Evening News Wrap: Kalyan Banerjee sends blunt message to Mamata; Indian sailors killed after US strike on oil tanker off Oman & more

Here are the top 5 stories of the day

Three Indian sailors killed after US strike on oil tanker off Oman near Strait of Hormuz

Three Indian sailors who were initially reported missing after a US strike on the Palau-flagged commercial vessel MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz have been confirmed dead, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday. The vessel, carrying 24 Indian crew members, was attacked while transiting the Gulf of Oman amid escalating regional tensions. Twenty-one crew members were rescued with assistance from Omani authorities, while India condemned the attack, lodged a formal protest with the US, and called for de-escalation in the region.Read full article

'Choose Abhishek or me': Kalyan Banerjee's blunt message to Mamata amid turmoil in TMC

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has publicly challenged party chief Mamata Banerjee to choose between her nephew Abhishek Banerjee and senior party workers like himself, amid growing tensions within the TMC following its recent electoral setback. Kalyan Banerjee also announced that he would no longer represent Abhishek in legal matters, accusing him of arrogance and disrespect after another lawyer was appointed to handle a case for which he had secured an urgent hearing. His remarks highlight deepening internal divisions within the ruling West Bengal party at a time of increasing political strain.Read full article

Palantir CEO Alex Karp has a clear message for tech CEO like Sam Altman and Dario Amodei

Palantir CEO Alex Karp has warned technology leaders against publicly celebrating AI-driven job cuts, arguing that portraying artificial intelligence as a tool for replacing workers could trigger backlash from employees, voters and policymakers. While acknowledging that Palantir is using AI to boost productivity and grow revenue with a leaner workforce, Karp said companies should be more careful about how they discuss AI's impact on jobs. He also cautioned that fears over automation could strengthen calls for greater regulation, echoing concerns raised by Bernie Sanders. Karp's comments were supported by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, who argued that some firms are overstating AI's role in layoffs and that AI can make skilled employees more valuable rather than simply replace them.Read full article

Day after Kuki hostages’ release, 6 abducted Nagas found dead in Manipur

The recovery of the bodies of six Naga men, who were allegedly abducted by armed Kuki groups in Manipur four weeks ago, has reignited ethnic tensions in the state. The bodies were found in Kangpokpi district following a 24-hour search operation by a joint team of police, CRPF and Assam Rifles personnel. In response, the United Naga Council (UNC) called a 24-hour shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas and demanded action against those responsible, including the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups. The killings come after weeks of retaliatory abductions and hostage exchanges between Naga and Kuki groups, triggered by the killing of three Kuki pastors in May.Read full articleFormer India pacer S. Sreesanth has advised teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to stay focused on cricket and avoid distractions from professional managers following his rapid rise to fame. Praising the 15-year-old's discipline, hard work and the sacrifices made by his family, Sreesanth highlighted Sooryavanshi's intense training routine and perseverance from a young age. He urged the youngster to remain grounded, concentrate on his game and leave off-field matters to his family as he prepares for upcoming tours of Ireland and England after becoming the youngest player selected for India's men's team.Read full article