Times of India

A couple was allegedly subjected to severe humiliation and torture after being traced by the woman's husband. They were taken to a house where a so-called purification ritual was conducted against them. The man was tied to a tree, forced to perform sexual acts, and drink urine. This incident was recorded and subsequently circulated on social media, leading to police intervention.

Eva Marie Saint, the acclaimed actress famed for her iconic role in ‘On the Waterfront’, has sadly passed away at her Los Angeles residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 4, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, she was raised in Albany and Delmar, New York. Throughout her illustrious career, Saint captivated audiences with her performances in numerous films and television series, earning a multitude of prestigious awards.

Christa Pike, a death row inmate in Tennessee, is recovering at a hospital following a failed execution attempt. Her lawyers reported that she is awake and speaking after being unconscious for several days. Doctors say the extent of her recovery remains uncertain, and she might face a long rehabilitation process. Legal questions arise about whether Tennessee can execute her again after the failed lethal injection.

The GST Council intends to shorten the refund processing period to around 17 days for businesses. It will also work to automate registering for a GST number to speed up the process. For small businesses operating in multiple states, avoiding repetitive registrations will be considered. Additionally, the proposal includes eliminating physical verification for registration cancellations. Changes will allow input tax credit on various business-related expenses to facilitate smoother operations.

The extraordinary migration of monarch butterflies stretches across thousands of miles, connecting North America and Mexico. Sadly, their population has sharply declined, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature to mark them as endangered. Key threats include habitat loss, pesticide usage, and climate change, which disproportionately impact their crucial milkweed supply. To aid these delicate creatures, conservation efforts are imperative, with U.S. federal protection still pending.

Bypolls across Nandigram and Rejinagar saw an 80% turnout despite allegations of rigging and voter intimidation. In Tamil Nadu, turnout dipped compared to previous elections, with results showing 86% and 80% participation. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency recorded 76% turnout during the bypolls, while Puducherry's Thattanchavady seat had a turnout of 78% by 5pm. Various candidates and parties reported incidents of interference and blocked agents during the polling process.

Michael Douglas has recently published a memoir that shares intriguing details about his past relationships. He recounts an affair with Jeanne Tripplehorn during the filming of 'Basic Instinct'. The actor also reflects on being caught by his wife in a compromising situation, which led to an ultimatum. Douglas chose rehabilitation over divorce after the incident with his wife, Diandra Luker.

Narendra Modi's journey began with his role as Gujarat Chief Minister, addressing state issues and implementing reforms. His tenure included launching significant initiatives like the Jan Dhan Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at improving welfare. The BJP's political maneuvers led to Modi becoming Prime Minister in 2014, marking a significant shift in governance.

Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes have made children a major focus of their charitable work through the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Their efforts include a $1.625 million Boys & Girls Clubs commitment, a $1 million inclusive Kansas City playground, literacy programs reaching more than 20,000 students, community grants and food support for families facing hardship.

BJP has dismissed the march demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar as a sign of opposition frustration. During the protests, BJP representatives criticized Rahul Gandhi and questioned the credibility of his claims about member attendance. Union ministers expressed that the Election Commission is not responsible for Congress's electoral failures. BJP spokespersons emphasized the party's continued success and the opposition’s inability to connect with voters.

The Aframax Rio tanker caught fire off the Russian coast after an attack by unmanned vessels. All 23 crew members onboard, who were Indian nationals, were successfully rescued by emergency crews. The incident occurred near Sochi, leading to the closure of beaches in the area. Authorities monitored air and water quality, assuring safety for public health.

India and Canada are engaged in a security dialogue to strengthen their bilateral relations. NSA Ajit Doval hosted his Canadian counterpart David Morrison for discussions on security issues. Both nations reviewed their progress in law enforcement cooperation and identified areas for further collaboration. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is also scheduled to visit India later this month.

In one such case in Chennai, a man received cash gifts of Rs 85.03 lakh from his relatives. The Income Tax Department began making enquiries into the source of the Rs 85.03 lakh deposited by the man. The department also sent tax notices to the relatives who had given him the cash. The man eventually won relief in ITAT Chennai.

Captain Smit Machchhar faced serious injuries from his co-pilot during the flight's crisis situation. The co-pilot attacked him with an axe, resulting in a skull fracture that required emergency surgery. Doctors monitored his recovery closely and assisted him for further treatment in the UAE. The Indian embassy is providing support to Captain Machchhar and his family during this challenging time.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government has approached the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing. They aim to challenge a High Court order that mandated a CBI investigation into corruption allegations. The High Court's concerns include alleged coercive actions by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the state. The Punjab government argues that the orders violate governance principles outlined in the Constitution.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed why he left Portugal’s camp, claiming Jorge Jesus broke promises over his playing time and then contradicted their private agreement publicly. Ronaldo said the situation left him feeling unwanted and that continuing would harm the team. He apologised for leaving, accepted responsibility for his actions and insisted he remains available to compete for Portugal after his suspension.

Enforcement Directorate has uncovered a bribery racket involving executives from at least 40 public sector undertakings and banks. This scheme involved laundering corporate social responsibility funds through multiple trusts operated by a fake doctor. The fake doctor has been impersonating a medical professional for nearly three decades while receiving substantial donations. Investigations revealed kickbacks were paid, with funds returned to donors after deducting commissions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched ‘Surya’, India’s first indigenously-built fleet support ship in Visakhapatnam. He also laid the keel for the fifth ship in the series and inaugurated upgraded infrastructure at Hindustan Shipyard Limited. These developments aim to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. Additionally, Rajnath announced the establishment of a second production line for Shakti engines in Koraput.

Election Commission declined a meeting with opposition MPs led by Rahul Gandhi at Parliament House annexe. The commission emphasized meetings should occur on its premises and through authorized representatives. Despite being offered a chance to submit a memorandum, the MPs rejected this proposal. The Commission stated it had not received prior appointment requests from the parties until late in the day.

Cabinet has adopted a resolution recognizing Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service as Chief Minister and Prime Minister. This resolution highlights various policies that benefited the common man, showcasing Modi's governance style. It mentions key initiatives like SWAGAT and PRAGATI that improved governance and service delivery. Additionally, it discusses welfare schemes that helped millions escape poverty and empowered women in society.