India Defends Russian Oil Purchases Amid US Pressure; GST Reforms to Boost Economy
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India will continue buying Russian oil based on economic considerations, as it is the costliest item in the country's import bill. She asserted that the recent GST rate cuts, which simplify the tax structure to two slabs, would spur domestic demand and growth, offsetting the adverse impact of US tariffs on exports. An SBI research report estimates the GST reforms will cause a minimal revenue loss of ₹3,700 crore, far less than government projections.
India Shares Flood Data with Pakistan on Humanitarian Grounds Despite Suspended Treaty
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India is sharing high flood data with Pakistan through diplomatic channels, citing humanitarian considerations. This cooperation comes amid severe monsoon rainfall and flooding in the region and continues despite the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The information sharing aims to help mitigate the impact of the floods, representing a notable instance of 'hydro-diplomacy' between the two nations, whose formal diplomatic and water-sharing ties remain strained.
US President Plans to Rebrand Department of Defense as 'Department of War'
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the 'Department of War,' reverting to its original name from before 1947. While a formal name change requires an act of Congress, the executive order will authorize the Pentagon to use its former title. The move is described as part of an effort to project a tougher military image and is one of several cultural changes implemented at the Pentagon under the current administration.
Afghan Foreign Minister's Planned Visit to India Called Off Due to UN Travel Ban
A proposed visit to India by Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has been cancelled because he was unable to secure a waiver from a UN Security Council travel ban. The visit would have been the first ministerial-level trip from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban seized power in 2021. The cancellation highlights the diplomatic complexities and international sanctions that constrain India's engagement with the current Afghan authorities, whom it has not formally recognised.
Lookout Circular Issued Against Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra in ₹60 Crore Fraud Case
Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing has issued a lookout circular against actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, to prevent them from leaving the country. The action is linked to an ongoing investigation into a fraud case where a businessman alleges the couple duped him of approximately ₹60 crore through a business investment deal. The couple's legal team has denied the allegations, stating the transaction was a legitimate equity investment in a company that later faced financial difficulties.
Indian Army Conducts Daring Night Rescue of South Korean Mountaineers in Ladakh
The Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps executed a dramatic nighttime helicopter rescue of two South Korean mountaineers who fell critically ill during an expedition near Kongmarula Pass in Ladakh, at an altitude above 17,000 feet. Army Aviation helicopters equipped with Night Vision Goggles were deployed within minutes of a distress call, landing on an unprepared site in treacherous terrain. The couple was airlifted to a hospital in Leh, showcasing the Army's high-altitude rescue capabilities. Tragically, one of the mountaineers later passed away.
Maharashtra Amends Labour Laws to Allow Longer Working Hours
The Maharashtra government has approved amendments to labour laws, permitting longer daily working hours in the private sector. The workday can now be extended from nine to 10 hours in private establishments and up to 12 hours in factories, provided there is worker consent and overtime payment. The legal cap for overtime will also rise from 115 to 144 hours per quarter. The state government stated the move is aimed at attracting investment and providing flexibility during periods of high demand.
Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Illegal Tree Felling in Himalayan Region
The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the rampant illegal felling of trees in the Himalayan region, observing that timber logs are frequently seen floating in recent floodwaters. Taking up a public interest litigation, the court noted that while development is necessary, it cannot come at the cost of the environment and human lives. The bench has issued notices to the central government, the National Disaster Management Authority, and the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Israel Rejects Hamas's Latest Comprehensive Ceasefire Proposal for Gaza
Israel has rejected a new ceasefire proposal from Hamas aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The Hamas offer included the release of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the start of reconstruction. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office dismissed the offer, stating the war would only end with full Israeli security control over a demilitarised Gaza. The Israeli Defence Minister added that the army is continuing preparations for a major attack on Gaza City.
Supreme Court Takes Action on Non-Functional CCTVs in Police Stations
The Supreme Court has registered a suo motu case regarding the lack of functional CCTV cameras in police stations across India. The action follows a media report on 11 custodial deaths in Rajasthan where police often failed to provide footage, citing technical faults or other reasons. The court had previously mandated the installation of cameras in every police station to curb custodial torture and ensure transparency. This new case addresses the widespread non-compliance with its earlier directives on police accountability.
Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Approves Universal Health Policy with ₹25 Lakh Coverage
The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has approved a universal health policy providing free medical treatment up to ₹25 lakh annually for all 1.63 crore families in the state. The new scheme integrates the central Ayushman Bharat program with the state's NTR Vaidya Seva, covering 3,257 medical procedures across 2,493 network hospitals. This major policy decision aims to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to every family in the state, regardless of their economic status, significantly expanding public health access.
Forest Rights Violations Alleged in ₹72,000 Crore Great Nicobar Project
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to the Union Tribal Affairs Minister regarding alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in clearances for the Great Nicobar Island mega-project. The letter highlights concerns from the Tribal Council of Nicobar, which claims the administration falsely certified that legal processes, including obtaining consent from local Nicobarese and Shompen communities for diverting over 13,000 hectares of forest land, were completed. The issue raises questions about due process and tribal rights.
Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake Strikes Southeastern Afghanistan
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.2 has struck southeastern Afghanistan, adding to a deepening humanitarian crisis. The quake follows a series of tremors earlier in the week that killed more than 2,200 people, flattened villages, and left tens of thousands homeless. The latest seismic event further strains relief efforts, with the United Nations and other aid agencies already citing a critical need for food, shelter, and medical supplies in the disaster-stricken region, where resources are dwindling.
Enforcement Directorate Summons Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan in Betting App Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for questioning in a money laundering case linked to the illegal betting app 1xBet. The agency will record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Sources indicate Dhawan is being questioned over his association with the app through endorsements. The probe is part of a wider investigation into illegal betting platforms that have allegedly defrauded investors of crores and evaded significant taxes.
Yuki Bhambri Reaches Maiden Grand Slam Semifinal at US Open
Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri has advanced to his first-ever Grand Slam semifinal in the men's doubles event at the US Open. This marks a significant milestone in Bhambri's career and a major achievement for Indian tennis on the world stage. The accomplishment highlights a strong performance at one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments, bringing a moment of national pride and demonstrating a resurgence for the seasoned player in the highly competitive doubles circuit.