The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Giribala Singh, mother-in-law of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma, who was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal on May 12. The arrest followed the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s decision to cancel the anticipatory bail earlier granted to Singh, a retired district court judge, in connection with the case. A three-member CBI team reached her residence around 10:30 am and questioned her during the ongoing investigation before taking her into custody. Sources indicated that the agency also conducted searches linked to the probe. Singh is expected to be produced before a court on Friday as the investigation into Twisha Sharma’s death continues to intensify.

Russia and Kazakhstan signed a landmark agreement to build the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, marking Kazakhstan’s first nuclear energy project and a major expansion of Moscow’s regional influence. The deal was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Astana for talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Russia will reportedly finance nearly 85% of the project’s estimated $15 billion cost through export credit support. The plant, featuring two reactors, will be constructed near Ulken on Lake Balkhash in southeastern Kazakhstan. Despite being the world’s largest uranium producer, Kazakhstan avoided nuclear energy for decades due to Soviet-era testing trauma. A 2024 referendum backed nuclear expansion as Kazakhstan targets 2.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035. (PC: AP)

The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to extend their ongoing ceasefire through a proposed 60-day memorandum of understanding, though final approval from US President Donald Trump is still pending. According to Axios, the framework aims to preserve the fragile truce while opening negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. The development follows renewed military escalation after Iran targeted a US base in Kuwait and American forces responded by intercepting drones and striking a drone-control facility in Bandar Abbas. Kuwait condemned the missile attack and urged restraint. The conflict, ongoing since February, has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and heightened regional instability, with Pakistan continuing mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. (PC: X)

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)