After 46 years, the long-billed bush warbler was sighted in Ladakh's Suru Valley by a team of experienced birders. The expedition, prompted by a previous sighting in Gilgit-Baltistan, focused on locating 'lost birds.' The warbler was found at a record altitude of 3,200 meters, expanding its known habitats to include willows, highlighting the importance of preserving fragmented landscapes.
The United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. TRF claimed responsibility for the deadly April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians and has conducted multiple assaults on Indian security forces.
Uttarakhand Drinking Water Corporation suspended Chief Engineer Sujit Kumar Vikas, Kumaon-in-charge, for allegedly violating employee conduct rules. The action followed a complaint alleging Vikas assured a firm's registration and work in exchange for payments made to Kuchu-Puchu Enterprises, a company linked to his wife. Vikas failed to provide an explanation within the given timeframe.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lauded the U.S. for designating The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, claimed responsibility for the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.
India has test-fired its nuclear-capable Prithvi-2 and Agni-1 ballistic missiles, sending a strategic message to Pakistan following recent border tensions. The tests, conducted by the strategic forces command, validated the operational and technical parameters of these Pakistan-specific missiles. These routine trials occur as India enhances its nuclear deterrence capabilities, with plans to induct the advanced Agni-Prime missile.
The US State Department has declared The Resistance Front (TRF) a foreign terrorist group. This action follows TRF's claim of responsibility for the Pahalgam massacre. The US also linked TRF to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Investigations revealed the Pahalgam attack was a joint operation by Pakistan's ISI and LeT. Pakistani terrorists, led by Sulaiman, executed the killings.
The Supreme Court has commuted the death sentences of two convicts, emphasizing that the brutality of a crime cannot be the sole determinant for capital punishment. The court stressed the importance of considering mitigating circumstances such as socio-economic background and psychological state. The convicts will now serve life sentences without the possibility of remission.
Enforcement Directorate raided 14 locations linked to Jamaluddin, also known as Chhangur Baba. The raids occurred in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, and Mumbai. The investigation focuses on suspected illegal religious conversions and money laundering. Authorities suspect foreign funding of around Rs 100 crore. Preliminary findings show Rs 68 crore routed through bank accounts. The case involves document forgery as well.
The US Embassy in India has cautioned Indian travelers about potential visa revocations for crimes like theft and assault, following a viral video of an Indian woman attempting to shoplift $1,300 worth of goods in the US. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of abiding by foreign laws to maintain a positive image abroad.
The Indian Army will soon induct two Akash Prime surface-to-air missile regiments, designed for high-altitude air defense along the Chinese border. Successful tests in Ladakh demonstrated the system's ability to destroy aerial targets at 15,000 feet. This induction will significantly boost India's air defense capabilities, especially in high-altitude operational environments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar, specifically East Champaran, to address a public rally and inaugurate development projects exceeding Rs 7,000 crore. Security is heightened in Motihari for the event, expected to draw a massive crowd. The projects include significant railway upgrades and road construction.
External affairs ministry has cautioned against double standards following NATO chief Rutte's warning of potential secondary sanctions for countries, including India, maintaining trade ties with Russia. Rutte urged India, China, and Brazil to reconsider their economic relations with Moscow or face sanctions if Russia doesn't engage in peace talks.
Lalu Prasad Yadav has approached the Supreme Court. This action follows the Delhi High Court's rejection of his request. He sought a stay on proceedings in the land-for-job case. The case involves alleged appointments made during his tenure as railway minister. He claims the FIR was delayed. He also alleges political motivation behind the investigation.
Amidst political shifts in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis has extended an invitation to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena UBT to rejoin the ruling coalition. This comes after Thackeray met with Chief Minister Shinde, sparking speculation about a potential reconciliation. Fadnavis emphasized the BJP's stability until 2029, suggesting an opportunity for Thackeray to reconsider alliances.
Nitish Kumar's political resilience in Bihar stems from his ability to cultivate a broad support base beyond his Kurmi caste. By championing the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and implementing targeted schemes, he has positioned himself as their leader.
A Karnataka government report has revealed critical failures by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and its partners in organizing a victory parade that led to a deadly stampede. The event, celebrating RCB's IPL title, lacked necessary permissions and safety measures, resulting in 11 deaths and numerous injuries.
Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced free electricity up to 125 units for domestic consumers starting August 2025, a move hailed by the NDA as historic. The opposition, however, criticized the announcement, accusing the government of copying their schemes and questioning the timing ahead of upcoming elections. The decision is expected to benefit 1.67 crore families in the state.
Bihar police attribute the recent crime surge to pre-monsoon patterns and election-related political attention, citing a traditional rise in murders before the rains. Additional Director General of Police, Kundan Krishnan, announced a new cell to monitor former shooters amidst opposition criticism of the Nitish Kumar government following several high-profile shootings, including a BJP leader and a businessman, intensifying political scrutiny.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has welcomed the union cabinet's approval of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Green Energy Mission, worth Rs 24000 crore and Rs 27000 crore respectively. He emphasized that these initiatives demonstrate the government's dedication to the welfare of farmers, villages, and the poor, while also promoting sustainable development.
Amarnath Yatra was halted on Thursday following a fatal landslide along the Baltal route in Ganderbal, resulting in one death and three injuries. The suspension follows 36 hours of continuous rain in the valley. Authorities have issued a weather advisory, forecasting more heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir.
Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of acting as an «election theft wing» for the BJP in the upcoming Bihar elections. He shared a video alleging voter fraud by government officials. Gandhi questioned the EC's neutrality, referring to past concerns raised about the Maharashtra election results.
A parolee, Chandan Mishra, facing murder charges, was attacked by a rival gang at a Patna hospital while receiving treatment. Patna police are collaborating with Buxar police to identify the shooters, possessing their photographs. This incident adds to a series of shootings in Bihar, intensifying criticism of the state government's law and order management ahead of upcoming elections.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced free electricity for domestic consumers, up to 125 units, starting August 1, 2025. Kumar highlighted his government's focus on affordability, stating that this initiative will benefit approximately 1 crore 67 lakh families across the state. This announcement comes as the state gears up for elections in late 2025.
