Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel to open 'gates of hell' in Gaza if all hostages not returned

A 37-year-old man was arrested for sexually assaulting seven minor boys in a school hostel near Tiruchi, with the hostel director also arrested for abetting the crime. The incident was reported to the Child Line number by the boys' relatives, leading to an investigation by the District Child Protection Officer and police. The main accused, Sundarrajan, and the hostel director, Kulandainathan, were charged under the POCSO Act and arrested on Wednesday. Full Article

Defence engineering firm Paras Defence and Space Technologies announced a partnership with MicroCon Vision, Israel, for supplying advanced drone camera technology in India, positioning Paras Defence as the exclusive domestic supplier at a lower cost. The collaboration aims to enhance India's self-reliance in drone cameras and ISR payloads, benefiting the growing Indian drone market and expanding both companies' presence in the ISR payload market. This strategic pact will integrate technologies like AI analytics and thermal...

Israel announced plans to seize large areas of the Gaza Strip for "security zones" amid a wave of strikes that killed over 40 people, including women and children. The offensive is part of an escalated conflict with Hamas, aiming to secure the release of hostages and disarm the militant group. A U.N. building in Gaza was hit, resulting in casualties, as Israel intensifies its military actions in the region. Full Article

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, following its passage in the Lok Sabha, where it was defended as beneficial for minorities by the ruling NDA and criticized as "anti-Muslim" by the opposition. The lower house passed the bill after rejecting all amendments proposed by opposition members, with a division of votes resulting in 288 in favor and 232 against. The bill will now be debated in the...

The Indian Navy has awarded Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited a project sanction order under Make-I category for the design and development of a 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine, with over 50% indigenous content, at a cost of Rs 270 crore. This initiative, aimed at achieving self-reliance in marine engine development, will strengthen indigenous capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The project, funded 70% by the Government of India, will contribute...

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff on the global automotive and auto component industry, sparking uncertainty. The Indian Auto Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) is hopeful that ongoing negotiations between India and the US will lead to a balanced resolution to benefit both economies. The tariff will affect auto manufacturers immediately and auto component manufacturers a month later, impacting exports to the US, including companies like Samvardhana Motherson, Sona Comstar, and Bharat Forge. Full...