- Bingson John, 69, who idolised serial killer Charles Sobhraj, arrested after 36-year, 300-hotel con spree across India.
- Three former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs — Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik — joined BJP in Kolkata amid growing rebellion in the party.
- US projectiles struck areas around Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, according to a provincial official, though details on damage remain unclear.
- Germany has recorded over 5,100 heat-related deaths as Europe continues to reel under a record-breaking summer heatwave.
- England pacer Jofra Archer has thrown down a challenge to India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the 4th T20I, saying “may the best man win.”
Here are the top 5 stories of the day
‘Five-star food or prison meals’: ‘Bikini Killer’ Charles Sobhraj admirer’s 36-year luxury hotel trail baffles cops
A 69-year-old man who idolised notorious serial killer and conman Charles Sobhraj has been arrested after allegedly cheating nearly 300 luxury hotels across India over 36 years. Bingson John, a Tamil Nadu native, was caught from Bhubaneswar within 72 hours after he checked out of a Raipur five-star hotel without paying a Rs 63,755 bill and fleeing with a rented laptop worth Rs 1.48 lakh. Police said John modelled his lifestyle on Sobhraj, frequently posing as a foreign tour guide, English teacher or yoga instructor to gain trust. He has spent nearly 15 years in prisons across the country, describing luxury hotels as his “tourist destinations” and prison as his “home stay.” Read full story.
Setback for Mamata Banerjee: Three former TMC Rajya Sabha members join BJP in Kolkata
Three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha members formally joined the BJP at the party’s Salt Lake office on Thursday, weeks after resigning from the TMC amid growing internal rebellion. Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik were inducted in the presence of West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya. The defections come as the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC continues to face turmoil following its defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections, with reports suggesting around 20 Lok Sabha MPs have aligned with a rebel faction led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. Read full story.
Area around Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant struck by US projectiles: Official
Projectiles fired by the United States struck areas around Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Thursday, according to Ehsan Jahaniyan, deputy governor of Bushehr province. Quoted by state news agency IRNA, the official said several locations in the province were hit around midday but did not provide immediate details on any damage at or near the nuclear facility. The strike comes amid escalating US-Iran military tensions, with both sides exchanging attacks in recent days. Follow live updates.
Germany records over 5,100 heat deaths under record-breaking summer
Germany has recorded more than 5,100 heat-related deaths as Europe continues to grapple with a record-breaking summer heatwave. The extreme temperatures have overwhelmed healthcare systems, damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life across the continent, with scientists linking the intensity of the heatwave to climate change. Read full story.
‘May the best man win’: Jofra Archer throws down challenge to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of 4th T20I
England pacer Jofra Archer has issued a challenge to India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the fourth T20I between the two sides, saying “may the best man win.” The remark adds to the growing rivalry between the two teams as the series progresses. The match is set to be a crucial encounter as both teams look to gain an upper hand. Read full story.
