Here are the top 5 news of the day:

Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council clears Rs 3.6 lakh crore Rafale, missile and AS-HAPS deal

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union defence minister Rajnath Singh has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, combat missiles, the Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS), and other defence equipment from France at an estimated cost of Rs 3.6 lakh crore. The council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, which is set to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s air superiority and long-range strike capabilities. Read full story

Family of 23-year-old Indian student killed by Seattle police vehicle settles for $29 million

The family of 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who died after being struck by a Seattle police vehicle in January 2023, has reached a $29 million (about Rs 260 crore) settlement with the city authorities. Police officer Kevin Dave was driving 74 mph while responding to an emergency call when the collision occurred. Bodycam footage later showed another officer making remarks about the incident, which drew public criticism and led to his dismissal. Seattle city attorney Erika Evans said the settlement is intended to provide some closure to the family, and about $20 million will be covered by the city’s insurance. Read full story

Haryana woman travelling in e-rickshaw crushed to death after drunk cop’s car rams vehicle

A 24-year-old Gurgaon-based private company employee, Nikita Bajaj, died after an e-rickshaw she was travelling in with her brother was allegedly hit from behind by a speeding car driven by Haryana Police head constable Amit Kumar near Kali Paltan Bridge in Ambala Cantonment on Wednesday evening, police said. The impact threw her onto the road and the car then ran over her; she was taken to Civil Hospital Ambala City where doctors declared her dead. The accused officer, posted in the Ambala area, has been arrested. Police said the allegations are being examined and the case remains under investigation, with a post-mortem scheduled. Read full story

Lamborghini crash case: Kanpur court grants bail to Shivam Mishra

A Kanpur court granted bail to Shivam Mishra, arrested in connection with a Lamborghini crash on VIP Road that injured three people. Mishra was released on a personal bond of Rs 20,000. Police had taken him into custody after tracing him to Kanpur following repeated non-cooperation and failure to appear for questioning; initial claims by another man, Mohan Lal, that he was driving were rejected by the court. Read full story

Bangladesh: BNP Leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi dies at polling station

BNP Metropolitan leader Mohibuzzaman Kochi, 60, died Thursday morning at a polling station in Khulna, Bangladesh, after reportedly being pushed by rival Jamaat supporters, party officials said. Kochi, a former Khulna Metropolitan BNP office secretary, was allegedly pushed while opposing campaigning inside the Khulna Alia Madrasa polling center, causing him to fall and hit his head. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Jamaat officials disputed the account, saying no one was pushed. BNP leaders have demanded the immediate arrest of those involved. Read full story