Violence erupted in Thiruvananthapuram after CPI(M) protesters allegedly attacked an Enforcement Directorate (ED) vehicle outside former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence during raids linked to the CMRL money laundering case. Demonstrators accused central agencies of politically motivated action against Left leaders. Police intervened after protesters surrounded the area and damaged the vehicle carrying ED officials. Several people were reportedly detained following the clashes. The raids targeted locations connected to Vijayan and individuals linked to the investigation. The incident has intensified political tensions between the BJP-led Centre and Kerala’s Left parties, triggering protests in different parts of the state. (PC: The Hindu)

Hyderabad-based IT professional and mountaineer Arun Kumar Tiwari died while descending Mount Everest after successfully summiting the peak. The 53-year-old had previously climbed mountains including Kilimanjaro, Denali and Kanchenjunga. His family decided not to recover his body from Everest’s dangerous “death zone,” citing his deep love for the mountains, spiritual beliefs, and the extreme risks involved in retrieval operations. Family members said Tiwari considered the Himalayas his true passion beyond his corporate career. The incident has highlighted the dangers of Everest expeditions, where several climbers have died during the 2026 climbing season. (PC: The Indian Express)

A French court sentenced former bank manager Guillaume Bucci to 25 years in prison after convicting him of raping, torturing and exploiting his former partner, Laetitia R, over seven years. Prosecutors said Bucci manipulated her through psychological control, threats and violence, forcing her into prostitution with hundreds of men. The survivor testified that she “stopped counting at 487 men” and described living in constant fear. Evidence included threatening messages and recordings. The case has shocked France and drawn comparisons to the Gisèle Pelicot abuse trial, highlighting growing concerns over violence against women and coercive sexual exploitation. (PC: AFP)

C. Joseph Vijay met Narendra Modi in New Delhi during his first official visit to the national capital after becoming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. The 25-minute meeting took place at Seva Teerth and focused on major state issues, including pending central funds, Chennai Metro expansion, GST compensation, fertiliser supply, and the Mekedatu reservoir dispute. Vijay is also expected to meet Union ministers, President Droupadi Murmu, and Congress leaders during the visit. The meeting is being viewed as politically significant amid changing dynamics in Tamil Nadu politics. (PC: India Today)

India has opened its first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), to private companies in a historic defence sector shift. The Defence Ministry has shortlisted Tata Advanced Systems, the L&T-BEL-Dynamatic consortium and the Bharat Forge-BEML-Data Patterns consortium for the Rs 15,000 crore project. The selected partner will build five AMCA prototypes at a new facility in Andhra Pradesh with support from DRDO and ADA. The move marks the first time state-run HAL has been excluded from a major fighter aircraft programme, boosting India’s push for defence self-reliance and private-sector participation. (PC: NDTV)

Air India will reduce around 22% of its domestic flights from next month after already cutting 27% of international operations between June and August due to rising fuel costs. The airline said the temporary reduction was driven by the sustained impact of high jet fuel prices following the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Air India, which reported a record loss of over $2 billion in 2025-26, is also facing operational pressure from restrictions on using Pakistan’s airspace. The airline said affected passengers will be offered alternative flights, free date changes or full refunds during the temporary schedule rationalisation. (PC: X)

Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from all organisational posts in the party, deepening troubles for the TMC after its poor Bengal poll performance. The four-time Barasat MP, considered a close aide of Mamata Banerjee, cited “indecent behaviour” by a party MP and lack of support from senior leadership. Her resignation came after attending a meeting chaired by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, fuelling speculation over a possible political shift. Kakoli also raised concerns over corruption allegations, the RG Kar Medical College case and the party’s election strategy, while blaming poll consultant I-PAC for mishandling the campaign. (PC: India Today)

The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday told the High Court that injuries found on actor-model Twisha Sharma’s body were ante-mortem and may have occurred during a “scuffle or struggle” before her death. During the hearing on pleas seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to former judge Giribala Singh, the state alleged that Twisha faced cruelty and dowry harassment from both her mother-in-law and husband Samarth Singh. The government said Twisha was taunted over inadequate dowry and faced disputes related to her pregnancy. It also accused Giribala Singh of not cooperating with the investigation despite police notices and visits to her residence. (PC: News18)

At least 31 people, including children, were killed after Israel launched one of its heaviest waves of air strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon since the April ceasefire. The attacks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “press the pedal even harder” against Hezbollah. Israeli forces said more than 100 Hezbollah targets were hit overnight, while Lebanon reported widespread destruction in villages including Mashghara. Rescue teams pulled survivors, including children, from the rubble as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continued to rise despite ongoing ceasefire efforts. (PC: BBC)

An Air India flight from Delhi to San Francisco returned to the national capital on Tuesday after developing a technical issue mid-air. Flight AI173, carrying around 230 passengers, remained airborne for more than eight hours before landing safely in Delhi. The aircraft reportedly turned back while flying through Chinese airspace after being in the air for over three hours. Air India said the plane would undergo technical inspection as per safety procedures. The airline added that passengers were being provided assistance, including refreshments, hotel accommodation and alternative travel arrangements. (PC: X)