A leopard alert in Lucknow, initiated by a commuter's dashcam video, has led to a significant development. The forest department, after finding no pug marks or CCTV evidence of the big cat in the Ruchikund area of Asiana, now suspects the viral images were artificially generated. Authorities have detained an individual for allegedly creating and sharing these AI images on social media, causing a public scare. An official stated, "Yeh AI image hai. Woh khud kah rahe hain ki yeh AI image hai maine banayi hai (This is an AI image. He himself is saying that this is an AI image I made)." Despite this, combing operations continue in several locations based on multiple social media videos, as the department works to address the public announcements that had advised residents to stay indoors.
In this India Today interview with Bhavna Agarwal, members of the K-pop group IDID discuss their journey from trainees to debuting as a group under Starship Entertainment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the media, reaffirming the deep strategic partnership between India and Germany. Marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, PM Modi stated, 'India is fully committed to friendship, partnership and cooperation with Germany.' The talks highlighted strengthening trade and investment, which has crossed the $50 billion mark, and enhancing collaboration in technology, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. Chancellor Merz, on his first visit to Asia as Chancellor, reciprocated the sentiment, saying, 'We want to elevate the relations between India and Germany to an even higher and a new level.' The leaders also discussed defence cooperation, a new roadmap for defence industries, and strengthening people-to-people ties through mobility and skilling partnerships.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is questioning Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay in connection with a stampede in Karur that resulted in 41 deaths. The agency's probe focuses on why Vijay continued his speech even as people in the crowd were fainting and why he arrived at the venue seven hours later than scheduled. The CBI is investigating whether the delay was a deliberate move to attract a larger crowd and showcase political strength, a decision that may have contributed to the deadly surge. The transcript details the specific questions being put to Vijay, including his awareness of the crowd's condition from his position on an open vehicle and the inadequate arrangements for a crowd that swelled to nearly 30,000 people. Vijay has reportedly claimed the issue is a 'political conspiracy'.
In a special address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. The Prime Minister noted the significance of the visit, coinciding with the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations. He stated, 'Close cooperation between countries like India and Germany is important for the entire humanity.' The address covered the robust economic ties, with bilateral trade crossing $50 billion and over 2,000 German companies operating in India. PM Modi also emphasized growing cooperation in technology, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and defence. He recalled the historical people-to-people connections, mentioning figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda, and looked forward to strengthening ties in education, mobility, and skills development.
