Kedarnath Yatra Temporarily Halted After Monsoon Landslide
The pilgrimage to the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand was temporarily suspended on Thursday after heavy rains triggered a major landslide at Munkatiya near Sonprayag. The landslide completely blocked the route to the Himalayan temple, forcing the administration to halt the yatra as a precautionary measure. State Disaster Response Force personnel were deployed to rescue pilgrims who were trapped while returning from the shrine. The incident highlights the increased risks of travel in the region during the monsoon season.
Deepika Padukone to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Actor Deepika Padukone is set to become the first Indian actress to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced she is part of the Walk of Fame's Class of 2026. The prestigious honour recognizes her significant contributions to the entertainment industry and her growing global influence. Padukone, who made her Hollywood debut in 2017, will be felicitated alongside other international stars like Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, and Rami Malek.
US Announces Israel Agrees to Terms for 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire
US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. He stated that during this period, diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and Egypt would aim to permanently end the war. Trump warned Hamas that this is the best deal they will receive and urged them to accept it, stating the situation would otherwise worsen. The announcement comes amid ongoing, but stalled, negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and increase humanitarian aid.
Quad Nations Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Demand Justice
The foreign ministers of the Quad nations—the US, India, Australia, and Japan—issued a joint statement strongly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. Meeting in Washington DC, the group called for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers to be brought to justice without delay. While not naming Pakistan directly, the statement explicitly mentioned the need to combat "cross-border terrorism" and urged all UN members to cooperate with authorities to ensure accountability.
Union Health Ministry Refutes Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths
India's Union Health Ministry has officially stated there is no scientific link between COVID-19 vaccines and a recent rise in sudden deaths. The clarification follows comments from Karnataka's Chief Minister linking the two. The Ministry cited extensive studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIIMS which concluded that vaccines do not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death. It attributed these deaths to factors like genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications, warning against misinformation that could fuel vaccine hesitancy.
Two Chinese Nationals Charged in US with Espionage Activities
The US Department of Justice has charged two Chinese nationals, Yuance Chen and Liren Lai, with acting as illegal agents for China's Ministry of State Security. They are accused of engaging in espionage, including photographing a US Navy base, organizing a cash drop for an intelligence asset, and attempting to recruit members of the US military. The case, unsealed in San Francisco, highlights what American officials describe as China's sustained effort to infiltrate the US military and gather intelligence.
International Charities Demand Overhaul of 'Chaotic' Gaza Aid System
Over 150 international humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have called for the disbandment of the current Israeli and US-backed system for distributing aid in Gaza. In a joint statement, the groups condemned the mechanism as chaotic and cited deadly violence against desperate Palestinians seeking food at its distribution sites. This collective call increases pressure on Israel and its partners to reform a humanitarian process that aid groups argue is failing to safely and effectively reach civilians.
Karnataka Government Forms Expert Panel to Probe Rise in Sudden Deaths
The Karnataka government has formed an expert committee to investigate a recent spate of sudden deaths in Hassan district, where over 20 people have reportedly died from heart attacks in the past month. The panel, led by the director of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, has been tasked with identifying the exact cause of the deaths and submitting a report within ten days. The move follows rising public concern and speculation about the causes, including potential post-COVID effects.
Quad to Launch 'Ports of the Future' Partnership in Mumbai
As part of their expanding cooperation, the Quad nations of India, the US, Japan, and Australia have announced a plan to launch a 'Quad Ports of the Future' partnership. The initiative, set to be inaugurated in Mumbai later this year, is designed to enhance maritime collaboration among the four countries. The partnership represents a concrete step in the Quad's agenda to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific through practical economic and strategic cooperation in critical infrastructure sectors.
Texas Woman with India Ties Added to FBI's Ten Most Wanted List
Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, a Texas woman with known ties to India, has been placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. She is wanted for the alleged murder of her son, Noel Alvarez. The addition to the high-profile list signifies an intensification of the manhunt for her, bringing global attention to the case. The FBI offers a significant reward for information leading to the arrest of fugitives on this list, and her connections to India are noted as a key element in the search.
20 Monkeys Found Dead in Karnataka; Authorities Suspect Poisoning
The carcasses of 20 monkeys have been discovered in Karnataka, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The circumstances of the deaths have led officials to suspect that the animals were intentionally poisoned. This incident highlights ongoing issues of human-wildlife conflict in the region and has raised concerns among animal welfare advocates. An official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death and to identify any individuals who may be responsible for the suspected mass poisoning.
Annual Amarnath Yatra Commences in Jammu and Kashmir
The annual Amarnath Yatra has officially begun, with Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of nearly 6,000 pilgrims from Jammu. Enthusiastic devotees embarked on the 36-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in the Himalayas, which is situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters. The yatra is proceeding under unprecedented security measures, involving a multi-layered deployment of security forces to ensure the safety of the pilgrims throughout the two official routes.
Death Toll in Telangana Pharmaceutical Plant Explosion Rises to 34
The death toll from a massive explosion at the Sigachi Industries pharmaceutical plant in Sangareddy, Telangana, has climbed to 34. The blast, suspected to be caused by a chemical reaction on Monday, led to a building collapse, trapping workers under debris. Rescue operations are ongoing to find more victims. The incident has triggered a major investigation into industrial safety standards at the facility. The state's Chief Minister is scheduled to visit the site and the injured.
CBI Uncovers 8.5 Lakh 'Mule Accounts' in Pan-India Cyber Fraud Network
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to question bank officials in connection with a massive cybercrime syndicate that used 8.5 lakh "mule accounts" to launder illicit funds. The probe revealed that officials at 743 bank branches across India allegedly failed to conduct proper due diligence and report suspicious transactions, enabling the network. The CBI alleges a pan-India conspiracy, with bank staff conniving with criminals to open accounts, often using forged documents, to channel fraud proceeds.
Supreme Court Introduces Reservation Policy for Staff Appointments and Promotions
For the first time, the Supreme Court of India has implemented a formal reservation policy for its own staff. According to a circular effective June 23, 2025, a 15% quota for Scheduled Castes and a 7.5% quota for Scheduled Tribes will apply in direct recruitment and promotions. The landmark policy covers various positions, including registrars, senior personal assistants, and junior court assistants, marking a significant step towards affirmative action within the country's highest judicial institution.