India

Khamenei's Funeral Route Traces Iran's Most Sacred Shia Sites

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's funeral procession is planned to pass through several cities of deep religious and political significance. The journey begins in Tehran, Iran's capital and center of political power. It then moves through Qom, a major hub of Shia Islamic scholarship and clerical authority in Iran. The route also includes the Iraqi holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, both central to Shia Muslim heritage and pilgrimage. The procession concludes in Mashhad, one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, reflecting the spiritual weight assigned to each chosen location.

Five Arrested After Lakhs Stolen From Ram Temple Donation Counting Room

Authorities have arrested multiple individuals in connection with a theft case involving stolen offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Police documents reveal that the accused, including the prime suspect Avinash Shukla, stole amounts ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Shukla, who allegedly took the largest share, confirmed during his arrest that the theft took place during the counting of donations. The case has raised serious concerns about the security and oversight of the temple's donation collection process.

NYT wins again: Judge blocks Pentagon rule that required escorts for reporters

India Leads Global Remittance Market, Powered by US and UAE Inflows

India holds a leading position in the global remittance market, with the United States and the United Arab Emirates identified as its primary source countries. Remittances represent one of the most reliable forms of external financing for the country. Unlike other capital flows, they demonstrate strong resilience against financial market fluctuations and geopolitical disruptions. This stability makes remittance inflows a critical pillar of India's external economic framework.

Mumbai Civic Body Suspends Official After Fallen Tree Kills 11-Year-Old on School Bus

An 11-year-old boy named Vihaan Srivastava lost his life in Mumbai after a tree collapsed onto the school bus he was travelling in. The incident prompted swift administrative action from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). A civic official has been suspended in connection with the tragedy. The case has raised concerns about tree maintenance and public safety responsibilities of the municipal body.

Inside Ukraine's Secretive Drone Unit Striking Deep Into Russian Territory

Ukraine operates a clandestine drone unit that has carried out retaliatory strikes on Russian military installations and oil refineries. The unit maintains extreme secrecy, with members concealing their identities and restricting phone use to avoid detection. Their operations have caused significant embarrassment to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initially believed he could seize Kyiv within days of launching the invasion four years ago. The shadow unit represents a key part of Ukraine's asymmetric warfare strategy against its larger neighbor.

General Dhiraj Seth takes over as Army Chief, unveils ‘VIJAY’ roadmap

Ayodhya Police Probe Ram Temple Donation Theft; Rs 79 Lakh Recovered So Far

Ayodhya police have intensified their investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple. Arrested suspect Avinash Shukla reportedly disclosed that stolen cash was concealed in temple washrooms and then removed in small amounts over time. Authorities are scrutinizing CCTV blind spots, access to the counting room, and financial trails linked to possible property investments. Recoveries in the case have so far amounted to more than Rs 79 lakh in cash and valuables.

Iran's Leadership Vacuum: Who Holds Power After Khamenei's Death

Iran faces a significant leadership transition following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The country's power structure is now under scrutiny as the question of succession dominates political discourse. US President Donald Trump recently commented that successive rounds of conflict had eliminated Iran's first and second tiers of leadership. Trump described the remaining third tier of Iranian leaders as rational and pragmatic, suggesting potential room for diplomatic engagement. The situation marks a pivotal moment in Iranian governance and its relations with the wider world.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gets one-year extension in service

Bengaluru techie couple arrested for killing woman's parents and sister over loan debt

Bengaluru police are investigating a triple murder case involving a techie and his live-in partner, who are accused of killing her parents and sister. The suspect allegedly used AI tools to gather information on how to inflict fatal stab wounds. The male partner has confessed to carrying out the killings while the woman was present at the scene. Investigators say the motive was rooted in mounting loan debts of around Rs 56 lakh, compounded by an alleged extramarital affair.

Over 20 Houses Burned in Manipur's Kamjong District Amid Fresh Violence

Fresh violence broke out in Manipur's Kamjong district when unidentified attackers set fire to more than 20 houses across three villages. The Kuki village of Phaimol was targeted first, after which suspected retaliatory attacks were carried out on two Tangkhul Naga villages. Security forces stepped in to intervene, though multiple structures had already been damaged by the time they arrived. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attacks. A Kuki group has condemned the violence and alleged that armed cadres were behind the incidents.

Israel to Maintain Military Presence in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza Indefinitely

Israel has declared that its troops will remain deployed in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza until further notice. On Friday, Israel and Lebanon signed a US-brokered framework agreement aimed at establishing peace between the two nations. The deal also includes provisions to disarm Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating in Lebanon. The agreement represents a significant diplomatic development facilitated by Washington in the ongoing regional conflict.

India Notifies EPF Scheme 2026 With Updates to Contributions and Withdrawals

India has officially notified the EPF Scheme 2026, introducing a revised framework for employee provident fund management. The updated scheme brings changes across key areas including member contributions, benefit structures, and compliance requirements. While the core provident fund system remains largely intact, the revisions aim to modernize and streamline existing rules. The notification signals a regulatory update that will affect both employers and employees covered under the EPF framework.

Russia Seeks Gasoline Imports from India Amid Domestic Fuel Shortage

Russia is reportedly turning to India for gasoline supplies as it faces domestic fuel shortages. Summer demand for fuel in Russia is particularly high, with daily gasoline consumption reaching at least 110,000 tons. The shortage has prompted Moscow to look beyond its borders for additional supply. India has emerged as a potential source to help bridge Russia's fuel gap during this high-demand period.

25 Indians Held Captive in Myanmar, Forced Into Cybercrime Scam Operations

At least 25 Indian nationals are being held captive in Myanmar and forced to work in cybercrime operations against their will. Among them is Kaustubh Shejwal, a 30-year-old from Nashik's Mangalmurti Nagar, who has been detained since April. The captives are reportedly subjected to electric shocks and made to work up to 18 hours a day. Families of the victims are desperately seeking intervention to secure their release.

Trump Calls US-Iran Talks in Doha 'Very Good' After Format Dispute

US President Donald Trump described recent diplomatic meetings with Iran in Doha as 'very good.' The talks had initially been threatened by a disagreement over the format of the discussions. Despite the early dispute, negotiations appeared to proceed positively according to Trump's assessment. The Doha talks are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.

Sony to End Physical Disc Releases for PlayStation Games by 2028

Sony has announced it will stop releasing PlayStation games on physical discs by 2028, marking a major shift in how players access titles. After that point, gamers will need to either download games directly through the PlayStation Store or use a digital download code purchased from a retailer. The move signals a full transition to digital distribution for PlayStation's game library. This decision reflects the broader industry trend away from physical media toward online platforms.

Tamil Nadu CM Urges Centre to Restore Gandhi's Name to Rural Jobs Scheme

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has written to the Central government demanding changes to the rural employment guarantee scheme. His principal demand is that the Centre restore Mahatma Gandhi's name to the scheme. He has also called for the Central government to fully fund both the wage and administrative components of the programme. The letter underscores ongoing tensions between the state and Centre over the structure and financing of the rural job guarantee initiative.

US stocks today: Wall Street under pressure as Nvidia, AMD & Micron lead AI stock sell-off