Bihar Electoral Roll Revision Finds Over 6 Million Anomalies
The first phase of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral roll has uncovered significant discrepancies. Ahead of the state's assembly polls, officials reported that approximately 3.5 million registered electors could not be traced or have permanently migrated. Additionally, around 2.2 million deceased electors and 700,000 duplicate entries were identified. The findings, covering 99.8% of the state's 7.9 crore voters, will be used to create a draft roll for public verification, raising questions about voter data accuracy.
Army Launches Digital Tributes for Kargil Vijay Diwas
On the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army has launched three digital initiatives to honor fallen soldiers. The projects include an 'e-shradhanjali' portal allowing citizens to pay tribute online, a QR code-based audio gateway at the Kargil War Memorial for listening to battle stories, and the 'Indus Viewpoint' project, which will allow visitors to travel to the Line of Control in the Batalik sector. These initiatives aim to connect the public with the military's sacrifices using modern technology.
Gwyneth Paltrow Stars in Ironic Ad for Tech Firm After CEO's Kiss-Cam Scandal
In a uniquely modern PR move, tech startup Astronomer has hired actress Gwyneth Paltrow as a "temporary spokesperson" following a viral scandal. The firm's former CEO and HR chief were caught in an intimate moment on a Coldplay concert 'kiss-cam', prompting their resignations. In a humorous video, Paltrow deadpans answers to mock questions about the incident, pivoting to the company's data services. The self-aware campaign has turned a moment of corporate embarrassment into a widely discussed publicity coup.
Deadly Border Clashes Erupt Between Thailand and Cambodia
Intense military clashes have erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border, resulting in at least 14 deaths and causing over 100,000 civilians to flee. The fighting, which involved artillery, rockets, and Thai airstrikes, marks a major escalation of a long-standing border dispute. In response to the unrest, which has affected seven Thai provinces, the Indian embassy in Bangkok has issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid the region and monitor updates from official Thai sources.
Six Students Killed as Government School Roof Collapses in Rajasthan
A tragic incident in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district saw a portion of a government school building collapse, killing six students and injuring more than 30 others. The collapse occurred at the Peeplodi Government School while students were in their classroom. Local villagers and teachers initiated rescue efforts, pulling victims from the debris. The state government has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident, which residents claim was caused by the building's long-term deterioration exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall.
DRDO Successfully Tests UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested its new UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in Andhra Pradesh. This marks a significant advance in India's indigenous defence capabilities, particularly in unmanned precision strike technology. The missile system, designed to be lightweight and compatible with various aerial platforms, enhances the armed forces' strategic flexibility. The successful trial showcases India's growing self-reliance in producing critical defence technologies through collaboration between DRDO and private industry.
Government Rules Out Removing 'Secular' and 'Socialist' from Preamble
The Union government has no plans to remove the words "secular" and "socialist" from the Preamble to the Constitution, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed Parliament. His statement provides an official clarification amid recent calls for a review from some political and social groups. Meghwal noted that any amendment would require extensive deliberation and consensus, but no formal process has been initiated. The words were added in 1976 via the 42nd Amendment and have been upheld by the Supreme Court.
PM Modi Arrives in Maldives for Visit to Mend Strained Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in the Maldives for a two-day state visit, marking a significant step toward mending recently strained diplomatic relations. He will be the chief guest at the nation's 60th Independence Day celebrations and hold extensive talks with President Mohamed Muizzu. The visit, the first state visit hosted by President Muizzu, is aimed at advancing the India-Maldives partnership in economic and maritime security and reinforcing stability in the strategic Indian Ocean Region.
Election Commission Initiates Vice-Presidential Poll Process
The Election Commission of India has set the process for the next vice-presidential election in motion by appointing Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody as the Returning Officer. The election was necessitated by the surprise mid-term resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who cited health reasons. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A poll schedule is expected to be announced shortly to fill the rare constitutional vacancy.
India and UK Sign Landmark Free Trade Agreement
India and the United Kingdom have signed a historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to boost their economies. The deal, formalised during PM Modi's visit to the UK, will eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, including textiles and agricultural products, while reducing duties on British cars and Scotch whisky. The pact aims to double the nearly $56 billion bilateral trade by 2030, create jobs, and facilitate greater mobility for Indian professionals in the UK.
Supreme Court Stays Acquittal of 12 in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts Case
The Supreme Court has stayed the Bombay High Court's recent verdict that acquitted 12 individuals convicted in the 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts. The High Court had overturned a special court's 2015 ruling, stating the prosecution had failed to prove guilt. Following an appeal by the Maharashtra government, the apex court paused the acquittal order, though the accused who were released will not be required to surrender immediately. The 2006 blasts killed 189 people and injured over 800.
France Announces it Will Formally Recognise Palestinian State
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, becoming the first G7 nation to do so. Macron described the decision as consistent with France's commitment to a lasting peace in West Asia, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. The move was strongly rejected by Israel and the United States, who argued it sets back peace efforts, while France stated a formal announcement will be made at the UN General Assembly.
India Resumes Issuing Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals After Five Years
India has announced it will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, ending a five-year halt that began with the COVID-19 pandemic and continued amid border tensions. The move is a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations, which have been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. China's Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision as a "positive move." This follows other recent thaws in relations, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and ongoing talks to restore direct flights.
Columbia University to Pay $221 Million in Deal with US Govt Over Antisemitism Claims
Columbia University has agreed to a landmark $221 million settlement with the Trump administration to resolve claims of failing to combat antisemitism and to restore cancelled federal research funding. The deal includes a $200 million payment over three years and $21 million for civil rights violations. The university, which faced the loss of billions in government support, also agreed to significant reforms, including overhauling its disciplinary processes and reviewing its Middle East curriculum, marking a major development in campus free-speech debates.
Russian Passenger Plane Crashes in Amur Region, Killing All 49 Aboard
A Russian An-24 aircraft operated by Angara Airlines has crashed in a remote, mountainous area of the Amur region, killing all 49 people on board. The flight, carrying 43 passengers (including five children) and six crew members, was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it disappeared from radar. Rescue helicopters located the burning wreckage on an inaccessible mountainside. Officials confirmed no survivors were found. An investigation into the cause of the crash, which occurred without any distress signal, has been launched.