Business Standard Official

A terrifying "targeted shooting" near the White House has left two National Guard soldiers in critical condition. Authorities have identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said the unidentified gunman turned a corner, lifted his weapon and began firing. Read more: https://mybs.in/2erjRmJ

Speculations across Pakistan have intensified that former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been killed in prison. As these unverified claims spread widely on social media, his family and party members accused the police of using force against those attempting to meet the jailed PTI founder. Three of Imran Khan’s sisters — Noreen, Aleema and Uzma — said they were physically attacked by police when they reached Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail earlier this week. They alleged that officers pushed and hit them, along with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, as they waited outside the jail gates, according to a report by The Economic Times. https://mybs.in/2erjRnA

The US on Wednesday (local time) stopped the processing of all immigration requests from Afghanistan citizens after two National Guard troops were shot near the White House in Washington. Taking to X, the US Customs and Immigration Services, said, "Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols." https://mybs.in/2erjRn1

Delhi woke up to a dense layer of smog and reduced visibility on Thursday, as pollution levels spiked once again. The Anand Vihar monitoring station recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 396 at 8 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday revoked Stage 3 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after marginal improvement over the past three days. https://mybs.in/2erjRnX

A massive fire engulfed several tower blocks in Hong Kong on Wednesday (local time), killing at least 44 people and leaving at least 279 missing, with many still trapped inside burning buildings, CNN reported. Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the fire spread across seven of the eight high-rise apartment buildings in a housing complex in Tai Po district, a suburb in the New Territories. According to Associated Press, at least 29 people were hospitalised. https://mybs.in/2erjRmY

Markets With BS | From Wipro to Paytm, here are key stocks that will be on investors' and traders' radar. Take a look https://mybs.in/2erjRm2

Good morning! This is what Business Standard's front page looks like today. Read the stories on http://business-standard.com

BS Editorial | PM Modi’s call at the G20 summit in Johannesburg for a “global compact on artificial intelligence” comes at a time when nations are trying to keep pace with the rapid expansion of AI and the risks that accompany it. https://mybs.in/2eriWZ0

BS Editorial | Rather than offering a weight-based carve-out under CAFE-III, recalibrating the incentives to encourage manufacturers to focus on electric or hybrid hatchbacks and sedans may be a better alternative. https://mybs.in/2eriWYf

India head coach Gautam Gambhir found himself at the centre of scrutiny after the team endured a crushing 408-run defeat to South Africa in the second Test in Guwahati, sealing a 0–2 whitewash. This is India’s second home series loss in the last three series, the first time since 1959. Head coach Gambhir addressed the media in the post-match press conference, where he acknowledged the growing criticism but stressed that the decision regarding his future rests entirely with the BCCI. https://mybs.in/2erj095

Health With BS | Could your favourite cheese toastie be doing more than satisfying cravings? A new Japanese study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that a simple weekly serving of cheese might offer surprising benefits for long-term brain health, including a potentially lower risk of dementia. https://mybs.in/2erj07i

HP Inc announced on Tuesday (local time) that it is planning to reduce its workforce by between 4,000 and 6,000 jobs worldwide by the end of fiscal 2028, as part of the company’s efforts to streamline operations and utilise AI to accelerate product development, enhance customer satisfaction and boost productivity, Reuters reported.

Book Review | The Niche Code: Building Big Businesses in Small Markets by Rajeev Roy The book is presented in four sections. Why? Who? How? What Next? What is a niche? A niche is not just a market subset; it is a focussed intentional space built around specific unmet needs and deep customer understanding. Read the full review by Ambi Parameswaran 👇 https://mybs.in/2eriWZk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility in Hyderabad. The launch took place through video conferencing, connecting him to the site located inside the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park -- SEZ at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Read more: https://mybs.in/2erj052

India lodged a strong protest with China after Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a woman from Arunachal Pradesh, now living in the UK, claimed she was detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai airport. New Delhi accused Beijing of violating international air travel norms. More: https://mybs.in/2erj02d

Datanomics | Delhi's Red Fort 4th-largest attraction for domestic tourists The Red Fort was the fourth largest draw for domestic tourists in FY25, while for foreigners it was ninth. Read full report by Sneha Sasikumar 👇 https://mybs.in/2eriWQG

Markets With BS | From Bharti Airtel to Nelco and Asian Paints; here is a list of stocks that will be in focus today. Take a look 👇 https://mybs.in/2erj01D

Midweek slump? Let numbers do the heavy lifting. 🧩 Your Wednesday Sudoku is here: https://www.business-standard.com/sudoku-puzzle-online