New Delhi: Security agencies have foiled a major plot to allegedly target the national capital with advanced weapons, revealing a suspected cross-border syndicate linked to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, sources said.Authorities recovered 18 sophisticated firearms from nine alleged operatives, who were allegedly planning to send the weapons through Munger before distributing them across several states.ANI sources said investigators are also probing the role of Shahbaz Ansari, a wanted accused in the NIA’s Sidhu Moosewala arms supply case and a resident of Khurja in Uttar Pradesh.The latest operation comes days after the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali national, on April 22, 2025.In a related action on April 24, the Uttar Pradesh anti-terrorism squad arrested two alleged gangsters in Noida, who are said to be working under the direct influence of Pakistan-based handlers and the ISI.The suspects, identified as Tushar Chauhan alias Hizbullah Ali Khan and Sameer Khan, 20, were found with a pistol, live ammunition and a knife.According to the ATS, intelligence inputs indicate that the two were attempting to compromise India’s internal security on the instructions of the ISI. Investigators said they were working with terrorist organizations and gangsters to radicalize Indian youth through Instagram and other social media platforms.The ATS further alleged that the two men were working with gangsters Shehzad Bhatti and Abid Jatt and were tasked with creating sleeper cells and conducting reconnaissance of sensitive locations for targeted killings.According to UP ATS, Bhatti had allegedly offered Tushar Rs 3 lakh, a part of which was paid in advance, along with a passport and safe passage to Pakistan via Dubai after carrying out the planned attacks.Investigators said the network was not limited to criminal elements and was linked to ISI operatives identified as Major Hamid, Major Iqbal and Major Anwar, who allegedly helped supply arms and money.(With ANI inputs)

मामले की जानकारी देते हुए थाना कोतवाल प्रशांत बहुगुणा ने बताया कि तोताघाटी के सामने कार गिरने की सूचना मिलते ही पुलिस बल रेस्क्यू के लिए मौके पर पहुंच गया था. गहरी खाई और दुर्गम रास्तों के बीच राहत कार्य करते हुए टीम ने एक घायल व्यक्ति को सुरक्षित बचाया है, जिसे राफ्ट के जरिए नदी से निकालने की प्रक्रिया जारी है.

यह भी पढ़ें…उत्तराखंड: महिला आरक्षण के मुद्दे पर विशेष सत्र आज, सदन में हंगामे के आसार, विपक्ष दिखाएगा आक्रामक रुख

वहीं, कार में सवार महिला का अभी तक कोई पता नहीं चल पाया है. पुलिस के मुताबिक जिस तरह से कार क्षतिग्रस्त हुई है, उससे आशंका है कि महिला को कहीं गहरी खाई में फेंक दिया गया है। फिलहाल राहत एवं बचाव दल द्वारा लापता महिला की सघन तलाश की जा रही है और रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन लगातार जारी है.

A Ukrainian drone strike caused a “massive fire” at Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea, Russian officials said Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of nearby buildings.Refinery, owned by RosneftAccording to industry sources, operations were suspended from April 16 following the first drone attack. It mainly supplies oil products for export.Reuters reported that Ukraine had no immediate comment on the latest attack. Kiev has stepped up attacks inside Russia since March as US-brokered talks over the war in Ukraine stalled and Washington focused primarily on the Iran conflict.Veniamin Kondratiev, governor of Russia’s Krasnodar region, said the latest attack caused a massive fire at the facility.“Another serious incident has occurred in Tuapse. A massive fire broke out at an oil refinery after a drone attack,” Kondratiev said on Telegram.The Tuapse refinery is one of Russia’s major Black Sea energy facilities and has been targeted in drone strikes before.The head of the Tuapse district, Sergei Boyko, ordered the evacuation of roads around the refinery due to fears the fire could spread to surrounding areas.Officials did not immediately provide casualties or details on the scale of damage beyond the fire. Emergency services were deployed to control the fire.The refinery and the nearby Tuapse port have faced repeated attacks in recent months. An earlier attack caused oil to spill into the sea and cause a fire that took several days to extinguish.Last week, local residents were advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed and wipe down surfaces as byproducts of the previous fire mixed with rainwater, leaving a “black layer” in areas near the terminal, local officials said.The Kremlin said measures were being taken in response to the latest attack. According to Reuters, Kremlin officials said the necessary measures were being taken following the Ukrainian drone attack on the refinery.The Tuapse refinery has an annual production capacity of approximately 12 million metric tons or 240,000 barrels per day. It produces naphtha, diesel, fuel oil and vacuum gasoil.Its Black Sea location makes it strategically important for Russian fuel exports.

उत्तर प्रदेश के कौशांबी जिले में भरत यादव हत्याकांड से पूरे इलाके का माहौल तनावपूर्ण हो गया है. घटना के 24 घंटे बाद भी मृतक का अंतिम संस्कार नहीं किया गया है. परिजन आरोपियों की गिरफ्तारी और आर्थिक सहायता की मांग पर अड़े हुए हैं. पुलिस लगातार समझाने की कोशिश कर रही है, लेकिन परिवार अपनी मांगों से पीछे हटने को तैयार नहीं है. किसी भी अप्रिय घटना को रोकने के लिए गांव में भारी पुलिस बल तैनात किया गया है। इस घटना के बाद पूरे इलाके में डर और गुस्से का माहौल है.

प्रेम विवाह के विवाद में हत्या की आशंका
यह घटना रविवार की रात करारी थाना क्षेत्र के अधहरा गांव की है, जहां भरत यादव की बेरहमी से हत्या कर दी गई. शुरुआती जांच में पता चला है कि हत्या के पीछे प्रेम विवाह का विरोध वजह हो सकता है. हालांकि पुलिस इस मामले की हर पहलू से जांच कर रही है. घटना के बाद गांव में तनाव है और लोग काफी गुस्से में हैं.

परिजनों की मांग के चलते अंतिम संस्कार रोक दिया गया
मृतक के परिजनों ने साफ कर दिया है कि जब तक सभी आरोपियों की गिरफ्तारी नहीं हो जाती और प्रशासन की ओर से आर्थिक सहायता का आश्वासन नहीं मिल जाता, तब तक अंतिम संस्कार नहीं किया जाएगा. पुलिस ने शव का अंतिम संस्कार कराने का प्रयास किया, लेकिन परिजन अपनी मांगों पर अड़े रहे। इससे स्थिति और संवेदनशील हो गई है.

एक आरोपी गिरफ्तार, दो अभी भी फरार
पुलिस ने मामले में तुरंत कार्रवाई करते हुए एक आरोपी को गिरफ्तार कर लिया, जबकि दो अन्य आरोपी अभी भी फरार हैं. पुलिस अधीक्षक सत्यनारायण ने फरार आरोपियों की गिरफ्तारी के लिए पांच-पांच हजार रुपये का इनाम घोषित किया है. इन्हें पकड़ने के लिए पुलिस की कई टीमें लगातार छापेमारी कर रही हैं.

गांव में भारी पुलिस बल, कार्रवाई का आश्वासन
घटना के बाद गांव में भारी पुलिस बल तैनात कर दिया गया है, ताकि किसी भी अप्रिय स्थिति से निपटा जा सके. पुलिस अधीक्षक सत्यनारायण ने परिवार को आश्वासन दिया है कि जल्द ही सभी आरोपियों को गिरफ्तार कर पीड़ित परिवार को न्याय दिलाया जाएगा. फिलहाल पुलिस मामले की गहनता से जांच कर रही है और स्थिति पर नजर बनाए हुए है.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated the possibility of a return to El Nino conditions as early as May-July this year, with climate models pointing to a rapid increase in sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.WMO said in its latest global seasonal climate update that confidence in the onset of El Nino is increasing after neutral conditions earlier this year. “After a period of neutral conditions at the beginning of the year, climate models are now strongly aligned, and there is high confidence in the onset of El Niño, which will be followed by further intensification in the following months,” Wilfran Moufouma Okia said.He added, “Models indicate this could be a strong event, but the so-called spring predictability constraint is a challenge to the certainty of forecasts at this time of year. Forecast confidence generally improves after April.The report forecasts a “near-normal to near-global dominance of land surface temperatures” over the next three months, with significant regional variations in rainfall. El Niño is part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is known to influence global weather, often weakening monsoon systems over parts of Asia.What is El Nino?El Niño is a climate phenomenon marked by increased sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. It occurs irregularly every two to seven years and typically lasts about nine to twelve months. During an El Niño event, the normal easterly trade winds weaken or may reverse, disrupting global weather patterns. This could lead to dry conditions in parts of Australia, Indonesia and South Asia, while causing heavy rainfall in parts of the Americas, as well as increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted below normal southwest monsoon for 2026, the first such forecast in three years, with rainfall likely to be around 92% of the long period average.Despite growing monsoon concerns, large parts of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra are facing a severe heat wave, with temperatures reaching above 45 degrees Celsius and people facing distress. Akola recorded a high of 46.9 degrees Celsius, the highest in the country, followed by Amravati (46.8 degrees Celsius), Wardha (46.4 degrees Celsius) and Yavatmal (46.0 degrees Celsius). Hot winds and dry conditions led to the temperature in Nagpur reaching 45.4 degrees Celsius, the highest so far this season.With little respite expected, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Akola, Amravati and Wardha, warning of extreme heat, while a yellow alert is in place for Nagpur, Chandrapur and Buldhana.Akola not only topped the national charts but was also one of the hottest destinations globally, ranking third in the world that day. Amravati (fourth), Wardha (sixth), Yavatmal (eighth) and Nagpur (tenth) also feature in the global top 10, underscoring the intensity of the heatwave across the region.Authorities in Delhi have intensified preparations. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced measures including making ORS solutions available in schools and ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply. He has also directed the departments to ensure that workers do not face extreme heat between 1 pm and 4 pm.

इस आदेश को जलविद्युत कंपनियों ने विशेष अपील दायर कर खंडपीठ के समक्ष चुनौती दी थी। विशेष अपीलों पर सुनवाई करते हुए पूर्व मुख्य न्यायाधीश की खंडपीठ ने इस पर अलग-अलग राय दी. इसकी पुष्टि के लिए पहले जस्टिस आलोक कुमार वर्मा की एकलपीठ को रेफरेंस ऑर्डर भेजा गया था, जिस पर आज उनकी अदालत ने यह फैसला सुनाया. न्यायमूर्ति आलोक कुमार वर्मा की एकलपीठ के समक्ष मामले की सुनवाई हुई.

मामले के अनुसार, राज्य गठन के बाद उत्तराखंड सरकार ने राज्य की नदियों में जलविद्युत परियोजनाएं स्थापित करने के लिए विभिन्न कंपनियों को आमंत्रित किया था और उत्तराखंड, उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य और जलविद्युत कंपनियों के बीच एक समझौते पर हस्ताक्षर किए गए थे। जिसमें निर्णय लिया गया कि कुल उत्पादित बिजली का 12 प्रतिशत हिस्सा उत्तराखंड को मुफ्त दिया जाएगा, जबकि शेष बिजली उत्तर प्रदेश को बेची जाएगी।

लेकिन 2012 में उत्तराखंड सरकार ने बिजली उत्पादन पर उत्तराखंड जल कर अधिनियम बनाया और जल विद्युत कंपनियों पर तार की क्षमता के अनुसार 2 से 10 पैसे प्रति यूनिट जल कर लगाया, जिसे अलकनंदा पावर प्रोजेक्ट प्राइवेट लिमिटेड, टीएचडीसी, एनएचपीसी, स्वाति पावर प्रोजेक्ट प्राइवेट लिमिटेड, भिलंगना हाइड्रो पावर प्रोजेक्ट, जय प्रकाश पावर वेंचर प्राइवेट लिमिटेड आदि ने चुनौती दी थी। एकल पीठ ने उनकी याचिकाओं को खारिज करते हुए कहा था कि विधायिका को ऐसा अधिनियम बनाने का अधिकार है। यह टैक्स पानी के उपयोग पर नहीं बल्कि पानी से बिजली उत्पादन पर है जिसे संवैधानिक दायरे में रखा गया है।

In 2008, a diamond mining operation near Oranjemund, Namibia resulted in the discovery of an important piece of history when the wreck of the Portuguese merchant ship Bom Jesus, lost at sea in 1533, was found after being buried under layers of sand and water for more than 500 years. The discovery allows archaeologists to view the wreck as a time capsule of the era of Discovery, with the ship’s contents almost perfectly preserved, thanks to the ship’s cargo of copper ingots, which provided protection to the ship from marine degradation. The discovery of Bom Jesus has opened up many new opportunities to study the global trade routes of the 16th century, as well as the shipbuilding techniques of the time and the dangers faced by early explorers during their journeys through the dangerous Atlantic Ocean.

Gold, ivory and cannons: 500-year-old shipwreck discovered in desert sands

According to a report bymariner’s mirror‘, On March 7, 1533, Bom Jesus departed from Lisbon en route to the Indian subcontinent with trade goods that were taken on board. Historical analysis by archaeologists and historians indicates that the ship capsized during a severe storm, which caused waves to wash towards the coast of Namibia and then collided with a reef. Since most human remains have not been found, it is believed that some crew members survived the initial sinking, but the ship and its valuable cargo remained buried beneath the sands of the Skeleton Coast for nearly 500 years.

How a poisonous cargo preserved history

During the excavation of the wreck, experts found more than 40 tons of material – including an incredible variety of artefacts that had largely escaped cleanup because they were located in an area previously protected from diamond mining. The shipment included thousands of gold and silver coins, bronze cannons, navigational astrolabes and several hundred pieces of ivory, according to a report, ‘The Mariner’s Mirror’. Another interesting thing about these objects is that they were found in a well-preserved state (including organic material) due to the biocidal properties of copper wares, which prevented marine organisms from eating the organic remains of sunken ships.

What do ivory and copper indicate? early global trade

Among some of the most important maritime archaeological discoveries found in Southern Africa, copper ingots (about 17 tons) bear the trident of the Fugger family of Augsburg, Germany, and are evidence that Renaissance Europe traded extensively with sub-Saharan Africa. The ivory that was also found has given scientists important information about the historical population of West African forest elephants and how early global trade affected the environment.

A man who stabbed a British tourist to death in a regional Australian town has been found not criminally responsible due to mental illness. Royce Mallett, a 30-year-old father of two from County Durham, was attacked in the car park of a motel in Albury, New South Wales on July 8, 2024.Court proceedings heard that Mallett had just got into his car outside the Hume Inn when David Summers-Smith approached and, without saying a word, reached through the window and stabbed him once in the chest with a steak knife.Despite the efforts of bystanders and paramedics, Mallet died shortly after the attack.

Court found ‘act is proven but not criminally responsible’

During the trial, Summers-Smith pleaded not guilty on the grounds of mental infirmity. Justice Dina Yehia ruled that although she had committed the act, she could not be held criminally responsible because of her condition.In its decision, the court acknowledged that Summers-Smith, who suffers from schizophrenia, was experiencing a severe psychotic episode at the time and was unable to understand that her actions were wrong. The verdict was recorded as “conviction but not criminally responsible”.He has now been ordered to be held in a mental health facility indefinitely, with his situation subject to periodic review by the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

History of schizophrenia and substance use

The court heard the 29-year-old had a long history of schizophrenia, whose symptoms were not responding effectively to treatment. He was under a community treatment order at the time of the incident.Psychiatrists testified that he was experiencing delusions and paranoia and was not aware of his illness. In the lead up to the attack, he was also self-medicating with crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) and cannabis, which may have worsened his mental condition.

Family grief and unanswered questions

Victim impact statements highlighted the devastating impact Mallet had on the family. His partner, Caitlin O’Keeffe, said she was now faced with raising their two children alone, adding that the loss would “impact every moment of the future they were supposed to be a part of.”Mallet’s father described losing not only a son but also his “best friend”, saying he now struggled to find joy or inspiration in daily life.The family also questioned how Summers-Smith was allowed to live in the community given her treatment-resistant schizophrenia.Summers-Smith will remain in secure psychiatric care, with officers monitoring him for any signs of improvement. The tribunal has the power to modify his custody order depending on the progress of his mental health.Justice Yehia said that a single act of violence was “devastating and tragic” that would have lasting consequences for all involved.

New Delhi: Leader of the opposition in Delhi and AAP MLA Atishi on Tuesday strongly criticized the Rajya Sabha Secretariat’s notification accepting the merger of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs with the BJP, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional”.“He said the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority of the legislature party for a merger between political parties, and there is no provision under anti-defection laws to allow two-thirds of MPs or MLAs to merge with another party.“The notification of merger by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat yesterday is illegal and unconstitutional. The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has passed clear orders and it is clearly written in the Constitution, and AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat about this – that as per the Constitution, when there is a merger of the parent political party, 2/3rd of the legislature party is also required for that merger. But under anti-defection laws, there is no such provision in this country that 2/3rd MPs or MLAs can merge with another party,” Atishi said.Atishi warned PM Modi that the more atrocities you commit, the worse your fate will be.“But what does it matter to the BJP? The BJP wants to destroy the Constitution and democracy of this country by any means… I would like to tell the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that history says that the more atrocities you commit, the worse your fate will be. It is clear that the end time of BJP and Modi ji’s politics is near. Therefore, their atrocities have increased. But in the history of this world, whenever atrocities have increased, someone or the other has come to end those atrocities.”The comments came after the Rajya Sabha Chairman approved the merger of AAP’s seven Rajya Sabha MPs with the BJP, increasing the BJP’s strength in the Upper House to 113. The MPs who switched sides include Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahni and Swati Maliwal.With this development, AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has been reduced to three members.Responding to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s comments on the issue, Atishi also highlighted the party’s performance under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and said it reflected the public’s demand for an alternative political force.“BJP wrote the obituary for AAP 15 times in the last 15 years. Every 6 months, BJP announces that Arvind Kejriwal’s politics is over. But under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, AAP is the fastest growing party in the country. In just 10 years, the party formed the government thrice in Delhi, contested elections in Punjab for the first time and became the principal opposition and won a huge majority when the elections were fought the second time, our MLAs won in Gujarat and Goa, here Even we have an MLA in Jammu and Kashmir,” Atishi said.He said, “This clearly shows that the people of this country are looking for an alternative, for a different politics. AAP is becoming that alternative. Now, when the trial court, CBI court order has exposed the BJP’s conspiracy, they are restless. The country has seen how a conspiracy was hatched against Arvind Kejriwal, how false allegations were leveled…the entire conspiracy is in front of the country, so, once again the ED, CBI are being misused by the BJP.”