Over 60 Killed in Massive Iraq Mall Fire
A devastating fire in a newly opened mall in Kut, eastern Iraq, has killed at least 61 people, with many dying from suffocation. The blaze, which broke out late Wednesday in the five-story building, also left over 45 people injured. Officials have declared three days of mourning and filed legal cases against the building and mall owners. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about poor building standards in Iraq, which have contributed to several deadly fires in recent years.
CBI Secures Return of 134 Fugitives in 5 Years, Nearly Doubling Previous Decade's Total
India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has facilitated the return of 134 fugitives from abroad since 2020, a sharp increase from the 74 repatriated between 2010 and 2019. Officials attribute the success to enhanced diplomatic engagement, improved international coordination through Interpol, and new technology like the 'Bharatpol' digital portal, which has cut Red Notice issuance times by half. A recent success includes the arrest of Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, in the U.S. for extradition proceedings.
Bihar Government Announces 125 Units of Free Electricity Ahead of Polls
In a major populist move ahead of Assembly elections, Bihar's government has announced it will provide up to 125 units of free electricity per month to all domestic consumers. The policy, set to benefit an estimated 1.67 crore households, will take effect from August 1, applying to bills from July. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also announced plans to promote solar power, aiming to produce 10,000 MW in the next three years, including installing solar panels on homes.
South Korea's Top Court Clears Samsung Chairman in Merger Fraud Case
South Korea's Supreme Court has upheld a not-guilty verdict for Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee, ending a nearly decade-long legal battle over a controversial 2015 corporate merger. Prosecutors had alleged the $8 billion merger between two Samsung affiliates involved stock manipulation and accounting fraud to cement Lee's control over the conglomerate. The final ruling removes significant legal uncertainty for Lee and Samsung, a development business groups welcomed as a stabilizing factor for the South Korean economy.
Nationwide Protests Planned in US Against Trump's Policies
A coalition of activist groups is organizing protests at over 1,600 locations across the United States on Thursday to oppose President Donald Trump's policies on mass deportations and cuts to healthcare programs. The national day of action, themed "Good Trouble Lives On," honors the legacy of late civil rights leader John Lewis. Major demonstrations are planned in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Oakland, marking the latest wave of public pushback against the administration's immigration enforcement tactics and social spending cuts.
Odisha Partially Shut Down by Protest Over Student's Death
A 12-hour bandh called by the opposition Congress and other parties partially paralyzed life across Odisha on Thursday. The shutdown was a protest against the government's handling of a case involving a Balasore college student who died by self-immolation after allegedly being denied justice in a sexual harassment case. Protestors blocked roads and railways, while markets and schools remained closed. The strike aimed to highlight concerns over women's safety and demand accountability from the newly formed state government.
Bangladesh Halts Demolition of Satyajit Ray's Ancestral Home After Indian Plea
The government of Bangladesh has suspended the demolition of filmmaker Satyajit Ray's ancestral home in Mymensingh following interventions from India. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Indian central government had expressed deep regret over the razing of the dilapidated property, a symbol of shared Bengali cultural heritage. In response, Bangladeshi authorities have halted the work and formed a committee to explore options for reconstructing the historic house, with India offering its cooperation for the project.
State Bus Service Reaches Remote Maoist-Hit Maharashtra Village for First Time
For the first time since independence, a state-run bus service has reached Markanar, a remote village in Maharashtra's once Maoist-hit Gadchiroli district. The new service, a result of efforts by the Gadchiroli police, connects the village at the foothills of the Abujhmad forest to the town of Aheri. Local residents, including students, welcomed the inaugural bus with cheers and the national flag. The initiative marks a significant step in improving connectivity and bringing development to the region, benefiting over 1,200 people.
US-India Trade Deal in the Works, Says Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has indicated that India is negotiating a trade deal along the lines of a new agreement with Indonesia, which would grant the US greater market access. The Indonesian deal reportedly involves a 19% tariff on its US-bound imports, with zero tariffs on US exports to Indonesia. This announcement heightens pressure on Indian and US negotiators, who are working to finalize an agreement before Trump's August 1 deadline to avert the threat of significant punitive tariffs.
Israel Strikes Damascus Amid Clashes in Southern Syria
Israel has launched rare airstrikes in Damascus, including near the Syrian Defence Ministry, escalating its intervention in southern Syria. The strikes follow days of deadly clashes between Syrian government forces and armed groups from the Druze minority in Sweida province. Israel stated its actions are intended to protect the Druze community and push Islamic militants from its border. The conflict threatens the stability of Syria's new post-war government, with a ceasefire announced Wednesday after a previous one quickly collapsed.
Government to Introduce Eight New Bills in Parliament's Monsoon Session
The Indian government plans to introduce eight new bills during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins July 21. Key legislation includes the National Sports Governance Bill, which aims to make sports administrators more accountable, and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill. Other significant proposals are the Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
India Advises Citizens Against Non-Essential Travel to Iran Amid Hostilities
The Indian government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran due to escalating security concerns in the region. The warning follows a spike in hostilities involving Israel, Iran, and the United States. The Indian Embassy in Tehran stated that commercial flight and ferry options are available for nationals currently in Iran who wish to depart. The advisory asks all Indians to closely monitor regional developments and follow official updates from Indian authorities.
Nvidia to Resume Sales of Advanced AI Chips to China After US Approval
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced that the Trump administration has approved licenses for the company to sell its advanced H20 AI chips to China, reversing a significant export control policy. The decision follows a recent meeting between Huang and President Trump. Nvidia, a leader in AI technology, had lobbied against the restrictions, arguing they hindered US competitiveness in the vast Chinese market. The policy shift is expected to have major implications for the global technology and AI landscape.
US Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Dismantle Education Department
The US Supreme Court has lifted a lower court's order, clearing the way for President Donald Trump's administration to proceed with dismantling the Department of Education. The move, part of a plan to reduce the federal government's role and give states more control, involves mass layoffs and transferring key functions like the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to other agencies. Critics warn this could cripple the department's ability to perform core duties and enforce civil rights in schools.
Jaishankar Meets Xi Jinping in First High-Level Visit Since 2020 Border Clashes
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, the first such high-level engagement since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The meeting occurred alongside the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meeting. Jaishankar also held detailed talks with his counterpart Wang Yi, emphasizing the need for de-escalation along the border, normalizing exchanges, and avoiding restrictive trade measures. Both sides acknowledged recent progress in stabilizing ties and discussed a "far-seeing approach" to the relationship.