The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, effective June 21, introduces severe penalties to curb exam irregularities. The law mandates 3-10 years’ imprisonment and up to ₹10 lakh fines for leaking exam papers or tampering with answer sheets. Service providers failing to report offences face a ₹1 crore fine. This move follows widespread allegations of paper leaks in exams like NEET and UGC-NET, causing significant disruptions. The Act also targets organized cheating, imposing stringent penalties on officials within service providers. Protections are included for those proven unaware of offences.

The Hinduja family, Britain's wealthiest of Indian origin, was convicted in Geneva for exploiting underpaid domestic workers. Prakash (78) and Kamal Hinduja (75) received 4.5-year sentences, while Ajay Hinduja and his wife Namrata were sentenced to 4 years. Workers, paid in rupees to inaccessible accounts in India, endured long hours for minimal wages. The court found the family guilty of exploiting vulnerable staff, rejecting severe human trafficking charges. Assets were confiscated to cover legal penalties. The family plans to appeal the decision.

In a significant move, former US President Donald Trump has promised to grant automatic green cards to foreign students graduating from American colleges. This move is set to benefit a large number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the US. India is among the top sources of international students in the US, with many excelling in various fields. Trump's proposal aims to retain these talented individuals, who often return to India and become successful entrepreneurs. This move could attract more Indian students to US colleges, boosting academic and economic ties between the two nations.

Suraj Revanna, a JD(S) leader and brother of former MP Prajwal Revanna, alleges threats of a false sexual assault case. His friend Shivkumar filed a complaint against Chethan and his brother-in-law, claiming they demanded ₹5 crore, threatening to accuse Suraj of sexual abuse. Chethan initially sought help for a job but began blackmailing after failing to secure one. Chethan later appeared on TV, accusing Suraj of abuse. This comes after Prajwal Revanna was placed in judicial custody over sexual abuse allegations, with explicit videos circulated in Hassan ahead of the recent Lok Sabha polls.

At least 25 Palestinians have been killed and 50 injured after Israeli tanks fired on makeshift tents sheltering displaced families in Rafah, Gaza. The attack occurred in Mawasi, a rural area filled with tents housing families fleeing the conflict. Witnesses described tanks firing on the tents, with a second volley targeting those trying to escape. The Israeli military has denied conducting a strike in the safe zone, despite previous attacks in the area. The deadly incident marks a devastating escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The flood situation in Assam remains grim, with 27 deaths reported and over 390,000 people affected across 19 districts. Displacement figures have risen to 171,000, with only 15,160 seeking shelter in relief camps. The state government has set up 245 relief camps, with Karimganj having the highest number. Heavy rainfall, 51% above normal, has caused three major rivers to overflow. Although rainfall decreased on Friday, the situation remains critical. Authorities are working to provide aid and relief to those affected. The districts of Kamrup, Tamulpur, and Hailakandi are among the worst hit.

A devastating explosion at a fireball manufacturing factory in Gurugram's Daulatabad Industrial Area has claimed two lives and injured three to four others. The incident occurred late Friday night, prompting a massive response from fire officials, who deployed 24 fire tenders to bring the blaze under control. Nearby buildings suffered damage in the incident. According to Fire Officer Ramesh Kumar, the factory produces fireballs, a type of fire extinguisher. The injured have been hospitalized, and an investigation into the incident is underway.

The West Indies secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over the United States in their T20 World Cup Group 2 Super Eight match in Barbados. Opener Shai Hope led the charge with an unbeaten 82, while Nicholas Pooran contributed 27 not out. The pair helped the West Indies reach 130/1 in just 10.5 overs, chasing down the USA's total of 128. Hope's impressive knock included eight sixes and four fours, as the West Indies batsmen made light work of the USA bowling attack. This comfortable win sees the West Indies strengthen their position in the tournament.

A devastating incident has occurred in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district, where 55 people have died after consuming toxic liquor. At least 88 others are hospitalized, with many victims hailing from Karunapuram. The tragedy has left three minor children orphaned, with their grandmother expressing helplessness in caring for them. The victims' families are demanding the closure of all liquor shops, alleging that the state government's inaction has led to this tragedy. Police have arrested four suspected bootleggers and detained 10 others, confirming that the deaths were caused by toxic liquor consumption. An investigation is underway to determine the exact substance consumed.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned to New Delhi on Friday for a two-day State visit, less than two weeks after attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. She met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on Saturday. Discussions will cover defence, connectivity, infrastructure, power and energy cooperation, trade, economic partnership, development cooperation, river water-sharing, and cultural ties. A defence pact and financial package are expected, along with a rail transit agreement. This visit is the first by a foreign leader since the formation of the new Indian government following the Lok Sabha elections.