An assistant professor from Assam, Dr. Atanu Nath of Tihu College, has been named among the winners of the prestigious 2026 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, often called the “Oscars of Science.” He is part of the international Fermilab Muon g−2 collaboration, which includes 376 scientists from global institutions. The team was recognised for its groundbreaking research on the muon’s magnetic properties, carried out at CERN, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and Fermilab. The award highlights decades of precision experiments that deepen understanding of particle physics beyond the Standard Model. Dr. Nath’s achievement brings pride to Assam and India, marking a significant global recognition of Indian participation in cutting-edge scientific research. 

A complaint has been filed against a woman who confronted Maharashtra BJP minister Girish Mahajan during a party rally in Mumbai’s Worli area over severe traffic congestion. The woman, visibly angry at being stuck for over an hour, questioned the minister and police over road blockages caused by the rally. The complaint, lodged by Zen Sadavarte, alleges that she used abusive language, obstructed public servants, and disrupted law-and-order management. However, Mumbai Police have clarified that no FIR has been registered against the woman so far. The minister also acknowledged that her frustration was partly justified but criticised her language. The incident has triggered political debate over public inconvenience during rallies and the balance between protest rights and civic order. 

A Guardian report uncovers disturbing testimonies from Iran’s death row, based on smuggled letters, videos, and prison accounts that reveal executions carried out amid war and political unrest. One key case is Babak Alipour, a 34-year-old law graduate who documented prison life before being executed after three years on death row. His writings and final video highlight alleged unfair trials and charges linked to opposition ties. Human rights groups say executions have surged during ongoing conflict, with prisoners accused of “enmity against God” or political dissent. Families describe sudden disappearances, rushed trials, and secret hangings inside prisons.The report suggests Iran is using wartime conditions to intensify repression, silence dissent, and accelerate capital punishment, drawing growing international concern over due process violations and human rights abuses. (PC: The Guardian)

At least three people were killed in fresh violence in Manipur’s Ukhrul district after gunfights broke out between armed groups linked to the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities. According to police reports, the clashes occurred in two separate incidents early Friday, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries in nearby villages. The violence marks a new escalation in long-standing ethnic tensions in the region, which has witnessed repeated cycles of retaliation and armed confrontation. Security forces have been deployed and investigations are underway, while authorities remain on high alert to prevent further outbreaks of violence in the sensitive hill district. (PC: PTI)

A political twist emerged as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs reportedly met at Arvind Kejriwal’s residence for a discussion that never took place, as they had already decided to quit the party. According to sources, Kejriwal had called the MPs to address internal concerns and possibly pacify tensions, but the leaders had independently finalised their exit plan earlier. Seven MPs, including Raghav Chadha, allegedly left the party and moved toward a merger with the BJP, catching the leadership off guard. Kejriwal was reportedly unaware of their collective decision at the time of calling the meeting. (PC: NDTV)

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has been extended by three weeks, according to US President Donald Trump, following high-level diplomatic talks involving Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Washington. The extension aims to maintain a temporary pause in hostilities that have continued despite earlier agreements. The deal was reached during US-mediated discussions, with officials expressing cautious optimism about moving toward broader peace negotiations. However, tensions remain high as sporadic clashes continue on the ground, raising doubts over long-term stability. The US has also indicated continued engagement to support regional de-escalation efforts and prevent further escalation of violence in the region. (PC: AP)

A young woman, daughter of an IRS officer, was found dead at her residence in Delhi’s Kailash Hills, sparking widespread concern. Police have arrested Rahul Meena, a former domestic worker, in connection with the case. Investigators say the accused was familiar with the house and may have used prior access to enter the premises. Initial findings indicate possible theft, as valuables were reported missing. Authorities are examining multiple angles, including motive and sequence of events, while awaiting forensic reports. The incident has raised fresh concerns about household security and background checks for domestic staff in urban areas. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for a fresh round of diplomatic engagements linked to stalled US-Iran negotiations. Leading a senior delegation, he is expected to meet Pakistan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military officials, as Islamabad plays a mediating role. However, Tehran has clarified that no direct talks with the United States are planned during this visit, with messages instead conveyed through Pakistan. Meanwhile, the US is dispatching envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, signaling continued diplomatic efforts despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding a breakthrough.

Swati Maliwal, once a prominent face of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), explained her exit by accusing the party of abandoning its core values and indulging in “corruption and loot.” She said she distanced herself to avoid being part of alleged wrongdoing. Maliwal also recalled a 2024 incident where she accused Arvind Kejriwal’s aide of physically assaulting her at the Chief Minister’s residence. The controversy deepened her rift with the leadership. Her departure comes amid a larger rebellion, with multiple AAP MPs leaving the party and aligning with the BJP, signalling serious internal turmoil. (PC: NDTV)

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that 10 Indian nationals have died while serving in the Russian Army during the ongoing Ukraine war. These individuals were among 26 Indians whose families had approached the court seeking their safe return. According to the Centre, most had voluntarily joined the Russian military, though concerns persist over alleged recruitment through agents and misleading job offers. The deaths have intensified distress among families and raised serious questions about overseas recruitment practices. The government said efforts are ongoing to ensure the return of remaining Indians and to address the issue diplomatically.