The death of a Nepali student at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar has prompted a thorough investigation by Odisha Police. The student, enrolled in computer science, was found dead in her hostel room Thursday evening. This marks the second such incident involving a Nepali student at the institution in under three months. Nepal’s foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba and ambassador Shankar Sharma have called for a full probe. India's external affairs ministry assured full cooperation and support to the bereaved family. The February death involved a prior sexual harassment complaint, raising further concerns among Nepali students and officials. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Just three days after stunning the cricket world with a 35-ball hundred, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi faced the harsh side of the sport, dismissed for a two-ball duck in Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 clash against Mumbai Indians. Vaibhav, who lit up Jaipur on Monday with a 101-run blitz, fell early to Deepak Chahar, caught at mid-on. The teen prodigy, visibly disappointed, became the sixth player in IPL history to score a duck right after a hundred. Head coach Rahul Dravid stressed the importance of emotional balance, reminding all that even rising stars must learn from failure.

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the US State Department issued a stern warning, stating, “There will be consequences” for those supporting terrorism. The message, backed by President Donald Trump, underscores America’s firm stance under his administration. “As the President of the US has made very clear, under the Trump administration there will be consequences for those who support terrorism,” the department said. The statement follows high-level talks between US officials Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth with Indian ministers. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues aggressive posturing, while its US envoy hinted at a nuclear threat. (PC: Reuters)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a key phone conversation with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Hegseth expressed condolences and affirmed US support for India's right to defend itself against terrorism. Singh accused Pakistan of acting as a rogue state by destabilizing the region and fuelling global terror. He emphasized that the world can no longer ignore terrorism. Hegseth reiterated America's strong backing of India in its counter-terror efforts. The call comes amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, with troop build-ups at the border and cross-border ceasefire violations intensifying in recent days. (PC: AP)

Growing dissent within Israel’s military is pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as over 12,000 reservists, including elite commanders and ex-Mossad chief Danny Yatom, demand an end to the Gaza war. The reservists argue that continued fighting risks the lives of 59 hostages still held by Hamas and accuse Netanyahu of prioritizing political survival over national interest. With reserve attendance dropping to nearly 50%, the crisis echoes Israel’s 1982 Lebanon war. Demonstrators across Israel echo the call for a ceasefire and hostage deal. Netanyahu dismissed critics as fringe elements, despite polls showing rising public support for ending the conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

Sixteen European Union member states have invoked the EU's "national escape clause" to increase defence spending, allowing them to exceed the 3% GDP deficit limit for up to four years. This move comes in response to rising security concerns, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Countries including Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states have requested exemptions to increase military budgets by up to 1.5% of GDP annually. The European Commission will review these requests, ensuring they align with fiscal policies. This collective decision underscores the EU's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities in uncertain times. (PC: AP)  

Pakistan is experiencing a significant surge in solar energy use, with over 14% of the country's electricity now derived from solar power, compared to just 4% in 2021. This rise is largely fueled by affordable Chinese solar panels, which have become increasingly popular among affluent households and businesses to counteract soaring electricity costs. However, this shift has led to increased disparities, as wealthier individuals benefit from reduced energy bills, while middle-class and low-income residents struggle with high installation costs. Additionally, reliance on solar imports raises concerns about long-term sustainability and local manufacturing challenges. (PC: AFP)

A high school relay race in Utah turned into an unforgettable spectacle when a dog named Holly sprinted onto the track during the final leg of a 4x200m race. Racing alongside Logan High School’s Gracie Laney, Holly clocked an astonishing 100m time of approximately 10.5 seconds—just shy of Usain Bolt’s 9.58 world record. “I thought it was a runner at first,” Laney said, “but then I realized it was a dog!” Despite the near photo finish, Laney’s team officially won with a time of 1:59.27. Holly, meanwhile, won the crowd’s heart and internet fame for her sprinting surprise.

The US and Ukraine have signed a new natural resources deal aimed at helping Ukraine recover from war damage. Both countries will create a joint fund, equally shared, to support military aid and rebuild Ukraine. In return, the US will get future access to Ukrainian minerals like titanium and graphite. Ukrainian adviser Yurki Sak said the deal could lead to “a just and lasting peace.” The agreement follows months of talks, after a delayed signing in February. Many Ukrainians are hopeful, though some still fear losing US support. Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike in Odesa killed two people overnight. (PS: BBC)

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, security forces have foiled a major terror plot near the Indo-Pak border in Amritsar. A joint operation by BSF and Punjab Police led to the recovery of three pistols, six magazines, 50 live rounds, and two grenades near Bharopal village. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces full freedom to respond, as tensions escalate with continued ceasefire violations and heightened security. The NIA has taken charge of the probe, and airspace restrictions against Pakistan are set to severely impact PIA operations, particularly on northern routes. (PC: India Today)