Trump Administration Bars Harvard from Enrolling International Students, Mandates Transfers
The Trump Administration has revoked Harvard University's authorization to enroll international students, citing an "unsafe campus environment" and "anti-American" activities. Thousands of current foreign students must now transfer to other institutions or risk losing their US legal status. This action escalates a significant standoff with the Ivy League school and could preface a broader crackdown on other colleges, heavily impacting global students, including many from India.
India and US Report Progress on Bilateral Trade Agreement Negotiations
India and the United States are making significant strides towards finalizing a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a second meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington to expedite negotiations, focusing on the first phase of the pact. Both nations are keen on strengthening economic ties and resolving outstanding trade issues to boost bilateral commerce and investment.
Pakistan Denies IndiGo Flight Airspace Access Amid Severe Weather Emergency
Pakistan reportedly rejected an IndiGo Delhi-Srinagar flight's request to use its airspace to avoid severe turbulence from a hailstorm. The flight, with over 220 passengers including MPs, faced an emergency, prompting the pilot to contact Srinagar ATC. This incident underscores ongoing airspace sensitivities and operational challenges between India and Pakistan, even during critical situations affecting civilian aircraft safety and highlighting bilateral tensions.
EAM Jaishankar Refutes Trump's Claim of Mediating India-Pakistan Ceasefire
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly denied former US President Donald Trump's assertion of playing a role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Speaking in the Netherlands, Jaishankar clarified that the recent ceasefire agreement was a direct result of dialogue exclusively between the two nations, without any third-party intervention. This statement reiterates India's long-standing position on bilateral engagement with Pakistan for resolving disputes.
Andaman Airspace Temporarily Closed for High-Altitude Weapon Test
Airspace over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was closed for three hours to facilitate a high-altitude weapon test. Defence officials described the exercise as a "routine practice" for the strategically vital island territory, underscoring India's continuous efforts to bolster its defence capabilities and readiness in the Indian Ocean Region. Such tests affirm the islands' crucial role in India's military preparedness and strategic asset deployment.
PM Modi Boosts Northeast Growth; Adani Group Pledges Rs 50,000 Crore Investment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Rising North East Investors Summit,' highlighting the region's diversity as its core strength and vowing to accelerate its growth. Concurrently, the Adani Group announced a significant Rs 50,000 crore investment in the Northeast over the next decade. These combined efforts aim to unlock the region's vast economic potential, attract further investment, and foster comprehensive development across various sectors.
Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on Plea to Ban Betting Apps, Regulate Online Gaming
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central government, agreeing to examine a petition demanding a complete ban on "illegal" betting applications. The plea also advocates for stringent regulations on online gaming, fantasy sports, and the formulation of a comprehensive law to govern these activities. This judicial intervention could herald significant changes in the regulatory framework for online betting and gaming platforms operating within India.
IMF Defends Pakistan Bailout Package Amid Reported Indian Scrutiny
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has defended its bailout package to Pakistan, following reports of India conveying concerns. The IMF recently imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan for the release of the next loan tranche, vital for its struggling economy. This situation highlights complex regional financial diplomacy and India's cautious monitoring of international aid to its neighbor, considering ongoing economic and security implications.
Drone Attack in Russia Causes Delay for Indian 'Operation Sindoor' Delegation
An Indian all-party delegation, led by DMK's Kanimozhi and including five other ministers, faced a flight delay in Russia due to a drone attack. The delegation was traveling to promote "Operation Sindoor" and India's anti-terrorism stance on an international platform. This incident highlights the unpredictable security risks encountered by diplomatic missions and India's proactive engagement in global counter-terrorism initiatives.
Delhi-NCR to Get Welcome Respite from Heatwave with Forecasted Light Rain
Residents of Delhi-NCR can anticipate some relief from the persistent heatwave, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light rainfall and thunderstorms for Friday. This weather change is expected to lower temperatures, providing a much-needed break from the intense heat that has recently affected the national capital region. The forecast offers a moment of comfort and signals a slight shift in prevailing weather patterns.
India Briefs UAE, Japan on "Operation Sindoor" and Pakistan-Backed Terror
Indian all-party delegations have initiated a global outreach to countries including Japan and the UAE, briefing them on "Operation Sindoor" and persistent cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan. Led by MPs Sanjay Jha and Shrikant Shinde respectively, the delegations aim to articulate India's stance on self-defense and garner international support against state-sponsored terrorism. This follows India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack and involves engagement with several Asian nations.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Pakistan Expels Indian Official After India's Move
Pakistan has expelled an Indian High Commission staffer, a retaliatory measure after India declared a Pakistani official persona non grata for alleged involvement in espionage. This marks the second such expulsion by India within a week. The tit-for-tat actions escalate diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries, with Pakistan ordering the Indian staffer to leave within 24 hours, mirroring India's earlier directive to the Pakistani official.
Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Fatally Shot Near Jewish Museum in Washington DC
Two Israeli Embassy employees, a man and a woman, were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. US Homeland Security confirmed the deaths. Israeli officials have described the incident as an act of anti-Semitic terrorism. The shooting occurred as the staffers were exiting the museum, prompting an investigation by US authorities. This event has heightened security concerns for diplomatic missions.
Security Forces Engage Terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar; Search Operation Underway
An exchange of fire occurred between security forces and suspected terrorists in the Shingpora area of Chhatru in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday. The gunfight began during a search operation launched following a tip-off about terrorist presence. Additional troops have been deployed to the area, and the operation is ongoing to neutralize the terrorists. The engagement highlights the continued security challenges in the region.
ED Raids Premises Linked to Karnataka Home Minister in Gold Smuggling Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting ongoing raids at premises associated with Karnataka's Home Minister as part of a probe into a significant gold smuggling case. The ED initiated a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case based on complaints from the CBI and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) regarding a larger gold smuggling racket. These raids signify a major development in the investigation into illicit gold trafficking potentially involving high-profile political figures.