in Chembur Tree Collapse

Mumbai Mayor has strongly rejected a report submitted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding a tree collapse incident in Chembur. The BMC's internal report held contractors responsible for the incident while absolving its own officials of any wrongdoing. The Mayor expressed strong displeasure with the findings, reportedly tearing up the report in disapproval. The rejection signals that the civic body's attempt to shield its officials from accountability has not been accepted at the highest municipal level.

Volkswagen CEO to face employees amid fears of up to 140,000 job cuts

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume is set to meet employees directly to address growing concerns over the company's sweeping restructuring plans. Reports indicate that as many as 140,000 jobs could be at risk as part of the proposed overhaul. The company is also considering closing up to four of its German manufacturing plants after 2030. The restructuring is driven by intensifying competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers threatening Volkswagen's market position. The automaker says the changes are necessary to improve overall performance and remain globally competitive.

Sierra Nevada mountain ponds swing 20°C daily, face climate threat

Scientists are studying small mountain ponds in California's Sierra Nevada that experience dramatic daily temperature swings of up to 20°C. Winter snowpack plays a critical role in determining both the size and temperature of these ponds during summer months. Reduced snowfall results in warmer, shrinking ponds where nutrients become increasingly concentrated. Climate change projections warn of declining snowpack, putting these fragile ecosystems under growing stress. Despite their small size, these water bodies are vital to mountain biodiversity and nutrient cycling processes.

15-Year-Old National-Level Shooter Reported Missing After Last Being Seen at Howrah Station

A 15-year-old national-level shooter has gone missing, with Howrah Station being the last known location where she was seen. Her family conducted an extensive search, reaching out to friends, shooting associates, and relatives, but found no leads on her whereabouts. After these efforts proved unsuccessful, the family formally filed a missing person report at a local police station. Authorities are now investigating the case.

Calcutta High Court: Property Ownership in India Does Not Confer Citizenship

The Calcutta High Court has ruled that purchasing land or property in India does not serve as proof of Indian citizenship. The ruling came in a case involving a foreign national who had acquired property within the country. The court clarified that land records are administrative documents and cannot be treated as evidence of citizenship status. The judgment reinforces the legal distinction between property rights and citizenship rights under Indian law.

Jharkhand Teen Builds Solar AI Device to Deter Elephants from Farmland

An 18-year-old from Jharkhand has developed an AI-powered device called 'Innobox' aimed at reducing human-elephant conflicts. The solar-powered gadget uses a combination of sensors, radars, and an AI camera to detect elephants and other animals approaching farmland. The innovation addresses a longstanding challenge faced by farming communities living near wildlife zones in the region. By automating animal detection, the device offers a non-harmful way to protect crops and reduce dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife.

Hydrogen Trains May Play Limited Role in India's Energy Transition

Experts suggest hydrogen-powered trains could serve only a niche function in India's railway network rather than becoming a mainstream energy solution. This is largely because the majority of India's broad-gauge rail network has already been electrified. The existing electrification infrastructure makes a full-scale shift to hydrogen technology less practical or necessary. Hydrogen may nonetheless find selective application on routes where electrification remains economically or logistically challenging.

Andy Burnham set to be new UK PM, takes over from Keir Starmer on Monday

Bengaluru Auto Driver Slaps Elderly Man Mid-Argument, Dashcam Catches It All

An autorickshaw driver in Bengaluru was caught on camera slapping an elderly man following a heated roadside argument. The incident was recorded by a dashcam installed in a nearby vehicle. The footage has since surfaced, drawing attention to the altercation. The identity of those involved and the exact trigger for the dispute have not been officially confirmed. The incident has raised concerns over public safety and conduct on Bengaluru's roads.

India U-19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra arrested in Sri Lanka on bribery charges

Former India U-19 World Cup star Manjot Kalra was arrested in Sri Lanka on Friday amid allegations of attempting to bribe a player during the Lanka Premier League. Kalra, who is a co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise, was taken into custody by investigators. The alleged bribery attempt was brought to light by multiple players from the Jaffna Kings team. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed it is aware of the situation and will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project on Course for 2027 Debut

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project is progressing well and remains on track for a 2027 launch, according to government sources. Construction work on the corridor has advanced rapidly in recent months. Japan is expected to supply its next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains for the route, though these are currently still under development. The E10 trains are anticipated to be delivered in the early 2030s, meaning an interim train model may serve the route at launch.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Referee Vincic Once Questioned in Police Raid

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has been appointed to officiate the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain. The high-profile assignment comes despite a past controversy in which Vincic was caught up in a police raid involving cocaine and firearms. He was questioned by authorities as a witness and was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing. Vincic previously refereed an Argentina match during the 2022 World Cup. His career has continued to advance steadily following the incident.