More than 100 Chinese nationals were detained in Pakistan during a crackdown on alleged illegal call centres, prompting Beijing to call for stronger international action against such operations. Chinese authorities have urged countries to step up cooperation against telecommunications and online fraud networks targeting victims across borders. The detentions highlight growing concerns over criminal networks operating from Pakistan and involving foreign nationals. Beijing’s response comes as authorities intensify efforts to combat scams and other forms of cross-border cyber-enabled fraud. The case has also drawn attention to the need for greater coordination between countries to identify, investigate and dismantle illegal call-centre operations and protect victims from increasingly organised international financial and telecommunications scams. (PC: WION)

The Jharkhand government has announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and all recruitment exams conducted by TDPL. The decision came after days of protests by students and job aspirants in Ranchi. Student leader Devendra Mahto ended his hunger strike at Sadar Hospital after the government accepted the key demands. Student leaders Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti also ended their hunger strikes. State ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari met the protesters at the hospital. Students celebrated the decision at the protest site. They had demanded action over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams conducted by JPSC and JSSC.

China has called for global cooperation to fight telecom and online fraud after Pakistan detained more than 100 Chinese nationals. The suspects were reportedly held over alleged links to illegal call centres. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Chinese citizens abroad must follow local laws and avoid criminal activities. He said China is working with other countries to fight telecom fraud and plans to launch an international alliance against such crimes. Beijing has already stepped up action against Chinese fraud gangs operating overseas. China said thousands of people have been cheated by such groups in countries including Myanmar, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.

India has signed a ₹1,943 crore deal with US-based General Atomics to lease two more MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for the Navy. The 30-month lease will help prevent a gap in maritime surveillance before India receives its own drones. The Navy already operates two leased MQ-9Bs, which have supported anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Sea. India signed a $3.99 billion deal in 2024 to buy 31 MQ-9B drones for the Navy, Army and Air Force. Deliveries are expected from 2029. The drones can fly for up to 27 hours and provide long-range intelligence and surveillance over land and sea.

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has warned that the US administration’s $100,000 H-1B fee could drive skilled workers and jobs overseas. He said the high cost may discourage companies from hiring foreign professionals in specialised fields. Instead, firms could choose to move some work outside the US. Krishnamoorthi said H-1B workers from India, China and other countries play an important role in the US economy. He also noted that some foreign workers later start companies and create jobs. The fee is facing a legal challenge. A US appeals court has refused to pause a ruling that blocked the charge.

The Indian government has said X must follow the law in India after Elon Musk announced a new rule on content takedown requests. X will now make government orders to remove or restrict content more visible to users. The platform may show which government department sent the request and the legal reason behind it. Musk said the change would make government censorship more transparent. An Indian government official told PTI that X will have to follow the law of the land. The new policy is expected to help users understand why their posts or accounts were restricted or removed.

Nandan Thakur, a Microsoft Research postdoctoral researcher, has returned to India after completing his PhD in Canada. He said the decision was based on personal and professional reasons. Thakur missed his family, friends, Indian food and important events back home. He also faced loneliness and stress linked to immigration and visa rules. Despite Canada offering higher salaries and a clear path to permanent residency, he chose to return. Thakur said India’s growing AI sector also influenced his decision. He joined Microsoft Research India in Bengaluru. He said he and his wife wanted to build their future closer to family and contribute to India’s AI ecosystem.

India’s Ayush Shetty pulled off a stunning win over world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi at the BWF World Championships. The 21-year-old beat the defending champion in a thrilling three-game match. Ayush led 17-7 in the deciding game but faced a strong comeback from Shi. He also suffered an injury and needed treatment during the game. Despite the pressure, Ayush stayed calm and won the match after 73 minutes. He had lost to Shi in all three of their previous meetings. Ayush will next face Sri Lanka’s Dumindu Abeywickrama. He said he wants to stay focused and go further in the tournament.

Vande Bharat trains are becoming a key part of Indian Railways’ premium travel network. The trains carried nearly 3.98 crore passengers in FY26, a 34% rise from the previous year. Indian Railways is expanding the network as demand for faster and more comfortable travel grows. AC 3-tier and AC Chair Car were the only passenger categories to make profits in FY25. AC 3-tier earned ₹3,645 crore, while Chair Car made ₹377 crore. Vande Bharat Sleeper services also showed strong demand. They carried 1.21 lakh passengers in their first three months. The network now has 162 services.

PV Sindhu made a strong start at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi. She beat Ireland’s Sophia Noble 21-7, 21-11 in the first round. Sindhu is now aiming for a record sixth World Championships medal. She will face Canada’s Wen Yu Zhang next. Other Indian players also had a good day. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won their women’s doubles match. MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan also advanced after their opponents retired. Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi won their match too. Ayush Shetty also upset defending champion Shi Yuqi, boosting India’s hopes. (PC: PTI)