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Thursday saw a tense exchange between Hamas and Israel as four Israeli hostages' bodies were returned, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were released. With the ceasefire's first phase concluding and its future uncertain, both sides navigate complex negotiations amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The monetised loss per gigawatt-hour of electricity generated for wheat and rice touched up to $17,370/GWh and $13,420/GWh, respectively, a new study has found

The Trump administration is making significant reductions to foreign aid contracts, slashing over 90% of USAID contracts and cutting $60 billion in global assistance. This decision follows a 90-day review of international aid programmes by USAID and the State Department. The cuts leave few projects intact, prompting legal efforts by advocates to preserve them.

The ruling coalition partners are spreading a false narrative on the Opposition party status to the YSR Congress Party, alleges MLC Lella Appi Reddy

Cabinet has approved amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with changes recommended by the Parliamentary panel, clearing its path for discussion in the budget session. The bill includes recognition of existing 'Registered Waqf by User' only and ensures broader representation in waqf boards.

40th Maha Kumbhabhishekam, organised by T. Subbarami Reddy Seva Peetham, sees huge crowds

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Assam's Morigaon district early on Thursday morning, with its epicentre at a depth of 16 km. Earlier, a 5.1 magnitude quake hit the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning, originating 91 km below the surface, as per the National Center for Seismology.

Falling rupee and rising hotel tariffs have made overseas holidays more expensive for Indians, with a 15%-20% increase in costs compared to last year. European and Southeast Asian destinations are most affected. Despite the hike, travel interest remains high, with more bookings for exotic locations. The strengthening dollar and domestic travel costs are also contributing factors. Free e-visas from several countries are boosting interest.

Banks collectively raised ₹89,588 crore via infrastructure (infra) bond issuances in the first 11 months of the current financial year against ₹51,081 crore in the year ago period

A weak rupee is increasing costs for Indian students studying abroad, exacerbated by tighter post-education work visa norms in the UK and Canada. This could lead to longer loan repayment periods or higher EMIs. Experts suggest locking in foreign exchange rates early and seeking scholarships to reduce financial burden, while recommending students to focus on emerging fields for better job prospects.

In Telangana's collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel, rescuers, including veterans from the 2023 Uttarakhand disaster, are battling time to save eight trapped men. The operation faces challenges from water and silt, with silence from the trapped adding to the uncertainty.

Panelists also pointed to India’s alarming healthcare infrastructure deficit as a major barrier to integrated healthcare

The Supreme Court has stayed a recent central notification that exempts certain projects from the need for prior environment clearance. This action follows a PIL that challenges the dilution of stringent environmental norms, claiming it could lead to unregulated construction with detrimental ecological impacts.

The Supreme Court has set guidelines for constitutional courts scrutinizing the proportionality of punishments given to legislators, enabling judicial review. The verdict clarifies that legislative punishment is not beyond judicial scrutiny, emphasizing the balance between legislative discipline and members' rights.

The Centre has argued in the Supreme Court that the six-year disqualification for convicts from contesting elections is constitutionally sound and a lifetime ban should be decided by Parliament. An advocate had filed a petition seeking a lifetime ban on convicted politicians, but the government argued that time-bound penalties ensure deterrence without being excessively harsh. Courts cannot direct Parliament on legislative policy.

The Karnataka Lokayukta SIT has submitted a fresh request to governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot for permission to prosecute Union minister HD Kumaraswamy in the 2007 Sandur illegal mining case. The case involves allegations that Kumaraswamy, as Karnataka CM, approved an illegal mining lease. Despite Kumaraswamy's claims of innocence, the SIT now awaits the governor's decision while facing pressure from CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar.

The J&K and Ladakh high court has ruled that NHAI or its concessionaire cannot collect toll tax from commuters if a highway is in bad shape due to construction activities. The court ordered NHAI to collect only 20% toll at Lakhanpur and Bann toll plazas and directed the removal of any toll plazas within 60 km of NH-44 within two months.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana in an editorial alleged that during Eknath Shinde’s government, ‘fixers’ and ‘brokers’ had a free run, but CM Devendra Fadnavis had shown them their place