Enforcement Directorate Raids Anil Ambani Group Companies for Third Day
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) continued its searches on companies linked to Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani for a third consecutive day in Mumbai. The raids, conducted at over 35 premises, are part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged ₹3,000 crore bank loan fraud involving Yes Bank. The probe also covers other financial irregularities, including the diversion of loans to shell companies. Investigators have seized numerous documents and computer peripherals as the probe into the decade-old transactions continues.
Government Bans 25 OTT Platforms for Obscene Content
The Indian government has directed internet service providers to block 25 Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, including popular services like ALTT and Ullu, for streaming obscene and pornographic content. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated the platforms violated several Indian laws. The move follows multiple warnings and concerns raised by child rights bodies and the Supreme Court. In response, Balaji Telefilms clarified that Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor have had no association with ALTT since June 2021.
Supreme Court to Hear Judge's Plea Against Probe Amid Impeachment Move
The Supreme Court will hear a plea on Monday from Justice Yashwant Varma, who is challenging the findings of an in-house committee that indicted him in a 'cash-discovery' episode. The hearing is significant as 145 MPs have submitted an impeachment notice against him. Justice Varma alleges the internal probe was predetermined and denied him a fair opportunity to defend himself. The case scrutinises the judiciary's internal accountability mechanisms at a time when a sitting judge faces removal proceedings.
Delhi Government Challenges Vehicle Age Ban in Supreme Court
The Delhi Government has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the blanket ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in the National Capital Region. Arguing that a vehicle's fitness should be based on its actual emission levels rather than its age, the government is seeking a recall of the court's 2018 order. The move could have significant policy implications and affect millions of vehicle owners in and around the capital.
India Successfully Tests Indigenous Drone-Launched Missile
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired a new UAV-Launched Precision-Guided Missile (ULPGM) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The missile, launched from an indigenous UAV, can strike various targets day or night and has multiple warhead options for use against tanks and bunkers. This marks a significant step in India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and enhances its drone warfare capabilities. The government has also allocated ₹723 crore to develop an engine for the 'Ghatak' combat drone.
Lok Sabha to Initiate Removal Proceedings Against High Court Judge
The Lok Sabha is set to take up a bipartisan motion, signed by 152 MPs, to remove Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma over corruption allegations. The move follows an inquiry by a Supreme Court-appointed committee that indicted the judge after wads of half-burnt currency were found at his residence. A similar notice filed by the opposition in the Rajya Sabha was not admitted, clearing the way for proceedings to begin in the lower house, a rare and significant step for judicial accountability.
Air India Disburses Interim Compensation to Ahmedabad Crash Victims' Families
Air India has paid interim compensation to the families of 166 people killed in last month's Ahmedabad plane crash. The airline is providing ₹25 lakh to the next of kin for each of the 260 victims, which included 241 of the 242 people on board flight AI171 and 19 on the ground. Payments for another 52 victims' families are being processed. The Tata Group has also established a memorial and welfare trust dedicated to the victims.
India Issues Travel Advisories Amid Deadly Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes
India has advised its citizens in Thailand and Cambodia to avoid border areas following deadly military clashes between the two nations that have killed at least 32 people. The Ministry of External Affairs stated it is closely monitoring the situation and hopes for a cessation of hostilities. Indian embassies in Bangkok and Phnom Penh have urged travellers to exercise caution and have provided emergency contact information, reflecting the seriousness of the regional conflict and its potential impact on Indian nationals.
Future Rate Cuts Depend on Inflation Outlook, Not Current Data, Says RBI Governor
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra clarified that future interest rate cuts will be determined by the outlook for inflation and growth, not just the current low inflation numbers. Speaking in Mumbai, he noted that monetary policy operates with a lag and must consider projections up to 12 months ahead. While June's retail inflation was low at 2.1%, the RBI's forecast anticipates a rise to 4.4% by Q4, tempering expectations for immediate further easing in monetary policy.
NCERT to Create 'Operation Sindoor' Module for School Curriculum
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is developing a special module on 'Operation Sindoor' for students from classes 3 to 12. The curriculum aims to educate students about India's strategic military and diplomatic response to the Pahalgam terror attack. By incorporating this recent event into textbooks, the government intends to foster an understanding of national security, diplomacy, and inter-ministerial coordination in responding to terror threats, shaping the historical perspective of millions of students.
US Aims to Finalize Most Trade Pacts by August 1, Says President Trump
US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration expects to finalize most of its trade deals with various countries by August 1. South Korea and other partners are reportedly in intensive negotiations to secure agreements and avoid threatened 25% 'reciprocal' tariffs on goods like automobiles and steel. A White House official described the talks with South Korea as "productive," raising hopes for a breakthrough. The deadline places significant pressure on trading partners, including India, to conclude negotiations.
Seven Children Killed, 28 Injured in Rajasthan School Roof Collapse
Seven students were killed and at least 28 injured after the roof of a government school collapsed in Piplod village, Jhalawar district, Rajasthan. The incident occurred Friday morning as children were assembling for prayers. Locals alleged they had previously warned authorities about the dilapidated state of the 30-year-old building but were ignored. The tragedy has prompted a high-level inquiry and the suspension of five school staffers, sparking outrage over administrative negligence and the safety of public infrastructure.
Seven Children Killed in Rajasthan School Collapse; Government Pledges Aid
A government school building collapsed in Piplodi village, Jhalawar, killing seven children and injuring 28 others. The incident, which occurred as students gathered for morning prayers, has sparked public outrage over infrastructure safety. In response, the Rajasthan government announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to each victim's family and ordered a high-level inquiry. Five school staff members have been suspended pending the investigation into the tragedy, which has highlighted the poor condition of many rural schools.
Army Chief Details 'Operation Sindoor' Strikes, Declares a 'New Normal'
Speaking on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the 'Operation Sindoor' surgical strikes sent a clear message to Pakistan that terrorism supporters will face a decisive response. He described this stern approach as India's 'new normal.' The operation reportedly eliminated nine high-value terrorist targets with zero collateral damage. Gen. Dwivedi also announced major modernization efforts, including new integrated brigades, specialized commando units, and the incorporation of drones into every infantry and artillery unit.
Four Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter, Weapons Seized
Security forces killed four Maoists during an encounter in a forest in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. A large cache of weapons, including INSAS and SLR rifles, was recovered from the site, suggesting the deceased may have been senior cadres. The operation was launched based on intelligence about Maoist presence in the area. This incident is part of an intensified anti-Maoist campaign in the state, which has seen 225 Maoists killed in encounters so far this year.