The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has expressed shock and concern at the fact-finding report submitted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR) on the tragic events that took place in Bangladesh in the run-up to the so-called 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement' that eventually resulted in the fall of Sheikh Hasina government in August, last year.

The report estimated that as many as 1400 people may have been killed between July 1 and August 15, 2024 with more than 100 of them being children.

"We mourn every one of them," said UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers in a UNICEF statement issued in response to the OHCHR report.

As India doubles down on the local manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs), the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme Phase-II has supported more than 16.14 lakh EVs, the government said on Thursday.

FAME India Phase II scheme was implemented for a period of five years from April 1, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs 11,500 crore.

The scheme incentivised e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-4Ws, e-buses and EV public charging stations.

Under the FAME India Phase-II Scheme, as on December 31, 2024, at least 16,14,737 EVs have been supported, said Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

A young girl was brutally hacked to death by her father and two brothers in Jharkhand's Koderma district for having a love affair against their wishes.

The accused later buried her body in the sand along the banks of a river to conceal the crime, police said on Thursday.

The incident occurred on February 2 in Bhagwatidih village under Markachcho police station limits.

The horrific crime came to light more than ten days later when local shepherds grazing their cattle near the Panchkhero River noticed something unusual -- a decomposed hand protruding from the sand, partially eaten by animals. Alarmed by the sight, they immediately informed the police.

The song ‘Ikk Vaari’ from the upcoming movie ‘Mere Husband Ki Biwi’ has been released on Thursday. This is the second song from the film to be released after ‘Gori Hai Kalaiyan’. ‘Ikk Vaari’ is a peppy number and promises to get everyone on the dance floor.

The song features Arjun Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, and Bhumi Pednekar donning ethnic attires against a grand sangeet backdrop.

With its infectious beats and lively vibe, Ikk Vaari is all set to become a chartbuster. It is sung by Romy, with Tanishk Bagchi as its composer. The music production is handled by Tanishk Bagchi, Ganesh Waghela, and Shubhobarta Kundu. The lyrics are penned by Mudassar Aziz, and Eric Pillai is at the helm as its mix and master.

At least three people were killed and two others seriously injured when the bus they were travelling in crashed into a parked truck on the Delhi-Mumbai eight-lane expressway in Rajasthan. The bus was carrying devotees from Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.

The injured have been admitted to Kota's MBS Hospital for treatment.

The devotees were returning to Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh after visiting Maha Kumbh for a holy dip. The accident occurred near Karodia in Simliya (Kota) in the morning.

According to Simliya police station ASI Hariraj Singh, the accident took place around 6.30 a.m.

At least 13 people have been arrested in the Mysuru city police station attack case, said officials as Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday reiterated that ruthless action would be initiated against rioters in the case and more arrests would be made.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Thursday, Parameshwara stated, “Ruthless action will be initiated as I had stated earlier. Already more than 10 persons have been arrested. More persons are identified through CCTV footage even they will also be arrested and legal action is going to be initiated.”

Meanwhile, police sources confirmed that 13 persons have been arrested and the numbers are going to increase as the rioters’ identities have been tracked.

The FIR registered in connection with the case mentions that there were all probabilities of police personnel getting killed during the incident of rioting and stone pelting on February 9, the source said.

India’s first manned submersible ‘Matsya 6000’ is expected to carry three people to a depth of 6000 metres in the ocean by 2026, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh on Thursday.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, Singh noted that the ‘Matsya 6000’, part of the Deep Ocean Mission, will explore the ocean biodiversity, survey, and mineral resources with a suite of scientific sensors.

“The manned submersible Matsya 6000 is likely to be realised by 2026,” Singh said, informing that the technologies developed under the Deep Ocean Mission will “expand the country’s capability for deep-sea man-rated vehicle development”.

It will also pave the way for sustainable deep-sea exploration and harnessing of deep-sea living and non-living resources. In addition, the mission also has immediate spin-offs in underwater engineering innovations, asset inspection, and the promotion of ocean literacy.

The third season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 is upon us, and Gujarat Giants are all set for their home debut as they take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the brand-new Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara on Friday.

Speaking ahead of the match, both head coach Michael Klinger and captain Ashleigh Gardner shared their thoughts on the team's readiness for the season and their excitement about playing at home for the first time.

"Our first three games are in front of a Gujarat crowd. Hopefully, not just from Vadodara, but fans from across the region will come in, wear orange, and support us. Last year, we had to play against RCB in Bangalore and Delhi Capitals in Delhi, and they had some big crowds there. It would be great if we can create the same atmosphere here," said Klinger.

Gardner, who will lead the side for the first time, added, "We get to play in front of our home fans for the first time, which is exciting. I feel like we've built a really strong base with our fans, and hopefully, we can start the season the way we really want to - especially here at home, playing in front of our fans."

Manipur Police launched extensive raids in various places of Imphal East and Imphal West districts in connection with the selling of activated SIM cards on fake documents, suspected to be used by the underground militants and anti-social elements, officials said here on Thursday.

A police official said the selling of activated SIM cards came to light during an investigation of some cases relating to abduction, intimidation and forceful collection of ransom from traders, businessmen, government employees, contractors and selective common people.

The official said an FIR was registered at Porompat police station in Imphal East district on Wednesday for selling activated SIM cards on fake identity papers by impersonating someone else. “Such SIM cards are suspected to be used by underground militants, anti-socials and criminals for the purpose of extortion and intimidation to people of different walks of life. During the investigation of a recent criminal case, this facet came to light wherein the subscriber, on whose name the SIM card was issued, was not aware of it,” the official said.

The new Income Tax Bill 2025, scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026, is set to foster a more transparent and taxpayer-friendly environment, representing a historic milestone in India's tax landscape, industry experts said on Thursday.

The Bill represents a significant overhaul of India's tax legislation, marking a pivotal shift towards simplification and modernisation of the Income-Tax Act of 1961.

The Bill, which spans into 622 pages, reduces the complexity of the 1961 Act and replaces intricate legal jargons with clear and straightforward language.

“Another notable aspect of the Bill is the strategic use of tables and formulas, which will help simplify interpretation of the provisions. The Bill aims to minimise disputes and litigation while enhancing taxpayer certainty,” said Himanshu Parekh, Partner, Tax, KPMG in India.