UP STF Kills 2 Shooters in Haryanvi Singer Murder Case; Father Calls It 'Half Justice'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is set to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting comes amid Western pressure over Russian crude oil imports and New Delhi's concerns regarding a widening bilateral trade imbalance. Key discussion areas for the bilateral talks include energy cooperation, ongoing defense contracts, delayed military deliveries, expanding market access for Indian exports, and developments regarding the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India's broader agenda at the summit focuses on strengthening regional counter-terrorism cooperation, deepening Central Asia outreach, advancing connectivity projects such as Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and preparing for its upcoming BRICS chairship. Furthermore, India maintains its strategic autonomy within the SCO by opposing China's Belt and Road Initiative over sovereignty issues regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and resisting Chinese dominance within the regional bloc.

In the Tamil Nadu biryani murder case, key accused Manikuddin Lashkar and his wife Bhagwati Maji have been arrested from Manipur's Jiribam and brought back to Tamil Nadu. The investigation began after passengers detected a stench from a red suitcase on the Tamil Nadu Express at Agra station, leading to the discovery of chopped body parts. Further probe at the accused couple's Chennai house revealed the body of 38-year-old Hayat Nisha hanging and additional body parts stored inside a biryani vessel. CCTV footage aided police in tracing the couple to Manipur. The exact motive behind the murder remains unclear as the police investigation continues.

In Bengaluru's Whitefield area, a 23-year-old software engineer died and her 30-year-old live-in partner sustained serious injuries after jumping from the seventh floor of a co-living paying guest accommodation. According to the police, the couple, both hailing from the same village in Tamil Nadu, engaged in an argument before the fall. During the incident, the woman jumped and pulled her partner along with her. The man survived after falling onto tree branches before hitting the ground and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Whitefield police have initiated an investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall and question witnesses.

A major political controversy erupted in Karnataka following remarks praising Islam made at a public gathering in Koppal district. The opposition questioned the state government's stance, alleging anti-Hindu bias and appeasement politics. In response, a clarification was issued stating that the remarks were misunderstood by the media and social media. It was clarified that highlighting the great values and ideas in Islam did not imply that other religions were inferior. Despite the clarification, the debate surrounding the comments continues.