Parliament Extends President's Rule in Manipur for Six More Months
The Lok Sabha has approved a resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur for another six months, effective from August 13. The central government argued the extension is necessary to consolidate peace and maintain law and order in the state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence. The move faced opposition from parties demanding the restoration of a democratically elected government. Manipur has been under central administration since February 2025 following a severe breakdown of state machinery.
Army Foils Infiltration Bid in Poonch, Kills Two Suspected Terrorists
The Indian Army has thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, killing two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. The operation, codenamed 'Shivshakti', was launched based on intelligence inputs. Troops engaged the infiltrators late Tuesday night, and three weapons were recovered from the site. The encounter comes just two days after security forces eliminated the three terrorists responsible for the recent Pahalgam attack, signaling heightened vigilance along the border.
Negligence at Jalandhar Hospital Leads to Three Deaths, Staff Suspended
Three patients died at the Civil Hospital in Jalandhar after a glitch disrupted the central oxygen supply for nearly 30 minutes. An official inquiry found "unpardonable negligence" and poor management were responsible for the tragedy, despite the facility having four available oxygen sources. In response, the Punjab government has suspended the Medical Superintendent and a Senior Medical Officer, and dismissed a house surgeon, with a more detailed investigation underway to determine further accountability.
Renowned Indian-Origin Economist Lord Meghnad Desai Dies at 85
Lord Meghnad Desai, a distinguished Indian-born British economist, author, and Labour politician, has passed away at the age of 85. A Professor Emeritus at the London School of Economics and a member of the UK House of Lords since 1991, Desai was a prominent public intellectual and a passionate advocate for strong India-UK ties. Tributes have poured in from leaders worldwide, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised his valuable contributions to economic thought and bilateral relations.
Farmers Across Punjab Hold Tractor Rallies Against Land Pooling Policy
Thousands of farmers, led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, participated in massive tractor marches across Punjab to protest the state government's proposed land pooling policy. The policy aims to acquire 65,533 acres of agricultural land across 116 villages for creating residential and industrial areas. Farmers are demanding a complete withdrawal of the scheme, arguing it threatens their livelihoods and is designed to benefit corporate interests by acquiring their fertile lands.
Amarnath Yatra Suspended on Both Routes Due to Heavy Rains
Authorities have suspended the Amarnath Yatra from both the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps due to heavy rainfall across Kashmir. The decision was made to ensure the safety of the pilgrims, as the tracks have become hazardous. Over 3.93 lakh pilgrims have already visited the holy cave shrine this year. Convoys from the Jammu base camp have also been halted, and the suspension will continue until weather conditions improve, affecting thousands of devotees currently on the pilgrimage.
Indian Champions Forfeit Cricket Match Against Pakistan Citing National Stance
The Indian Champions team has refused to play its semifinal match against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends tournament in Birmingham. The team, comprising former star players like Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, cited the nation's official stance against bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The decision underscores how deep-seated political tensions between the two countries continue to dictate interactions in the international sporting arena.
No Hidden Chamber in Puri Jagannath Temple's Treasury, Confirms ASI
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed there are no hidden chambers within the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, settling decades of speculation. A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey conducted during recent conservation work found no secret spaces or shelves inside the walls or under the floor. The Ratna Bhandar, which houses the deities' valuables, was opened for repair after 46 years, and the ASI's findings put a long-standing mystery to rest.
Flash Floods Devastate Himachal's Mandi, Killing Three
A cloudburst triggered severe flash floods in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, resulting in at least three deaths and one person missing. The deluge inundated houses and buried over 20 vehicles in debris, with areas like Jail Road and Saini Mohalla being worst-hit. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been closed at multiple points due to washed-away sections. The disaster compounds the state's monsoon woes, which have already caused losses exceeding ₹1,500 crore this season. An orange alert for further heavy rain has been issued.
More Negotiations Needed for US-India Trade Deal, Says Top US Official
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stated that more negotiations are required to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with India. With an August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariffs approaching, Greer noted that while discussions have been constructive, India's long-standing policy of protecting its domestic market presents a challenge. The statement suggests that a deal is not imminent, potentially impacting trade relations and markets. Indian officials have maintained that talks are progressing well and an agreement could avert the new tariffs.
Severe Flooding in Beijing Kills at Least 34 People
Heavy rains have caused devastating floods in and around Beijing, leading to the deaths of at least 34 people. The majority of fatalities occurred in the city's outlying Miyun and Yanqing districts. Authorities have relocated over 80,000 residents as a precautionary measure and released water from a reservoir that reached its highest level since 1959. The severe weather has washed away cars, downed power lines, and prompted a top-level emergency response, with residents urged to stay indoors.
Dozens of Pilgrims Killed in Jharkhand Bus-Truck Collision
A tragic road accident in Jharkhand's Deoghar district has killed numerous Kanwariya pilgrims and injured over 20 others. The incident occurred early Tuesday when a bus carrying the devotees collided with a truck loaded with gas cylinders. Official police reports confirm at least five deaths, with some officials citing a higher toll of nine, while an MP claimed 18 fatalities. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, and authorities fear the death toll may rise as several victims are in serious condition.
India-born Shailesh Jejurikar Named Next CEO of Procter & Gamble
American FMCG giant Procter & Gamble has appointed India-born Shailesh Jejurikar as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. An alumnus of IIM Lucknow, Jejurikar joined P&G in 1989 and currently serves as its Chief Operating Officer. His appointment places him in an elite group of Indian-origin executives leading major global corporations, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella and Google's Sundar Pichai, highlighting a significant trend in international business leadership.
ISRO and NASA to Launch Joint Earth Observation Satellite NISAR on July 30
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is scheduled for launch on July 30 from Sriharikota. The landmark joint mission, a first between the two space agencies, will use dual-frequency L-band and S-band radar to monitor Earth's surface with unprecedented detail. Weighing 2,392 kg, NISAR will track changes in ecosystems, ice sheets, and the planet's crust, providing crucial open-access data for climate change research, disaster management, and resource monitoring, with data made freely available within days of observation.
Security Forces Neutralise Terrorists Behind Pahalgam Attack
Indian security forces have killed three terrorists responsible for the recent civilian killings in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint mission named 'Operation Mahadev,' the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police eliminated the perpetrators in the Harwan area of Srinagar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the successful operation in Parliament, condemning the "barbaric act" where civilians were killed based on their religion. The operation is seen as a significant counter-terrorism success, addressing a high-profile attack.