Times of India

External affairs minister S Jaishankar urged Bangladesh to decide on the nature of their relationship with India, highlighting issues of blame and minority attacks. He emphasized the importance of clear intentions for the future while acknowledging the historical ties between the two nations.

US President Donald Trump hailed the conservative alliance's victory in Germany's election, criticizing the Scholz regime's policy on energy and immigration. Friedrich Merz, set to become the next chancellor, plans a strict stance on undocumented migration, social welfare tourism, and crime, signaling a rightward shift.

Congress has accused BJP of spreading fake news by claiming that USAID funds intended for India were used for voter turnout. They also criticized BJP for remaining silent on US President Trump and Elon Musk's insults towards India to secure a pardon for Adani, who faces cases in America.

Around 70 Indians, including five women, were rescued from a cybercrime hub in Myanmar and moved to Thailand by Myanmar’s armed forces. The victims, hailing from various Indian states, had been coerced into cybercriminal activities, and authorities are now coordinating their return to India.

A group of 12 undocumented Indian immigrants deported from the US to Panama reached Delhi, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration. This comes after the deportation of 332 others to Amritsar earlier this month. Cases have been registered against travel agents responsible for illegal facilitation.

India has been implementing seven projects worth $750 million in collaboration with USAID. The focus is on agriculture, climate adaptation, water and sanitation, renewable energy, health, and disaster management. Ongoing since 1951, USAID has provided $17 billion over 73 years for 555 projects across multiple sectors.

Indian nationals were deceived with false job offers in Myanmar and forced into scamming US-based NRIs using various fraud tactics. They faced severe punishments, including electric shocks, if they didn't comply. The operations involved impersonation and complex coordination between different scam centers.

Inter-state government bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra remain suspended indefinitely due to linguistic tensions. The suspension follows assaults on transport personnel from both states, involving language disputes. Thousands of commuters are affected, with alternative travel arrangements being sought amid heightened security concerns.

A 58-year-old Russian tourist died in an avalanche while skiing near Manali in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district. Despite advisories and an annual ban on trekking in high-altitude areas, avalanches claimed the lives of two foreign tourists within a week. Authorities urge caution and adherence to safety guidelines.

In south Bengaluru, three cars were torched and a motorbike was severely damaged in a suspected act of revenge by a man identified as Rahul, a known criminal. The vehicles, belonging to a girl's family, were set on fire allegedly because the girl had distanced herself from Rahul, prompting him to act out violently.

German elections see opposition leader Friedrich Merz claiming victory, with the far-right Alternative for Germany achieving its strongest showing since World War II. The results indicate complications in forming a coalition, with potential partners required for Merz to secure governance.

Assam Rifles personnel intercepted a vehicle in Aizawl, seizing 4,980 sticks of explosives weighing approximately 622.5kg, and arrested three individuals. The seized explosives were suspected to be procured by the Bangladesh-based insurgent group PCJSS. The arrested individuals and the explosives were handed over to Vaivakawn police station officials.

NIA has identified suppliers of drones used in attacks at Koutruk and Kadangband in Manipur last year. Mayank Sharma and Vikram Chaudhary provided the drones and accessories. Khaigoulen Kipgen collected them after paying a substantial amount. The attacks, executed by suspected Kuki militants, involved 40 bombs dropped via drones, resulting in one death and injuries.

Pilibhit police booked six members of a Ghaziabad-based family for allegedly torturing a 27-year-old woman over dowry. The woman claimed her husband and in-laws demanded Rs 10 lakh and a luxury car despite receiving a large dowry initially. After her daughter's birth, the situation worsened, leading her to return to her parents.

Maharashtra's Aveo Pharmaceuticals was raided by state and central drug inspectors following a BBC documentary exposing their illegal export of unlicensed, addictive opioid pills to West Africa, leading to halted production and seized inventory. Authorities issued stricter export and manufacturing directives in response.

Jagadguru Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi, the 70th Acharya of Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, advocates for the return of temples and their property to their respective authorities, urging the government to relinquish control. He emphasizes the importance of using temple incomes to propagate Sanatan Dharma, educate pupils in Vedas, and support traditional initiatives, while involving youth and preparing for the next Maha Kumbh.

Neelam Gorhe, former member of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, accused the party of corruption, alleging that positions could be bought with luxury cars. Her remarks sparked protests and demands for proof from party leaders. Despite strong denials from the party, the controversy continues to escalate.

In Hapur's Garh Mukhteshwar, a minor quarrel between children led to the abduction and murder of an eight-year-old boy, Krishna Kumar. His neighbor's family kidnapped and killed him in response to a playing dispute. Three neighbors, including Deepak Kumar, have been arrested after the body was discovered on their terrace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized opposition leaders for mocking Hindu religious practices and cultural traditions, accusing them of divisive agendas supported by foreign powers. He emphasized unity and announced significant healthcare initiatives, including a new cancer hospital in Madhya Pradesh and district-wide cancer centers nationwide within three years.

Virat Kohli reached 14,000 runs in ODI cricket during the match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. In his 299th game, Kohli achieved this milestone, maintaining his position as the second-highest ODI run-scorer for India behind Sachin Tendulkar. In the contest, Pakistan managed to score 241 but a potential loss to India could jeopardise their semi-final chances.