Three Indian Sailors Confirmed Dead After US Strike on Oil Tanker Near Strait of Hormuz
Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed on Thursday that three Indian sailors, initially reported missing after a US attack on the Palau-flagged commercial vessel MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, have died. The vessel, carrying 24 Indian crew members, came under attack while transiting the Gulf of Oman amid escalating regional tensions. Twenty-one crew members were rescued with assistance from Omani authorities. India condemned the attack, lodged a formal protest with the US, and called for de-escalation in the region.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Issues Ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has publicly challenged party chief Mamata Banerjee to choose between her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and senior party workers like himself. Amid growing tensions within the TMC following its recent electoral setback, Banerjee announced he would no longer represent Abhishek in legal matters, accusing him of arrogance and disrespect after another lawyer was appointed to handle a case for which he had secured an urgent hearing. His remarks highlight deepening internal divisions within the ruling West Bengal party.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp Warns Tech Leaders Against Boasting About AI-Driven Layoffs
Palantir CEO Alex Karp cautioned technology leaders against publicly celebrating AI-driven job cuts, arguing that portraying artificial intelligence as a tool for replacing workers could trigger backlash from employees, voters, and policymakers. While acknowledging that Palantir is using AI to boost productivity and grow revenue with a leaner workforce, Karp said companies should be more careful about how they discuss AI's impact on jobs. He also warned that fears over automation could strengthen calls for greater regulation, echoing concerns raised by Bernie Sanders. Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale supported Karp's comments, arguing that some firms are overstating AI's role in layoffs and that AI can make skilled employees more valuable rather than simply replace them.
Six Abducted Nagas Found Dead in Manipur, Reigniting Ethnic Tensions
The bodies of six Naga men, allegedly abducted by armed Kuki groups in Manipur four weeks ago, were recovered in Kangpokpi district following a 24-hour search operation by a joint team of police, CRPF, and Assam Rifles personnel. The discovery has reignited ethnic tensions, prompting the United Naga Council (UNC) to call a 24-hour shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas and demand action against those responsible, including the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups. The killings come after weeks of retaliatory abductions and hostage exchanges between Naga and Kuki groups, triggered by the killing of three Kuki pastors in May.
Former India Pacer Sreesanth Advises Teen Sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Stay Focused
Former India pacer S. Sreesanth has advised teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to stay focused on cricket and avoid distractions from professional managers following his rapid rise to fame. Praising the 15-year-old's discipline, hard work, and the sacrifices made by his family, Sreesanth highlighted Sooryavanshi's intense training routine and perseverance from a young age. He urged the youngster to remain grounded, concentrate on his game, and leave off-field matters to his family as he prepares for upcoming tours of Ireland and England after becoming the youngest player selected for India's men's team, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record.
