India

Delhi teacher engaged in SIR process attempts suicide, says ‘excessive work pressure’ in note

BJP Fields 3 Former Trinamool MPs for Rajya Sabha Bypolls on July 24

The BJP has inducted three former Trinamool Congress MPs and nominated them as candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls. The party's Central Election Committee officially announced their names for the July 24 elections. The move marks a significant policy reversal for the BJP, which had previously avoided accepting Trinamool Congress leaders into its ranks. The decision signals a shift in the party's strategy regarding political rivals from West Bengal.

US mercenary held by NIA petitions court over Tihar jail food quality

Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a US national arrested by the National Investigation Agency, has filed a court petition seeking permission to cook his own meals inside Tihar Jail. He alleges that the prison food is excessively oily, spicy, and deep-fried, which he claims is causing him health problems. VanDyke has reportedly lost considerable weight since his arrest on May 6. In his plea, he has requested specific cooking equipment and food supplies, including chicken and fish, to meet his dietary requirements. The court has issued notices to both jail authorities and the NIA, asking them to respond to his petition.

From grocery truck to fighter jet: Inside Ali Khamenei's final journey

OpenAI Releases GPT-5.6 Amid Security Concerns Over Code Vulnerability Detection

OpenAI has launched its latest AI model, GPT-5.6, following scrutiny from US authorities. The release comes alongside other advanced AI models, including Anthropic's Mythos series, which have raised concerns among researchers. Experts have flagged an unprecedented capability in these models to identify exploitable weaknesses in software code. The ability to detect such vulnerabilities has prompted fears that the technology could be leveraged by malicious actors for hacking purposes.

JD Vance Vows H-1B Crackdown as US Labor Dept Launches Fraud Investigations

US Vice President JD Vance has announced a strict crackdown on alleged abuses of the H-1B visa program, asserting that American jobs should be reserved for American workers. The Department of Labor has launched formal investigations into suspected misuse of the visa system. Subpoenas have been issued to multiple organizations as part of this enforcement drive. The initiative is aimed at protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring the visa program is not exploited.

US Man Charged After Severing Own Body Part and Setting It on Fire in Neighbor's Garage

A man in the United States has been charged following a disturbing incident on May 6 in which he allegedly severed his own genitals. He then reportedly doused the severed body part in gasoline and set it on fire inside a neighbor's garage. Law enforcement officers recovered a knife, lighters, and gasoline from the scene. The case is currently under active investigation by authorities.

Two India-flagged crude carriers transit Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions

Two Indian vessels, Lila Vadinar and Maha Roos, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz while carrying crude oil cargo. The strait, a critical maritime route, now faces restricted vessel movement due to escalating conflict in the region. Seven India-bound ships with 149 crew members are currently awaiting evacuation from the Persian Gulf. The Indian government is considering reissuing advisories to warn seafarers and discourage operators from taking on West Asia charters.

Belgium Records 47% Excess Mortality During June Heatwave

Belgium experienced a severe heatwave in June that led to a significant spike in deaths across the country. The Sciensano public health institute reported an excess mortality rate of 47 per cent during the period. Excess mortality measures the number of deaths above what would normally be expected under typical conditions. The figures highlight the serious public health impact of extreme heat events on the Belgian population.

Union Minister Bittu calls Diljit Dosanjh an impostor amid Satluj OTT row

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has labelled actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh an 'impostor' as the controversy surrounding the film Satluj escalates. The remarks came after allegations surfaced that the Central government had pressured OTT platform Zee5 into removing the film. Speaking in Ludhiana, Bittu denied any government involvement, asserting that authorities have no control over OTT platforms. He dismissed claims of political interference in the film's takedown as unfounded. The dispute has added a sharp political dimension to what began as a streaming controversy over Dosanjh's film.

Six Arrested in Wildlife Trafficking Bust; 53 Protected Animals Rescued

Authorities dismantled a wildlife trafficking racket, arresting six individuals in a joint operation. The operation was conducted with support from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB). A total of 53 animals were rescued, including 15 slow lorises, two binturongs, 28 star tortoises, six Egyptian vultures, and two shikra birds. All rescued species are protected under wildlife protection laws.

Six Ancient Fortresses That Have Endured for Thousands of Years

Some of the world's oldest fortresses continue to stand as powerful symbols of ancient engineering and military strategy. Structures such as Masada, the Citadel of Aleppo, and Arg-e Bam are celebrated for their remarkable architecture and historical significance. Sites like Mycenae Citadel and Erebuni Fortress offer valuable insights into early human civilizations. Acrocorinth is noted for its strategic location and use of natural terrain as a defensive advantage. Together, these monuments highlight how ancient societies built enduring structures to protect their kingdoms from invasion.

BJP Councillor, 2 Aides Booked for Assaulting Mahad Council Officer

An FIR has been registered against a BJP councillor and two associates for physically assaulting a municipal administrative officer in Mahad. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over an unresolved damaged water pipeline, which the councillor had raised concerns about. During the altercation, the chief officer was allegedly struck with an umbrella and punched. In protest, council employees went on a work strike demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Police have issued notices to the accused as part of the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.

US Mercenary in Tihar Seeks Shrimp and Pasta, Complains About Jail Food

American mercenary Matthew VanDyke, currently held in Tihar Jail, has approached a court complaining about the quality of food served to him. VanDyke described the jail food as too spicy and oily, and requested specific items such as shrimp and pasta. He is among several individuals accused of training and arming banned insurgent groups in India. The case involves serious national security charges related to alleged support for proscribed organizations. The food complaint comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against him in an Indian court.

As rain continues to pound Himachal, government bans all mining activities till September

4 US cops helped India's Chandrakant Patel in decade-long U visa fraud in Louisiana

MHA launches four-layer smart border grid to curb infiltration and drug trafficking

India's Ministry of Home Affairs has unveiled a four-layer smart border security grid aimed at modernising the country's border management system. The initiative targets key challenges including drug trafficking, illegal infiltration, and unauthorised demographic changes along India's borders. The government cited visible security improvements in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast as evidence of the grid's effectiveness. The move is part of a broader proactive strategy to strengthen national security while promoting prosperity in border regions.

Walmart Heiresses Split Fortunes Between Texas Ranch and $300M Superyacht

Ann Walton Kroenke and Nancy Walton Laurie, heiresses to the Walmart fortune, are known for their contrasting yet equally extravagant lifestyles. Ann owns the Waggoner Ranch in Texas, one of the largest ranches in the United States. Nancy, meanwhile, enjoys life aboard Kaos, a superyacht valued at approximately $300 million. The vessel has attracted criticism from environmental activists due to its ecological footprint. Together, the two heiresses exemplify the scale of wealth accumulated by the Walton family dynasty.

Delhi Metro Begins Construction of 12-km Inderlok-Indraprastha Central Delhi Corridor

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launched construction on Thursday of a new 12.377-km corridor connecting Inderlok and Indraprastha. The route will pass through Central Delhi, expanding the city's metro network. The new corridor will feature 10 stations and integrate with 7 existing metro lines. This expansion is aimed at improving connectivity across key parts of the capital.

Congress flags instability in Sharad Pawar's NCP after Shinde meeting

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has raised concerns about unrest within Sharad Pawar's NCP faction. Chavan claimed that five or six MPs from Pawar's party are currently unsettled and in a state of instability. He noted that it remains unclear what course of action these MPs might take. His remarks came following a meeting between Sharad Pawar and Eknath Shinde, stirring fresh speculation about political realignments in Maharashtra.