India

Three Ex-TMC MPs Defect to BJP in Kolkata, Deepening Party Crisis

Three former Trinamool Congress leaders — Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Prakash Chik Baraik — officially joined the BJP in Kolkata. The move comes amid weeks of internal unrest and growing rebellion within the TMC. Sushmita Dev cited both political and personal reasons for leaving the party. Ray and Baraik also stepped down from their Rajya Sabha seats ahead of the switch. The TMC now faces a deepening political crisis, with speculation mounting over further defections.

Fighter Jets Escort Khamenei's Coffin to Mashhad for Burial

Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has been killed and his remains are being transported to Mashhad for burial. Military fighter jets provided an aerial escort for the coffin during the journey. Alongside Khamenei's coffin were the remains of family members who also perished in the same attack. The deaths resulted from US-Israeli strikes carried out on February 28, an assault widely regarded as the event that triggered a broader Middle East war.

Kharge targets Centre over China, accuses PM Modi of giving Beijing a 'clean chit'

BSNL Launches Satellite Phone That Works Without Mobile Towers

BSNL has introduced a new satellite phone designed to provide connectivity in areas without mobile network coverage. Unlike conventional mobile phones, the device bypasses ground-based towers entirely. It establishes communication by connecting directly to satellites orbiting the Earth. This makes it particularly useful in remote or underserved regions where traditional network infrastructure is absent.

Detroit Red Wings emerge as potential destination for Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski recently blocked a trade to the Dallas Stars by invoking his no-move clause. Despite rejecting the deal, Werenski has also declined to sign a long-term contract extension with Columbus, leaving his future uncertain. The Detroit Red Wings have now surfaced as a possible trade destination for the $57.5 million blueliner. The development comes as Detroit simultaneously navigates internal uncertainty surrounding star forward Dylan Larkin.

Shiv Sena corporator arrested for assaulting doctors, hospitalised with chest pain

A Shiv Sena corporator was arrested after he allegedly assaulted two doctors at a civic hospital in Dombivli. Shortly after his arrest, he was admitted to the ICU following complaints of chest pain and is expected to be discharged soon. Hospital staff staged protests condemning the attack and demanded that the corporator be disqualified from his position. Healthcare workers also called on authorities to strengthen security arrangements at medical facilities. The incident has sparked wider concern over the safety of doctors and hospital staff.

China shoe factory fire leaves ‘heavy human losses’ as rescuers battle blaze

Italy's 007 scandal: Two Russian military attaches expelled over spying

US Strike Hit Perimeter of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Plant, Official Says

A US strike targeted the perimeter of Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, according to an Iranian official. Ehsan Jahanian, deputy governor of Bushehr province, confirmed the strike on Thursday. No deaths had been reported at the time of the statement. The strike appeared to target the outer boundary of the facility rather than the plant itself.

Global Naval Powers Race to Expand Submarine Fleets With Major New Deals

Canada is set to acquire twelve German Type-212CD submarines in a landmark defense procurement. Poland has also secured three Swedish A26 submarines to bolster its naval capabilities. The US Navy has plans to procure fifteen submarines by 2031, while China continues expanding its underwater fleet. Pakistan is adding eight Hangor-Class submarines to its existing naval arsenal. India is also pursuing new submarine acquisitions under Project-75I as part of broader naval modernization efforts.

Science explains how tall and short trees coexist in ancient forests

Researchers have uncovered why trees of vastly different heights are able to thrive together in mature forests. The study found that survival depends on two key factors: a tree's ability to intercept sunlight and its efficiency in using that light. In younger forests, height provides a major competitive advantage, driving intense rivalry among trees. However, as forests age, multiple canopy layers develop, distributing resources more evenly across species. These findings are expected to improve the accuracy of climate models and inform better forest conservation strategies.

Palestinians to vote in first parliamentary election since 2006

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced legislative elections scheduled for November 28, marking the first parliamentary vote in nearly two decades. The last such election was held in 2006, after which the democratic process was suspended following a major political rift. The decision to revive elections comes partly in response to international calls for governance reforms and greater accountability. Presidential elections are also planned separately, expected to take place in early 2027.

Rs 6,000-crore betting app case: Accused traced to Oman, ED seeks extradition

Poor drainage, not just heavy rain, behind Gurgaon's recurring flood crisis

Gurgaon recently experienced severe flooding as heavy rains submerged corporate offices, glass towers, and major roads across the city. Commuters faced widespread travel disruptions due to waterlogged and impassable streets, while power outages compounded the situation for residents. Despite considerable public spending on infrastructure, the city's drainage systems proved inadequate in handling the rainfall. The repeated flooding exposes a deep disconnect between Gurgaon's image as a modern economic hub and the ground reality of its civic infrastructure. Experts and observers point to systemic drainage failures, rather than rainfall alone, as the root cause of the annual crisis.

Russia challenges World Athletics ban at sports court as IOC eases restrictions

Welsh rock singer Bonnie Tyler dies at 75 after illness in Portugal

Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer celebrated for her powerful rock ballads, passed away at the age of 75 in a hospital in Portugal following an illness. Born Gaynor Hopkins, she rose to international fame during the 1970s and 1980s with iconic hits such as 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' and 'Holding Out for a Hero.' Tyler represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013, underscoring her enduring presence in popular music. She is survived by her husband, Robert Sullivan.

Pakistan Tops Global Terrorism Index 2026 With Over 1,100 Deaths in 2025

Pakistan has ranked first on the Global Terrorism Index for 2026, according to a report released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies in April 2026. The country recorded 1,045 terror-related incidents throughout 2025, resulting in 1,139 fatalities. This marks the highest death toll from terrorism in Pakistan in more than ten years. The findings highlight the severe and ongoing internal security crisis the country continues to face.

Bihar’s migration story: How women hold the villages men leave behind

Volkswagen deploys 100 sheep as eco-friendly lawn mowers at Poland solar farm

Volkswagen has introduced a flock of 100 sheep to graze at its solar farm in Poznań, Poland, replacing conventional mechanical mowers. The 18.3 MW installation, built by Quanta Energy, consists of 31,000 panels that supply approximately 25% of the factory's annual electricity needs. The agrivoltaics initiative is being conducted in partnership with Poznań University of Life Sciences to study the impact of grazing on biodiversity, soil health, and animal welfare. The project serves as a practical demonstration of how industrial energy production and natural ecosystems can be managed together sustainably.

Kejriwal Accuses Centre of Letting Oil Firms Profit as Global Crude Prices Fall

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has criticized the central government for not reducing fuel prices despite a significant fall in global crude oil prices. He argued that petrol prices should be cut from Rs 102 to Rs 82 per litre, alleging that oil companies are being allowed to make illegitimate profits. Kejriwal also raised concerns about the rollout of E20 ethanol-blended petrol and its potential impact on consumers and vehicles. He called on automobile manufacturers to clarify their stance on the fuel-related concerns.