Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect as Palestinians Return to Ruined Homes
A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has taken effect, allowing tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians to begin returning to heavily damaged areas in the northern Gaza Strip. The deal includes the release of remaining hostages in exchange for some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. While bringing a halt to the two-year conflict, questions remain over the long-term governance of Gaza and whether Hamas will disarm as stipulated in the US plan. Scaled-up humanitarian aid is set to enter Gaza Sunday.
Government Launches ₹35,440 Crore Schemes to Boost Pulse Production and Agriculture
The central government has launched two major agricultural initiatives with a combined outlay of ₹35,440 crore. The 'Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission' aims to make India self-reliant in pulse production, while the 'PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana' will focus on improving farm sector growth in 100 underperforming districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launching the schemes, urged farmers to target global markets, stating the investment reflects a commitment to enhancing food security and doubling farmer incomes.
Reliance Power CFO Arrested by ED in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Ashok Kumar Pal, the Chief Financial Officer of Anil Ambani's Reliance Power, in a money laundering case linked to an alleged ₹3,000 crore bank loan fraud. The arrest follows an investigation into the issuance of a fake ₹68 crore bank guarantee to a government entity. Pal is accused of playing a crucial role in the scheme, which allegedly involved diverting funds from the publicly listed company through fraudulent means.
New US Ambassador-Designate Meets Indian Leadership to Strengthen Ties
The US Ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, arrived in New Delhi for a series of high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The discussions focused on bolstering the strategic partnership in key areas including defence, trade, technology, and critical minerals. The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic effort to repair recent strains in the bilateral relationship and fast-track a pending trade agreement.
North Korea Unveils New Long-Range Missile Flanked by Russian and Chinese Officials
North Korea showcased a new, powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-20, during a large military parade in Pyongyang. The event, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the ruling party, was attended by high-level delegations from China and Russia, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. The public display of advanced weaponry alongside key allies signals a strengthening anti-US coalition and raises concerns about regional and global security.
Samajwadi Party Claims Akhilesh Yadav's Facebook Account Suspended
The Samajwadi Party (SP) has claimed that the official Facebook account of its president, Akhilesh Yadav, has been suspended. The party condemned the move, which affects a page with over 8 million followers, as an "attack on democracy" and an attempt by the BJP government to suppress opposition voices. The account was a primary platform for the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister to communicate with supporters and critique government policies. Meta, Facebook's parent company, has not yet issued a statement.
Diane Keaton, Oscar-Winning Star of 'Annie Hall', Dies at 79
Diane Keaton, the beloved Oscar-winning actress whose quirky charm and versatile talent defined a generation of cinema, has died at 79. Known for iconic roles in films like "Annie Hall," "The Godfather," and "Something's Gotta Give," Keaton was a singular force in Hollywood, celebrated for her distinctive acting and androgynous fashion sense. Her death was met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers, who remembered her as a brilliant, original, and deeply influential artist.
India Issues First Legally Binding Emission Targets for Heavy Industries
The Indian government has notified its first legally binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 282 industrial units in carbon-intensive sectors like aluminium, cement, and paper. Under the new rules, these facilities must lower their emission intensity from a 2023-24 baseline over a compliance period starting in 2025-26. The move operationalizes a domestic carbon market where compliant companies can earn tradable credits, while non-compliant ones face penalties, aligning India with its Paris Agreement goals.
India Deepens Taliban Engagement Amid Outrage Over Exclusion of Women Journalists
India announced it will upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy following talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and visiting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. However, the diplomatic engagement was overshadowed by widespread outrage after women journalists were barred from attending Muttaqi's press conference at the Afghan embassy in Delhi. Opposition leaders and media figures condemned the move, while the Ministry of External Affairs denied any involvement in organizing the press event.
7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines, Triggering Tsunami Warning
A powerful and shallow offshore earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 has struck off the coast of Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines. The quake prompted tsunami warnings for coastal areas within 300 km of the epicentre, including parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau, with authorities urging immediate evacuation to higher ground. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of potential damage and aftershocks from the significant seismic event in the disaster-prone region.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Wins Nobel Peace Prize, Drawing US Rebuke
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for her long struggle for democracy against the country's authoritarian government. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her as a unifying figure who has inspired millions despite facing threats and being forced into hiding. The decision drew sharp criticism from the White House, which had advocated for US President Donald Trump, with a spokesperson stating the committee "proved they place politics over peace."
Supreme Court Gives Centre Four Weeks to Respond on J&K Statehood
The Supreme Court has granted the central government four weeks to file its response to petitions seeking the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. During the hearing, the Centre cited ongoing security concerns, including the recent Pahalgam attack, as factors requiring consideration before a final decision is made. The court's directive follows its December 2023 verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, where it had urged that statehood be restored at the earliest.
Government Opens Senior Public Sector Bank Roles to Private Sector Candidates
In a major policy reform, the government has opened senior leadership positions in public sector banks (PSBs) to professionals from the private sector. According to new guidelines, one of the four Managing Director posts at the State Bank of India and Executive Director roles at other nationalized banks will now be open to external candidates. The move aims to bring in diverse experience but has been opposed by bank unions, who argue it alters the public character of these institutions.
Owner of Pharma Firm Linked to 24 Child Deaths Arrested
G. Ranganathan, owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been arrested in connection with the deaths of 24 children in Madhya Pradesh. The children died of kidney failure allegedly after consuming Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by his company, which was found to be contaminated with over 46% diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical. Ranganathan was arrested in Chennai by a Madhya Pradesh Special Investigation Team and has been remanded to 10-day police custody in Chhindwara.
US Sanctions Over 50 Entities, Including Indian Nationals, for Iran Oil Trade
The United States has imposed sanctions on more than 50 companies and individuals, including Indian nationals, for their alleged involvement in facilitating Iran's oil trade. This move is part of Washington's broader effort to curtail Iran's revenue from petroleum sales. The inclusion of Indian entities in the sanctions list highlights the international reach of the enforcement action and could create diplomatic and economic challenges for the individuals and firms targeted in India.