The Enforcement Directorate apprehends Vijay Machinder, a director of Ornate Spaces Private Limited, for deceiving investors in the Growe Towers project, defrauding over Rs 50 crores. Machinder allegedly collaborated with underworld figure Arif Bhaijaan, brother-in-law of Dawood Ibrahim's associate Chota Shakeel. Investigations reveal financial dealings with the gang. The arrest follows a 2021 EOW case by investor Rajendra Surana, who booked 14 flats but never received possession. Machinder faces charges of duping multiple buyers and is set to appear in court on Thursday.  

Amid Israel's move to withdraw troops from Gaza, the Biden administration perceives a positive shift towards lower-intensity military operations. While Israel's reduction is slower than desired, U.S. officials see it as a response to Washington's urging for targeted strikes. The withdrawal aims to relieve the economic toll and enhance preparation for future operations. However, skepticism lingers over the pace of the transition, with ongoing fighting anticipated into 2024. Recent high-profile actions, including the killing of a senior Hamas leader, fuel speculation about a potential shift to more surgical operations, raising concerns about broader regional implications.

In a major breakthrough, Delhi Police apprehended Javed Ahmed Mattoo, a wanted Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorist, accused of masterminding 11 terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Mattoo, a top 10 security target, was captured with a pistol, live cartridges, and a stolen car. Having gone underground after a clash with security forces, he fled to Nepal on ISI's instructions. Acting on intelligence about his Delhi visit, a Special Cell team arrested him, foiling potential terror strikes. Mattoo's involvement in grenade attacks and the killing of police personnel adds to his notorious profile. His capture marks a significant victory against terrorism.

The Punjab Police have cracked the murder case of a decorated cop within 48 hours by utilizing advanced technical investigation methods. Dalbir Singh Deol, an Arjuna awardee weightlifter-turned-cop, was found dead with a bullet wound near a canal in Jalandhar on Wednesday. Police examined CCTV footage to trace the auto-rickshaw Deol had taken prior to his death. They also tracked mobile signals in the area to zero in on the killer - an auto driver named Vijay Kumar. Kumar shot Deol with the officer's own service pistol following an argument over dropping him home. By meticulously tracking the auto's route and signals, Punjab Police arrested Kumar within two days, providing swift justice in the shocking murder of a distinguished police officer.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has indicated that the next UK general election will likely be held in the second half of 2024. During a visit to Mansfield on Thursday, Sunak said his "working assumption" is that the election will take place in the autumn of this year. While he did not definitively rule out the possibility of a spring election in May, Sunak reiterated his intention to go to the polls later in 2024. The Conservative leader said he wants more time to focus on managing the economy, cutting taxes, and tackling illegal migration before facing voters. Sunak's comments provide the clearest hint yet on the expected timing of the next election, which polls suggest the Tories are on course to lose after 14 years in power.

The second Test match between India and South Africa in Cape Town ended in just two days, making it the shortest completed Test match in cricket history. India won by 7 wickets after bowling out South Africa for 176 in the second innings. The entire match lasted just 107 overs across three innings, breaking the previous record of 109.2 overs set in a Test between Australia and South Africa in 1932. Led by Jasprit Bumrah's five wicket haul, India dismissed South Africa cheaply in both innings. Chasing a paltry target of 79, India coasted to victory to level the series 1-1. The Cape Town Test goes down in history as the shortest ever Test match to produce a result.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried snorkeling during his recent visit to the Lakshadweep islands. He shared pictures on social media of the colorful corals and fish he saw while snorkeling, describing it as an exhilarating experience. Modi advised adventure lovers to add Lakshadweep to their bucket list for its scenic beauty and tranquility. He said the serene environment gave him an opportunity to reflect on working even harder for the welfare of the country's 1.4 billion people. The Prime Minister also posted photos of the pristine beaches where he went on morning walks during his time on the islands.

Newly released documents reveal Jeffrey Epstein emailed Ghislaine Maxwell in 2015 denying victim allegations about Stephen Hawking's involvement in an underage orgy. The 946 pages contain emails where Epstein asked Maxwell to find evidence disproving accuser Virginia Giuffre's claims. Epstein specifically highlighted Giuffre's allegations of a dinner with Bill Clinton and a Virgin Islands trip where Hawking was present at an underage orgy. The documents were unsealed after a judge ruled the names of over 150 people mentioned in Giuffre's lawsuit no longer needed to be kept private. Maxwell is currently serving 20 years in prison for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking ring.

The recent unsealing of court documents related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has exposed lurid details of his sex trafficking operation and connections to powerful figures. Testimony alleges former President Bill Clinton appreciated 'young' girls, while emails show Epstein trying to disprove accusations about Stephen Hawking. Donald Trump is also mentioned, with claims Epstein proposed contacting Trump during a flight. The documents provide deeper insight into Epstein's predatory behavior and ties to rich and influential people. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 ahead of a sex crimes trial. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted last year for her role and is appealing.

Police reinforcements were stationed near Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence as leaders from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suggested his imminent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Kejriwal, who skipped a third ED summons related to a money laundering probe linked to Delhi's excise policy, faced heightened speculation. AAP leaders cited "reliable sources" predicting an ED raid and arrest. While ED didn't confirm action, AAP accused the BJP of orchestrating a pattern where leaders were predicted to be arrested before actual detention. Kejriwal's office criticized the ED's actions as "motivated." BJP called for Kejriwal's cooperation with the investigation.