Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin lauded the Thackeray brothers' unity against alleged Hindi imposition in Maharashtra. He criticized the Centre for withholding funds and questioned the languages taught in Hindi-belt schools. Following protests led by Uddhav Thackeray, the Maharashtra government retreated from making Hindi compulsory.Original Article
‘Come, let us unite’: MK Stalin hails Thackeray brothers’ anti-Hindi powerplay; vows to ‘teach BJP a lesson’
Kolkata gangrape: Accused drank alcohol in college for hours after assault; warned guard to stay quiet
Following the gangrape of a student at South Calcutta Law College on June 25, the three accused, Monojit Mishra, Pramit Mukherjee, and Zaib Ahmed, allegedly spent hours drinking in the college guard room. They warned the security guard to remain silent before leaving for dinner.Original Article
‘Big fish’ bomb maker: Police say terror suspect was inspired by Zakir Naik; behind BJP office blast
Andhra Pradesh Police have identified Abubacker Siddique, arrested in Rayachoti, as a key terror operative with bomb-making expertise and links to past attacks. Inspired by Zakir Naik, he allegedly assisted extremist groups and is suspected of involvement in the Bengaluru BJP office bombing and the Madurai pipe-bomb attempt. Authorities seized explosive materials, Isis literature, and digital evidence, investigating his wider network.Original Article
Takht Patna Sahib declares Sukhbir Badal ‘tankhaiya’: Accused of ignoring summons; role in religious row
Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal president, has been declared a ‘tankhaiya’ by Takht Sri Patna Sahib for alleged involvement in a conflict between Sikh religious authorities. This follows a similar declaration by Akal Takht last year. Takht Patna Sahib claims Badal ignored summons related to the dispute that began in May.Original Article
Iguana, black fox, raccoon: Passenger caught smuggling 45 animals at Mumbai airport; several suffocated in transit
In a shocking incident at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, authorities seized 45 exotic animals from a traveler arriving on a Thai Airways flight. The smuggled creatures, including iguanas, black foxes, raccoons, and hyraxes, were discovered during a customs search. Tragically, many had already died due to suffocation and inhumane trafficking conditions.Original Article
Evening news wrap: Thackeray brothers unite after 20 years; Bilawal Bhutto says Pak open to extraditing terrorists; and more
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunited after two decades, criticizing the BJP for undermining Marathi culture. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed willingness to extradite terror suspects with Indian cooperation, while Nehal Modi was arrested in the US in connection with the PNB scam.Original Article
India plans supersonic firepower upgrade: IAF eyes Israeli AIR LORA missile after Rampage success – details
The Indian Air Force is considering acquiring the AIR LORA missile from Israel Aerospace Industries to enhance its long-range strike capabilities. With a range of 400 kilometers, AIR LORA offers precision strikes from a safer distance, targeting high-value assets like airbases and command centers. Its fire-and-forget system and all-weather capability make it a versatile addition to the IAF's arsenal.Original Article
INS Udaygiri delivered: Second stealth frigate under Project 17A; why is it important?
The Indian Navy has received Udaygiri, a state-of-the-art stealth frigate, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. As the second of seven ships under Project 17A, Udaygiri boasts advanced stealth features, modern weaponry, and sensors. Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, its construction involved over 200 Indian MSMEs, highlighting India's progress in self-reliant shipbuilding.Original Article
Electoral roll revision: Rabri Devi asks people to ‘refuse’ document checks by poll officials; alleges ‘conspiracy’
Rashtriya Janata Dal urged Bihar residents to resist showing documents beyond voter IDs during the Election Commission's intensive electoral roll revision, alleging a conspiracy to disenfranchise poor voters. The Election Commission defended the revision as a routine update before elections, addressing past complaints about voter list authenticity.Original Article