India

India's Groundwater Crisis: Can Monsoon Rains Replenish What We Extract?

Every summer, water scarcity grips large parts of India as reservoirs deplete and rivers run dry. Communities across cities and villages increasingly depend on groundwater to meet drinking and agricultural needs. This growing reliance raises a critical question about whether seasonal monsoon rainfall is sufficient to replenish the groundwater being withdrawn. The sustainability of India's water supply hinges on the balance between extraction rates and natural recharge cycles.

Terror suspects open fire at brick kiln workers in J&K's Kulgam, 2 injured

CBI Arrests Two Suspects in Murder of Suvendu Adhikari Aide in West Bengal

The CBI has arrested two individuals in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Rath was shot dead on the evening of May 6 in Madhyamgram, located in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The incident occurred while he was on his way home. Investigators are now examining a possible political motive behind the killing.

Rashmika Mandanna sustains hip injury on set, faces six-week recovery

Actress Rashmika Mandanna suffered a significant hip injury while shooting a demanding dance sequence on set. Medical professionals have recommended a complete rest of six weeks to ensure proper recovery. The injury is expected to disrupt her commitments across multiple high-budget film productions she is currently involved in. Her brand endorsement schedules are also likely to be affected during the recovery period. Fans and well-wishers have expressed support for the actress as she recuperates.

'Muslims can't regard country as deity': Islamic body objects to Vande Mataram Bill

Taslima Nasreen Returns to Kolkata 18 Years After Being Forced to Leave

Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata, describing the visit as feeling like a homecoming. She had originally made the city her home after leaving Dhaka, but was forced to depart in 2007 following large-scale protests against her controversial memoir 'Dwikhandito'. Since then, she had been residing in Delhi. Speaking to NDTV, Nasreen expressed an emotional connection to Kolkata, likening it to returning to her own country.

Trump Cites Spain's Ceuta Migrant Crisis to Justify US Immigration Crackdowns

President Donald Trump referenced the migrant crisis in Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the Moroccan coast, as a warning for the United States. The White House used the situation to draw direct parallels between events in Ceuta and Trump's immigration enforcement policies at home. Trump urged Americans to remember images from the crisis, framing them as a cautionary example of unchecked migration. The messaging was part of a broader White House effort to build public support for Trump's signature immigration crackdowns.

Pakistan Minister Warns Broken System Cannot Solve Nation's Problems

Pakistani Minister Naqvi addressed the Pakistan Economic Summit in Islamabad on Thursday. Speaking at the event, he argued that the country's existing governance system is no longer capable of resolving Pakistan's challenges. He warned that the nation's youth, if mobilized collectively, could potentially trigger a significant political movement. His remarks highlighted growing concerns about structural failures in Pakistan's governance and the restlessness among its younger population.

Colorado home listed at $215K as-is with occupant refusing to vacate

A Colorado home is being sold at $215,000 under unusual conditions that bar prospective buyers from conducting property inspections. The current resident has refused to leave, citing a prolonged foreclosure process and personal hardship as reasons for her resistance to eviction. The property is being marketed despite the occupant remaining firmly in place, creating a legally complex situation for any potential purchaser. Real estate professionals have warned that buyers could face significant legal and financial risks if they proceed with the acquisition.

US proposes stricter J-1 visa rules; Indian researchers, docs could be affected

India may rest Bumrah for Sri Lanka Tests pending fitness clearance

Jasprit Bumrah, 32, has been selected in India's squad for the Sri Lanka Test series under Shubman Gill's captaincy, but his participation remains subject to a fitness assessment. The pacer missed the third ODI against England at Lord's due to an impact injury to his left knee. Despite the injury concern, Bumrah impressed in the two ODI matches he did feature in. Indian team management is likely to take a cautious approach and monitor his recovery before confirming his availability for the Tests.

Illegal cockfighting trade drives poaching of critically endangered sawfish

Critically endangered sawfish are being poached for their distinctive rostrums, which are carved into spurs used in illegal cockfighting. The trade is especially widespread in Peru, where these transactions take place informally and out of sight of authorities. A single rostrum can command thousands of dollars on the black market, making the practice highly lucrative. The concealed nature of the trade makes enforcement extremely challenging for wildlife officials. Conservationists warn that this hidden market is causing serious damage to already vulnerable sawfish populations.

Russia strikes military vessel near Odesa; Ukraine hits Volgograd oil refinery

Russia claimed it struck a vessel carrying military cargo near the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. In a retaliatory move, Ukraine reported hitting Russia's Volgograd oil refinery along with port infrastructure. Both sides are intensifying attacks on each other's logistics networks and supply chains. The escalating strikes underscore the strategic importance of the Black Sea region in the ongoing conflict.

Iran's IRGC Strikes Two Tankers in Strait of Hormuz, Others Reverse Course

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz under a reported US air escort. The IRGC described the vessels as 'non-compliant' and said they were struck and halted. Four additional tankers that were part of the group promptly changed course and retreated to their prior positions. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over freedom of navigation in the strategically vital strait. No further details on casualties or vessel nationalities were immediately available.

Spain Deploys Divers, Drones and Police to Address Ceuta Migration Crisis

Spain is mobilizing security reinforcements to tackle an ongoing migration crisis in Ceuta, its territory bordering Morocco. The deployment includes eight divers, a boat, and drones, expected to be dispatched within hours. Ceuta has long been a key entry point for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Africa. The Spanish government is stepping up its response as authorities work to manage the situation at this sensitive border enclave.

'Not Morocco, please': The human stories behind Spain's migrant crisis

Hamas Agrees to Disarm in Exchange for Phased Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza

Hamas has reached an agreement to surrender its weapons as part of a negotiated deal with Israel. In return, Israeli forces are set to withdraw from the Gaza Strip in a phased manner. The agreement comes after a prolonged and devastating conflict that has left Gaza in ruins. Residents of Gaza have described the extended period of war as an enduring ordeal, reflecting the severe humanitarian toll of the conflict.

Bihar STF constable arrested as probe intensifies into Bharat Tiwari’s death

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar says urged Iran to avoid attacks on commercial ships, conveyed deep concern

'India always supportive of dialogue and diplomacy': Jaishankar speaks to Iran FM