Times of India

Karnataka's Congress government has ordered singing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram. This directive applies to state government programmes and functions held across Karnataka. The decision follows a Union home ministry guideline for singing all six stanzas. The state government aims for uniformity and appropriate protocol during national song renditions. This move occurs amidst a political controversy surrounding the national song's singing.

Densely packed multi-storey paying guest accommodations have been built illegally in Noida villages. These structures often lack essential fire safety and emergency exits, posing significant risks. Many buildings violate building codes, with thin columns and narrow lanes hindering access for emergency services. Demand for affordable housing from students and IT professionals drives this rampant, unsafe construction. Tenants prioritize affordability over documented safety measures in their accommodation choices.

A troubling situation has emerged involving an SSB assistant sub-inspector, who stands accused of fraud and exploitation by three women. One of them alleges she was raped and then blackmailed with a video recording. She claims she was pressured to modify her statement following her complaint. Additionally, two other women report harassment and inappropriate messages from the officer, leading to a police and SSB investigation into these allegations.

India secured a dominant 40-run victory over Bangladesh to advance into the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final. Shafali Varma's explosive 64-run innings provided a strong foundation for India's competitive total. India's bowlers applied sustained pressure, restricting Bangladesh to 109 runs in their chase. Deepti Sharma was instrumental with the ball, claiming crucial wickets throughout the match. This win extends India's unbeaten streak and sends them to their tenth consecutive final.

Shree Charani has made history by becoming the fastest Indian bowler to take fifty wickets in women's T20 internationals, completing this achievement in her twenty-ninth T20I appearance. This pivotal moment elevates her status among the world's top bowlers. Furthermore, India's journey in the Asia Cup semifinal has added to the excitement surrounding her performance in international cricket.

Recent reports indicate that Iran deployed electro-optical guided missiles against US warships, showcasing a technology that enables precise target identification without GPS reliance. The US Central Command has acknowledged these attacks, affirming that all efforts were unsuccessful. This escalation follows US responses to Iranian oil tanker actions, intensifying tensions in the Strait of Hormuz area.

In a notable diplomatic shift, Algeria has officially severed ties with the United Arab Emirates, following a period of escalating tensions. The nations disagree on key regional matters, particularly concerning Western Sahara and the Sahel, with Algeria accusing the UAE of hostile provocations. This rift also underscores contrasting positions on Israel and Middle Eastern relations, marking a crucial break in bilateral relations between the two countries.

The US Department of Homeland Security is considering the elimination of a 60-day grace period for specific visa holders, which could greatly affect Indian H-1B and L-1 visa holders in the United States. This proposal is based on the belief that the grace period compromises the integrity of employment-related visa classifications. A decision to remove this grace period would introduce significant financial and logistical hurdles for those impacted.