U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk, purchased a red Tesla Model S, signaling his support for the electric vehicle maker amidst challenges. During the visit, Trump joked that Musk would give him a discount on the car. Despite his previous skepticism about electric vehicles, Trump praised Tesla for its innovation. The vehicle is planned for use by White House staff. This move follows Tesla's struggles, including a significant drop in stock prices and declining sales, while Trump's backing of Musk may help boost the company's image.  

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) discovered the gold concealed in her shoes after she lied to authorities. Rao had made several trips to Dubai in the past year, allegedly transporting gold during her travels. Authorities also found gold jewelry and large sums of money at her residence. The case raises questions about potential links between smuggling operations and law enforcement. Investigations into the network are ongoing.

In a dramatic attack, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, by detonating explosives on the tracks in Balochistan, causing the train to halt. The insurgents took over the train, holding over 400 passengers hostage. Pakistani security forces rescued 155 passengers after a standoff, killing 27 militants. While the situation remains critical, with suicide bombers near hostages, the rescue operation continues. The BLA has claimed to release women and children, but authorities dispute this claim.

India’s top telecom firms, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have signed separate agreements with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink internet services to the country. The deals, conditional on government approval, will expand satellite broadband access, particularly in rural areas. Jio and Airtel, previously seen as Starlink’s rivals, had opposed Musk’s demand for direct spectrum allocation. However, the Indian government’s policy shift in favor of allocation influenced the partnerships. Analysts say the agreements offer Starlink access to 70% of India’s mobile users, potentially lowering satellite broadband costs.

Baloch insurgents hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan after bombing the railway track, forcing it to stop. The train, carrying over 400 passengers, mostly security personnel, was attacked by armed militants who took hostages and killed at least 30 security personnel. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners. Pakistani forces reported killing 27 rebels in a counter-operation. Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti vowed continued military action. The situation remains tense, with over 214 passengers still held hostage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv accepts the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. "Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show whether it is ready to stop the war or continue it," he stated. After nine-hour talks in Jeddah, the U.S. lifted its pause on intelligence-sharing and military aid. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "The ball is now in Russia's court." Donald Trump confirmed he plans to speak with Vladimir Putin, stating, "It takes two to tango." The agreement now hinges on Moscow’s response.

Gautam Gambhir is set to become the first Team India head coach to travel with the India A squad for an overseas tour. Unlike predecessors Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, Gambhir wants firsthand insight into India's talent pool ahead of the England tour. A BCCI source revealed, “Gambhir is keen on reviving India A tours and analyzing young players.” His push for wildcard selections helped India win the ICC Champions Trophy, and he aims to strengthen the red-ball team. This move signals a shift in India’s coaching approach, with greater emphasis on developing emerging talent.

The Trump administration has intensified its immigration crackdown, warning Indian green card holders and foreign students against political activism. Officials stated that participation in anti-Israel protests or activities perceived as supporting terrorism could lead to deportation. White House advisor Stephen Miller declared, “If you support terrorism, we don’t want you here.” The move follows the arrest of a Columbia University student accused of pro-Hamas activism. A New York judge temporarily halted his deportation, but Trump vowed further action, stating, “This is the first arrest of many.” The policy raises concerns over freedom of speech and its impact on the Indian diaspora.

NASA has announced the elimination of its Chief Scientist position, previously held by Dr. Katherine Calvin, as part of a broader organizational restructuring. This move also includes the closure of the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch. These changes, affecting 23 employees, align with the Trump administration's cost-cutting initiatives aimed at reducing the federal workforce. Dr. Calvin, appointed in January 2022, played a pivotal role in advising on science programs and climate-related initiatives. The restructuring has raised concerns about potential impacts on NASA's scientific research and diversity efforts.

Pakistani security forces rescued 155 passengers from the hijacked Jaffar Express, killing 27 Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents. The train, carrying 425 passengers, was hijacked in Balochistan’s Mashkaf tunnel. The BLA claims to hold 214 hostages and threatens executions if its demands, including the release of political prisoners, aren’t met. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, while authorities launched emergency operations in hospitals. The hijacking follows rising insurgent violence in Balochistan, with previous attacks killing dozens. Rescue efforts continue amid escalating tensions.