'The Kerala Story' National Award Win Sparks Political Outcry
The 71st National Film Awards saw '12th Fail' named Best Feature Film, while Shah Rukh Khan ('Jawan') and Vikrant Massey ('12th Fail') shared the Best Actor prize. However, the awards sparked political controversy after Sudipto Sen won Best Director for 'The Kerala Story'. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the decision a "grave insult," accusing the jury of legitimizing a divisive film that tarnishes the state's image, igniting a debate on art and politics.
Odisha to Launch Global FinTech Hub to Develop Tech Talent
The Odisha government announced the launch of the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH) to position the state as a centre for excellence in digital finance. The initiative, in partnership with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), aims to equip over 7,000 students across Odisha with job-ready skills in AI, blockchain, and digital finance over the next five years. The collaboration, involving institutions like the National University of Singapore, aims to build a future-ready talent ecosystem.
Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal Reveals Battle with Suicidal Thoughts After Divorce
In a candid podcast interview, Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal opened up about his struggle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts following his divorce from Dhanashree Verma. The wrist-spinner described how he felt his "mind had gone numb" and credited close friends for their support during the difficult period. Chahal's public revelation about his mental health battle sheds light on the personal pressures faced by public figures and has been praised for helping to destigmatize such conversations.
US Sanctions Six Indian Companies for Trading with Iran
The US has sanctioned six Indian petrochemical companies for engaging in "significant transactions" with Iran, violating American sanctions. The companies, including Alchemical Solutions and Jupiter Dye Chem, are accused of collectively purchasing over $220 million in Iranian-origin products. As a result, their US-based assets are frozen, and American entities are barred from doing business with them. The action is part of Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign to cut off revenue to the Iranian regime.
All Accused in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case Acquitted After 17-Year Trial
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, including BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit. The court cited a lack of sufficient and cogent evidence to prove charges under the UAPA and other acts. The 2008 blast near a mosque in Maharashtra killed six people and injured over 100. The verdict concludes a highly politicised, 17-year-long legal battle.
Singapore President to Host Indian Workers Honoured for Heroic Sinkhole Rescue
Seven Indian migrant workers in Singapore have been invited to the presidential palace by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam after they heroically rescued a woman from her car when it fell into a sinkhole. The workers, led by foreman Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, acted swiftly to pull the driver to safety, earning widespread praise for their bravery and public-spiritedness. In addition to the official recognition, a public fundraising campaign for the men has raised over SGD 72,000.
US to Impose 25% Tariff and Penalty on All Indian Goods
US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all Indian imports, effective August 1, plus an unspecified penalty. He cited India's own high tariffs, non-monetary trade barriers, and its large-scale energy and military purchases from Russia as justification. The move escalates trade tensions and creates significant uncertainty for Indian exporters and the broader economy, coming as negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement appeared to stall ahead of a deadline.
Massive 8.7-Magnitude Quake Off Russia Triggers Pacific-Wide Tsunami Alerts
A powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, generating tsunami waves and triggering widespread alerts across the Pacific. Waves of up to 4 meters hit parts of Russia and Japan, prompting evacuations. Warnings were issued for the US West Coast, Hawaii, China, and several other Pacific nations, with authorities urging coastal residents to move to higher ground. The quake is one of the strongest recorded globally and has put the entire Pacific Ring of Fire on high alert.
PM Modi Rejects Foreign Mediation Claims in 'Operation Sindoor' Debate
In a heated parliamentary debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi rejected claims of foreign mediation in halting "Operation Sindoor," India's retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. He stated that no world leader asked India to stop and that a ceasefire was considered only after Pakistan pleaded for it. The PM accused the opposition of echoing Pakistani propaganda. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, had questioned the government's political will and cited US President Trump's claims of brokering a deal.
ISRO and NASA Begin Countdown for Joint Earth-Observing NISAR Satellite Launch
The countdown has commenced for the launch of the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, a landmark joint mission. Scheduled to lift off from Sriharikota aboard an ISRO GSLV rocket, the satellite is the world's most expensive Earth-imaging satellite. It will map the entire globe every 12 days, providing unprecedentedly detailed data on climate change, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards. The collaboration is being hailed as a new high in India-US space partnership.
New Banking Laws to Take Effect from August 1, Strengthening Governance
The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, will come into force on August 1, introducing significant reforms to India's financial sector. The new legislation aims to enhance governance standards, improve depositor protection, and align regulations with modern practices. Key changes include increasing the tenure for directors in cooperative banks, permitting public sector banks to transfer unclaimed funds to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), and empowering them to offer better remuneration to attract high-quality auditors.
Aviation Watchdog Finds 51 Major Safety Lapses in Air India Operations
An audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has uncovered 51 safety lapses at Air India, including seven critical "Level I" breaches requiring immediate action. The findings flag significant gaps in pilot training for Boeing 777/787 aircraft, use of unapproved simulators for challenging airports, and poor crew rostering that led to flights with insufficient staff. The audit heightens scrutiny on the Tata Group-owned airline's safety protocols, which are already under review following recent incidents.
UNSC Report Officially Links Pakistan-Based TRF to Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a major diplomatic development, a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) monitoring team has officially implicated The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based affiliate of Lashkar-e-Toiba, in the deadly Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. This is the first UN report to name an LeT faction since 2019 and was adopted by consensus, despite Pakistan currently holding the UNSC presidency. The finding validates India’s long-standing position on cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's use of terror proxies.
Government Confirms No Decision Taken to Update National Population Register
The central government has informed the Lok Sabha that it has not taken any decision to update the National Population Register (NPR). Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated that while the government has notified its intent to conduct the next Census, which will include caste enumeration, the controversial NPR update is not currently planned. The clarification comes after years of debate and protests over the NPR's potential links to a nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Australia Expands Teen Social Media Ban to Include YouTube
The Australian government has expanded its pioneering ban on social media for teenagers under 16 to include YouTube, reversing an earlier exemption. The decision follows a regulator's report highlighting that YouTube was the source of the most harmful content reported by minors. The move tightens what is already one of the world's toughest laws aimed at protecting children online and escalates the government's regulatory battle with global tech giants like Alphabet, YouTube's parent company.