India

Supreme Court orders states to draft release policy for elderly, terminally ill prisoners

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union Territories to formulate a policy for releasing elderly and terminally ill inmates. The order aims to uphold constitutional values, including dignity and humane treatment, within prison systems. According to available data, more than 5,000 prisoners currently fall under these vulnerable categories. Authorities have been given a three-month deadline to put the policy in place.

Rangers open to trading Braden Schneider despite new contract amid roster reshaping

The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Braden Schneider to a new contract but remain willing to entertain trade offers for him. The team's interest in adding a forward to their roster is a key driver behind the trade discussions. New York's strong defensive depth has also made Schneider a viable trade candidate. The Rangers are actively exploring all available options as they look to reshape the squad ahead of the upcoming season.

US Strikes Iran for Fifth Consecutive Night, Hitting Bandar Abbas Facilities

US forces carried out a fresh round of strikes against Iran on Thursday, marking the fifth straight night of American military operations. The attacks focused on military infrastructure and capabilities in the port city of Bandar Abbas, according to Iranian state television. The escalation follows a series of Iranian attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The repeated strikes signal a significant deterioration in relations between Washington and Tehran.

Rs 80 Lakh Theft at Ayodhya Ram Temple Uncovered After Cash Found in Washroom

A theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple came to light after cash was accidentally discovered hidden in a washroom. A gatekeeper raised the alarm, prompting temple trustees to launch an internal inquiry into the missing funds. Police subsequently took up the case and recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh from several locations. Statements from the accused helped investigators trace and retrieve additional stolen amounts. A special investigation team has now been formed to piece together the full sequence of events.

Bangladesh Calls for SAARC-BIMSTEC Cooperation at Delhi Security Meet

Bangladesh stated that SAARC and BIMSTEC do not need to be rival organisations, emphasising the potential for complementary cooperation between the two regional blocs. The remarks came during a meeting hosted in New Delhi that brought together security advisers and heads of delegations from BIMSTEC member states. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, all six other member nations — Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand — were represented at the gathering. The meeting underscored regional efforts to strengthen multilateral security dialogue among South and Southeast Asian nations.

US to Cap Foreign Student Visas at 4 Years Under New Trump Policy

The Trump administration is set to tighten visa restrictions for foreign students and journalists, with changes potentially taking effect as early as September. Under the new policy, foreign nationals on student visas would only be admitted for the duration of their academic programme, with a maximum cap of four years. This marks a significant shift from the current system, which typically allows students to remain for the full length of their studies without a fixed time ceiling. The move is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to restrict foreign nationals' stay in the United States.

28-Year-Old Shot Dead by Friend in Gurugram's Sector 65, Suspect Flees

A 28-year-old man was fatally shot by his friend in Sector 65, Gurugram, police confirmed on Thursday. The accused allegedly used his father's licensed revolver to carry out the shooting. After the incident, the suspect transported the victim to a nearby hospital but fled once doctors declared him dead. Police are currently investigating the case and pursuing the absconding accused.

24-Year-Old Stabbed Dead in Mumbai Dispute Over Borrowed Money

A 24-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Mumbai's Shivajinagar area, police reported on Thursday. The incident stemmed from a long-standing family dispute that escalated into a confrontation over the repayment of borrowed money. Law enforcement authorities confirmed the details of the case. The stabbing resulted in the young man's death, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the altercation.

Russian Oligarch's $500M Superyacht Crossed Strait of Hormuz With Tracker Disabled

A Russian oligarch's superyacht, Nord, recently completed a voyage to Bali after traveling over 4,000 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean. The vessel navigated the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz by switching off its tracking system to avoid detection. The yacht carries an estimated value of $500 million and comes equipped with advanced onboard technology. Its annual operating costs are reported to be around $50 million, reflecting its scale and sophistication.

Trump Set to Accuse China of US Election Interference in Primetime Address

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to deliver a primetime speech accusing China of meddling in US elections. The address is expected to be attended by several of the country's top national security officials. Invitees include the heads of the CIA, FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Homeland Security. The high-profile gathering of intelligence and security chiefs signals the significance of the planned announcement. No further details about the timing or specific allegations have been publicly confirmed.

Trump admin limits students visa tenure to fixed period of 4 yrs, limits academic flexibility

Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for July 17, 2026

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for July 17, 2026. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Our astrologer has analyzed the movements of the planets and the alignment of the stars to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date horoscope predictions for the day ahead. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.

Shiv Sena Spokesperson Shaina NC Reports WhatsApp Account Hacked

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC has reported that her WhatsApp account was compromised by hackers. She confirmed the incident in a statement to NDTV. Following the breach, Shaina NC has filed a formal complaint with the cyber police. Authorities are expected to investigate the matter further.

Crane Falls From 13th Floor in Thane, Kills One and Injures Three

A crane collapsed from the 13th floor of an under-construction building in Mira Road, Thane district, on Thursday. The incident resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man and left three others injured. A police official confirmed the casualties following the accident. The collapse caused panic in the surrounding area of Mira Road.

RITES warns Bengaluru double-decker flyover may undermine Metro, boost private vehicles

Engineering consultancy RITES has raised concerns about Bengaluru's proposed double-decker flyover, warning it could defeat the purpose of the city's Metro network. The report indicates the structure may encourage greater private vehicle usage rather than public transport adoption. RITES also highlighted substantial engineering and operational challenges associated with building the flyover. The proposal has been flagged as conflicting with national policies aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility. The Karnataka government is now tasked with deciding the project's future.

Project Meghalaya: Plot Alleged to Destabilise Tamil Nadu's Vijay-Led TVK

A controversy dubbed 'Project Meghalaya' has emerged in Tamil Nadu, involving allegations of an orchestrated attempt to destabilise the government led by actor-politician Vijay. The case revolves around claims that efforts were made to persuade at least one TVK legislator to defy the party whip during an assembly vote. The alleged scheme suggests a coordinated bid to undermine party discipline within Vijay's TVK. Details of who is behind the alleged plot and their motivations have not yet been fully established publicly.

Supreme Court to Restrict Live Streaming for Self-Represented Litigants

The Supreme Court of India has introduced a new policy affecting litigants who represent themselves without a lawyer, known as party-in-person. Under this policy, such individuals will generally not have access to live-streamed court proceedings. Instead, they will be encouraged to participate in hearings through virtual modes. The move marks a distinction in how self-represented and legally represented parties access court proceedings.

Man arrested for online threat to shoot Nigel Farage released on bail

A man was arrested in south London after posting a threat on X to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in the head. The suspect had described himself online as a terrorist and a Liberal Democrat. Security services identified the post and shared user information with police, leading to the arrest. The man has since been released on police bail while further inquiries continue.

EU Report Flags Pakistan Human Rights Concerns Despite Billions in Trade Benefits

Pakistan received approximately €732 million in EU tariff exemptions last year under a preferential trade arrangement. However, a new joint assessment by the European Commission and the EU's foreign policy body has raised significant concerns about Pakistan's human rights record. The report highlights a troubling gap between the trade benefits Pakistan enjoys and its performance on rights-related obligations. Such assessments are typically linked to the EU's GSP+ trade scheme, which requires beneficiary countries to uphold international human rights conventions.

Buzz Aldrin's Apollo 11 pen that fixed lunar module sells for $857,600

A felt-tip pen used by Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission has sold for $857,600 at a Sotheby's Space Exploration auction. The seemingly ordinary pen proved critical when it was used to repair a broken circuit breaker on the lunar surface. Without the fix, the lunar module may not have been able to lift off and return the astronauts safely to Earth. The sale highlights the historical significance of improvised problem-solving during one of humanity's most celebrated space missions.