A 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat, identified as Vidhi Megha from Anand district’s Borsad town, was stabbed to death in Canada’s Niagara region in a shocking daylight attack. Vidhi had been living in Canada for four years, pursuing law studies while working part-time and preparing to apply for permanent residency. The attack reportedly took place on May 15 after she left her residence. Locals rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Canadian authorities suspect a robbery attempt may have led to the murder, and one suspect has been arrested. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of Indian students abroad. (PC: India Today)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Congress high command had offered him a Rajya Sabha seat, but he declined, stating he has “no interest in national politics.” His remarks came amid a major leadership transition in Karnataka, with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar expected to replace him as Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah confirmed he would remain active in state politics and continue as an MLA. The Congress leadership reportedly proposed the Rajya Sabha role as part of a compromise during the ongoing power-sharing arrangement within the party after weeks of internal discussions and speculation over Karnataka’s leadership change. (PC: NDTV)

Retired judge Giribala Singh was arrested by the CBI in connection with the death of her daughter-in-law, Twisha Sharma, in Bhopal after the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed her anticipatory bail. Twisha, a 32-year-old actor-model, was found dead at her marital home on May 12, triggering allegations of dowry harassment and cruelty against her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law. The court cited serious allegations, non-cooperation with investigators, and evidence concerns while cancelling the bail. The CBI recently took over the investigation from Madhya Pradesh Police following Supreme Court scrutiny and growing public attention surrounding the high-profile case. (PC: PTI)

The Pentagon has confirmed that U.S. military personnel deployed in conflict zones are reportedly being tracked and targeted using commercially available location data collected from smartphones and apps. According to documents shared by Senator Ron Wyden, U.S. Central Command received multiple threat reports warning that adversaries could exploit digital location information to monitor troop movements and identify military gathering points. Lawmakers warned that such data could aid missile, drone, or roadside bomb attacks. The revelations have intensified concerns over the global surveillance and ad-tech industry, with calls for stricter protections, including disabling ad IDs and limiting data collection on military devices. (PC: Reuters)

A devastating fire at the dormitory of Utumishi Girls Academy in Kenya’s Nakuru County has killed several students and left many others injured, according to local authorities. The blaze reportedly broke out late at night while students were asleep, causing panic as emergency teams rushed to rescue survivors. Kenyan officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, while President William Ruto expressed condolences to the victims’ families and promised accountability. The tragedy has reignited concerns over fire safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, recalling previous deadly school fires that shocked the nation and prompted demands for stricter safety regulations. (PC: Reuters)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has accused the United States and Israel of attempting to “bring the nation to its knees” as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. The remarks came amid ongoing conflict, renewed threats over the Strait of Hormuz, and fragile diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran. Khamenei warned that Iran would continue resisting external pressure and retaliate against any aggression targeting the country or its allies. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has signalled that negotiations with Iran are still possible despite military tensions. Regional instability has also intensified fears of wider conflict affecting oil routes, Gulf security, and global markets. (PC: Reuters)

A fresh Western Disturbance is set to bring thundersqualls, hailstorms and dust storms across several parts of North and central India from Thursday, while the southwest monsoon continues advancing further. The India Meteorological Department has forecast strong winds of up to 80 kmph in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Isolated hailstorms are also likely in parts of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall was reported in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on Wednesday. Heatwave conditions are expected to ease gradually, with temperatures across northwest India likely to fall by 6-8 degrees Celsius over the next two days. (PC: India Today)

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday rejected the party high command’s offer to move to the Rajya Sabha after stepping down as Karnataka Chief Minister. The 80-year-old leader from Karnataka said he has “no interest in national politics” and will continue active politics in the state as an MLA. His remarks came hours after Congress appointed D. K. Shivakumar as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka. Sources said the Congress leadership had proposed a Rajya Sabha role as part of the leadership transition, but Siddaramaiah declined the offer and is expected to meet senior party leaders in Delhi later today. (PC: NDTV)

Retired judge Giribala Singh was arrested by the CBI on Thursday in connection with the death of her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma in Bhopal. The arrest came a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed the anticipatory bail granted to her by a trial court. Twisha was found dead on May 12, while an FIR was registered on May 15 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act. The court cited serious allegations and lack of cooperation in the investigation. Twisha’s father Navnidhi Sharma welcomed the decision and expressed confidence in the ongoing CBI probe. (PC: HT)

The Centre has introduced strict monitoring measures for the NEET-UG 2026 re-test after the earlier paper leak controversy triggered nationwide outrage. Prime Minister’s Office officials will supervise every stage of the examination process, including paper setting, printing, transportation and delivery at exam centres. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi. Nearly 23 lakh students are expected to appear for the June 21 re-test. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh and senior PMO officials attended the meeting as the government moved to restore confidence in India’s biggest medical entrance examination. (PC: India Today)