India
Akhil Akkineni's 'Lenin' Posts 14% Box Office Jump on Day 2, Crosses Rs 23 Crore
Akhil Akkineni's action drama 'Lenin' recorded a 14 percent rise in box office collections on its second day of release. The film's worldwide gross earnings have surpassed the Rs 23 crore mark following the strong performance. Theatre occupancy remained healthy across the day, with evening shows drawing particularly strong audiences. The film has also garnered positive audience reception, especially for Akhil Akkineni's acting.
Buttler's record 131 powers England to 257/3 against India in T20I
Jos Buttler struck a career-best 131 to lead England to a commanding total of 257/3 in a T20I match against India. Buttler and Harry Brook combined for a 233-run second-wicket partnership, the highest such stand in T20I history. Buttler's individual score also set a new record for the highest T20I innings by a batsman against India. England's dominant batting performance left India chasing a formidable target.
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Indefinitely, Seizes Ship Amid US Strikes
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz 'until further notice,' linking the move to what it calls ongoing US interference in the region. Iranian forces also seized or attacked a ship, citing an 'unauthorised route' as justification for the action. The closure of the strategically vital waterway, through which a significant share of global oil passes, marks a major escalation in tensions. The announcement came as the United States launched a new round of strikes in the region. No timeline has been given for when the strait may reopen.

FSSAI issues 9 notices to Swiggy Instamart over expired and unsafe food deliveries
India's food safety regulator FSSAI has served nine notices on Swiggy Instamart over complaints of unsafe and expired food products being delivered to customers. Consumers reported receiving rotten eggs, spoiled parathas, expired whey protein, and substandard packaged snacks through the platform. FSSAI has asked the company to submit a detailed explanation along with a compliance report addressing the violations. If Swiggy fails to respond satisfactorily, it could face action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Boat capsize off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island kills several Indian tourists
A boat carrying 32 Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, resulting in multiple fatalities. Victims were from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The trip had been organized by a private medical company as a sponsored vacation. Bereaved families back in India are now awaiting the return of their loved ones' remains from Vietnam.
SG Tushar Mehta: Hindu Law Rooted in Yajnavalkya Smriti, Not Manusmriti
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has asserted that the claim linking Hindu law to Manusmriti is incorrect. He explained that most of India follows the Mitakshara school of Hindu law, which is derived from the Yajnavalkya Smriti and has been prevalent since before 700 AD. This school recognises inheritance rights from birth, distinguishing it from the more restrictive Dayabhaga school followed in Bengal and Assam. Mehta also noted that ancient texts established prohibited degrees of relationships in marriage, provisions that have since been approved by Parliament.
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese among WNBA's wealthiest players heading into 2026
The WNBA is entering a new phase of financial growth in 2026, with top players seeing significant increases in earnings. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart rank among the league's highest earners. Their wealth stems from a combination of salaries, endorsement deals, and expanding business ventures. The rising fortunes of these athletes reflect the growing popularity and commercial appeal of women's basketball on a global scale.
15 Indian Tourists Dead After Speedboat Capsizes Near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island
Fifteen Indian tourists were killed and seventeen others injured when a speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc island in Vietnam. The passengers were mobile phone dealers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana travelling on a company-sponsored trip. Nearby vessels and emergency agencies launched rescue operations immediately following the accident. Vietnamese authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Indian officials are coordinating relief efforts and extending support to the families of those affected.
India and New Zealand elevate bilateral ties, target doubling trade in 5 years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have agreed to upgrade bilateral relations between the two countries. The leaders set an ambitious target of doubling two-way trade to approximately Rs 35,000 crore within the next five years. The meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between India and New Zealand. Both sides acknowledged the complementary nature of their economies as a foundation for deeper engagement across trade and other sectors.
Green Groups Ask FCC to Halt Orbital Data Center Approvals Pending Review
Environmental organizations have petitioned the US Federal Communications Commission to pause approvals for orbital data centers. The groups are calling for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment before any satellite licenses are issued. Their concern centers on the cumulative environmental effects of large-scale satellite constellations planned by companies including SpaceX and Blue Origin. The petition highlights the need to fully understand how these proposed deployments could affect Earth's environment before proceeding.
Visually Impaired Kashmiri Pandit Opens Restaurant in Langate, Inspires Return Movement
Akash Dhar, a visually impaired Kashmiri Pandit, has opened a restaurant in Langate, Jammu & Kashmir. The eatery has received strong support from local residents and his landlord since its launch. Customers from diverse communities and regions have been visiting the establishment. The initiative has sparked calls for other displaced Kashmiri Pandits to consider returning to their homeland. Dhar's venture is being seen as a symbol of positive community integration in the region.
Modi highlights Sikh outreach moves including Golden Temple FCRA nod
Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to several government initiatives aimed at the Sikh community. Key measures include granting FCRA clearance to the Golden Temple and facilitating the return of historic Guru Granth Sahib manuscripts. The government is also developing a ropeway to improve pilgrim access to Hemkund Sahib. Additionally, an annual commemoration has been announced to honour the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's sons. Analysts see these steps as part of the BJP's broader effort to strengthen its standing among Sikh voters and the diaspora.
UN Rapporteurs Question India Voter Roll Process; Election Commission Rejects Claims
Three United Nations special rapporteurs raised concerns over India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for voter lists, alleging it lacked transparency and may have excluded minority communities. The Election Commission of India strongly dismissed these allegations as unfounded and unwarranted. Officials maintained that the revision exercise was conducted transparently and in full accordance with constitutional provisions. The poll body noted that eligible voters were given adequate opportunities to contest any deletions from the electoral rolls. India's Supreme Court has also upheld both the intent and the conduct of the revision process.
CJI Suryakant flags challenge of speedy UAPA trial completion
Chief Justice of India Suryakant has acknowledged that completing trials under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a timely manner remains a significant challenge for the judiciary. The CJI noted that the establishment of special courts has helped address part of the problem, though hurdles persist. UAPA cases are known for their complexity and lengthy proceedings, often resulting in prolonged detention of accused individuals. The remarks highlight ongoing concerns about delays in the criminal justice system, particularly in cases involving national security and terrorism-related charges.
Daughter suspected in mother's murder may have also plotted father's death
Police allege a daughter conspired with relatives to murder her mother in a property-related dispute. The victim's brother has now called for an investigation into the father's death as well. He suspects the daughter and her paternal cousins may have been responsible for the father's demise too. Family members claim they were barred from meeting the father following his discharge from hospital. Investigators are now examining whether a broader conspiracy links both deaths.



