More than a year after Indian forces struck terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, the central government has officially released the names of six military personnel who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor. It is the first time the identities of the fallen have been made public.

The six martyrs are Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Agniveer Mood Murli Naik, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh, and Sergeant Surendra Kumar. Five belonged to the Army; Sergeant Surendra Kumar was from the Indian Air Force.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. The Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes on nine terror facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and PoK — the most significant cross-border military action India had undertaken in years.

The targets hit included the Sawai Nala training centre in Muzaffarabad, where terrorists responsible for the Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam attacks had trained; the Syedna Bilal Camp, also in Muzaffarabad, used for weapons and jungle survival training; and the Gulpur Camp in Kotli, linked to the 2023 Poonch pilgrim attack. Strikes also hit Abbas Camp in Kotli — a fidayeen training facility just 13 kilometres from the Line of Control — Barnala Camp in Bhimber, and Sarjal Camp in Sialkot, where personnel involved in the March 2025 killing of police officers had been trained.

Two high-profile targets were Markaz Taiba in Muridke, where Ajmal Kasab and David Coleman Headley had received training before the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the Subhan Allah Mosque complex in Bahawalpur, which served as Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters and was regularly used by senior leadership for recruitment. The Mehmuna Joya Camp of Hizbul Mujahideen in Sialkot, where the Pathankot attack was planned, was also among the nine sites struck.

Military action was halted on May 10, 2025, following talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan.

The names of the six personnel will now be inscribed at the National War Memorial near India Gate in New Delhi — the memorial inaugurated in 2019 that records the names of all soldiers who have died in service to the nation since independence. With this, Operation Sindoor formally enters the roll of military operations honoured at the memorial.

For the families of the six, the public acknowledgment closes a long period of quiet grief. The government's decision to release names and ensure memorial recognition signals that the sacrifices made during the operation will be part of the official record of India's military history.

Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha is reportedly among the frontrunners for a ministerial position in the Narendra Modi-led Union government as the BJP is believed to be considering a Cabinet reshuffle. Alongside Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), and senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh are also being viewed as possible contenders for representation from Punjab.

The speculation comes after the Rajya Sabha tenure of Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu ended on June 21. Under constitutional provisions, a minister who is not a Member of Parliament can continue in office for only six months, meaning Bittu would need to secure parliamentary membership by December or vacate the post. This has triggered discussions over who could represent Punjab in the Union Cabinet if changes are made.

Although there has been no official announcement from the BJP or the Union government, political circles have been abuzz with reports that a Cabinet expansion or reshuffle could take place in the coming days. The speculation gained further momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu, though the meeting's agenda has not been officially linked to any Cabinet changes.

Raghav Chadha's name has attracted particular attention because of his recent political shift from the Aam Aadmi Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Once considered among AAP's most influential leaders in Punjab, Chadha played a key role during the party's sweeping victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where it secured 92 of the state's 117 Assembly seats.

During the initial years of the Bhagwant Mann-led government, Chadha was widely regarded as one of the party's principal strategists in Punjab. However, relations between him and the AAP leadership reportedly deteriorated over time. His eventual departure from the party marked one of the most significant political developments in Punjab in recent years.

According to reports, Chadha also played an important role in persuading several AAP parliamentarians to join the BJP, strengthening the ruling party's position while weakening its political rival. His organisational experience, communication skills and familiarity with Punjab's political landscape are believed to have enhanced his prospects within the BJP.

Political observers believe appointing Chadha as a Union minister could provide the BJP with a prominent face in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. His experience in urban constituencies and his ability to connect with professionals, entrepreneurs and business communities may help the party expand its support base in key cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar.

At the same time, his elevation could pose challenges for the Aam Aadmi Party. Having once been one of AAP's principal campaigners in Punjab, Chadha's criticism of his former party from a ministerial platform could influence political perceptions and potentially encourage more leaders to switch sides.

However, Chadha is not the only name under consideration. Ashok Mittal, who represents Punjab in the Rajya Sabha and is associated with the education sector through Lovely Professional University, is also viewed as a strong candidate. Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh, recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha, is another experienced leader whose organisational role within the party makes him a potential choice.

Despite the growing speculation, the BJP has not confirmed any names or indicated the timing of a possible Cabinet reshuffle. Until an official announcement is made, the reports remain political speculation.

If a reshuffle takes place, Punjab's representation in the Union Council of Ministers is expected to be among the key issues closely watched by political observers.

The intense media speculation surrounding the upcoming wedding of pop icon Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce has reached a fever pitch, with newly surfaced public records confirming that the couple is planning a massive celebration at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden (MSG).

While the couple has intentionally kept their arrangements hidden from the public eye—instructing guests via verbal phone calls rather than traditional mail—city permits and hyper-localized logistics have finally pulled back the curtain on the multi-day affair slated for the Fourth of July weekend.

City Permits Confirm Massive Street Closures Around MSG

Despite the camp's strict focus on operational secrecy, a high-profile event planning firm, Winick Productions, filed a formal application with New York City’s Street Activity Permit Office.

The approved documents reveal an unprecedented security perimeter being established in Midtown Manhattan to accommodate the high-profile nuptials.

Logistical Operations Map (NYC Permits):

├── Street Closures: Perimeter blocks surrounding MSG completely shut down

├── Operational Window: From July 2, 2026, through midday July 4, 2026

└── Peak Event Date: Locked in for Friday, July 3, 2026

In addition to halting public traffic around the 22,000-seat arena, the production team has secured permission to erect massive privacy canopies and structural tents outside the venue. These barriers are specifically designed to shield arriving high-profile guests from paparazzi lenses while allowing heavy equipment trucks to unload stage materials safely.

A Two-Tiered Guest List and a "No Gifts" Mandate

Insiders close to the couple report that the celebrations are divided into two distinct, highly secure phases:

• The Intimate Gathering (July 2): A private, ultra-exclusive reception hosting roughly 100 of the couple's absolute closest family members and lifelong friends.

• The Grand Spectacle (July 3): A massive reception at Madison Square Garden expected to welcome between 1,000 and 2,000 guests, including standard Hollywood royalty, pop stars, and prominent NFL figures.

The strict veil of silence has extended even to those holding invitations. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle humorously revealed the extreme levels of operational privacy during a recent media interaction.

"We don't know anything," Kittle shared. "All I know is I'm wearing a blue suit. I asked Travis about it, and he just laughed. I honestly feel like there's going to be a private jet waiting on a random runway to fly us to a secret location."

Kittle also let slip a unique detail about the couple’s etiquette guidelines: Swift and Kelce have implemented a strict "no gifts" policy for all attendees, emphasizing that the presence of their loved ones is the only tribute they require.

Strategic Timing Before NFL Training Camps Kick Off

The early July timeline was chosen deliberately to align with Kelce's grueling professional schedule. With the Kansas City Chiefs' mandatory NFL training camp officially starting on July 22, the couple carved out the holiday window to ensure they could celebrate and enjoy a brief honeymoon before the football season consumes his schedule.

Signs of the impending event are already visible across Manhattan. Multiple blocks of hotel rooms at major Midtown hotels, including the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, have been completely booked out by members of the Kansas City Chiefs roster. Furthermore, the Amtrak Police Department, which maintains jurisdiction over the subterranean transit hubs directly beneath Madison Square Garden, has been placed on high alert to handle specialized security details over the holiday weekend.

While New York City city officials and representatives for the couple have declined to issue boilerplate media statements, the sheer scale of the city filings suggests that the "TNT" wedding will easily stand as one of the largest pop-culture milestones of the decade.

US military review

A Wall Street Journal report says the US is considering relocating some military assets farther from Iran’s missile and drone range after reviewing damage to a key naval base in Bahrain. The report, citing US officials and satellite imagery, says the Bahrain base suffered more damage than Washington has publicly acknowledged.

According to the report, the Pentagon is also weighing refurbishment of the Bahrain facility while reducing its presence in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Some operations could be shifted westward, with Israel emerging as one possible location for relocated US bases.

The review comes as the Trump administration has asked Congress for an additional $87.6 billion for military operations, force readiness and replenishing weapons stockpiles. Trump has also said Iran has agreed not to acquire a nuclear weapon, though regional tensions remain high after recent military strikes and counterstrikes.

Iran targets NATO

Iran has accused NATO member states of supporting US and Israeli military action against Tehran and has demanded accountability from those governments. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had acknowledged support from countries including Italy and Romania for the US operation, according to his social media post.

Baghai said those states should explain their role to both their own citizens and the international community. Tehran argues that by supporting the US and Israel, NATO members became complicit in what it views as an unlawful military campaign.

The accusation adds another layer to an already volatile standoff in which Iran is trying to present itself as the coastal power responsible for regional navigation, while the US and Gulf states push back against any single-country control over the waterway.

Hormuz attack

Separately, a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman’s coast, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The projectile hit the starboard side of the Singapore-flagged ship and damaged the bridge, but none of the 21 crew members were injured and the vessel continued its voyage.

Singapore condemned the incident as unprovoked and unjustifiable, calling it a breach of international law. The UN maritime agency later suspended its planned evacuation mission for seafarers in the area because of security concerns.

The attack has renewed fears about the safety of shipping through one of the world’s busiest chokepoints. Brent crude climbed as much as 4% after the incident, as traders worried about possible supply disruption.

Iran’s maritime warning

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz only via routes approved by Tehran. State media reported that at least three oil tankers turned back after receiving warnings, while Iranian officials rejected any parallel or alternative route arrangements that do not involve Iran.

Iran has also warned Gulf states against backing the US over navigation rights in the strait. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said safe passage is only possible when Iran’s role as the coastal state is recognized.

The dispute is feeding broader regional unease, especially as Saudi Aramco has resumed oil loading at Ras Tanura after a near four-month halt, and several Gulf states have publicly supported a diplomatic path with the US and Iran.

Wider fallout

Violence has also continued in Lebanon and Gaza, where Israeli strikes have caused fresh casualties. Lebanon’s state media reported Israeli raids and house demolitions in the south, while a drone strike in northern Gaza killed two people on Thursday.

Japan meanwhile announced $15 million in humanitarian aid for Iran, Lebanon and the West Bank, underlining how the conflict is now spilling into aid, shipping and energy policy.

The picture that emerges is of a region where military planning, maritime security and diplomacy are moving at the same time, but not in the same direction.

The resignations come a day after eight accused, including a close aide of Champat Rai, were arrested in the temple funds embezzlement case.

 In a major development in the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra donation embezzlement case, General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr Anil Mishra have resigned from their posts. Rai submitted his resignation to trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.

Trustee Nripendra Misra confirmed the development to Dainik Bhaskar. "I have been informed about the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra," he said.

The resignations come amid mounting pressure on the trust following allegations of large-scale theft of cash, gold, silver and other offerings made by devotees at the Ram Temple.

Eight Accused Sent to Judicial Custody

Earlier on Thursday night, eight accused were arrested in the case, including Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu, a close associate of Champat Rai. All eight were produced before the CJM Court in Ayodhya on Friday and sent to judicial custody.

KC Verma, Prosecution Officer for Ayodhya, told reporters, "Eight accused persons were arrested, and they have been remanded until Monday. They will be produced in court again on Monday."

According to officials, a total of ₹79,85,493 was recovered from the accused. "Different amounts were recovered from them except for one — Subhash — nothing was recovered from him, though he was involved in the conspiracy," Verma added.

The FIR and Investigation

The first FIR in the case was registered late Thursday evening following a complaint filed by trust member Krishna Mohan. However, the FIR does not name senior office-bearers, including Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra.

The alleged theft first came to light on June 7. The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13. The SIT submitted its preliminary report to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad on June 23.

According to sources, the SIT's investigation had reportedly identified 17 people as accused, including Champat Rai, trustee Dr Anil Mishra and construction in-charge Gopal Rao. Their inclusion in the FIR had been widely anticipated.

Kejriwal Visits Ayodhya, Demands Action

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited Ayodhya on Friday to offer prayers at the Ram Temple. He described the theft as a "grave sin" and alleged that only lower-level employees had been made scapegoats.

"A massive theft has taken place at Lord Ram's home. Lord Ram's ornaments, his necklace, his footwear, the silver, gold and diamonds offered to him, as well as cash worth billions of rupees, have been stolen from the temple. Very powerful people are involved in this theft," Kejriwal said.

He further claimed, "A sham SIT has been formed and a sham FIR has been filed. The FIR names only minor players as accused, while influential individuals have been left out. There is an attempt to shield the big players."

Kejriwal later addressed a press conference at 4 pm, where he detailed his allegations.

CM Yogi Hits Back

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while responding to Kejriwal's visit, took a swipe at the AAP leader. "A gentleman from Delhi has also visited Ayodhya today. I would like to tell him that the people of Delhi gave him an opportunity to govern for several years, but he gave the city nothing except corruption," he said.

He added that if AAP had delivered the same governance in Delhi that the BJP's double-engine government has delivered in Ayodhya, Delhi too would have shone the way Ayodhya Dham does today.

Trust May Be Restructured

According to sources, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra may undergo a restructuring following the resignations. A retired IAS officer or a retired judge could be appointed as its CEO.

Sources also claim that any decision on restructuring the trust or appointing new trustees would be taken only with the concurrence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Political Reactions

Congress leader KC Venugopal said the party will raise the issue during Parliament's Monsoon Session. "This is one of the biggest issues in the country. We cannot let it go. The sentiments of millions of devotees have been hurt. The trust itself is under scrutiny. The government must answer for this," he said.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad President Alok Kumar welcomed the registration of the FIR and said he was satisfied with the action taken. However, he added that those whose names do not appear in the FIR should also be investigated.

UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the government has directed that strict action be taken in accordance with the law.

Spiritual preacher Karpatri Maharaj, however, said he was not satisfied with the SIT's investigation and urged the Chief Minister to take strict action.

The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 235, with over 4,300 people injured and more than 39,000 still missing, according to Venezuelan authorities. Rescue teams continue to pull survivors from the rubble even as fears grow that the final numbers could be much higher.

The powerful quakes hit on a national holiday, when many were indoors watching football matches. The worst-affected region is the northern coastal state of La Guaira, where over 100 buildings have collapsed and more than 70,000 families have been impacted. Local media reported voices still being heard from under debris, giving faint hope amid the destruction.

In a swift show of solidarity, India has launched ‘Operation Amistad’ to support the earthquake-hit nation. Two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft have been dispatched carrying an Indian Army field hospital unit and more than 35 tonnes of relief supplies. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India stands with the Venezuelan people and is committed to providing all possible assistance during this crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez and conveyed India’s support. The move comes as several countries rush aid and rescue teams to the South American nation.

International response has been fast. Rescue teams from El Salvador, Switzerland, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, and others have reached Venezuela. The United States has sent warships, aircraft, and announced $150 million in aid, while also temporarily easing some sanctions to facilitate relief. China, Brazil, Türkiye, and Spain are among those sending personnel, equipment, and supplies. The UN has released emergency funds and mobilised search teams, with UNICEF highlighting the urgent needs of thousands of affected children.

On the ground, the situation remains grim. Many residents spent the night in open parks and streets, afraid to return to damaged buildings due to strong aftershocks. Internet disruptions have further complicated rescue and coordination efforts. In La Guaira, families have been seen digging through rubble with bare hands in desperate attempts to find loved ones.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has been visiting affected areas, including Macuto, to meet survivors. The government is increasing emergency personnel in the worst-hit zones.

The earthquakes have struck at a difficult time for Venezuela, already grappling with political and economic challenges. Experts warn the disaster could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. The US Geological Survey has indicated a significant probability that the toll could rise further.

Several foreign nationals are among the dead and missing, including citizens from Spain, Brazil, China, Italy, and Portugal. Spain alone has confirmed two deaths with around 80 nationals still unaccounted for. Starlink has offered free satellite internet for a month to help restore connectivity in the affected regions.

Rescue operations are expected to intensify in the coming days with more international teams arriving. Voices of hope persist as one woman was pulled alive from rubble more than 24 hours after the quakes. However, with many buildings reduced to rubble, the coming hours and days will be critical.

India’s Operation Amistad reflects the country’s growing role in global humanitarian efforts. The supplies and medical team are expected to bolster on-ground medical care and relief distribution in the coming days.

As Venezuela battles one of its worst natural disasters in recent history, the focus remains on saving as many lives as possible. Further updates on the rescue efforts and rising casualty figures are awaited as the situation continues to evolve.

The electricity distribution network in Madhya Pradesh's Panna district buckled under the strain this summer. May 2026 saw power consumption hit 6.20 crore units — the highest ever recorded in the district, and a sharp jump from the 4.50 crore units consumed in May 2025 and 4.07 crore units in May 2024. The year-on-year increase of roughly 1.70 crore units has pushed the local grid to its limits.

Six transformers have failed as a result, three of them in Panna city alone. Repeated faults and tripping have disrupted power supply to consumers across the district, with the overloaded lines proving unable to handle sustained peak demand.

The surge has multiple drivers. Households have been running coolers, fans, and air conditioners through what has been an unusually demanding summer. In rural areas, pump sets used for irrigation have added significantly to the load — a pattern that typically intensifies as groundwater levels drop and farmers rely more heavily on motors. Small industries and commercial establishments have also contributed to the spike.

Electricity department officials said the pressure on transformers and distribution lines has grown considerably and that the department is working to balance demand and supply while keeping up with maintenance. Further details on restoration timelines or any planned infrastructure upgrades were not immediately available.

The record consumption figures reflect a broader trend visible across central India this summer, where rising temperatures have stretched power infrastructure in smaller district-level towns that were not built to handle this scale of demand. Panna's grid, like many others in the region, is now running well beyond the loads it was designed for.

The investigation into transformer failures is ongoing and the department is monitoring the situation.

For the first time, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has included a dedicated section on the 1975–77 Emergency in a Class 9 Social Science textbook, marking a significant change in the school curriculum under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.

The new textbook, titled Understanding Society: India and Beyond, describes the Emergency as one of the most significant challenges faced by Indian democracy. The addition comes as the country recently marked 50 years since the imposition of the Emergency, a period that continues to be debated in India’s political and historical discourse.

According to NCERT officials, the chapter has been introduced to help students understand key events that shaped democratic institutions and constitutional governance in independent India. The Emergency was declared in June 1975 by the government led by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and remained in force until 1977.

The textbook explains that public dissatisfaction with the government had been increasing during the early 1970s amid concerns over unemployment, inflation and administrative challenges. It notes that protests and political movements emerged in several parts of the country before the Emergency was proclaimed on grounds of internal disturbance.

According to the text, the Emergency period saw the suspension of several fundamental rights, restrictions on press freedom and the arrest of political leaders and activists. It states that democratic institutions came under pressure during the period and civil liberties were significantly curtailed.

The chapter also highlights the role played by Jayaprakash Narayan, widely known as Loknayak, in mobilising students and citizens against the government. The book refers to mass movements in Bihar and Gujarat, which became important developments in the political climate leading up to the Emergency.

NCERT has further noted that the 1977 general elections became a defining moment in Indian democracy. Following the withdrawal of the Emergency, voters participated in elections that resulted in the defeat of the ruling government. The textbook presents the outcome as an illustration of democratic accountability and the electorate’s ability to influence political change through constitutional means.

Beyond the Emergency, the revised curriculum discusses several contemporary challenges facing democratic systems. These include misinformation, fake news, poverty, regionalism, social discrimination, gender inequality and damage to public property. The objective, according to the textbook, is to encourage students to examine both historical and present-day issues affecting democratic governance.

A new section titled “Democracy and You” has also been introduced. It focuses on civic participation and aims to help students understand their responsibilities and role within a democratic framework.

The revised content places considerable emphasis on India’s democratic traditions and institutions. It argues that democratic practices and participatory decision-making have deep roots in the country’s historical development. The textbook also includes a dedicated discussion on the role of media, describing it as the fourth pillar of democracy and highlighting its importance in ensuring accountability and amplifying public voices.

To provide context on the scale of democratic participation in India, the book includes recent electoral data. It notes that the country had more than 96.8 crore registered voters during the 2024 elections and references the extensive network of polling stations that facilitate voting across urban and rural regions.

Examples from local governance have also been incorporated, including references to panchayats in Gujarat and women-led initiatives in Tripura. The curriculum additionally discusses women’s voting rights and reservation policies in local self-government institutions.

The inclusion of the Emergency chapter is part of broader curriculum revisions being undertaken under NEP 2020 and reflects an effort to expand students’ understanding of democratic institutions, constitutional values and key moments in India’s political history.

 In a major twist in the ongoing investigation into the murder of an 11-year-old girl in South Delhi, medical evaluation reports have revealed that the prime accused suffers from erectile dysfunction. Police sources confirmed on Thursday that a comprehensive medical examination proved the accused cab driver, identified as Bashu Kumar Singh, is clinically impotent.

During sustained interrogation following his arrest, Singh reportedly confessed to investigators that he had initially abducted the minor with the intent to sexual assault her on the rear seat of his commercial vehicle. However, due to his medical condition, he failed to execute the assault.

Fearing exposure, the accused allegedly threatened the child with dire consequences to keep her from screaming, drove her to a deserted forest patch near the Faridabad-Gurugram border, and brutally murdered her before concealing the body beneath a pile of heavy stones.

Victim Woke Up Screaming; Father Chased Cab

The harrowing sequence of events began early Monday morning when the victim's family of five was sleeping on a footpath near CDR Chowk. The 11-year-old was sleeping right beside her parents when the accused parked his app-based cab with the rear door already open.

According to the police tracking timeline:

• Abduction: Singh stealthily scooped the sleeping child into his lap and laid her onto the back seat of the commercial vehicle.

• The Chase: As the car sped away, the girl woke up and screamed out for her father. The screams alerted the sleeping family. The victim's father desperately chased the fleeing vehicle, hurling sticks to force it to a halt, but the cab managed to break away.

• The Route: The distraught father could only identify that the vehicle bore a yellow commercial registration plate. Investigators later established that the accused drove the panicked child for approximately 10 to 12 kilometers toward Mandi Road near Fatehpur Beri.

Accused Cleaned Up and Returned to Work Before Arrest

Following the murder and disposal of the body at the interstate border, the accused drove back to his rented accommodation in Gurugram. In a display of chilling normalcy, Singh changed his clothes and immediately returned to the streets to resume his regular duties as a cab driver.

The breakthrough came within a matter of hours. A dedicated police team mapped out digital footprints by reviewing CCTV cameras installed across commercial establishments near the abduction site. Tracing the trajectory of the yellow-plate vehicle led them directly to Singh's hideout, resulting in his swift arrest.

Shot in the Leg During Custodial Escape Attempt

The development comes a day after Singh was shot in the left leg during a police encounter on Wednesday. The confrontation took place when an investigative unit escorted the accused back to the dense forest patch to recreate the crime scene and recover forensic links.

"While the team was mapping out the terrain, the accused attempted to overpower the accompanying personnel and break custody to flee. Officers opened fire in self-defense and to stop his escape, hitting him in the leg," a senior Delhi Police official stated.

Images from the encounter site showed security personnel carrying the wounded suspect out of the rugged terrain on their shoulders. Singh is currently admitted to a state-run medical facility under heavy guard, where he remains under treatment while legal sections are being upgraded following his detailed confessions.

New CCTV and call‑record evidence has deepened the probe into the Lohagad Fort death of 26‑year‑old Ketan Agrawal, police said on Thursday, after accused fiancée Siya Goyal told investigators she had wanted to end the engagement but Ketan refused. Officers say Siya met alleged accomplice Chetan Chaudhary at a café on June 17 — a day before Ketan was pushed from a dangerous spot at the fort on June 18.

What investigators say

• Pune Rural Police told a magistrate that CCTV recovered from Lohagad shows a third person trailing the couple on June 18; that man — hooded in summer heat — later matched images of Chetan, officials said.

• Call detail records examined by police show roughly 2,004 calls between Siya and Chetan from January through the morning of June 18, amounting to about 338 hours of talk time. Authorities say the frequency and duration of calls indicate a sustained relationship.

• During custodial questioning, Siya reportedly admitted she wanted to call off the marriage and had repeatedly told Ketan so; police are treating this as one possible motive under investigation.

Alleged pattern of attempts
Police say the killing followed earlier incidents that point to premeditation:

• On May 31, both visited Lohagad and, according to investigators, Siya is believed to have conceived the idea of pushing Ketan from the fort’s edge.

• On June 14, officers allege Siya attempted to push Ketan at the fort but he survived by grabbing a bush; Siya later told him she’d pushed him because she had seen a snake. Ketan reportedly accepted that explanation at the time.

• Investigators say a pre‑planned backup — a staged road accident after June 20 — was part of their contingency if Ketan survived a first attempt.

Café meeting and planning
Police sources said CCTV and witness statements place Siya and Chetan together at a café on June 17, where they allegedly discussed the plan and identified the precise spot on the fort from which Ketan would be pushed. Chetan — who has been held in custody — told investigators Siya did not want to elope because she feared dishonour to her family, according to police summaries of questioning.

Custody and further questioning
Both Siya (20) and Chetan (22) have been remanded to seven days’ police custody and were questioned face‑to‑face late Wednesday night, officials said. Pune police also detained Neeraj, an employee at Chetan’s shop, because investigators believe Chetan carried Neeraj’s phone to the fort on June 18; that device is being examined for call logs and location data.

What tipped investigators
Police highlight three linked clues that shifted the case from accidental‑fall to homicide investigation:

1. Behavioural cue: Ketan’s sister said Siya’s answers about the fall were evasive when questioned, increasing suspicion.

2. CCTV anomaly: A hooded male in summer attire trailing the couple on fort stairs drew attention.

3. Call logs: Intensive call activity between Siya and Chetan (about two hours daily on average) showed an unusually close connection.

Family and background
Ketan came from a prominent Pune real‑estate family; his father Vishal Agrawal is a director at Success Group. The couple had been engaged in February and a November wedding was being planned — police said a lavish venue and travel arrangements had already been booked. Siya is the daughter of a dry‑fruits businessman, officers added.

What police are still establishing
Investigators said they are reconstructing timelines using CCTV, phone‑tower pings and forensic checks at the fort. Forensics teams are analysing injury patterns and any trace evidence; exact forensic results and a formal motive are still pending. Police emphasised that the probe is ongoing and they would reveal more as evidence is verified.

Why it matters
The case contrasts a public social‑media narrative of romance and wedding preparations with alleged clandestine plotting and a calculated attack. It shows how digital footprints — calls, CCTV and social posts — have become central to criminal probes. The accused remain in custody as Pune police prepare a charge sheet.

Further details awaited
Authorities said they will share the next updates after custodial interrogation concludes and forensic reports come in. The court has directed that both accused remain in police custody until June 29.

US President Donald Trump has strongly denied allegations that an American missile was responsible for the February attack on a girls’ school in Iran that killed more than 175 students and teachers.

Speaking on the issue, Trump said there is no evidence linking US forces to the strike on the Minab Girls School. “Someone said it was our missile, but it may not have been our missile. I have not seen any evidence that we carried out the attack,” he remarked. He added that missiles were being fired from multiple directions at the time, making it difficult to pinpoint the source.

The comments mark a shift from Trump’s position just 10 days ago, when he had described the incident as a “mistake” and said the school was not deliberately targeted. Reports in March had suggested a preliminary military investigation pointed to possible US involvement, though the Pentagon has maintained that its probe is still ongoing and has not confirmed any findings.

Iranian authorities had earlier reported that the strike on February 28 devastated the school in southern Iran, killing students and teachers. The UN Human Rights Office described the attack as “horrific” and called for a full, independent investigation.

The denial comes even as diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran continue following the recent conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been actively engaging Gulf countries during his ongoing visit to Bahrain, UAE, and Kuwait to build support for the US-Iran agreement and address concerns over regional security, including navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Rubio has reiterated Washington’s firm stance against any transit fees in the Strait and pushed for IAEA access to Iranian nuclear sites. Technical-level talks between the two sides are expected to resume soon, possibly by June 29-30.

Meanwhile, crude oil prices have eased further, with US benchmark WTI dropping below $70 per barrel amid hopes of stabilising energy supplies after the conflict.

Trump’s latest remarks are being seen as an attempt to distance the administration from the controversial incident while negotiations with Tehran remain delicate. Iranian officials have not yet issued a direct response to his denial.

The tragedy at Minab had drawn global attention earlier, with footage of the damaged school building circulating widely. Questions about accountability continue to linger as investigations by various parties remain inconclusive.

Further details on the military probe and any new diplomatic developments are still awaited. The incident continues to cast a shadow over the broader US-Iran engagement, even as both sides appear focused on preventing fresh escalation.

The 7.5 magnitude quake is the strongest to hit the country since 1900; international rescue teams are being deployed as acting president declares a state of emergency.

At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and nearly 1,000 injured after two powerful earthquakes — measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude — struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, reducing buildings to rubble and triggering widespread panic across the capital and coastal regions.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who announced the death toll on Thursday, described the situation as a "true tragedy." The number of casualties is expected to rise significantly. A website tracking missing persons has listed over 7,380 people as unaccounted for as of Thursday afternoon.

The first quake struck about 160 km west of Caracas at a depth of 13 km. Less than a minute later, a second, stronger tremor of 7.5 magnitude hit near Morón at a depth of just 10 km. The shallower depth meant more intense ground shaking, causing severe damage across a wide area.

This is Venezuela's strongest earthquake event in 126 years, surpassing any since the magnitude 7.7 quake of 1900.

La Guaira Becomes 'Disaster Zone'

The port city of La Guaira, north of Caracas, has been the worst-hit area. Officials said at least 15 buildings collapsed there, with rescue teams continuing to search for survivors. Acting President Rodríguez described the area as a "disaster zone."

In Caracas, several residential buildings collapsed, including a five-flat structure in the San Bernardino district. The Chacao municipality reported four building collapses and at least one death, with 30 other structures deemed structurally compromised.

Rescue workers have pulled several survivors from the debris. Three children were rescued alive from a collapsed building in La Guaira. In the Baruta municipality, search operations were completed after three people were confirmed dead in the Las Minas de Baruta parish.

Internet Disrupted, Gas Supply Cut

Internet connectivity across Venezuela dropped to 59% of normal levels shortly after the quakes, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The disruption, linked to power outages and infrastructure damage, has hampered information flow from affected areas.

Venezuela's interior minister said gas supplies were temporarily cut off as a precaution while authorities assess damage to prevent gas-related accidents.

The Simon Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía sustained significant damage and remains closed. Schools have been ordered closed nationwide, with some buildings being converted into relief shelters.

USGS Warns Death Toll Could Cross 10,000

The US Geological Survey has issued a red alert — the highest warning level — estimating that fatalities could range between 10,000 and 100,000. The agency puts a 44% chance that the death toll exceeds 10,000 and a 30% chance it surpasses 100,000.

The estimate is based on the earthquake's magnitude, depth, ground shaking, population exposure, and comparisons to similar past events. The final toll will depend on factors like building quality and the time of day the quake struck.

International Response Pours In

US President Donald Trump pledged "a whole-of-government response" to the disaster, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying it will be "big, fast, and effective."

Several nations have offered assistance:

- El Salvador: 300 rescuers and 50 tonnes of equipment ready for deployment

- Germany: Six A400M military transport aircraft on standby

- Switzerland: 80 rescue workers and 18 tonnes of equipment being sent

- EU: Copernicus satellite surveillance activated

- UN: Specialist rescue teams certified by the UN are en route

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and said India stands ready to assist in every possible way.

A City in Shock

Luis Alejandro Ruiz Garcia, a 25-year-old Caracas resident, described scenes of devastation. He received a Google earthquake alert moments before violent shaking cracked a wall in his home. "When we went downstairs, it looked like something out of a horror movie. We had to climb over the rubble from the building. You could hear the banging and the screams of people calling for help."

Another resident, Maria Alejandra, told Al Jazeera: "The walls had fallen, the bars were broken. I only saw one family make it out."

The earthquake struck in the evening, and rescue teams have been working through the rubble all night. The government has declared a nationwide state of emergency.

Japan Also Hit by 6.9 Magnitude Quake

In a separate development, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Japan's northeastern coast. Authorities reported no tsunami threat and no major damage or casualties so far. Bullet train services between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori were temporarily suspended as a precaution.