Stock market today: Dow falls 511 points as oil nears $100, inflation fears rise and US-Iran tensions weigh on Wall Street and global stocks. 

The Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed grave concern after reports revealed that 44% of prisoners in Punjab jails are drug-dependent. The court highlighted the alarming substance abuse crisis within prisons, questioning the state's rehabilitation efforts. It noted that despite anti-drug campaigns, drugs continue to infiltrate correctional facilities, worsening inmates' health and hindering reform. The HC directed authorities to strengthen de-addiction programs, improve monitoring, and ensure proper medical treatment for affected prisoners, calling the situation a serious failure of the prison system.

Hockey India reversed its controversial decision to wear saffron jerseys at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, reverting to the traditional blue uniforms after massive public backlash. Critics accused the federation of politicizing sport by choosing saffron, a color associated with the ruling BJP party. The decision sparked outrage on social media and among sports enthusiasts who felt the iconic blue jersey represented India's hockey identity and legacy. Hockey India cited "sentiment of fans" as the reason for reverting back.

DMK's decision to contest the upcoming bypolls has turned the elections into a three-cornered fight, intensifying political competition. Previously expected to be a direct battle between two major parties, DMK's entry adds a new dimension, potentially splitting votes and altering outcomes. The party aims to strengthen its grassroots presence and challenge rivals in key constituencies. This move could impact alliance dynamics and force opponents to rethink strategies. Analysts believe DMK's participation will make results unpredictable, increasing voter engagement and raising stakes for all parties involved in the bypolls.

**गुजरात में एसडी पे ऐप के जरिए 635 करोड़ रुपए का बड़ा घोटाला सामने आया है। ठगों ने इनवेस्टमेंट पर भारी रिटर्न का लालच देकर एसडी पे नामक ऐप बनाया। इसमें करीब 15 लाख लोगों को शिकार बनाया गया। लोगों से ऐप पर पैसे निवेश करवाए गए और शुरू में छोटे रिटर्न देकर भरोसा जीता गया। बाद में ऐप बंद कर दिया और पैसे लेकर फरार हो गए। पुलिस ने मामला दर्ज कर जांच शुरू कर दी है। आरोपियों की तलाश जारी है। यह गुजरात का अब तक का सबसे बड़ा ऑनलाइन फ्रॉड मामलों में से एक माना जा रहा है।**

The Telangana government has initiated the process to refund ₹10,000 Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to applicants of the double bedroom (2BHK) affordable housing scheme who were not allotted flats. Thousands of applicants had paid the EMD during registration but couldn't secure houses due to limited availability. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's government directed officials to expedite refunds directly to applicants' bank accounts. This move aims to fulfill promises and provide relief to economically weaker sections who awaited resolution for years.

Britain has announced a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking a significant shift in UK foreign policy. The move aims to align Britain with international law, which considers Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory illegal. The ban prohibits British businesses from importing goods produced in these settlements. The decision reflects growing international pressure on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israel condemned the move, calling it counterproductive.

Israel said it would also expel British diplomats at a centre monitoring the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan in Gaza and bar British training for Palestinian Authority forces, as well as banning 12 British officials from visiting Israel

Party accuses him of hurting Bengali sentiments and insulting the State’s culture and traditions. 

Vijayendra says government yielded to people’s pressure; says there is no justification for denying permission to a peaceful political programme

A walkathon was organized in Belagavi, Karnataka, to raise awareness about the importance of eye donation. The event saw enthusiastic participation from medical professionals, students, volunteers, and local residents who marched through key areas of the city, spreading the message that a single donor can restore sight for two visually impaired individuals. Organizers emphasized the critical shortage of eye donors in India and urged citizens to pledge their eyes. Banners, pamphlets, and slogans highlighted how eye donation after death can transform lives. The initiative aimed to dispel myths surrounding eye donation and encourage more people to register as donors, ultimately helping eliminate preventable blindness in the community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signaled that India's reform agenda will accelerate, emphasizing that the "reform express" will move at a faster pace. Speaking to investors and stakeholders, Modi reaffirmed his government's commitment to bold economic and structural reforms, including liberalizing key sectors, improving ease of doing business, and attracting foreign investment. He highlighted past reforms like GST, labor codes, and farm laws as foundations for future policy changes. Modi assured that upcoming reforms will focus on boosting growth and global competitiveness.

France, UK, Canada, and nine other nations are coordinating sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, deemed illegal under international law. The measures may include trade restrictions, asset freezes, and travel bans on settlers involved in violence against Palestinians. This diplomatic push follows escalating settler attacks and Israel's continued expansion of settlements amid the Gaza war. Israel condemned the move as biased, while Palestinian leaders welcomed international accountability. The initiative signals growing Western frustration with Israeli policies in the West Bank.

**जम्मू-कश्मीर में बड़ा सुरक्षा बदलाव किया जा रहा है। जम्मू क्षेत्र में 21 ठिकानों पर सेना की जगह अब CRPF (केंद्रीय रिजर्व पुलिस बल) तैनात की जाएगी। इसके साथ 2100 जवान और कोबरा (CoBRA) कमांडो टीम भी तैनात होगी, जो जंगल और पहाड़ी इलाकों में आतंकवाद विरोधी अभियानों में माहिर है। इस कदम का मकसद सेना को आंतरिक सुरक्षा ड्यूटी से मुक्त कर LAC (वास्तविक नियंत्रण रेखा) पर चीन सीमा पर तैनाती बढ़ाना है। यह फैसला बदलती सामरिक परिस्थितियों को देखते हुए लिया गया है।**