Lucky Rawat, a Class 10 student from Chakrata in Uttarakhand, has been selected as India's sole representative for the prestigious Icebreaker of Knowledge international expedition to the North Pole. Chosen through a rigorous three-stage selection process, he will join students aged 14–16 from 22 countries on a 10-day scientific and educational voyage aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy, departing from Murmansk, Russia. The programme promotes Arctic research, environmental awareness, cultural exchange, and global collaboration. Lucky's achievement is a proud moment for India, highlighting how talent and determination can earn international recognition. (PC: ANI)

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won his first Grand Chess Tour St. Louis Rapid & Blitz title after a commanding performance in the United States. The 20-year-old secured the championship with a round to spare by drawing against Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov in the penultimate round before finishing on 23.5 points, 1.5 points clear of the field. Praggnanandhaa led the standings throughout the tournament, losing only two of his 27 games. The victory strengthens his position in the Grand Chess Tour standings ahead of the prestigious Sinquefield Cup and marks another major milestone in his impressive 2026 season. (PC: X)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said India's reservation system should continue as long as social discrimination persists, describing it as a necessary measure for achieving equality. Speaking at the IIMUN Annual Championship Conference in Mumbai, he cited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision and argued that reservation benefits should increasingly reach communities that remain excluded. Referring to demands for sub-categorisation within reserved groups and recent Supreme Court observations, Bhagwat said those who have already benefited should help ensure opportunities reach others. He also criticised the politicisation of reservation, stressing it was intended to promote social harmony rather than deepen divisions. (PC: X)

UEFA has reaffirmed that its threat to boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups, remains in place despite FIFA withdrawing its controversial proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. European football's governing body said FIFA has not yet met the conditions required to restore trust, including firm guarantees that similar plans will never return. UEFA also continues to express a lack of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership. The standoff has deepened divisions within world football and could affect upcoming FIFA tournaments if negotiations fail to resolve the governance dispute. (PC: Getty Images)

Scientists monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have identified mutations in the circulating virus, prompting concerns about whether the changes could affect transmission, disease severity, or the effectiveness of existing countermeasures. Researchers stressed that mutations are a normal part of viral evolution and there is currently no evidence that the virus has become more dangerous. However, they said continued genomic surveillance is essential to detect any significant changes. Health authorities are intensifying testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts as the outbreak continues, while experts closely monitor the virus to ensure existing treatments and vaccines remain effective. (PC: AFP)

The agitation by job aspirants in Jharkhand entered its 14th day after one of the protesters on an indefinite hunger strike was taken to hospital following a decline in health. The students are demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, including paper leaks and delays in appointments. In an effort to resolve the deadlock, the protesters formed an 11-member delegation to hold talks with the state government after Chief Minister Hemant Soren said his government's doors were open for dialogue. Despite the outreach, the students vowed to continue their protest until concrete assurances and action are provided. (PC: PTI)

A passenger was arrested after allegedly trying to open the emergency exit of an IndiGo flight just minutes before it landed at Kochi International Airport. Cabin crew and fellow passengers quickly intervened, preventing any safety risk, while the aircraft landed safely without incident. The accused was detained immediately after landing and handed over to airport security and local police. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident, including the passenger's motive and mental condition. Aviation officials reiterated that tampering with aircraft emergency exits is a serious offence that endangers passenger safety and can attract strict legal action.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has rejected the DMK's demand for an all-party meeting on the Cauvery water dispute and the proposed Mekedatu dam project, asserting that the issue should not be politicised. Responding to criticism from Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vijay said he was prepared to face personal insults but would remain focused on protecting Tamil Nadu's water rights and farmers' interests. The exchange marks an escalation in the political confrontation between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK, as both sides trade accusations over the state's strategy to address the long-standing interstate river dispute. (PC: PTI)

PNC Infratech has secured two National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects worth ₹3,483 crore in Uttar Pradesh, despite facing scrutiny over alleged construction quality issues linked to the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway and an ongoing CBI investigation into alleged bribery. The fresh contracts have sparked questions over the company's continued eligibility for major infrastructure projects. The development comes as authorities investigate defects reported on the expressway, prompting concerns about project oversight and accountability. While the company has denied wrongdoing, the contracts have intensified debate over transparency, procurement standards, and quality control in India's highway infrastructure sector. (PC: India Today)

At least eight people were detained by Delhi Police after a group of sadhus, including women protesters, attempted to stage a demonstration near Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s official residence in the high-security Lutyens’ Delhi area. Police said the protest violated restrictions imposed around the sensitive zone. Rahul Gandhi stepped out to meet the demonstrators and questioned the police action before being briefly stopped during the commotion. The Congress accused the authorities of curbing peaceful protests, while Delhi Police maintained that the detentions were necessary to enforce security regulations and maintain public order.