India Evacuates Over 4,400 Citizens from Israel and Iran
India has successfully evacuated 4,415 of its citizens from conflict-ridden Israel and Iran under 'Operation Sindhu', the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. The operation utilized 19 special flights to bring back 3,597 people from Iran and 818 from Israel. The evacuations, prompted by recent hostilities in West Asia, also included some nationals from Nepal and Sri Lanka. India continues to monitor the situation on the ground following a US-brokered ceasefire between the two nations.
Japan Executes 'Twitter Killer' in First Hanging Since 2022
Japan has executed Takahiro Shiraishi, dubbed the "Twitter killer," for the 2017 murder and dismemberment of nine people he contacted via social media. This marks the country's first use of capital punishment since July 2022. The Justice Minister authorized the hanging, citing the "extremely selfish" motive for the crimes that shocked the nation. The execution has reignited the long-standing debate on capital punishment in Japan, a practice strongly condemned by international human rights groups.
Five Tigers, Including Four Cubs, Found Dead in Karnataka Sanctuary
A tigress and her four cubs have been found dead in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, prompting the state's Forest Minister to order a high-level probe. Preliminary information suggests the animals may have been poisoned. The incident is a significant blow to wildlife conservation efforts, as Karnataka has the second-highest tiger population in India. Authorities have cordoned off the area and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
West Indian Cricketer Accused of Sexual Assault by Multiple Women
A prominent West Indian cricketer is facing multiple allegations of sexual assault in Guyana. A 24-year-old woman recently filed a police report, while a separate case involving an 18-year-old from two years ago has resurfaced, with claims that charges were recommended but never pursued. Reports suggest the cricketer offered monetary compensation in one case and was released on bail in another. Cricket West Indies has stated it is currently unaware of the circumstances and cannot comment.
CBSE Announces Timetable for July Supplementary Exams
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the timetable for the 2025 supplementary examinations for Class 10 and 12 students. These exams provide a second chance for students who did not pass certain subjects in the main boards or for those wishing to improve their scores. The Class 10 exams will be conducted from July 15 to July 22, while all Class 12 supplementary exams will be held on a single day, July 15.
Lakhs of Devotees Throng Puri for Annual Rath Yatra Festival
Lakhs of devotees have gathered in Puri, Odisha, for the annual Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath. The nine-day sojourn of the deities to the Gundicha Temple began with elaborate rituals amid massive crowds. Authorities have deployed approximately 10,000 security personnel, including NSG snipers, and established an integrated command center with over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras to ensure safety. The event remains one of India's largest and most significant religious and cultural gatherings.
Air India Flight to Bangkok Delayed for Hours by Hay in Wing
An Air India flight from Mumbai to Bangkok was delayed for over five hours after a peculiar discovery: hay was found stuck under the aircraft's wing. Passengers were disembarked and the hay was removed, but the flight could not depart immediately as the delay caused the original crew to exceed their regulated flight duty time. Air India has reported the bizarre incident to the DGCA and instructed its ground service provider to investigate the source of the hay.
India Calls for Unified Action Against Terrorism at SCO, Criticizes State Sponsors
At the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly condemned terrorism, making a veiled reference to Pakistan for using cross-border terrorism as state policy. He emphasized that peace cannot coexist with terrorism and called for decisive, united action among SCO members to combat these threats and hold accountable nations that sponsor or nurture terrorism. Singh highlighted the need for reformed multilateralism to address global security challenges.
Railways Ministry Introduces Key Reforms to Enhance Train Controller Functioning and Safety
The Ministry of Railways announced significant reforms for train controllers aimed at improving operational safety and working conditions. These include mandatory minimum service in control offices, selection of experienced personnel, regular refresher courses with simulator training, and performance monitoring. Measures like yoga sessions and health check-ups will address job stress. The Traffic Control will be renamed Operations & Traffic Control to serve as an integrated command centre.
Delhi University Considers Dropping Courses on Pakistan, China, Islam; Faculty Alleges Political Motivation
Delhi University is reportedly considering removing several elective MA Political Science courses focusing on Pakistan, China, and Islam, sparking objections from faculty members who decry the move as politically driven and detrimental to academic rigor. The university's Standing Committee on Academic Matters discussed these changes, which also include revisions in Geography and Sociology syllabi. Teachers argue these "forced" revisions erode departmental autonomy and academic freedom.
SEBI Penalizes BSE Rs 25 Lakh for Regulatory Lapses in Information Dissemination
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a Rs 25 lakh penalty on the BSE (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange) for failing to ensure equal access to corporate disclosures for all stakeholders and for inadequate monitoring of client code modifications. An inspection found BSE's system allowed paid clients and internal teams to access announcements before public dissemination. BSE shares declined over 1% following the order.
Two Dead, Ten Missing as Pilgrim Vehicle Plunges into Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand
A tempo traveller carrying pilgrims to Badrinath Dham fell into the Alaknanda river in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. At least two people were killed, eight injured, and ten others remain missing. The vehicle, with 20 people on board from Udaipur, Rajasthan, veered off the road into a deep gorge. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are conducting search and rescue operations.
Gunmen Kill 12 at Religious Celebration in Irapuato, Mexico
Twelve people were killed and about 20 wounded when gunmen opened fire during a St. John the Baptist celebration in Irapuato, Guanajuato state, Mexico. The attack occurred while people were celebrating in the street. Guanajuato has been one of Mexico's most violent states due to battles between organized crime groups, with over 1,400 homicides recorded there in the first five months of the year.
Encounter Erupts Between Security Forces and Terrorists in J&K's Udhampur Forests
An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in a remote forested area of Bihali, Basantgarh, in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district. The joint operation by the Army and police established contact with the terrorists, and the engagement was ongoing. This incident highlights the continuing security challenges faced by forces in the Union Territory. Further details are awaited as the operation progresses.
Two Women Maoists Killed in Encounter in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur District
Security forces killed two women Maoists in an encounter in the Abujhmad area of Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh. The operation was launched by a joint team of District Reserve Guards and Special Task Force following intelligence about a significant Maoist presence. An Insas rifle and a .315 bore rifle were recovered. This incident is part of ongoing intensified anti-Maoist operations in the state.