BMW Inaugurates 4,000 km North-South EV High-Power Charging Corridor
Celebrating over 5,000 electric vehicle sales in India, BMW Group has launched a 4,000 km high-power charging corridor spanning the length of the country. The corridor runs along national highways from North to South India, with charging stations strategically placed every 300 km, covering cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. In a significant move to boost the national EV ecosystem, BMW has opened access to this charging network for customers of all electric vehicle brands, not just its own.
US Reviews 55 Million Visa Holders for Potential Deportation Violations
The U.S. State Department is reviewing the records of over 55 million foreigners with valid American visas for potential revocation or deportable violations. Under the Trump administration's policy, all visa holders are subject to "continuous vetting" for indicators like overstays, criminal activity, or threats to public safety. Any individual found in violation could have their visa revoked and face deportation if they are in the United States, creating significant uncertainty for millions of immigrants, including many from India.
Supreme Court Modifies Stray Dog Order, Paving Way for National Policy
The Supreme Court modified a controversial order, ruling that stray dogs in Delhi-NCR can be released back into their original localities after sterilization and vaccination, staying a previous directive for their permanent relocation to shelters. However, the court disallowed public feeding, mandating dedicated feeding spaces instead. Crucially, it transferred all related cases from various high courts to itself, signaling its intent to formulate a comprehensive national policy on the contentious stray dog issue affecting cities nationwide.
Assam to Halt Aadhaar Enrolment for Adults to Curb Illegal Migration
The Assam government will stop issuing new Aadhaar cards to adults from October 1 to prevent suspected illegal migrants from fraudulently obtaining the identity document. A one-year window will remain open for members of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and tea garden communities to complete their enrolment. In exceptional cases, District Commissioners may approve applications for others, but only after rigorous verification through police and foreigners' tribunals reports, marking a significant shift in the state's identity and immigration policy.
Jaishankar Meets Putin in Moscow, Calls India-Russia Ties 'Steadiest' in Post-War Era
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two nations. During his visit, Jaishankar described India-Russia relations as among the "steadiest of the major relationships in the world after the Second World War." The high-level talks focused on expanding trade, geopolitical convergence, and finalizing preparations for President Putin's upcoming state visit to India, highlighting the enduring diplomatic ties amid a complex global environment.
PM Modi, President Macron Discuss Ukraine and West Asia Conflicts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call to discuss ongoing global conflicts and bilateral ties. Macron briefed Modi on recent high-level meetings concerning the war in Ukraine. The leaders exchanged views on achieving peaceful resolutions in both Ukraine and West Asia, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the India-France strategic partnership in areas like defence, technology, and trade, including support for an early conclusion of the India-EU free trade agreement.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attacked; Granted Z-Category Security Cover
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a man from Gujarat during a public grievance meeting at her residence. The accused was immediately detained and later sent to police remand on an attempt to murder charge. Following the serious security breach, the Union Home Ministry accorded the Chief Minister Z-category security. A contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has now taken charge of her protection, upgrading the security previously provided by the Delhi Police.
FBI's 'Top 10 Most Wanted' Fugitive Arrested in India
Cindy Rodriguez Singh, one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, has been arrested in India through a collaborative effort with Indian police and INTERPOL. Singh was wanted in Texas for the capital murder of her six-year-old son in 2022. She allegedly misled investigators about the child's whereabouts before fleeing to India in March 2023. Having been on the run for over a year, she has now been extradited to the United States to face charges.
Kolkata Students Attacked and Called 'Bangladeshis' for Speaking Bengali
Four Calcutta University students were allegedly assaulted by a group of shopkeepers near Sealdah station after being branded "Bangladeshis" for speaking Bengali. The altercation began when a student tried to bargain in his native tongue, leading to verbal abuse. When he returned with friends to protest, they were physically attacked. The incident, which led to two arrests, has sparked outrage over linguistic intolerance and taps into sensitive national debates surrounding identity and citizenship in West Bengal.
Frank Caprio, Beloved TV Judge Known for His Compassion, Dies at 88
Frank Caprio, the retired Rhode Island traffic court judge who became a global internet star for his empathetic rulings on the show 'Caught in Providence', has passed away at 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Celebrated for his kindness, warmth, and belief in second chances, Judge Caprio's courtroom videos were viewed by millions, showcasing a humane approach to justice that often considered the personal struggles of those appearing before him. His passing is being mourned by admirers worldwide.
Suspected Dinosaur-Era Fossils Unearthed in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer
Villagers in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, have discovered what appear to be dinosaur-era fossils while digging near a local pond. The find includes a large, bone-shaped structure and petrified wood. Geologists visiting the site noted that Jaisalmer's rock formations date back 180 million years to the Jurassic age when dinosaurs lived, making the discovery potentially significant. The site has been cordoned off as the Geological Survey of India prepares to conduct scientific tests to confirm the remains' age and origin.
Government to Introduce Bills for Automatic Removal of Jailed Ministers
The Union government plans to introduce three bills in Parliament to create a legal framework for the automatic removal of a Prime Minister, Union minister, or Chief Minister. Under the proposed law, if such an official is arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges (punishable by five or more years), they would cease to hold office on the 31st day. The move aims to enhance political accountability and ensure governance is not run from custody.
Parliament Considers Bills for Removal of Jailed PM, CMs, and Ministers
The Union government has introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha, including a constitutional amendment, that would mandate the removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or minister if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on criminal charges punishable by five or more years. The bills, introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah, were referred to a joint parliamentary committee for examination amidst fierce protests from opposition parties, who labelled the move an undemocratic attack on federalism.
Cabinet Clears ₹62,000 Crore Deal for 97 Indigenous Tejas Fighter Jets
The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the acquisition of 97 indigenous Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for approximately ₹62,000 crore. This major defence deal is a significant boost for India's domestic aerospace industry and the 'Make in India' initiative. The advanced aircraft are intended to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing MiG-21 fleet, substantially enhancing its combat capabilities. The news prompted a rally in HAL's stock price.
India Deepens Russia Ties Amid US Tariff Pressure Over Oil Purchases
As the US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil, India is strengthening its economic ties with Moscow. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar encouraged Russian companies to engage more intensively with India, while Russia called US pressure "unjustified" and affirmed that energy cooperation would continue. Meanwhile, prominent Republican Nikki Haley urged the US administration to treat India as a "prized democratic partner" to counter China, not an adversary.