India and New Zealand have bolstered their ties by enhancing defence and security collaborations, emphasizing a free Indo-Pacific region. Both nations expressed their commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing bilateral trade, while reiterating support for international law and a two-state solution for Gaza.
An ITBP constable shot and killed his senior colleague after an argument in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred at the ITBP battalion headquarters. The constable fired 20 rounds from his Insas rifle, which resulted in the death of the senior officer. A detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway.
The Telangana assembly passed two significant bills increasing reservations in education, government jobs, and self-governance from 50% to 70%. Proposing 42% for BCs, 18% for SCs, and 10% for STs, the legislation showcases political unity and aims for a constitutional amendment. Empirical data from a state-conducted survey backs this move, challenging the Supreme Court’s existing reservation cap.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted significant improvements in railway safety, reducing accidents from an average of one per day to 30 annually. He also noted successful exports of locomotives and coaches, financial stability post-pandemic, and plans to increase the production of non-AC coaches.
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia appeared before the SIT in Patiala regarding a drug case against him. He was questioned about suspicious financial transactions linked to his and his family's firms. Majithia is summoned for further questioning, while efforts are ongoing to extradite three other accused from abroad.
Gamini, a South African female cheetah, and her four cubs were released into Kuno National Park, adding to the 17 cheetahs now in the wild, including 11 Indian-born cubs. With tourists receiving an improved opportunity to spot cheetahs on safari, MP CM Mohan Yadav highlighted this milestone in the cheetah reintroduction project.
Maha man, 55, kills leopard to save dog
Govardhan Dange, a farmer in Chandrapur, bravely fought off a tiger that attacked him while irrigating his field. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, he managed to escape by climbing into a well and calling for help. He is now recovering in a rural hospital.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the assassination of Mufti Abdul Baqi Noorzai, a senior Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam official, in Quetta, Pakistan. The attack highlights ISKP's growing activities and the escalating violence driven by ideological and sectarian conflicts affecting the region.
Mufti Munir Shakir, a vocal critic of the Pakistani state, was killed in an IED attack in Peshawar, leading to significant backlash against the ISI and military. His funeral saw mourners blaming Pakistani intelligence and chanting slogans against the army, accusing them of targeting Pashtuns.
Bombay HC exonerated Adani Enterprises Ltd, Chairman Gautam Adani, and MD Rajesh Adani from cheating charges involving alleged share price manipulation. The court found no evidence of deception or wrongful loss to a specific victim, refuting SFIO's claims of artificial inflation of Adani scrip leading to gains.
IIT-Bombay will implement more activity-based learning, hands-on training, and discussion-oriented classroom interactions from the next academic year. The initiative includes voluntary summer internships for first-year students to address local issues in their hometowns. Faculty, students, and alumni have collaborated to develop these innovative teaching methods.
Security forces in Kashmir's Handwara district neutralized a Pakistani terrorist during a gunfight. The operation, which involved J&K police, the Army, and CRPF, was based on intelligence inputs. This was the first counterterrorism action in Kashmir this year since a previous incident in January.
Opposition parties in Rajya Sabha criticized PM Modi for not visiting Manipur after ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, arguing his absence suggested negligence. Treasury benches highlighted home minister Amit Shah's proactive measures, including a three-day visit and appointing former home secretary Ajay Bhalla as Manipur's governor.
Opposition parties in Maharashtra have criticized the state government for failing to maintain law and order after violence erupted in Nagpur. They accuse the administration and ministers of inciting tensions with provocative speeches to divert attention from key issues like inflation and farmers' distress.
Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy has requested an appointment with PM Narendra Modi to discuss two bills proposing 42% reservation for backward classes in education, employment, and local bodies. Reddy seeks support from leaders of various political parties, all of whom backed the proposal in the assembly debate.
Prime Minister Modi joined Truth Social and quickly interacted with US President Trump, thanking him for sharing his podcast link. Modi discussed a wide array of topics, including his relationship with Trump and ongoing India-US negotiations. Their exchange highlights their mutual admiration and current trade tariff discussions.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announced a plan to implement 42 percent reservation for OBCs in education and employment based on their 56.36 percent population. The state assembly passed bills supporting the move, requiring central approval. He urged all parties to meet with PM Modi to ensure implementation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may be preparing his son Nishant Kumar for a political role. Nishant has recently appeared in JD(U) events and posters, hinting at his potential political entry, which could help address concerns about Nitish’s health and the party's future leadership.
A 23-year-old truck driver, Vikas Bansode, was allegedly beaten to death in Beed, Maharashtra, by ten people, including truck owner Bhausaheb Kshirsagar, over a love affair. Lured under the pretext of Holi celebrations, Bansode and his friend were held captive and assaulted. He was later abandoned at a hospital, where he was declared dead. Police have arrested six suspects and are searching for the remaining accused.
Violent clashes erupted in Nagpur's Mahal area, with vandalism and arson reported Monday night. Vehicles were set ablaze and stone pelting caused panic among residents. Police intervened to control the situation, deploying additional personnel. Authorities are investigating the cause, urging locals to maintain peace and cooperate.
Chinese daily Global Times commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pragmatic approach towards improving India-China relations despite past tensions. PM Modi highlighted the importance of dialogue over discord during his podcast with Lex Fridman. Noteworthy progress has been made since the Kazan summit and recent border tensions are being addressed to restore normalcy.
The Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) has secured approval for Chandrayaan-5, a significant Moon mission in collaboration. This mission will feature a rover ten times heavier than the one carried by its predecessor, Chandrayaan-4.
Rajnath Singh raised concerns about Khalistani extremists operating on American soil in a meeting with US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard. They discussed enhancing defence and security ties. The talks also highlighted the activities of the banned Sikh For Justice organization. This meeting follows another between national security advisor Ajit Doval and Gabbard focusing on intelligence sharing.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapak compared CM Devendra Fadnavis to Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, sparking political tension. BJP condemned the remark as an 'insult to Maharashtra.' The controversy follows debates on Aurangzeb's tomb and Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi’s praise of Aurangzeb, which led to his suspension from the state assembly.
During the interview, PM Modi discussed the significance of fasting in Indian culture, its spiritual and scientific aspects, and how it enhances sensory perception and discipline. The conversation also touched on PM Modi's vision for the nation.
US President Trump acknowledged the strength of India-US relations by sharing PM Modi's podcast praising him. Modi highlighted Trump's support during the 2019 'Howdy Modi' event and appreciated Trump's leadership stance. Trump also recently addressed India's high tariff rates amid trade negotiations.
A political conflict erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Enforcement Directorate claimed evidence of corruption within TASMAC. The BJP organized a protest, leading to the arrest of several opposition leaders. However, the DMK government has strongly refuted the allegations, denying any malpractices in TASMAC operations.
