Punjab Kings secured a playoff berth by defeating Rajasthan Royals. Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh scored half-centuries. Harpreet Brar took three wickets. Shreyas Iyer became the first captain to lead three different teams into the IPL playoffs. Punjab posted 219 for 5. Rajasthan Royals managed 209 for 7 in reply.
The US embassy warns of strict action against visa overstays. Foreigners risk deportation and a permanent US entry ban. International visitors staying over 30 days must register. This advisory comes amid rising Indian travel to America. The US is intensifying efforts against visa fraud and illegal immigration. New visa curbs apply to those facilitating illegal immigration.
In a setback for the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), the PSLV-C61 mission failed after liftoff from Sriharikota on Sunday. The rocket malfunctioned during its third stage, preventing the EOS-09 satellite from reaching its intended orbit. Isro Chairman V Narayanan cited a drop in chamber pressure within the solid motor as the cause.
In Uttar Pradesh, a cattle smuggler was killed and two others injured in Jaunpur after a police constable was crushed to death during a vehicle chase. Simultaneously, in Varanasi, police arrested four cattle smugglers following another encounter, with two sustaining leg injuries from retaliatory gunfire after attempting to flee with 24 cattle in a truck.
Dehradun police arrested five Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally residing in Clement Town without valid documents. They claimed to have fled Bangladesh due to persecution fears following political unrest. A local woman was also arrested for aiding their stay, while their children were placed in a shelter home.
Indian Air Force and Southern Command successfully neutralised around 70 Pakistani drones. This included a Turkish-origin Songar armed drone. Operation Sindoor took place in Bhuj, Naliya, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth assessed the security situation in Rann Of Kutch. Recovered drone wreckage was shown to the commander. Army and IAF units use various air defence systems.
A new study reveals that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common hospital bacteria in India, can degrade medical-grade plastic. This bacteria breaks down materials used in sutures and implants. Researchers isolated an enzyme, Pap1, that degraded 78% of a plastic sample in a week. The bacteria can also consume plastic as its only food source.
Union Minister Amit Shah announced a new policy for faster liquidation of defunct PACS and registration of new ones, targeting two lakh new PACS by 2029. These PACS will engage in 22 business activities to ensure financial stability, including cooperative-owned manufacturing units and circular economy initiatives in the dairy sector.
NSA Ajit Doval and Iranian security council secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian discussed expanding cooperation, particularly on Chabahar Port and the INSTC. Ahmadian highlighted the deep-rooted ties and potential for collaboration, emphasizing the importance of strategic projects for regional peace. The conversation occurred after heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Iran offering assistance in de-escalation.
Security forces aim to eliminate Naxalism before March 2026. Operation Blackforest saw success with coordinated efforts. Forces eliminated 31 Maoists. Anti-Naxal operations continue in multiple states. Maoists are requesting ceasefire and dialogue. Surrenders have increased this year. Operations will continue during the monsoon. Forces are confident to locate and neutralise Maoists. Maoists may resort to desperate attacks.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, stakeholders organized a roadshow from Srinagar to Pahalgam to revive tourism. The roadshow aimed to convey that Kashmir is safe. It was stopped 30km before Pahalgam due to security concerns. Participants included shikara operators, hoteliers, and travel agents. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed dismay over the impact on tourism.
