Times of India

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.

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.

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.

Nike and Vanessa Bryant have announced a new line of baseball gear featuring Kobe Bryant's signature for the Los Angeles Dodgers, set for release in 2025. While some fans are excited, others criticize Vanessa Bryant for allegedly monetizing Kobe's legacy excessively.

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a parked bus at Pune's Swargate terminus early Tuesday morning. The suspect is a criminal with a history of theft and robbery. The incident has raised serious concerns about security, prompting an inquiry and removal of 23 security personnel. The crime has sparked outrage, with demands for swift justice and support for the survivor.

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a criminal in a parked bus at Pune's Swargate bus terminus. The incident, which took place early Tuesday, has resulted in public outrage and demands for swift action. Authorities have identified the suspect and are conducting inquiries. Security personnel have been dismissed, and an intensive investigation is underway.

Prashant Kishor expressed his support for TVK president Vijay, vowing to assist in securing a victory in the 2026 assembly election. Kishor highlighted TVK as a movement for change, emphasizing shared values of dignity, equality, and opportunity, and urged party members to strengthen their efforts in the coming months.

In Navi Mumbai, a 14-year-old boy and his parents were apprehended for allegedly raising anti-national slogans during the India vs Pakistan cricket match. Legal experts called the police action hasty, suggesting a notice should have been issued first. The family's rented scrap shop was also demolished without notice, raising legal concerns. Police and municipal authorities cited various reasons for their actions.

AAP announced Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora as the candidate for Ludhiana West assembly bypoll, dismissing speculations about Arvind Kejriwal's entry into the upper House. Opposition criticized AAP, alleging an attempt to accommodate a non-Punjabi in Rajya Sabha from Punjab.

Indian-origin MIT graduate Tushar Shah, part of a six-person crew, completed an 11-minute space journey on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin NS-30 mission from West Texas. Shah, a supporter of philanthropic causes, is also a hedge fund partner. The spacecraft traveled past the Von Karman line, returning safely after experiencing weightlessness and offering views of Earth. This mission reflects growing India-US space collaboration.

The first cases of avian influenza virus (H5N1) in domestic cats in India have been reported in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara. This raises concerns about the virus's potential to mutate and infect humans. Scientists identified a specific strain and noted 27 mutations in the infected cats. This occurrence calls for enhanced surveillance in poultry, wild birds, mammals, and humans, due to potential human-to-human transmission.

The farmer protests at the Punjab and Haryana borders have entered their 380th day, surpassing the previous Delhi protests in duration. Farmers demand higher crop prices, debt relief, and better working conditions. Talks with the central government have been fewer this time, with six rounds in 380 days. Protest highlights include fast unto death by Jagjit Singh Dallewal and national highway blockages.