Venezuelan authorities have arrested several police officers accused of looting homes and businesses in areas devastated by the recent powerful earthquakes. The officers allegedly stole valuables while residents were displaced and emergency teams were carrying out rescue operations. Officials said investigations began after survivors reported thefts, leading to the detention of the suspects. The government has pledged strict action against anyone exploiting the disaster for personal gain, regardless of their position. The arrests come as rescue and relief efforts continue across affected regions, where thousands remain displaced and communities struggle to recover from the widespread destruction caused by the earthquakes. (PC: Getty Images)

The family of an Indian seafarer who died while working aboard a vessel anchored off Venezuela has alleged a cover-up surrounding the circumstances of his death. They claim they have not received the official autopsy report and have raised concerns over inconsistencies in the information provided by the shipping company and authorities. The family has urged the Indian government to intervene, ensure transparency, and facilitate an independent investigation into the incident. They are also seeking accountability and a detailed explanation to determine the exact cause of death and address their unanswered questions. (PC: X)

England kept their FIFA World Cup campaign alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32, thanks to a brilliant brace from captain Harry Kane. Kane opened the scoring before doubling England’s advantage after DR Congo briefly levelled the match. His match-winning performance ensured England progressed to the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico in another crucial knockout clash. The victory highlighted England’s resilience under pressure, with Kane once again proving decisive as the Three Lions continue their pursuit of World Cup glory. (PC: Reuters)

The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, directing it not to roll out WhatsApp's new username feature in India until consultations are completed. Authorities have asked the company to submit a detailed explanation within three days, citing concerns over fraud, impersonation, digital scams, and user safety. The proposed feature would allow users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers, but officials fear it could be misused by scammers. Meta has been asked to clarify the safeguards built into the feature before any launch decision is taken. (PC: HT)

Police investigating the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya have disclosed the amounts each accused is suspected of stealing, ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹20 lakh. According to investigators, the accused exploited security loopholes and diverted devotees' offerings over time. The case came to light after internal discrepancies triggered an investigation, leading to multiple arrests and cash recoveries. Authorities are continuing to examine financial records, CCTV footage, and the possible involvement of additional individuals. The high-profile case has intensified demands for stricter security, transparency, and accountability in managing temple donations. (PC: NDTV)

More than 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan have urged Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and take sustained steps toward restoring peace in South Asia. Spearheaded by Centre for Peace and Progress chairman OP Shah, the joint letter was signed by 61 Indians and 56 Pakistanis, including Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, AS Dulat, Manoj Jha, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and Ashraf Jehangir Qazi. The signatories called for restoring diplomatic relations, appointing High Commissioners, resuming visa services, reopening trade, discussing Jammu and Kashmir, pursuing demilitarisation, addressing security concerns, and reviving Attari-Wagah connectivity and commercial ties.

US Senator Steve Daines described India as a “trusted ally and friend,” contrasting it with China during the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington. Illustrating his trust, Daines said he carries his phone when visiting India but leaves it behind while travelling to China. He stressed that stronger US-India cooperation is vital for global stability and competitiveness, particularly in science, technology and innovation, while advocating engagement with China alongside risk reduction. Daines highlighted India’s large STEM talent pool as a strategic advantage. His remarks come as India and the US near completion of a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators resolving the final outstanding issues after months of discussions.

FIFA sparked fresh controversy during the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador after initially announcing that the mandatory hydration breaks would be removed because the match, delayed by 60 minutes due to thunderstorms in Mexico City, kicked off under cool 14°C conditions. However, referee Slavko Vinčić halted play around the 23rd minute for a hydration break despite FIFA's earlier statement, which was later removed from its website. The stoppage came moments after Mexico scored and launched another attack, prompting fans to accuse the referee of disrupting Mexico's momentum. Supporters also criticised several officiating decisions, including an incident where the referee obstructed Ecuador's attempt to regain possession. (PC: Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Bangladesh has revived the tradition of "mango diplomacy" by sending 100 kg of mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, despite recent strains in India-Bangladesh ties over illegal immigration and border-related issues. The symbolic seasonal gesture reflects a longstanding diplomatic practice in which mangoes are exchanged to foster goodwill and maintain cordial relations between the neighbouring countries. Historically, mango diplomacy has been used as a soft-power tool to strengthen bilateral engagement during periods of political sensitivity. The latest outreach suggests an attempt to preserve channels of communication and cultural goodwill even as both sides continue to navigate contentious issues affecting their relationship and border management. (PC: MSN)

Eleven-year-old Vihaan Srivastava’s family has demanded accountability after the Chembur tree collapse in Mumbai claimed his life. His grandfather alleged civic negligence, saying residents had repeatedly warned authorities about the dangerous tree. The family plans legal action, insisting those responsible be punished to prevent similar tragedies. Relatives remembered Vihaan as a cheerful, caring child passionate about cricket, revealing they cremated him with his cricket ball. Neighbours and local representatives criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), alleging repeated complaints about hazardous trees were ignored. MLA Tukaram Kate and MP Anil Desai called for a thorough investigation, better tree monitoring and maintenance, and strict action if negligence by civic authorities is established. (PC: NDTV)