According to officials, a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the Akhal forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday. The action was based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, a police official told news agency PTI.
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In a daring rescue, a wounded Ukrainian soldier, call sign "Tanker," was saved after being stranded in enemy territory near Siversk. Following a Russian ambush, his brigade devised a plan to deliver an e-bike by drone. Despite initial failures and a landmine incident, Tanker managed to reach his unit. Amidst this, Kyiv faced renewed missile strikes, prompting President Zelensky to urge allies for action against Russia.
A special NIA court acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, citing lack of evidence. BJP leaders slammed the Congress for fabricating the "Hindu terror" narrative, demanding an apology. Owaisi questioned the probe, while the Congress defended its record, asserting that terror has no religion. Victims' lawyer plans to challenge the acquittal in higher court.
The Supreme Court considered closing the criminal defamation case against Shashi Tharoor over his "scorpion on a Shivling" remark about Narendra Modi. While Tharoor sought adjournment, the complainant wanted a hearing, but the bench suggested dismissing the case, emphasizing tolerance among political figures. The court eventually scheduled the matter for another day, maintaining a previous order that had suspended proceedings.
Ricardo Salinas Pliego, a Mexican billionaire, lost a significant portion of his fortune, around $5.5 billion, in a sophisticated "loan-to-own" scam. Con artists posing as descendants of John Jacob Astor lured him into borrowing $400 million against his Grupo Elektra shares.
Pragya Singh Thakur, former BJP MP, declared her acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case as a victory for 'Bhagwa, Sanatana and Rashtra,' accusing Congress of fabricating the lawsuit. The NIA court acquitted all seven accused due to the prosecution's failure to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pakistan is poised to receive its first-ever US crude oil shipment later this year, marking a significant trade agreement following tariff discussions. Cnergyico, Pakistan's largest refinery, has finalized a deal with Vitol to import 1 million barrels of American oil, aiming to diversify its procurement sources and reduce reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers.
Donald Trump's recent criticism of India's tariffs contradicts his earlier assertion that he influenced India to halt 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan by threatening trade restrictions. This outburst occurred amidst parliamentary debates in India, where PM Modi refuted Trump's claim of mediation, attributing the cessation to the IAF's successful strikes.
To counter collusive threats from China and Pakistan, the Indian Army is enhancing its offensive capabilities by establishing 'Rudra' all-arms brigades and 'Bhairav' light commando battalions. These units will be equipped with advanced weaponry, drones, and surveillance systems. The Army is also integrating drone platoons into infantry battalions and bolstering artillery firepower with 'Divyastra' batteries, aiming to transform into a future-ready force.
The Trump administration introduced a pilot program requiring some B-1/B-2 visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates or deficient vetting to post bonds up to $15,000. This initiative, starting August 20, aims to reduce visa violations and encourage better screening processes.
India's early achievement of its E20 ethanol blending target has sparked debates over mileage and engine performance. The government refutes claims of significant fuel efficiency drops, citing minimal impact on E20-compatible vehicles and emphasizing environmental benefits like reduced carbon emissions.