Supreme Court to Hear Presidential Reference on Bill Assent Deadlines
A five-judge Supreme Court Constitution Bench will hear a Presidential Reference on July 22 concerning its recent verdict that set deadlines for Governors and the President to assent to state bills. The President has sought the court's opinion on whether it can impose such timelines without explicit constitutional provisions. The hearing will address fundamental questions about judicial review, separation of powers, and the limits of executive authority over state legislation, carrying major constitutional implications.
First 'Made in India' Semiconductor Chip Set for 2025 Launch
India is set to unveil its first domestically manufactured semiconductor chip in 2025, according to Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking in Hyderabad, he confirmed that construction is underway at six approved semiconductor plants, marking a major milestone in India's ambition to become a global hub for chip manufacturing. This development is a key part of the government's strategy to bolster its high-tech industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign-made electronic components.
YSRC MP Midhun Reddy Arrested in ₹3,200 Crore Andhra Pradesh Liquor Scam
YSR Congress MP P.V. Midhun Reddy was arrested by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with an alleged ₹3,200-crore liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh. The arrest came after the Supreme Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea. The SIT is investigating his purported role in formulating liquor policy and diverting funds under the previous YSRC government. Reddy is the 12th person to be arrested in the high-profile case, marking a major development in the corruption probe.
ED Summons Google and Meta in Probe into Illegal Betting Apps
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned representatives from Google and Meta to appear on July 21 as part of its money laundering investigation into illegal betting applications. The agency is examining the role of the tech giants' platforms in promoting these apps through advertising. The move follows recent raids in a major 'dabba trading' and online betting case, where the ED seized significant amounts of cash and assets while investigating several illicit platforms.
Enforcement Directorate Summons Google and Meta in Illegal Betting Probe
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned representatives from tech giants Meta and Google to appear on July 21 as part of a money laundering investigation into illegal online betting platforms. The agency is probing how these platforms are able to place advertisements on social media and app stores, cheating people and laundering crores of rupees. The move signals a major regulatory crackdown on global tech firms, seeking to hold them accountable for enabling illicit activities on their networks.
Supreme Court Criticises Maharashtra for Lack of Dedicated MCOCA Courts
The Supreme Court has admonished the Maharashtra government for its failure to establish exclusive courts for trials under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). While hearing a bail plea, the bench questioned why additional judicial infrastructure hadn't been created to ensure speedy trials for cases under special statutes, warning that delays force courts to grant bail. The court set a January 2026 deadline for the completion of a 2017 murder trial involving MCOCA charges.
EU Sanctions Indian Refinery in New Measures Against Russia, India Protests 'Double Standards'
The European Union imposed its 18th sanctions package against Russia, for the first time targeting an Indian entity—the Rosneft-owned Nayara Energy refinery in Gujarat. The measures also lower the price cap on Russian oil. India's Ministry of External Affairs responded sharply, stating it does not subscribe to unilateral sanctions and that there should be no "double standards" in energy trade. The move escalates pressure on India over its significant imports of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine war began.
Justice Yashwant Varma Moves Supreme Court to Quash Impeachment Inquiry
Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma has petitioned the Supreme Court to invalidate an in-house inquiry report that found him guilty of misconduct following the discovery of burnt cash at his residence. The petition challenges the recommendation for his impeachment made by then-CJI Sanjiv Khanna. Justice Varma argues the inquiry violated principles of natural justice, reversed the burden of proof, and was based on a preconceived narrative. The government reportedly plans to move an impeachment motion in the upcoming Parliament session.
Dozens of Schools in Delhi and Bengaluru Receive Coordinated Bomb Threats
Over 60 schools across Delhi and Bengaluru received bomb threats via email, causing widespread panic and forcing evacuations. More than 45 schools in Delhi and 40 in Bengaluru were targeted. The threatening emails, sent from a single ID, contained disturbing messages about planted explosives. Police, bomb disposal squads, and dog squads were deployed to all locations. This is the fourth time in a week that schools in Delhi have received such threats, which authorities later declared a hoax after thorough searches.
ED Arrests Son of Former Chhattisgarh CM in Liquor Scam Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with a multi-crore liquor scam-linked money laundering case. The arrest followed raids at the family's residence in Bhilai. The ED alleges a criminal syndicate operated between 2019-2022, during the Congress government's tenure, illegally generating over ₹2,100 crore. The Congress party has condemned the action as political vendetta, noting it occurred on Chaitanya's birthday.
US Designates LeT Proxy 'The Resistance Front' as a Terrorist Organization
The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The State Department noted that TRF claimed responsibility for the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. India welcomed the decision, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling it a "strong affirmation" of India-U.S. counter-terrorism cooperation. This move is a significant diplomatic step against Pakistan-based terror outfits.
Bihar Approves 125 Units of Free Monthly Electricity for 1.67 Crore Households
The Bihar state cabinet has approved a plan to provide 125 units of free electricity per month to approximately 1.67 crore domestic consumers, a day after the policy was announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The scheme, effective August 1, will apply a 100% subsidy on consumption up to 125 units, waiving all fixed and other charges. The move is expected to cost the state exchequer an additional ₹3,797 crore annually, bringing the total power subsidy to nearly ₹20,000 crore.
Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban for Indian Flights Until August 24
Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian-operated aircraft using its airspace for another month, until August 24. The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) confirming the restriction on all Indian-owned or leased military and civilian flights. The move is part of ongoing tit-for-tat airspace closures between the two nations, which began in April following a terror attack in Pahalgam. India's reciprocal ban on Pakistani aircraft is currently in effect until July 24.
ED Raids Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's Home in Liquor Scam Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted fresh raids at the Bhilai residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The search is part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged multi-crore liquor scam, with the action reportedly focused on his son, Chaitanya Baghel. The ED claims the scam caused a loss of over ₹2,100 crore to the state exchequer between 2019 and 2022. Baghel, a senior Congress leader, termed the raid politically motivated, noting its timing on the last day of the assembly session.
Supreme Court Intervenes to Help Save Indian Nurse on Death Row in Yemen
The Supreme Court has asked the central government to consider allowing an action council to travel to Yemen to negotiate for the life of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse on death row for murder. Her execution, previously scheduled for July 16, has been temporarily stayed. The court was informed that while Priya's mother is in Yemen, she is unable to conduct negotiations for pardon and blood money with the victim's family. The bench directed the Centre to consider the council's representation on its merits.