India

Navy Chief Stresses Self-Reliance After Lessons from Global Maritime Chokepoints

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan addressed the NDTV Defence Summit 2026, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in naval operations. He stated that the Navy continuously monitors and evaluates evolving threat environments. His remarks were informed by strategic observations from key global maritime chokepoints, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. The focus on 'Aatmanirbharta', or self-reliance, reflects India's broader push to reduce dependence on foreign defence assets.

NTA Deploys CISF Team and Tightens Security After NEET Paper Leak Scandal

The National Testing Agency has overhauled its security measures following the NEET exam paper leak controversy. A dedicated team of 29 CISF personnel has been deployed at the agency's new office to ensure strict oversight of confidential examination areas. NTA is also strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure and reviewing its end-to-end examination processes to prevent unauthorized access. Independent audits are set to be carried out to further bolster the integrity of future examinations.

Tamil Nadu withdraws RTI exemption for Law and Order Department after backlash

The Tamil Nadu government issued a notification exempting its Public (Law and Order) Department from the Right to Information Act. The move drew sharp criticism from political leaders and civil society, who warned it would undermine transparency and restrict public access to important law enforcement records. Facing widespread condemnation, the state government quickly reversed its decision. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the RTI Act following the rollback.

Two Giant Pandas Arrive in US From China Under Panda Diplomacy Program

Two giant pandas named Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have arrived in the United States from China. The animals are part of China's long-standing 'panda diplomacy' initiative, through which Beijing loans the beloved bears to foreign nations. The programme is designed to strengthen diplomatic and bilateral ties between China and other countries. Giant pandas enjoy widespread global popularity, making them effective symbols of goodwill in international relations.

Ancy Sojan Misses Asian Games Long Jump Gold by 2cm; Shaili Singh Finishes Fourth

At the Asian Games 2026, Indian athlete Ancy Sojan narrowly missed the gold medal in the women's long jump event. She recorded an impressive jump of 6.53m but was edged out by China's Yingying Huang, who won gold with a leap of 6.55m. Fellow Indian competitor Shaili Singh was in contention for a bronze medal heading into the final round. However, a strong last jump by China's Mengyi Tan pushed Shaili down to fourth place, leaving both Indian athletes without a podium finish.

Adani's Dhamra Port to Switch Entirely to Renewable Energy by August 2026

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has announced that its Dhamra Port will transition to running entirely on renewable energy by August 2026. The move is part of APSEZ's broader long-term Net-Zero emissions strategy. The shift is expected to significantly cut down emissions linked to purchased electricity at the facility. Dhamra Port's energy-intensive operations are anticipated to see notable environmental improvements as a result of this transition.

Pregnant Woman Burnt Alive in Maharashtra After Being Taken 275 km Away

A pregnant woman was killed in a horrific attack in Maharashtra's Dhule district. The accused allegedly transported her approximately 275 kilometres from the location of an initial altercation during which she had fainted. She was then taken to a remote, deserted hilly area where the accused poured petrol on her body and set her on fire. The incident has drawn serious concern over the safety of women in the region.

Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma Slaps Man During Road Inspection Visit

Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma was caught on video slapping a man during an official road inspection visit. The incident occurred when the individual was filming the minister during the inspection. The altercation was captured on camera and the footage subsequently circulated widely. The incident has drawn public attention and criticism toward the minister's conduct during an official government duty.

‘We have handcuffs ready’: Trump admin warns H-1B visa programme may see major changes

20-year-old Azerbaijani woman allegedly drugged, gang-raped in Lahore

Sehwag hosts Rise and Fall Season 2 on Prime Video despite sons' image concerns

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag is set to host Season 2 of Rise and Fall, now streaming on Prime Video. His sons Aryavir and Vedant expressed concerns that the show's intense format could damage his public image. Sehwag reassured them that his role would focus on mediating challenges rather than fuelling confrontations. The reality show divides contestants into two groups — Rulers and Workers — with gameplay built around strategy and alliances.

Waterfront Estate for sale: 16-acre Marshall property hits the market for $13m

Amid ecological concerns, rail line set to connect Uri with Baramulla shelved

'Recite Bhagavad Gita fearlessly': Suvendu claims 'winds have changed' in Bengal

Several Arrested Near UK Air Base RAF Fairford in Explosives Scare

Multiple men were arrested near RAF Fairford in the UK on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Residents of the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated to a leisure centre in Cirencester as a precaution. Police set up a cordon around the area while an Army bomb disposal team examined several vehicles. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation into the incident. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the arrests are directly linked to RAF Fairford itself.

TRAI Introduces 30-Day Prepaid Plans and Voice-Only Recharge Options

India's Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) has announced upgrades to prepaid mobile recharge offerings for consumers. The changes include new Special Tariff Vouchers focused on voice calls and SMS, without mandatory data bundling. Plans with a validity of 30 days or shorter are now available to users. The move is aimed at benefiting senior citizens and budget-conscious users who do not require mobile data. The reform follows concerns highlighted by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha regarding affordable, voice-only prepaid options.

Artists saved Nina Simone’s childhood home; it is now fully restored

Bihar Liquor Smugglers Use Code Words and Hidden Compartments to Beat Prohibition

Despite a prohibition law in Bihar, liquor smugglers are growing increasingly sophisticated in their operations. They use coded language in communications to replace well-known brand names and avoid detection by authorities. Contraband is concealed in everyday items such as snack packaging and medicine containers, as well as in vehicles with hidden compartments. Smugglers continue to adapt their tactics in response to law enforcement crackdowns. Authorities are finding it difficult to keep pace with and dismantle these evolving smuggling networks.

Drug Allegations Take Centre Stage in Punjab Ahead of State Elections

In Punjab, the issue of drug abuse has long held an outsized role in both public life and electoral politics. As elections approach, accusations related to drug use have taken on a sharply political dimension, extending far beyond personal conduct. Political parties appear increasingly focused on the optics of anti-drug efforts rather than substantive action. The drug narrative has become a key battleground for competing factions seeking to gain voter trust and moral high ground.

Kashmera Shah defends Sunita Ahuja amid Komal Rani affair controversy

Actress Kashmera Shah has publicly backed Sunita Ahuja, wife of actor Govinda, following a cryptic Instagram post by Komal Rani. Kashmera expressed that it was the first time women in their family had been labelled 'murderers' simply for standing up for their loved ones. Komal Rani, without directly naming Sunita, appeared to question her intentions through the social media post. The dispute stems from rumours of an affair between Govinda and Komal Rani, his co-star from the film 'Roopa', which surfaced earlier this year.