A BBC investigative report has challenged the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government’s claim that only 37 people died in the January 29 Kumbh Mela stampede in Prayagraj. The BBC found evidence of 81 deaths, based on interviews with 100 affected families across 11 states. It revealed that 26 families were given partial compensation quietly, while 18 families received none. Victims’ relatives allege that many deaths were falsely recorded as due to illness to avoid compensation. The state had claimed it paid ₹25 lakh to 35 families. Critics say this raises serious concerns about data manipulation and a possible cover-up. (PC: BBC, Reuters)

Just 38 hours after the Air India AI-171 crash killed 241 in Ahmedabad, another AI flight—Delhi to Vienna—dropped nearly 900 feet mid-air. Flight AI-187, a Boeing 777, triggered critical alerts including “stick shaker,” stall warning, and a “don’t sink” GPWS caution after takeoff in stormy weather on June 14. Though the crew stabilized the aircraft and landed safely, the post-flight report failed to note key warnings. The DGCA has launched a probe; both pilots have been grounded, and Air India’s safety chief was summoned. The incident adds to growing scrutiny of Air India’s flight safety protocols after the fatal crash. (PC: HT)

Infosys has launched an internal campaign to enforce work-life balance, monitoring employees’ remote working hours. Staff logging more than 9.15 hours daily (five days a week) receive personalised HR emails detailing their monthly averages and urging them to stick to standard hours. The communication highlights health risks and productivity benefits, advising regular breaks, delegation, manager support, and after-hours disconnection . This initiative follows the hybrid model and return‑to‑office policy from November 2023, requiring at least ten office-days monthly. It contrasts sharply with co‑founder Narayana Murthy’s 70‑hour workweek advocacy, which he later framed as a personal choice, sparking debate over nations’ growth versus workers’ wellbeing. (PC: Business Standard)

A 24‑year‑old law student who has alleged that an alumnus and two current students raped her on campus, has said in her complaint that she suffered a panic attack before the assault and that the main accused, Monojit Mishra, asked a co-accused to get an inhaler for her. Once the inhaler was brought, the survivor took a puff, felt some relief and tried to escape, but the main gate had been locked. Mishra is said to have dragged her to a room and raped her while two co‑accused recorded the act. The incident mirrors last year’s doctor’s rape‑murder case, putting the ruling Trinamool Congress under scrutiny due to Mishra’s political ties. Authorities arrested all three, and the opposition accuses the party of enabling the crime. (PC: NDTV)

At least 42 people have died in a devastating explosion at the Sigachi Chemical Industry in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, Telangana. The suspected reactor blast on Monday triggered a massive fire, completely destroying the industrial shed. Over 90 workers were present; some were flung over 100 meters, according to officials. Rescue operations, led by NDRF, HYDRAA, and fire services, are ongoing. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to visit the site. Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha and Governor Jishnu Dev Varma have expressed condolences. The blast’s cause remains under investigation, but authorities suspect a dangerous chemical reaction triggered the deadly explosion. (PC: HT)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signaled progress on the long-awaited US-India trade deal, telling Newsweek that negotiations are “beyond the middle” and could conclude soon. While cautioning that final hurdles remain, Jaishankar praised consistent improvement in bilateral ties across five US presidencies. Speaking at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington, Jaishankar joined counterparts to discuss Indo-Pacific cooperation and regional security. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed a trade deal announcement is likely soon. Stressing India’s strategic autonomy, Jaishankar said, “We’re a democracy, a market economy, and globally engaged,” citing India’s ability to maintain relations across global power blocs. (PC: Reuters)

Kolkata Police said the gangrape of a South Calcutta Law College student was planned from her first day at college. Three students and a security guard have been arrested. The accused had a history of harassing girls and filmed their crimes to blackmail victims. Police believe the June 25 assault was recorded and may have been shared. Raids are ongoing to find the videos. Over 25 students are being questioned. The college is now shut. Political tensions have also risen, with BJP leaders blaming the ruling TMC for failing to protect women on college campuses in West Bengal. (PC: PTI)

A massive explosion at Sigachi Industries’ pharmaceutical unit in Telangana’s Sangareddy district killed 12 people and injured 34 on Monday. The blast, which occurred around 9:20 AM, destroyed the building and left several workers critically injured. Officials say pressure buildup during material handling likely triggered the explosion. Rescue teams, including the NDRF, continue to search debris for trapped workers. PM Modi and CM Revanth Reddy expressed condolences; ex-gratia compensation was announced. The factory, contributing significantly to the company’s production, has been shut for 90 days. Panic gripped the area, with grieving families demanding updates on missing loved ones. (PC: PTI)

A 24‑year‑old first-year law student at South Calcutta Law College was allegedly gang‑raped on June 25 by ex-student Manojit Mishra and two senior students. The medical report confirms violent rape with bite marks and nail scratches . CCTV footage shows the survivor being dragged into the guard’s room . Two accused recorded the assault on their phones, using the footage to blackmail her . Forensics teams have recovered the hockey stick, DNA samples, and clothing matching CCTV visuals . A nine-member SIT is investigating, and college authorities have suspended classes and taken disciplinary action. (PC: PTI)

4 people died in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday after armed men attacked a vehicle at K. Mongjang village. Police said three people inside the car died on the spot, and a woman passerby later died from her injuries. One of the dead was Thangboi Haokip, a top commander of the Kuki National Army. Police found 5.56 mm bullet shells at the site, showing the use of heavy weapons. No group has claimed the attack, but police suspect a rival group, the United Kuki National Army. Security has been increased in the area as fears of more violence grow. (PC: Hindustan Times, PTI)