Supreme Court Upholds Rollout of 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol
The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenged the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (EBP-20). The petitioner argued that the fuel was incompatible with many vehicles manufactured before 2023. However, the court rejected the plea after the Attorney General argued that the policy is a sovereign decision that benefits sugarcane farmers. The PIL had sought to make ethanol-free petrol available and mandate clear labeling of ethanol content at fuel pumps.
Army Foils Infiltration Bid Along Line of Control in Poonch
The Indian Army on Monday thwarted an infiltration attempt by terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Troops detected suspicious movement in the Balakot area during the early hours and opened fire, triggering an encounter. The area has been cordoned off and an anti-terrorist operation is currently underway to neutralize any remaining threats. The incident highlights the continued security challenges and the army's heightened state of alert along the border.
Andhra Pradesh Approves Plan to Install IBM Quantum Computer in Amaravati
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a proposal from IBM to install a 133-qubit quantum computer at the Amaravati Quantum Computing Centre. The installation, which comes at no capital cost to the state, is a key part of an ambitious initiative to establish a 'Quantum Valley' in Amaravati as a global hub for innovation in quantum technology. The state will provide the facility and cover operational costs, while academic and government institutions in Andhra Pradesh will receive 365 hours of free computing time annually.
Nagaland University Launches Project to Document Grammar of 18 Naga Languages
In a significant effort to preserve linguistic heritage, Nagaland University has initiated a project to develop written pedagogical grammars for 18 recognised Naga languages. Many of these languages have been taught in schools for decades but lack a formal, structured grammar. The initiative, in collaboration with the state's Directorate of School Education, aims to systematically document parts of speech, syntax, and tone, which will then be incorporated into school textbooks from Class 5 to 12, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
India Post Suspends All Mail Services to the United States
India Post has suspended all mail services to the US, including letters, documents, and parcels, due to a lack of clarity on new American customs regulations. The suspension follows a US executive order that subjects most postal items to customs duties. With critical processes for duty collection undefined, air carriers have refused to transport US-bound mail, forcing the complete halt. The move disrupts a significant channel for personal correspondence, e-commerce, and small business exports, impacting countless individuals and companies across India.
Telangana Government Orders CBI Probe into Kaleshwaram Project Irregularities
The Telangana government has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, a flagship initiative of the previous BRS government. The decision followed a heated Assembly debate on the findings of the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission report, which indicted former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and other officials. The BRS has condemned the report as politically motivated, while the government moves forward with a central investigation into the multi-crore project.
Indian NGO 'Educate Girls' Wins Prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award
Indian non-profit organization 'Educate Girls' has been awarded the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called Asia's Nobel Prize. The foundation is the first Indian NGO to receive this honour. It was recognized for its extensive work in mobilizing communities and government resources to advance girls' education in India's rural and educationally underserved areas. Founded by Safeena Husain in 2007, the organization has reached over two million girls across 30,000 villages, significantly improving enrollment and retention rates.
Air India Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Delhi After Engine Fire Alert
An Indore-bound Air India flight returned to Delhi for an emergency landing on Sunday morning after a fire indication in its right engine. The A320 neo aircraft, with over 90 people on board, was airborne for more than 30 minutes before the crew shut down the engine and landed safely. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed, and the aircraft has been grounded for a thorough inspection. Passengers were transferred to an alternative flight to continue their journey.
Actor Chiranjeevi Facilitates Late Mother-in-Law's Eye Donation
In a compassionate gesture, actor Chiranjeevi facilitated the eye donation of his mother-in-law, Smt. Allu Kanakaratnam, who recently passed away. During a time of personal grief for his family, the decision was made to ensure her vision could bring light to others in need. The noble act has been praised as an inspiring example of turning sorrow into service and reflects the veteran actor's long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly his advocacy for blood and eye donation.
Unseeded Indian Duo Wins Girls' Doubles Title at Junior Badminton Grand Prix
In a spirited performance, unseeded Indian teenagers Aanya Bisht and Angel Punera won the girls' doubles title at the Yonex Sunrise India Junior International Grand Prix in Pune. The duo staged an impressive comeback to defeat the fifth-seeded Japanese pair of Aoi Banno and Yuzu Ueno in a thrilling three-game final with a score of 21-23, 21-12, 21-17. Their victory marks a significant achievement for the young Indian players on the international junior circuit.
Indian PM and Chinese President Meet Amid Trade Tensions with US
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks in Tianjin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The meeting, Modi's first visit to China in seven years, is seen as crucial for stabilising economic ties and normalizing relations strained by border disputes. The discussions are set against a backdrop of new US trade tariffs affecting both nations, with leaders expected to explore ways to bolster regional economic stability in response to global volatility.
US Appeals Court Rules Trump's Global Tariffs Illegal
A US federal appeals court has ruled that most of President Donald Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" are illegal, finding he overstepped his authority by using emergency economic powers. The court affirmed that only Congress holds the power for such sweeping duties. The decision impacts numerous trading partners, including India. However, the tariffs will remain in place temporarily to allow the Trump administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court, marking a significant setback for its aggressive trade policies.
India and Japan Deepen Strategic Ties with 10 Trillion Yen Investment Pledge
During a summit in Tokyo, India and Japan solidified their "Special Strategic and Global Partnership," with Japan pledging a 10 trillion yen (approx. ₹60,000 crores) investment in India over the next decade. The two nations signed 13 agreements, establishing a 10-year economic roadmap and frameworks for defence cooperation, supply chain resilience in sectors like semiconductors and clean energy, and a joint lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-5. The collaboration aims to bolster economic security and regional stability.
IAF Reveals Details of 'Operation Sindoor', Says Under 50 Weapons Forced Ceasefire
The Indian Air Force used fewer than 50 precision weapons to achieve "complete domination" over Pakistani military targets, compelling Islamabad to request a ceasefire by May 10, according to Vice Chief of Air Staff Narmdeshwar Tiwari. Speaking at a defence summit, he revealed that the strikes during 'Operation Sindoor' targeted key military infrastructure, including some not hit even in the 1971 war. The operation was a calibrated response to the Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrating high precision with no collateral damage.
Commerce Ministry Drafts Plan to Counter 50% US Tariffs on Indian Goods
India's Commerce Ministry is developing a multi-tiered strategy to protect exporters from new 50% US tariffs, which could affect nearly $49 billion worth of shipments. The plan includes short-term measures for liquidity relief, medium-term actions to leverage existing free trade agreements (FTAs) with partners like the EU and UAE, and a long-term goal of diversifying export markets to Latin America and Africa. The strategy aims to build supply chain resilience and reduce compliance burdens for businesses, particularly MSMEs.