India

India Launches Samudra Manthan Scheme to Boost Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration

India has introduced the Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme to tap into the country's untapped offshore oil and gas reserves. The initiative focuses on conducting large-scale seismic surveys to map potential hydrocarbon deposits beneath the seabed. Deepwater exploration and scientific drilling are also central components of the program. The scheme is designed to significantly expand India's domestic energy production capacity. Authorities believe the push could prove transformative for the country's long-term energy security.

PM Modi inaugurates Vivekananda Youth Cultural Centre in Mysuru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Viveka Smaraka youth centre in Mysuru, dedicated to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. The facility is designed to inspire young Indians toward nation-building and community service. Modi highlighted the pivotal role of youth in driving India's economic growth and development. He also stressed the importance of education in one's mother tongue and the promotion of locally made products. The centre is intended to nurture a generation of youth committed to national service and societal welfare.

6 dead as rain pummels Kerala

GSM Foils Chairman Arrested for Allegedly Plotting Partner's Murder Over Rs 32 Crore Debt

GSM Foils chairman Sagar Bhanusali has been accused of orchestrating a murder conspiracy against his business partner amid a financial dispute. Bhanusali allegedly failed to repay Rs 32 crore owed to his partner following the sale of his stake in the company. Stock market losses are reported to have driven the chairman into significant debt, fuelling the conflict. Police have arrested seven people in connection with the plot, including the alleged shooter. The case highlights a severe breakdown in the business relationship between the two partners.

Five Arrested After Couple Robbed and Woman Attacked in Forest Near Gader Village

Five men have been arrested in connection with a violent attack on a couple near Gader village that took place on Thursday night. A group of men dragged the couple into a forest, where they were robbed and the woman faced an attempted sexual assault. Superintendent of Police Hitika Vasal confirmed the arrests and stated that a search is underway for two additional suspects who remain at large. Authorities are actively pursuing the remaining accused to bring all those responsible to justice.

JeM Operative Arrested in Bengal Had CM, Delhi Protest on Target List

West Bengal's Special Task Force arrested an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed operative named Hamim Mondal. Investigators revealed that Mondal had planned to target Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and disrupt a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He reportedly intended to disguise himself in a police uniform to carry out sabotage activities. Mondal was allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based handlers via encrypted messaging apps. Authorities say the investigation is continuing to determine the full scope of the terror network.

Mumbai Court Frames Terror, Murder Charges Against Sachin Waze in Antilia Bomb Scare Case

A special court in Mumbai has formally framed charges against ten accused in the high-profile Antilia bomb scare case. Dismissed police officers Sachin Waze and Sunil Mane are among those charged with terrorism and murder-related offences. The court found sufficient grounds presented by the prosecution to proceed with the charges. All ten accused pleaded not guilty to the allegations levelled against them. The development marks the beginning of the trial, more than five years after the incident first occurred.

Tamil Nadu TVK Minister Sparks Row by Carrying Budget Document to Temple

A controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after a TVK minister was seen offering prayers at a temple while reportedly holding an agriculture budget document. The incident drew criticism and public attention, raising questions about the handling of official government papers. The minister, identified as Vinoth, clarified to the Times of India that the document he carried was only the budget preface and not the full budget document. His clarification was an attempt to address concerns that sensitive or complete budgetary information had been taken to a place of worship.

UEFA loses confidence in FIFA leadership after $20bn World Cup plan collapses

FIFA has scrapped its $20 billion commercial project following widespread opposition from football stakeholders. European governing body UEFA publicly declared it has lost confidence in the current FIFA leadership and its decision-making processes. UEFA also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the failed proposal. Multiple football organisations and advisors had voiced strong disapproval of the plan before its abandonment. The collapse is seen as a significant political blow to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Congress Slams RSS Over Indian Hockey Team's Jersey Colour Change

The Congress party has criticised the RSS over the reported decision to change the colour of the Indian hockey team's jersey. The party described the move as a narrow-minded political experiment, arguing it goes beyond a simple sports decision. Congress contended that the jersey colour holds deep sentimental value for millions of Indians and is tied to the country's sporting traditions. The party's remarks reflect growing political tensions over what critics see as ideological influence in sports administration.

Nepali Gurkha Nirmal Purja's Rise to UK's Elite Special Boat Service

Nirmal Purja, born in Nepal's Dhaulagiri region, built a remarkable 16-year military career across two elite forces. He initially served six years in the renowned Gorkha regiment before transitioning to the British military's Special Boat Service (SBS). The SBS is considered one of the United Kingdom's most elite special operations units. Purja's journey from a Nepali recruit to a member of Britain's special forces represents an extraordinary military achievement.

India builds layered air defence system to counter threats from drones to satellites

India is developing a comprehensive air defence initiative called Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at securing its airspace against a wide range of aerial threats. The programme integrates multiple components including radars, sensors, and various weapon platforms into a unified defence architecture. Indigenous systems such as Project Kusha and Akash missiles form a key part of the capability build-up. The layered approach is designed to effectively neutralise threats across different altitudes and ranges. This initiative is expected to significantly redefine India's overall airspace security strategy.

NSA Doval Urges Youth to Commit to Nation-Building, Warns of Misreading Freedom

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has appealed to Indian youth to dedicate themselves fully to nation-building. He cautioned that young people may confuse freedom with the liberty to act as they please, which are distinct concepts. Doval described the current moment as a 'rare window of opportunity' in India's history. He stressed that this opportunity must not be allowed to pass without meaningful contribution from the younger generation.

Nathula pass border trade resumes after 6 years; traders seek expansion of goods list

LVMH's Arnault hits back sarcastically at Le Monde's six-part family investigation

Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of luxury conglomerate LVMH, publicly mocked a Le Monde investigative series about his family and business empire via a post on X. The billionaire dismissed the newspaper's findings, denying reports of succession disputes within his family and allegations of political influence. Arnault questioned why Le Monde had dedicated such extensive resources to the multi-part series. He also defended his family's conduct and reiterated that LVMH operates with a business-first approach. The rebuttal drew attention for its notably sarcastic tone toward one of France's most prominent newspapers.

Sabres and Ducks Front-Runners to Sign Defenseman Logan Stanley in Free Agency

Defenseman Logan Stanley had a notable performance last season while splitting time between the Buffalo Sabres and the Winnipeg Jets. As the NHL free agency period approaches, Stanley is attracting interest from multiple teams. The Anaheim Ducks and the Buffalo Sabres have emerged as the leading candidates to sign the defenseman. Industry insiders predict Stanley could either join Anaheim or return to Buffalo for the upcoming season.

Rahul Gandhi Calls Delimitation a BJP Plot, Urges Tamil Nadu to Oppose It

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has described the proposed delimitation exercise as a BJP conspiracy designed to weaken Tamil Nadu's political representation. He warned that supporting the move would make one a '21st-century Ettappan,' a Tamil word meaning traitor. Gandhi urged all Tamil people, regional parties, and national parties alike to unite against the proposal. He called on political parties to defeat the delimitation measure on the floor of the House.

Nims Purja Opens Up on Choosing Broad Peak in PoK for His Next Climb

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja has revealed that climbing Broad Peak, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, was not part of his original plan. The elite climber shared his thoughts ahead of the attempt, expressing deep respect for the mountain. In a heartfelt message, Purja asked the peak for safe passage both on the ascent and descent. He emphasized that he never takes any mountain for granted, reflecting the humility and caution that defines his approach to high-altitude climbing.

Trump Caught Between Saudi Caution and Israeli Pressure Over Iran Strategy

US President Donald Trump is receiving conflicting guidance from key regional allies on how to approach Iran. Saudi Arabia is advocating for restraint and de-escalation to avoid a broader regional conflict, while Israel is pushing for a harder line against Tehran. The situation is further complicated by rising tensions, including attacks on commercial shipping and drone strikes in Kuwait. Trump has voiced frustration over the lack of diplomatic progress and Iran's unwillingness to meet American demands.

Nims Purja Opens Up on His Unexpected Decision to Climb Broad Peak in PoK

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja has revealed that climbing Broad Peak, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, was never part of his original plan. The elite climber shared his thoughts publicly, expressing deep respect for the mountain and asking only for safe passage to the summit and back. Purja emphasized that he takes no mountain for granted, reflecting his cautious and humble approach to high-altitude climbing. His candid remarks have drawn attention to both his unplanned change of course and his enduring philosophy as a mountaineer.