HOSTAGES
Digital arrest scams: CBI to launch chatbot to help people verify notices issued to them
The CBI is launching a new AI chatbot named Abhay on Monday. This tool will help citizens verify the authenticity of notices they receive. It aims to combat digital arrest frauds where scammers impersonate CBI officials. The chatbot will provide a crucial defense against these sophisticated scams. This initiative is part of the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture.
Ukrainian police shoot dead gunman who killed 5, took hostages in supermarket
The head of Ukraine's Interior Ministry, Ihor Klymenko, said in a statement on social media that special tactical police units stormed the store after attempts to contact the gunman with a negotiator failed.
Kanimozhi, Shashi Tharoor & Kalyan Banerjee reject women’s quota bill as a cover for delimitation push
Opposition parties are strongly opposing a new bill that links women's reservation to delimitation. They argue this move unfairly impacts several states, particularly in the South. Leaders from DMK and Congress have voiced concerns, calling it a political ploy. The government's assurance of a uniform seat increase is not convincing them.
Delimitation will turn out to be 'political demonetisation': Tharoor slams govt
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the government's move to link women's reservation with delimitation, calling it "political demonetisation." He argued that this approach holds women's aspirations hostage to a complex administrative exercise. Tharoor asserted that women's reservation is ready for immediate implementation based on existing parliamentary strength, warning that delimitation could damage federalism.
US Israel-Iran War Day 48: US' new sanctions on Iran, Tehran vows to 'sink' ships as battle for Hormuz intensifies
Iran War News Day 48: As the Iran-Israel war reaches its 48th day, tensions escalate with Iran threatening US forces and the US intensifying economic pressure through new sanctions and a naval blockade. Israel aligns with US goals, expanding military objectives, while diplomatic efforts and global economic concerns continue to shape the conflict's critical juncture.
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Europe has 'maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left', energy agency head warns
Europe faces a critical shortage of jet fuel, with only about six weeks of supply remaining, according to the IEA head. The ongoing Iran war and blocked Strait of Hormuz threaten global energy supplies, potentially leading to flight cancellations and severe economic repercussions, especially for developing nations.
A $100 billion question sits at the heart of US-Iran deal talks
Billions of dollars earned by Iran from oil sales remain frozen in foreign banks due to US sanctions. These funds are now a key issue in high-stakes US-Iran talks. Iran wants access to at least six billion dollars. The US has denied any agreement to unfreeze these assets. This standoff gives both nations leverage in potential deals.
Can Iran legally put a price on passage through the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran’s move to charge tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has sparked a legal and geopolitical debate. Under international law, particularly UNCLOS, vessels are entitled to “transit passage” through key straits without interference, making unilateral tolls highly contentious. While Iran argues it can regulate movement within its territorial waters, most experts view such charges as inconsistent with established maritime norms.
'Your ships will be sunk by our first missiles': Iran warns US over Strait of Hormuz
The military adviser to Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday warned that Iran would sink American ships in the Strait of Hormuz if the United States decided to "police" the key shipping bottleneck. Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards who was named as a military adviser by Khamenei last month, told state TV. "These ships of yours will be sunk by our first missiles and have created a great danger for the US military.
US announces new sanctions on Iranian oil as it holds Hormuz 'hostage'
The United States is intensifying sanctions on Iran's oil industry, targeting over two dozen individuals, companies, and ships linked to petroleum magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani. This action aims to curb Iran's revenue generation as it continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Middle East war.
US warns that buyers of Iranian oil could be hit with sanctions
The United States warned it will impose secondary sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil as it enforces a maritime blockade, saying China may halt purchases. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said banks handling Iranian funds risk penalties, while Washington intensifies pressure on Tehran’s oil exports and global energy networks.
US-Iran: Decoding more than four decades of enmity
Arch-foes United States and Iran are set to hold talks in Islamabad. This meeting aims to end a month-long war in the Middle East. A fragile ceasefire is currently holding. However, deep mutual mistrust persists between the two nations. The teams are led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Trump cannot let Netanyahu pull him into renewed Iran war
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's reliance on military force to counter Iran and Hezbollah is questioned, drawing parallels to Eisenhower's warnings against seeking absolute security through war. Despite a US-Iran ceasefire, Israel's continued strikes in Lebanon risk derailing diplomatic efforts and escalating conflict, highlighting the limitations of military solutions.
Don't fall for all that vote-shaming
Election season brings pressure to vote. However, the article argues voting is a right, not a compulsion. Citizens are free to abstain for any reason. Guilt trips about democracy and duty are dismissed. The right to vote is presented as an option, not an obligation. Voters are encouraged to ignore pressure and exercise their choice.
Rajnath Singh hits out at Mamata over 'appeasement', says TMC means 'Total Misrule and Corruption'
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a strong attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He accused her government of appeasement politics and encouraging infiltration for votes. Singh also alleged misrule and corruption in the state. He stated the central government aims to bring industry and jobs to West Bengal.
Why Savannah Guthrie chose yellow for her Today Show return — here's the reason
Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today show after more than two months away following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie. Wearing a bright yellow dress, she subtly honored a growing symbol of hope connected to the ongoing search in Arizona. While she did not directly talk about the case, her colleagues and supporters reinforced the message through yellow ribbons and flowers.
What is DEVGRU, and how does SEAL Team 6 work to be able to save US airman from Iran safely? Full explainer of rescue mission, CIA deception, aircraft deployment and SEAL Team 6 structure, recruitment and history
What is DEVGRU, and how does SEAL Team 6 work to be able to save US airman from Iran safely? This explainer details the F-15E Strike Eagle shootdown, CIA deception campaign, search aircraft, pararescue deployment, Israeli support, drone surveillance, and the final extraction. It also explains DEVGRU origins, structure, recruitment, past missions, controversies, and global reactions after the US weapons officer rescue in Iran.
Bengal Elections: PM Modi slams state govt over Malda ‘hostage’ row, vows fear-free polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the Malda incident where judicial officers were held hostage. He accused the Trinamool Congress of appeasement politics and demographic change. Modi assured fair polls and vowed accountability for Trinamool's actions. He also highlighted neglect of various communities and promised progress for women and population control.
Iran war to end on Monday? Donald Trump says Tehran may make deal tomorrow, claims report
Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday that Iran was negotiating and he believed a deal could be concluded by Monday.
West Bengal elections: At poll rally, PM Modi attacks TMC over Malda judicial officers' gherao, calls it 'maha jungleraj'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized the TMC government in West Bengal. He highlighted the Malda incident where judicial officers were held hostage. Modi described this as a failure of law and order under TMC rule. He alleged the party is endangering Bengal's future through appeasement and infiltration.
Mamata slams NIA over Malda gherao, alleges harassment of locals while culprits evade action
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleges the NIA is targeting innocent locals in Malda. She states the real culprits behind the judicial officer gherao have escaped. Banerjee urged voters to approach tribunals for name re-inclusion in voter lists. She warned against provocations, accusing the BJP of instigating violence and using central agencies.
West Bengal elections: Pre-planned experiment sponsored by TMC, says BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla on Malda incident
Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Trinamool Congress of sponsoring violence in Malda. He stated the main accused was seen with top TMC leaders. The incident involved judicial officers being held hostage due to electoral roll deletions. Authorities have arrested 35 people and are investigating the matter. Security has been provided to judicial officers.
"Ensure free, fair and fearless polls in West Bengal": ECI instructs officials
The Election Commission of India has instructed senior officials in West Bengal to ensure free and fair elections. This directive follows an incident where judicial officers were held hostage. The Chief Election Commissioner has handed over the investigation of this incident to the NIA. The Supreme Court has also expressed concern over the state authorities' inaction.
Lost votes, lost identity: Fear & anxiety grip West Bengal's Mothabari villages
Mothabari, Malda, became the scene of an unprecedented crisis as judicial officers were taken hostage by a furious mob. The protest erupted over the controversial deletion of names from the electoral rolls, leaving many villagers anxious about losing their identity and vital welfare support.
Mamata Banerjee credits CID for arrest, alleges BJP trying to create 'unrest' in Malda
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the Criminal Investigation Department for apprehending the alleged mastermind behind the judicial officers' gherao in Malda. She stated the CID made the arrest before the NIA team arrived. Banerjee also accused the BJP of orchestrating the incident and using CRPF vehicles to move cash.
Malda Hostage Case: AIMIM-linked key accused held while fleeing
The National Investigation Agency has begun investigating the Kaliachak incident in Malda. Judicial officers were held hostage by a mob. The alleged mastermind, Mofakkarul Islam, has been arrested. West Bengal Police have arrested 33 people in total. The incident disrupted highway links in the poll-bound state. The NIA team arrived from New Delhi to probe the matter.
"Is US sure it wants to turn back clock?" Iran FM's jibe at Trump's 'Stone Age' remark
Iranian leaders have strongly criticized Donald Trump's threats to devastate Iran. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi questioned the logic of such actions. President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted Iran's peaceful history and condemned attacks on medical facilities. Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf suggested financial motives behind the policy. These statements come amid rising global concerns over energy security.
40 countries discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz after Iran blockade
Around 40 nations are discussing joint action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively shut down, impacting global economic security. Britain is leading efforts to form a coalition, focusing on diplomatic and military options to ensure safe passage for shipping and reduce soaring energy prices.
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