The use of nicotine pouches is rising rapidly among youth as a supposedly safe, smokeless alternative to cigarettes. However, health experts and WHO warn that these pouches are highly addictive and can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health problems. Despite being marketed as 'tobacco-free', they directly deliver nicotine into the bloodstream, creating a dependency that experts caution against using without medical advice. https://sambad.in/lifestyle/nicotine-pouch-use-rising-youth-health-risks-india-12246007

Bengal cricketer Abhishek Porel, who represents Delhi Capitals in the IPL, has been arrested following allegations of rape and intimidation by a medical student. The victim alleged that Porel established physical relations with her on the false pretext of marriage. The arrest was made by the Hooghly rural police from Dum Dum following orders from the Calcutta High Court. Porel had previously denied the charges, but the victim claimed they were in a relationship for three years before disputes arose. https://www.dharitri.com/police-arrested-this-cricketer-for-having-physical-relations-with-him-on-the-promise-of-marriage/

The Orissa High Court has issued an interim order regarding the no-confidence motion against Chameli Ojha, the Sarpanch of Tikhiri in Kendrapara district. While the election process can continue, the court directed that the results should not be declared without its permission. Out of 22 members, 21 had brought the no-confidence motion against her. Earlier, she was arrested following a dispute at the Mahakalapada block office and was later released on bail. The case had sparked significant political reactions in the state. https://www.dharitri.com/no-confidence-motion-against-chameli-ojha-high-court-gives-such-an-order/

A powerful earthquake has struck Colombia, resulting in at least 130 deaths. The sudden seismic activity caused widespread destruction to property and homes. Rescue operations are currently underway in the affected areas as officials fear the death toll might rise further. https://otvkhabar.in/videosodisha/society/sudden-earthquake-130-dead-otvshorts-colombia-earthquake-12250701

A massive flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in the Niti Valley of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, washed away a strategic iron bridge built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) near the India-China border. The incident occurred near Lata village, where the bridge vanished into the water within seconds. A truck and an SUV driver had a narrow escape during the calamity. SDRF and local police are currently conducting rescue operations in the affected area. https://odia.news18.com/videos/videos/uttarakhand-flood-horror-truck-escapes-as-bridge-collapses-in-chamoli-sps-404207.html

Protests against alleged government recruitment scams in Jharkhand have entered their 18th day, leading to a state-wide shutdown called by the BJP. Clashes between students and police occurred during a march to the Assembly, resulting in injuries to both protesters and security personnel. While the state government has agreed to cancel certain exams and reform the JPSC/JSSC systems, protesters remain steadfast in their demand for a CBI inquiry. Meanwhile, investigations by the ED and CID have already led to 20 arrests, including the former chairman of the JPSC. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/jharkhand-job-scam-protest-intensifies-12250151

A 55-year-old woman in Kanpur, Rashmi Arora, discovered that gold and silver jewelry worth approximately Rs 50 lakh was missing from her bank locker. She had deposited the items in 2003 at State Bank of Travancore, which later merged with SBI. After her husband's death, she moved to Lucknow and didn't visit the bank for years. Upon checking her locker recently, she found it empty. She has filed a police complaint against the bank manager and staff, alleging a conspiracy to embezzle her valuables. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/in-2003--up-woman-kept-rs-50-lakh-gold-in-bank-locker--it-is-now-missing/article-38082

Tensions between Iran and the US escalate as Tehran refuses to open the Strait of Hormuz until the end of Donald Trump's presidential term in 2029. Iran has rejected any dialogue with the current US administration and set conditions for future talks, including $300 billion in compensation, the release of seized assets, and the withdrawal of US troops. Iranian officials stated they would rather wait than compromise under Trump's pressure. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/iran-trump-talks-2029-12250577

The Supreme Court has ordered the Central Government to provide an additional 10 lakh rupees and extraordinary family pension arrears from the year 2000 to Kuldeep Kaur, the widow of Shaurya Chakra awardee Mohan Singh. Singh, a GREF employee, sacrificed his life while saving colleagues during road construction on the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. Invoking Article 142, Justices KV Viswanathan and Arun Palli delivered justice to the martyr's family after a long legal battle challenging a previous High Court ruling. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/supreme-court-shaurrya-chakra-awardee-wife-compensation-mohan-singh-12250312

Gold and silver prices have surged to record highs on the MCX due to international tensions and global uncertainty. Gold reached ₹1,55,005 per 10 grams while silver hit ₹2,39,339 per kg. Experts attribute this rise to investors seeking safe havens amid US-Iran tensions. Prices are expected to rise further, potentially testing the 1.57 lakh mark soon. https://argusnews.in/gold/gold-silver-price-rise-weekly-price-target