Kerala High Court Rules First Wife Must Be Heard Before Muslim Man's Second Marriage Registration
The Kerala High Court has delivered a landmark ruling stating that a Muslim man's first wife must be given an opportunity to be heard before his second marriage can be registered under the state's common marriage rules. Justice P. V. Kunhikrishnan emphasized that when registering a marriage, secular law prevails over personal law, and constitutional rights are supreme. The court noted this gives Muslim women a voice and prevents them from being "silent spectators" to their husband's subsequent marriages.
Dick Cheney, Influential and Polarising Former US Vice President, Dies at 84
Dick Cheney, who served as Vice President under George W. Bush, has died at age 84. Considered one of the most powerful vice presidents in US history, he was a chief architect of the "war on terror" and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. A staunch conservative, Cheney also served as Secretary of Defense and White House Chief of Staff. In his later years, he became a prominent Republican critic of former President Donald Trump, whom he called a "threat to our republic."
Gopichand Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group, Dies at 85
Gopichand P. Hinduja, chairman of the global conglomerate Hinduja Group, has passed away in London at the age of 85. Known as 'GP', he took over leadership of the multinational group following the death of his elder brother Srichand in May 2023. The Hinduja Group has diverse interests across sectors like automotive, finance, and energy. Gopichand's death marks a significant moment for one of Britain's wealthiest and most prominent business families of Indian origin.
Starbucks Sells Controlling Stake in China Business in $4 Billion Deal
Starbucks announced it will sell a controlling stake of up to 60% in its China operations to investment firm Boyu Capital in a deal valuing the business at $4 billion. The move is aimed at revitalizing growth in a key market where Starbucks' market share has plummeted from 34% to 14% since 2019 due to fierce competition from local rivals like Luckin Coffee. The joint venture aims to expand Starbucks' presence from 8,000 to over 20,000 stores in China.
Seven Indian Universities in Top 100 of QS Asia University Rankings
Seven Indian higher education institutions, including five IITs, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, and Delhi University, have secured positions in the top 100 of the 2025 QS World University Rankings for Asia. IIT-Delhi, ranked 59th, was named the top Indian institute for the fifth consecutive year. The report highlighted India's strength in producing faculty with PhDs. Overall, 20 Indian institutions made it into the top 200, reflecting continued progress on the international stage.
Rescue Operation Underway for Four Elephants Trapped in Chhattisgarh Well
A major rescue operation is in progress at Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh after four elephants fell into an open well. The incident occurred in Hardi village, prompting an immediate response from the Forest Department. Rescue teams are using earth-excavator machines to dig a ramp alongside the well, creating a path for the trapped pachyderms to climb out safely. Officials are closely monitoring the delicate operation to ensure the animals are rescued without injury.
Delhi's Severe Air Pollution Makes Air Purifiers a Wedding Season Essential
As severe air pollution blankets Delhi, air purifiers have become an essential item for the city's wedding season. Wedding planners report that families, particularly those with international guests, are spending thousands to rent multiple purifiers for indoor venues to ensure guests can breathe clean air. Some are even shifting celebrations to cities with better air quality. The trend, which includes brides requesting portable purifiers and matching masks, highlights how Delhi's chronic pollution crisis is now directly impacting social and cultural events.
Indian Women's Cricket Team Wins First-Ever ODI World Cup
India's women's cricket team has won its first-ever ICC ODI World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a historic final in Navi Mumbai. Batting first, India posted a strong total of 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma's 87 and Deepti Sharma's 58. Sharma then starred with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 39 runs to bowl South Africa out for 246. In recognition of the landmark achievement, the BCCI has announced a cash reward of Rs 51 crore for the team and support staff.
Speeding Dumper Truck Kills at Least 13, Injures 10 in Jaipur
A dumper truck, allegedly driven by an intoxicated driver, ploughed into at least 17 vehicles in Jaipur’s Harmada area, killing 13 people and injuring 10 others. The horrific chain collision occurred over a 300-metre stretch near Loha Mandi. Eyewitnesses described a devastating scene with mangled vehicles and bodies strewn across the road. The driver was apprehended by locals and handed over to the police. The Prime Minister's Office has announced an ex gratia payment for the victims' families.
ED Attaches Over ₹3,000 Crore in Assets Linked to Anil Ambani
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth over ₹3,084 crore as part of a money laundering probe against Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani. The attached properties include Ambani’s residence in Mumbai, the Reliance Centre in Delhi, and numerous other commercial and residential assets across India. The investigation pertains to the alleged diversion and laundering of public funds raised by group companies Reliance Home Finance Ltd. and Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd., including loans from Yes Bank that later became non-performing assets.
Supreme Court Vows to Tackle 'Digital Arrest' Scams That Extorted Over ₹3,000 Crore
The Supreme Court has expressed shock over the scale of 'digital arrest' cybercrime, where fraudsters impersonating officials have allegedly extorted over ₹3,000 crore from victims nationwide. Taking suo motu cognizance of the issue after an elderly couple was defrauded of ₹1.05 crore, the court vowed to deal with these crimes with an "iron hand." It is considering a CBI probe and will issue stringent directives to strengthen agencies and prevent the erosion of public trust in digital governance.
At Least 20 Killed in Bus-Lorry Collision in Telangana
At least 20 people were killed and several others injured after a tipper lorry carrying gravel collided head-on with a public transport bus in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district. The incident occurred on the Bijapur Highway near Chevella when the lorry, allegedly in the wrong lane, struck the bus, causing gravel to spill over and trap passengers. The deceased included the bus driver and ten women. State authorities have launched large-scale relief operations and directed that the injured be provided with advanced medical treatment.
Law Students Cannot Be Barred From Exams Over Low Attendance, Rules Delhi High Court
In a landmark judgment, the Delhi High Court has ruled that law colleges cannot bar students from taking examinations due to a lack of minimum attendance. The ruling came during a case related to the 2016 suicide of a law student who was debarred for low attendance. The court directed the Bar Council of India to re-evaluate its mandatory attendance norms, suggesting they are too stringent and should credit activities like moot courts, and that they cannot lead to mental trauma.
Tamil Nadu Parties to Challenge Electoral Roll Revision in Supreme Court
Parties led by Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK have decided to approach the Supreme Court against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. An all-party meeting chaired by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin resolved to challenge the process, terming it 'anti-democratic' and hastily implemented ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections. The parties argue the revision could unfairly remove genuine voters from the rolls, citing alleged irregularities during a similar exercise conducted in Bihar, a case still pending before the court.
US to Resume Nuclear Testing, Citing Tests by Pakistan and China
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States plans to resume testing its nuclear weapons for the first time since 1992. He justified the decision by stating that rival powers, including Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan, are already conducting their own tests, some of which are not publicly acknowledged. The move signals a significant shift in U.S. nuclear policy and could escalate geopolitical tensions, particularly in South Asia, by heightening the arms race narrative in the region.