India News Highlights, 25 June 2026: FIR over Ram Temple donation row against 8 people
India News Today's LIVE Updates, 25 June 2026: The controversy concerns allegations of irregularities in the accounting and handling of cash donations, precious metals, jewellery and other offerings received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
An audit firm had found its management to be “highly unprofessional” and noted that there was no “systemic record” of donations.
Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in donations and offerings made for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, police have registered an FIR against eight people. The complaint was filed by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust itself, just two days after a Special Investigation Team — constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the irregularities — submitted its preliminary findings to the state. The allegations centre on cash and jewellery donated by devotees going unaccounted for at the temple. The trust, formed on February 5, 2020 following the Supreme Court verdict clearing the way for temple construction, is estimated to have received around Rs 3,500 crore in cash donations alone since its inception, besides jewellery and other offerings.
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Rs 2,500 for new passport
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Indians applying for a new passport will have to pay significantly more from July 1, as the Centre has revised fees for the first time in years. A standard 36-page passport will now cost Rs 2,500, up from Rs 1,500, while a 60-page passport will be priced at Rs 3,500. Tatkal applicants will feel a steeper pinch — a 36-page Tatkal passport will cost Rs 5,000, up from Rs 3,500, while the 60-page Tatkal variant will go up to Rs 6,000. Fees for lost or damaged passports have also been revised upward.
Commercial LPG supply restored
The Centre has removed all sectoral restrictions on the supply of Non-Domestic Packed LPG and restored supplies to the levels prevailing prior to the West Asia crisis. Apart from that, the supply of bulk LPG, which had been suspended at the onset of the crisis, has been relaxed by 50% of the pre-crisis consumption levels, as per a press release from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The restoration follows the recent improvement in the LPG supply situation. During the West- Asia crisis, to augment domestic LPG production, the Government had issued orders under the Essential Commodities Act requiring C3-C4 streams to be utilised exclusively for LPG production, diverting them from petrochemical and other downstream uses.
Scuffle outside Thiruvanthapuram’s Mayor office
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation office witnessed tense situation as the CPIM and BJP councillors got in a minor scuffle outside the Mayor’s office during protests over a series of recent political developments, PTI reported. The protests occured a day after the Kerala High Court invalidated the oath taken by several BJP councillors in the Corporation after they invoked names other than “God” or used expressions beyond the prescribed form of oath or solemn affirmation. Left councillors staged a protest outside the chamber of Mayor V V Rajesh on Thursday. However, when Rajesh, accompanied by BJP councillors, attempted to enter his office, CPI(M) councillors allegedly blocked his entry, triggering a brief scuffle between members of the two sides, police said.
Visas for Bangladeshi nationals resumed
India has announced the resumption of tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals after a gap of two years. The announcement was made by newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, during his visit to the Indian Visa Centre in Dhaka on Thursday. New Delhi had suspended issuing tourist visas to Bangladeshi nationals following the political unrest and ouster of the former government in August 2024.
Mann responds to viral video
During a press conference, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the circulation of a viral video that allegedly showed the desecration of Sikh Guru photos by him, calling them “fake and fabricated”. He claimed that certain “politically motivated individuals” were making attempts to “defame” him.
Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in donations and offerings made for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, police have registered an FIR against eight people. The complaint was filed by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust itself, just two days after a Special Investigation Team — constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the irregularities — submitted its preliminary findings to the state. The allegations centre on cash and jewellery donated by devotees going unaccounted for at the temple. The trust, formed on February 5, 2020 following the Supreme Court verdict clearing the way for temple construction, is estimated to have received around Rs 3,500 crore in cash donations alone since its inception, besides jewellery and other offerings.
Jun 25, 2026 07:03 PM IST
Commercial cooking gas curbs removed as West Asia crisis eases
Liz Mathew in New Delhi reports that the Centre has removed all sectoral restrictions on the supply of Non-Domestic Packed LPG and restored supplies to the levels prevailing prior to the West Asia crisis. Apart from that, the supply of bulk LPG, which had been suspended at the onset of the crisis, has been relaxed by 50% of the pre-crisis consumption levels, as per a press release from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The restoration follows the recent improvement in the LPG supply situation. During the West- Asia crisis, to augment domestic LPG production, the Government had issued orders under the Essential Commodities Act requiring C3-C4 streams to be utilised exclusively for LPG production, diverting them from petrochemical and other downstream uses.
Jun 25, 2026 06:49 PM IST
Flash flood in Uttarakhand, four missing
Following flash flood in Uttarakhand's Keyi Panyor, search operation is ongoing for four missing people.
VIDEO | Arunachal Pradesh: Search intensifies for four missing people after flash flood in Keyi Panyor.
Boycott not on agenda, playing against rival team and umpire: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on 2029 polls
Ruling out boycotting the 2029 general election, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh used a cricketing analogy to take a swipe at the Election Commission and said "we are playing versus the other team and the umpire", who is part of the rival side.
The Congress general secretary asserted that the opposition has to keep fighting and keep raising people's issues. Asked how the 2029 pitch looks for the opposition and how it will overcome the "umpiring issues" it has been raising, Ramesh said, "Normally in a cricket match, two teams play with each other. Here we are playing versus the other team and the umpire. The umpire is part of the opposing team. What can you do? Both the main umpire and the square leg umpire are part of the opposing team."
"Yes, it's a difficult situation. We have to fight the election. Boycotting the elections is not on the agenda. I don't think anybody is going to boycott the elections. We have to fight these elections. We have to continue to expose (the government)... go to the courts to the extent that sometimes the courts help, sometimes the courts are not bold enough to help. Let me put it that way.
"It's going to be a long struggle... there are no instant mantras for success. We have to keep fighting. We have to keep raising these
issues and I'm beginning to see people raising questions," he said.
Large sections of society who embraced this regime 12 years ago for whatever reason -- opportunistic reason, ideological reason, frustration -- are now beginning to question it, the Congress leader said. There is humour, there is satire, there is wit opposed to the current regime, Ramesh said, adding that it is a sure sign that people are no longer afraid.
PTI
Jun 25, 2026 06:06 PM IST
Congress, Left urge PM Modi, Shah to withdraw FCRA rules
Deeptiman Tiwary in New Delhi reports that Congress and Left leaders wrote separately to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre to withdraw the recently notified Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, alleging that the changes would severely restrict the functioning of NGOs, minority institutions and voluntary organisations across the country.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Congress general secretary and Public Accounts Committee chairman K C Venugopal described the amendments as a “systemic assault” on India’s civil society and accused the government of attempting to tighten control over non-governmental organisations through executive action after facing resistance in Parliament.
“The latest amendments reflect a disturbing intent to micromanage, harass and financially cripple the voluntary sector,” Venugopal wrote, arguing that forcing NGOs to choose activities from a government-prescribed list and restricting their operations to pre-approved geographical areas would undermine their ability to respond to emergencies and local needs.
Jun 25, 2026 05:51 PM IST
Rahul Gandhi expresses regret in defamation case by Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s son
Rahul Gandhi has expressed regret before the Madhya Pradesh High Court regarding erroneous remarks made during a 2018 election rally concerning Kartikeya Singh Chouhan, the son of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Gandhi’s counsel clarified that the mention of Kartikeya Singh Chouhan was a mistake, as the leader had intended to refer to the son of the then-Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, and emphasized that a public clarification had been issued the day after the speech.
Jun 25, 2026 05:38 PM IST
Kerala BJP president visits injured party councillors in Thiruvananthapuram
After Thiruvananthapuram councillors got injured in a clash, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar visited District Medical College hospital, where injured party members are receiving treatment.
Watch video
#watch | Keralam BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar visited Mayor VV Rajesh and other councillors receiving treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.
LDF protest at the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation turned into a clash as CPI(M) councillors blocked Mayor VV… pic.twitter.com/GBEgtKBPbu
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation office witnessed tense situation as the CPIM and BJP councillors got in a minor scuffle outside outside the Mayor's office during protests over a series of recent political developments. The protests occured a day after the Kerala High Court invalidated the oath taken by several BJP councillors in the Corporation after they invoked names other than "God" or used expressions beyond the prescribed form of oath or solemn affirmation.
Left councillors staged a protest outside the chamber of Mayor V V Rajesh on Thursday. However, when Rajesh, accompanied by BJP councillors, attempted to enter his office, CPI(M) councillors allegedly blocked his entry, triggering a brief scuffle between members of the two sides, police said.
Several women councillors sustained injuries in the clash and some of them were shifted to the hospital, police added.
Police personnel soon reached the spot and intervened, enabling the Mayor to enter his chamber.
"There were councillors and members of the public with me. If they block the Mayor's office and prevent people from entering, how will public work be carried out?" asked Rajesh, while speaking to reporters. He said several councillors, mostly women, had suffered injuries in the incident.
"They were free to hold a protest outside and nobody objected. But if the Mayor's office itself is blocked, how will people's work proceed?" he asked.
Rajesh said he would not bow to "any kind of goondaism"."Why should there be a situation of violence for the Mayor to enter his own office? They can protest democratically and approach the court," he said.
With PTI inputs
Jun 25, 2026 04:07 PM IST
164 people killed in Venezuela earthquake
There is grim news incoming from Venezuela. Two back-to-back powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in the South American country killing atleast 164 people and injuring 971. A state of emergency was announced after the twin quakes and about a dozen aftershocks jolted many states, collapsing several buildings in the capital city of Caracas and elsewhere.
Jun 25, 2026 03:41 PM IST
India resumes tourist visas for Bangladesh
Divya A in New Delhi reports that India is set to resume tourist visas for Bangladesh from June 28 after nearly two years, as announced by newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi.
Jun 25, 2026 02:51 PM IST
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says 'I am being defamed' over viral video row
During a press conference, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the circulation of viral video that allegedly showed desecration of Sikh Guru photos by him, calling them "fake and fabricated". He claimed that certain "politically motivated individuals" were making attempts to "defamed" him.
“A fake and fabricated video of mine was circulated, and even religious directives were allegedly issued to derive political benefit from it. Certain politically motivated individuals occupying religious positions are making announcements according to their own agenda. There is an attempt to defame me on religious grounds because they are unable to compete with me politically. Politically, they have been reduced to zero on the ground. Now they have stooped to a level where, almost every day, some order or directive is issued with the intention of tarnishing my religious image. Whereas, in reality, the work that this government has done for the people of Punjab, socially, economically, and even in religious matters, has never been done before. Whether it is the anti-sacrilege law, which provides for stringent punishments, or other initiatives taken by this government, no previous government has done as much,” he said.
Amazon to invest $48 billion in India, $21 billion earmarked for AI infrastructure
Amazon President and CEO Andy Jassy announced a massive $48 billion investment in India over the next five years, which includes more than $21 billion dedicated to AI and cloud infrastructure. Following his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said in a post on X, "Enjoyed my meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about what’s ahead for Amazon in India. We’ve been serving customers, sellers, developers, startups, and enterprises in India for more than a decade and just getting started. Shared that we’re investing $48 billion over the coming five years, including $21+ billion in AI and cloud infrastructure. By 2030, we plan to support 3.8 million jobs, enable $80 billion in ecomm exports, and bring benefits of AI to 15 million small businesses and 4 million government school students."
Really enjoyed my meeting with Prime Minister @narendramodi about what’s ahead for Amazon in India.
We’ve been serving customers, sellers, developers, startups, and enterprises in India for more than a decade and just getting started.
Rubio says US won't accept any nation's control on Hormuz
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington will not accept the Strait of Hormuz being controlled by any nation state. He warned that Iranian tolls on ships passing the waterway would soon spread to other waterways, leading to a “total chaos.”
“International waterways do not belong to any nation [or] state. This is a foundational principle in the world today, without which the world would be in total chaos,” he says.
“If in fact we accepted that you can charge money to use an international waterway because it happens to be near your territorial space, well then this will spread throughout the world like a contagion.”
He further said that Washington will make sure that none of the decisions made as part of the final agreement, “will counter the interests of our allies and partners.”
“We are open for peace that is enduring and real and doesn’t undermine the security and prosperity of the US or its allies,” he told a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Bahrain.
Jun 25, 2026 02:05 PM IST
NEET-UG Re-Examination conducted smoothly, attempts to create fear failed, says Pradhan
Following the conclusion of the NEET-UG re-examination in Delhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the exam was conducted very smoothly despite attempts by certain individuals to instil fear and create chaos among the candidates. He noted that the student community rejected these disruptive efforts, leaving those who intended to cause panic disappointed with the peaceful and successful outcome of the test. "The NEET re-examination was conducted very smoothly...Some people tried to instil fear in the students, but the students did not support them...Those who wanted to create chaos were disappointed," he said. Pradhan's remarks come as opposition demands his resignation from the position amid the repeated paper leaks.
Jun 25, 2026 02:00 PM IST
Mumbai court sentences woman to life imprisonment for killing 18-month-old daughter
News agency PTI reports that a Thane court has sentenced a woman to life imprisonment for the 2024 murder of her 18-month-old daughter, while handing down a four-year prison sentence to her husband. The husband was convicted for his role in covering up the crime and destroying evidence by hurriedly burying the infant's body following the murder.
Jun 25, 2026 01:54 PM IST
Lovers blame each other for plot: Chetan says he wanted to elope, Siya says he cried after failed attempt
Sushant Kulkarni from Pune reports that days after Siya Goyal (20) and her boyfriend Chetan Chaudhary (22) allegedly killed 25-year-old Ketan Agrawal for ‘love’, the two are blaming each other for plotting the murder that has made national headlines. Chetan is claiming that he wanted to elope while Siya insisted on the murder, and Siya alleging that the plot was Chetan's idea, noting that he even cried after a previous failed attempt on June 14.
Jun 25, 2026 01:47 PM IST
Zelenskyy authorises preemptive strikes on Russian war facilities
In his evening address on Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he has instructed Ukraine's intelligence services and military to carry out preemptive attacks on facilities Russia is using for its war effort. "I instructed our intelligence services and military to act preemptively against facilities Russia uses to expand its war effort," Zelenskyy said.
Jun 25, 2026 01:31 PM IST
Uttar Pradesh BJP announces list of 64 office bearers ahead of 2027 polls
Uttar Pradesh BJP announced a list of members in the party's state unit as a part of major organizational restructuring, ahead of 2027 UP elections.
Jun 25, 2026 01:13 PM IST
Delhi bureaucracy rejig: Ministers’ aides, senior health officials among 50 transferred
The Delhi government has executed a major bureaucratic reshuffle, transferring over 50 IAS and DANICS officers across various departments in response to ongoing concerns regarding administrative integrity and public safety. The shake-up in the Health Department, which includes the reassignment of cabinet ministers' secretaries, is largely driven by investigations into alleged irregularities within the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) and a Rs 350-crore fraud case involving medical procurement. Additionally, leadership changes have been implemented in the Delhi Fire Services following a series of fatal fire incidents and criticisms from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu regarding the department's failure to enforce mandatory fire safety compliance.
Jun 25, 2026 01:08 PM IST
ED searches properties linked to Karnataka minister’s excise commissioner son-in-law
Kiran Parashar from Bengaluru reports that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched searches across six locations in Karnataka, including Belagavi, Bengaluru, and Mysuru, targeting Belagavi Additional Excise Commissioner Y Manjunath in connection with an alleged money laundering and disproportionate assets case. Manjunath, who is the son of former Ballari MP Y Devendrappa and son-in-law of Karnataka PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, is being investigated for suspected benami transactions involving agricultural land and business investments, as well as potential illicit fund transfers abroad. While Jarkiholi has stated he will comment only after the ED operations conclude, this is not Manjunath's first encounter with investigators; he was previously arrested in 2012 following a Lokayukta raid regarding bribery allegations, though that FIR was later quashed by the Karnataka High Court.
Jun 25, 2026 12:46 PM IST
Actor Jacqueline Fernandez withdraws plea from SC in money laundering case
The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez to withdraw her plea that challenged a Delhi court order to frame charges against her. The underlying legal matter involves a Rs 200 crore money laundering case, and the withdrawal leaves the lower court's decision to proceed with the charges intact.
Jun 25, 2026 12:43 PM IST
Fire breaks out on ninth floor of commercial building in Greater Noida
News agency PTI reported that fire broke out on ninth floor of commercial building in Greater Noida. The blaze has been extinguished and no casualties have been reported in the incident.
“At around 9. 40 AM, we received information through the control room about a fire on the ninth floor of a commercial building, the Golden I Office Tower, located in Tech Zone 4. Upon receiving the information, we immediately dispatched five fire tenders to the spot. Since the fire was reported to be in its initial stages, a hydraulic platform was also sent as a precautionary measure. When our teams arrived, they found that the office was closed and filled with smoke," said Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar.
"The firefighters entered the building and began firefighting operations. With the help of five fire tenders, the fire was brought completely under control and extinguished. The individual who had reported the incident was safely outside the building. There were no injuries or casualties reported in the incident," Kumar said.
Jun 25, 2026 12:39 PM IST
65-year-old man held guilty for rape, murder of 3 yr old girl in Pune
Chandan Haygunde from Pune reported that a special court in the city convicted a 65-year-old man for the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl that took place on May 1, 2026. The conviction followed critical evidence, including CCTV footage of the accused with the victim and DNA reports confirming sexual assault, contradicting the accused’s claims of an accidental fall. The prosecution, arguing that the accused is beyond reformation due to his criminal history, has sought the death penalty, while the defense has requested life imprisonment. The court is scheduled to pronounce the sentencing on June 29.
Jun 25, 2026 12:36 PM IST
FIR registered against Chembur shop for selling Pakistani beauty cream
Mohamed Thaver reports from Mumbai that police registered an FIR against a Chembur shop owner, Sanjay Shah, for allegedly selling Pakistani beauty creams in violation of government orders that have prohibited imports from Pakistan since May 2, 2025. Following a tip-off, the crime branch raided the shop located on Central Avenue Road and seized five tubes of 'Goree beauty cream' worth Rs 2,500, which the owner claimed to have procured from Crawford Market. Consequently, Shah faces charges for disobeying orders from a public servant and violating sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Jun 25, 2026 12:30 PM IST
Ignoring warnings, a group stepped into Cauvery for photos; soon, a family lost 5 lives
Atiya Firdos from Bengaluru reports that a tragic temple pilgrimage to Karnataka's Mandya district ended in the deaths of five people on Wednesday evening after they drowned in the Cauvery River near Muthathi. The victims—four women from a Bengaluru-based family and their driver—ventured into the water to take photos, underestimating the depth and the strength of the current. The tragedy unfolded when one family member slipped into a deep section, and the others were swept away while attempting to rescue her. Although one family member survived the incident, emergency responders recovered all five bodies that evening, and local police have since opened an investigation into the matter.
Jun 25, 2026 12:23 PM IST
Amit Shah calls on President Murmu amid growing speculations of reshuffle of union council
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, amid growing political speculations over the upcoming reshuffle of the union council of ministers.
The president's office, in a post on X, said, "Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan."
Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/rCfkxDDKmO
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026 12:11 PM IST
VIDEO: 7.5 magnitude earthquake hits Venezuela seconds after 7.2 foreshock
Two powerful back-to-back earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, rocked Venezuela on Wednesday. This caused widespread damage in the country, with building collapses reported across Caracas and coastal areas. The quakes killed at least 32 people and injured at least 700.
Jun 25, 2026 12:01 PM IST
US deploying search teams, medical resources and humanitarian aid to Venezuela, says Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington "immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela," as two powerful earthquakes hit the country on Wednesday killing at least 32 people and injured at least 700.
"The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes. Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath. America stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time and at the direction of President Trump, the State Department is immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela," Rubio said in a post on X.
The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes.
Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath.
Arunachal Pradesh: Heavy rainfall triggers flash flood in the Yachuli area of Keyi Panyor district, kills one
Incessant heavy rainfall triggered a flash flood in the Yachuli area of the Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh, killing one person and leaving four people missing.
#watch | Arunachal Pradesh | One dead and four missing after incessant heavy rainfall triggered a flash flood in the Yachuli area of Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh. (24.06)
DDA launches demolition drive in Yamuna Bazar area
News agency PTI reports that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) carried out a demolition drive to clear encroachments in the Yamuna Bazar area. The action was taken just one day after the DDA issued a fresh notice warning residents of the ghats to vacate the area voluntarily or face forced eviction and demolition.
VIDEO | The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) carries out demolition drive in Yamuna Bazar area.
This comes a day after the DDA issued a fresh notice to residents of the ghats to vacate voluntarily, failing which a demolition drive will be undertaken to clear the encroachment.… pic.twitter.com/eBLyz5Y39w
Exclusive: 450 Delhi commercial buildings red-flagged for fire safety failures
Alok Singh from Delhi reports that following a devastating fire in Malviya Nagar, which claimed 23 lives, Delhi authorities red-flagged 450 commercial buildings, including hospitals, hotels, and restaurants, for severe fire safety violations. These establishments were identified during a city-wide inspection conducted by newly formed district and subdivision-level committees, primarily for lacking mandatory No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) or failing to adhere to building by-laws. The Fire Department has served notices to all affected owners and is currently reviewing structural layouts; establishments must prove compliance with safety regulations to maintain or obtain valid certification, as the department warned that existing certificates may be cancelled if current layouts do not align with previously submitted plans.
Jun 25, 2026 11:23 AM IST
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announces Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of Taratala warehouse collapse victims
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, sharing an update on the Taratala warehouse collapse in the state assembly, said that the rescue operations were ongoing and 29 people have been rescued so far.
He announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of the victims and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
Jun 25, 2026 11:03 AM IST
Gujarat girl attacks classmate with knife over pickle bottle row
Kamal Saiyed reports from Surat that a 15-year-old student at an ashram school in Ambach village, Tapi district, was apprehended for allegedly attacking her classmate with a knife following a dispute over a pickle bottle during dinner on Wednesday evening. According to Valod police, the accused followed the victim into a school bathroom, attempted to strangle her, and then attacked her with a knife retrieved from the dining area. The victim was treated at a private hospital in Surat, where her condition is reported to be stable. Following the incident, school authorities lodged a complaint of attempted murder, and the accused has been sent to a children’s remand home in Vadodara.
Jun 25, 2026 10:58 AM IST
Don't turn neighbour disputes into criminal cases, says Karnataka High Court
Mustafa Plumber from Bengaluru reports that the Karnataka High Court recently dismissed a petition by the SNN Raj Serenity Apartment Owners Association seeking a police FIR against four residents for allegedly uprooting a banyan sapling and causing a disturbance, emphasising that disputes between neighbours should be resolved through civil forums rather than criminal complaints. Justice Suraj Govindaraj ruled that apartment living requires community harmony and stated that such inter-se conflicts are essentially civil matters that cannot be reframed as criminal disputes. The association had alleged criminal mischief, intimidation, and hurt to religious sentiments related to the removal of the tree, following an earlier conflict over the unauthorised construction of a temple in the complex's common area. By dismissing the plea, the court advised the petitioners to pursue their grievances through appropriate civil legal channels instead of involving law enforcement.
Jun 25, 2026 10:52 AM IST
FIR against Army Colonel, Major and 40 soldiers for allegedly storming police station
Arun Sharma from Jammu reports that an FIR has been filed in Kishtwar district against Commanding Officer Colonel N. Arun Gandhi, Major Vikas Sharma, and other personnel from the 17 Rashtriya Rifles for allegedly orchestrating a premeditated assault on police officials and damaging government property at Atholi police station. The incident reportedly followed a dispute regarding the obstruction of a narrow road during the passage of the Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner’s convoy. According to the FIR, a group of 30-40 armed soldiers trespassed into the station and physically assaulted the SHO, the SDPO, the ARTO, and other personnel, causing severe injuries and vandalising official vehicles. The investigation, which involves charges including attempted murder, rioting, and assault on public servants, is currently being led by Probationary Sub Inspector Adarsh Kant.
Jun 25, 2026 10:41 AM IST
Donald Trump says US ready to help ‘new and great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating twin earthquakes
Following two massive and devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States is prepared to provide immediate assistance. Expressing concern over early reports of a high death toll, Trump stated he has instructed all federal agencies to prepare for a rapid response. He extended a strong message of support, emphasising that Washington stands ready, willing, and able to help those affected, whom he referred to as America's "new and great friends."
"The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good," the US president said in a post on X.
Jun 25, 2026 10:36 AM IST
India activates Air Suvidha Portal for Ebola-affected arrivals
The Air Suvidha Portal has been activated for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries, allowing travellers to submit their mandatory Self-Declaration Form (SDF) online before deboarding. This digital transition replaces a previous paper-based system and aims to streamline passenger facilitation while boosting health surveillance at points of entry., news agency ANI reported, citing sources.
The requirement follows the World Health Organization's declaration of Ebola as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, ensuring more efficient screening and monitoring of incoming travellers.
Jun 25, 2026 10:21 AM IST
PM Modi says India ready to assist Venezuela following devastating severe earthquakes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness and solidarity as two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela. He extended heartfelt condolences to the Venezuelan government, its citizens, and the grieving families, while offering prayers for the swift recovery of those injured. Emphasising India's support during this difficult time, PM Modi also stated that India stands ready to provide all possible assistance to aid the affected nation.
"Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance," he said in a post on X.
Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela.
On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for the speedy…
Kolkata warehouse collapse: Structural engineer among 5 arrested, SIT formed
Sweety Kumari from Kolkata reports that following the collapse of an under-construction warehouse on P2 Transport Depot Road in Taratala, Kolkata, which resulted in five confirmed deaths and multiple injuries, Kolkata Police have arrested five individuals, including a structural engineer, a supervisor, and a land lessee, while launching a probe into alleged construction flaws such as the improper use of tin sheets under the rooftop concrete. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the case, which was transferred to the Detective Department. As rescue operations continue amid fears that up to 50 people could remain trapped, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a suspension of all under-construction work across the city until July 31.
State of emergency declared in Venezuela after two major earthquakes cause buildings to collapse
Venezuela’s president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes caused widespread damage in the country. The first quake was of a magnitude of 7.1, and its epicentre was west of the community of Moron, about 168 km west of Caracas, at a depth of 13 km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. An even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake took place just minutes later. The second was situated at a depth of 10 km, and its epicentre was 16 km southwest of Moron.
