reporters without borders

Tighter enforcement of customs regulations in Nepal, notably the NPR 100 duty-free limit, is shaking up the fabric of cross-border life along the India-Nepal border in Bihar. Local traders and families are grappling with heightened expenses and unpredictability, affecting not only commerce but also social ties, from weddings to everyday interactions.

Police in Sri Ganganagar intercepted a car without a number plate, arresting two Punjab smugglers. The operation, involving a dramatic chase and blockade, recovered 1.5 kg of heroin, 1 kg of opium, five foreign-made pistols, and 72 cartridges, believed to be dropped by a Pakistani drone.

The Supreme Court stated that illegal infiltration by Bangladeshi nationals is not a terrorist act, even as the BJP vows to expel them from West Bengal. The court granted bail to an individual arrested for facilitating illegal immigration, noting the porous border with Bangladesh and the large number of immigrants already in India.

Oil Marketing Companies have assured Odisha that fuel supplies are stable, dispelling fears of a shortage. A temporary surge in demand, particularly in border districts, led to brief stock depletion at some stations. OMCs have deployed extra tankers and are monitoring inventory to ensure uninterrupted availability for regular consumers, advising bulk buyers to procure directly from companies.

Gardeners often struggle with dull front yards where low-lying flowers blend into the grass. Adding height with tall perennials like Garden Phlox and Perennial Veronica creates visual interest and depth, enhancing curb appeal. Incorporating filler plants such as Daylily and Rosemallow provides volume, while strategic staggering of plants prevents a monotonous look, transforming a border into a memorable landscape.

Hezbollah's deployment of fibre-optic FPV drones along Israel's northern border presents a significant defence challenge. These small, low-flying drones bypass jamming systems, making them difficult to detect and intercept. Israel is racing to develop countermeasures against this evolving threat, which has already resulted in casualties and damage to military assets.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann linked recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar to BJP's election strategy, while police investigate the incidents. A suspected explosion occurred near Amritsar's Khasa cantonment, and a scooter blast injured a delivery worker in Jalandhar, with the Khalistan Liberation Army claiming responsibility. Investigations are ongoing, with forensic reports awaited.

Police in West Bengal's border districts are intensifying searches, suspecting professional shooters from neighboring states in the assassination of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's aide, Chandranath Rath. Investigators are also exploring the involvement of local criminals who may have provided logistical support.

As one of Himalaya’s oldest pilgrimage traditions opens for another season, Nepal is asking why India and China are using a route it claims as its own

A blast near Amritsar's Khasa cantonment and a scooter fire in Jalandhar have sparked political outcry against the Punjab government. While no casualties were reported in Amritsar, opposition parties criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for alleged governance failures and deteriorating law and order, especially given Punjab's sensitive border status.

South Korea's spy agency said on Friday it would boost drone-related data sharing with the army to strengthen responses to "evolving" threats. South Korea's spy agency said on Friday that it had signed an agreement with the army "to strengthen (our) drone security capabilities and jointly respond to evolving drone threats".

May offers a prime opportunity to transform bare gardens into vibrant spaces. Fast-growing annuals like Cosmos, Zinnias, and Nasturtiums bloom within weeks, providing stunning midsummer colour. Beyond aesthetics, these flowers boost mental well-being and support local pollinators, creating a beautiful and beneficial garden with minimal effort.

A Scottish family faced travel chaos when their 10-month-old dual national baby was denied boarding to the UK from Spain. New rules mandate British passports or a costly certificate for dual citizens, leaving the infant stranded. Despite embassy advice, an ETA was rejected, highlighting communication gaps and causing significant distress.

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh has sent a legal notice to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The notice demands an apology for Mann's remarks allegedly linking the BJP to recent blast incidents in Punjab. Chugh accuses Mann of tarnishing the BJP's reputation. The notice warns of legal action if Mann fails to comply within seven days.

The 2026 election results in Bengal are a watershed moment that goes beyond simply altering the ruling party; it highlights the disintegration of a longstanding political regime. The BJP's sweeping triumph, driven by issues of illegal crossings and adjustments to voter lists, reflects a rising call for firmer governance.

Operation Sindoor, a year after its execution, is remembered as India's firm response to terrorism, marked by precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan. This high-tech military action showcased India's advanced arsenal, including Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and loitering munitions, demonstrating a shift towards modern, precision warfare.

Gen Z is navigating a complex financial landscape, balancing early earning and investing with impulsive spending and trend-driven bets. While digitally savvy and embracing new tools, they often overlook essential safety nets like insurance. Experts urge a shift from quick gains to disciplined, long-term wealth building, splitting finances strategically for stability.

Following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, India launched precision strikes on militant camps in Pakistan, escalating tensions to a full military standoff. Despite Pakistan's nuclear threats, India maintained a strong stance, ultimately leading to a ceasefire after significant damage to Pakistani military assets.

Runa Laila, celebrating 50 years in Hindi films, continues to bridge India and Bangladesh through her music. Her powerful voice, first heard in 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek,' has been a constant amidst political shifts. Receiving the Minar-e-Dilli award, she emphasized music's healing power, a sentiment echoed by fans who find solace in her melodies.

An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM, is a long-range missile designed to travel more than 5,000 km. Unlike cruise missiles, which fly through the atmosphere using engines throughout their journey, ballistic missiles spend much of their flight outside the atmosphere, which means the missile actually leaves Earth’s air atmosphere and travels through space for part of its journey.

Operation Sindoor showcased India's potent military response to a terror attack, demonstrating its ability to strike deep into Pakistan and dominate escalation ladders against nuclear rivals. The 88-hour operation highlighted India's conventional superiority, while also spurring advancements in air defence, drone warfare, and joint military operations to counter evolving threats.

A political rally had blocked her from picking up her child from school. When our life is interrupted like this without apology, our roads & time taken from us, why shouldn’t we get angry?