France deployed its new Rafale Marine F4 fighter jets aboard the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to monitor Russian warships, including those near strategic areas. Simultaneously, NATO has been conducting military exercises near Kaliningrad, Russia's heavily militarized exclave between Poland and Lithuania. These drills signal NATO's readiness to defend Baltic allies amid rising tensions with Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Russia views such exercises as provocative, while NATO insists they are defensive, aimed at deterring aggression.

The Bombay High Court slammed Maharashtra police for failing to arrest nine accused in the assault case of a doctor in Palghar district. The court questioned why the accused were still absconding despite the passage of time since the incident. The doctor was allegedly attacked while on duty. The HC expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, directing authorities to take immediate steps to apprehend the absconding accused and file a status report. The court emphasized accountability and swift justice for the victim.

A forest rights group has urged India's Tribal Affairs Ministry to withdraw its controversial stance regarding Gram Sabha consent for diverting forest land for development projects. The group argues that the Ministry's position undermines the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which mandates obtaining consent from Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) before any forest land diversion. Critics fear this weakens tribal communities' rights over their ancestral lands and forests. The demand highlights ongoing tensions between development projects and indigenous rights protection in India.

The Indian government has approved 8 railway multi-tracking projects worth Rs 20,804 crore to enhance rail connectivity and reduce congestion on busy routes. These projects aim to expand existing rail lines by adding additional tracks, improving train frequency, speed, and capacity across multiple states. The initiative will boost freight and passenger movement, reduce travel time, and support economic growth. It will also generate employment during construction. The projects align with the government's vision of modernizing Indian Railways infrastructure and ensuring safer, more efficient rail operations nationwide.

Wall Street stocks declined as oil prices surged past $100 per barrel, intensifying inflation concerns among investors. Rising energy costs fueled fears of prolonged high inflation, potentially forcing the Federal Reserve to maintain aggressive interest rate hikes. Major indices, including the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, fell as energy-sensitive sectors weighed on markets. Investors grew cautious over corporate earnings prospects, as higher input costs threaten profit margins. The geopolitical tensions and supply constraints driving oil prices added further uncertainty to an already volatile market.

Germany faces a growing challenge from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has surged in polls amid concerns over immigration, inflation, and energy costs. The AfD has gained significant support in eastern states, winning regional elections. Mainstream parties have maintained a "firewall" policy, refusing coalitions with the AfD. Experts urge addressing root causes like economic inequality, improving integration policies, and strengthening democratic civic education. Critics warn that ignoring voter frustrations only fuels extremism further.

A major accident occurred at a construction site in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, when a heavy iron slab collapsed, trapping several workers beneath the debris. Rescue teams swiftly responded, successfully rescuing 15 trapped workers from the site. Of those rescued, 12 workers sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse, with initial reports suggesting possible structural failure or safety lapses at the site. The incident has raised serious concerns about construction safety standards and worker protection measures in the region. Officials have urged strict compliance with safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Several U.S. states that previously offered massive tax incentives to attract data centers are now reversing course. As AI-driven data centers surge in demand, they're consuming enormous amounts of electricity and water while creating few jobs relative to their footprint. States like Virginia, Georgia, and others are reconsidering or repealing billions in tax breaks, recognizing the deals haven't delivered promised economic benefits. Rising energy costs, grid strain, and community opposition are driving lawmakers to impose new taxes and moratoriums on data center development.

In a political clash, Congress and National Conference (NC) traded barbs after NC leaders Omar and Farooq Abdullah stood for the full rendition of Vande Mataram at an event. Congress criticized the gesture as politically motivated, while NC defended it as a display of patriotism. The incident sparked debate over nationalism and identity politics in Jammu & Kashmir. Both parties accused each other of exploiting the issue for electoral gains, deepening rifts within the opposition alliance ahead of elections.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a ₹20,804 crore railway infrastructure upgrade project aimed at easing congestion across 9 states. The project involves doubling, tripling, and quadrupling of key rail sections to enhance capacity and reduce bottlenecks on heavily used routes. It will improve freight and passenger train movement, boost connectivity, and support economic growth. The upgrades span critical corridors, ensuring faster travel and efficient goods transport. Completion is expected to significantly decongest saturated railway networks nationwide.

A major mishap occurred in Gujarat's Gandhinagar when a slab of an under-construction building collapsed, leaving around 10 workers feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operations were immediately launched by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities. Emergency teams, including fire brigade personnel, rushed to the site to locate and rescue the trapped laborers. Several workers sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals. Officials initiated an investigation into the cause of the collapse, suspecting possible structural negligence or violation of safety norms. The incident has raised serious concerns over construction safety standards in the region.

Former census officials have raised concerns about maintaining the confidentiality of Census data amid fears it could be linked to the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). They warn that sharing personal data collected during the Census with NPR or NRC processes could violate citizens' privacy and erode public trust. The Census Act mandates strict data confidentiality, prohibiting its use for any non-statistical purpose. Experts fear linking these exercises may discourage participation, leading to inaccurate data. The debate intensifies as the government plans to update NPR alongside the Census, raising questions about data security and potential misuse for citizenship verification.

Nepal's government has issued a notice urging families of foreign nationals missing after devastating floods to submit DNA samples to help identify victims. Severe flooding and landslides, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, killed over 200 people and left many missing. Authorities are struggling to identify decomposed bodies recovered from rivers and debris. The notice targets families of migrant workers and foreigners believed affected. Nepal seeks international cooperation for identification, as many bodies remain unclaimed. Rescue operations continue amid challenging terrain conditions.

**NEET-UG पेपर लीक मामले में आरोप तय करने पर सुनवाई हुई। आरोपी के वकील ने कोर्ट में दलील दी कि उनके मुवक्किल पब्लिक सर्वेंट नहीं हैं, इसलिए उन पर सरकारी भरोसा तोड़ने का आरोप नहीं लग सकता। वकील ने कहा कि न तो कोई विश्वासघात हुआ और न ही कोई अपराध किया गया। NEET-UG 2024 पेपर लीक कांड में कई आरोपी गिरफ्तार हुए थे। CBI इस मामले की जांच कर रही है। कोर्ट अब आरोप तय करने पर आगे फैसला करेगी। यह मामला लाखों छात्रों की परीक्षा की पारदर्शिता से जुड़ा है।**

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on multiple premises linked to Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and his MP daughter Priyanka Jarkiholi in connection with a money laundering probe. Searches were carried out in Belagavi, Goa, and other locations. The case reportedly stems from alleged illegal mining and financial irregularities. Satish Jarkiholi, a prominent Congress leader, termed the raids politically motivated. The BJP demanded his resignation, while Congress accused the Centre of misusing agencies against opposition-ruled states.