India

First-ever attack alert in Mecca sparks panic in Saudi; Muslim groups condemn Houthis

Kerala vlogger safe in Afghanistan after arrest threat over solo travel

Kerala-based travel vlogger Arunima I P has confirmed she is safe after a scare in Afghanistan's Bamyan region. Afghan authorities had interrogated her because she was travelling alone without a male escort or official guide. A previous social media post had raised alarm among her followers and drew attention from the Indian embassy. With support from locals, she was able to continue her journey despite not holding an official travel permit.

Uttarakhand Offers Up to Rs 15 Lakh Subsidy to Boost Rural Homestay Tourism

The Uttarakhand government has launched a homestay scheme aimed at promoting rural tourism by providing financial assistance to local property owners. Eligible applicants must be residents and property owners in the state, and can receive subsidies along with interest grants for construction or renovation work. Applications are submitted through an online portal and reviewed by district-level committees. Funds are disbursed only after project completion and satisfactory inspection of the property.

Iran Plane's Cabin Roof Liner Detaches After Tyre Burst During Takeoff

A dramatic incident unfolded aboard an Iranian aircraft after its cabin roof liner detached during a flight. Local media reported that a tyre burst during the takeoff run, likely sending debris into the engine and causing damage. The failure of the engine appears to have triggered the structural issue inside the cabin. Footage of the incident circulated widely, showing the alarming condition of the aircraft's interior. The full extent of damage and any injuries have not yet been officially confirmed.

Kanpur pharma trader murder: Daughter-in-law allegedly plotted killing after will exclusion

Police in Kanpur are investigating the murder of a pharmaceutical trader whose will reportedly excluded his daughter-in-law, Shalu, from inheriting property. Investigators believe the exclusion may have motivated the alleged conspiracy. A former servant has claimed that Shalu and her husband jointly planned the killing. Call records between Shalu's husband and the former servant are being examined as part of the probe. Police intend to conduct a face-to-face questioning of the suspects once custody is secured.

Sensex Rises 300 Points as Markets Await US Fed Rate Decision

Indian benchmark index Sensex gained around 300 points in early trade as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Market sentiment was cautiously optimistic ahead of the crucial Fed announcement, which is expected to influence global financial markets. Meanwhile, oil prices declined after a rise in US crude inventories offset concerns over tightening supply from Saudi Arabia. The drop in oil prices provided some relief to import-dependent economies like India. Broader market indices, including Nifty, also traded in positive territory during the session.

Brook's 49-ball ton helps England crush Sri Lanka by 119 runs in first T20I

Harry Brook smashed an unbeaten 114 off just 49 balls as England defeated Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the opening T20I. England captain Ben Stokes praised Brook's exceptional talent, drawing a bold comparison with former star Kevin Pietersen. Brook's repositioning to number three in the batting order has proven highly effective in T20 internationals. With this century, Brook became only the second Englishman after Jos Buttler to score hundreds across all three formats of the game.

Srinath Narayanan: The Calm Leader Steering India's Chess Olympiad Hopes

Srinath Narayanan has emerged as a key figure in Indian chess, providing crucial support to players like Nihal Sarin following a heartbreaking time-loss defeat. He also publicly raised concerns about India's inadequate accommodation arrangements at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. As captain of the Gambits in the Global Chess League, Srinath guided his team to a bronze medal finish after an initial setback. He now shifts his attention to India's Chess Olympiad campaign, expressing confidence in the team's youth and cohesion.

US House Advances Bill That Could Impose 100% Tariffs on India Over Russia Oil Imports

The US House of Representatives has moved forward with a bill granting President Trump authority to impose steep tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas. The legislation is designed to extend sanctions against both Russia and Iran. India, as a major buyer of Russian energy, could face tariffs as high as 100 percent on its exports to the United States under this measure. A final vote on the bill is expected imminently in the House.

100% tariffs on India? US House advances Russia sanctions Bill to give Trump new powers

Kanpur Murder Case: Victim Received 6 Calls From Alleged Killer Before Death

A businessman's son named Subrat from Kanpur, India, received six phone calls from his alleged killer on the night of his murder. The calls were made from a newly purchased SIM card, according to evidence gathered by investigators. The use of a fresh SIM card suggests the act may have been premeditated. This detail has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the ongoing murder investigation.

Video: 3 killed as helicopter crashes while covering bus collision in LA

US Bill Could Hit India With 100% Tariffs Over Russian Energy Purchases

The US House of Representatives has voted to advance a bill that would give President Donald Trump authority to impose 100% tariffs on countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia. India is among the nations that could face these steep trade penalties under the proposed legislation. The bill also seeks to extend existing US sanctions on Iran. The move reflects Washington's ongoing effort to economically pressure Russia and limit its energy revenues. If passed into law, the measure could significantly impact India's trade relationship with the United States.

Priyank Kharge Dares BJP to Recite All Vande Mataram Stanzas, Offers to Resign

Karnataka Congress minister Priyank Kharge has challenged BJP leaders to recite all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, wagering his resignation if they can do so. The challenge comes in response to a Union Home Ministry directive issued in January requiring all six stanzas of Vande Mataram to be sung when it is performed alongside the National Anthem. Kharge's remarks appear aimed at questioning the BJP's nationalist posturing on the issue. The directive had sparked political debate across the country about the practical implementation of the new rule.

Oil prices fall as US crude inventories rise despite Saudi supply concerns

India Weighs Potential UPI Transaction Charges After Years of Free Service

India's Unified Payments Interface has been free for users since its launch, with the government subsidising its adoption through substantial payouts over the years. Official data reveals that thousands of crores of rupees have been spent to support UPI's widespread growth across the country. The possible introduction of transaction charges has sparked debate about the future affordability of digital payments for everyday users. Critics argue that imposing fees could undermine the financial inclusion goals that UPI was originally designed to achieve.

Vance Slams AI Labs for Seeking Regulation After Building Risky Systems

US Vice President JD Vance has sharply criticised artificial intelligence companies for calling for global regulation while simultaneously continuing to develop powerful AI systems. He used the metaphor of building a 'Frankenstein' to argue that tech firms should not create potentially dangerous technologies and then ask governments to manage the fallout. Vance's remarks signal growing tension between the current US administration and major AI developers over responsibility and oversight. His comments come amid broader international debate on how to govern rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

FIR Filed Against Drunk Biker for Recklessly Overtaking Union Minister's Convoy in Pune

Pune police have registered an FIR against a motorcyclist for allegedly overtaking the convoy of Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol. The biker is accused of performing the dangerous maneuver while in an inebriated state. The incident took place in Pune city, prompting authorities to take legal action. Officials confirmed the case has been formally registered against the accused motorcyclist.

Six Gen Z Candidates Win Seats in Jaipur's Urban Local Body Elections

Six young Gen Z candidates secured victories in the recent urban local body elections held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The results signal a notable, if modest, entry of the younger generation into local governance in the state. The wins came as part of the broader civic polls conducted across urban areas of Rajasthan. While the number remains limited, the outcome is being seen as a meaningful step toward youth political participation at the grassroots level.

Traffic Pole Collapse in Delhi's Connaught Place Injures Two, Including Child

A traffic pole suddenly fell onto the road at Connaught Place in New Delhi on Tuesday, injuring two people. The victims included a child, according to police. The collapsing pole trapped an auto-rickshaw and a scooter that were passing through the area at the time. Authorities have confirmed the incident and are looking into the cause of the collapse.