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.
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.
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.
Perplexity AI Surpasses ChatGPT on India's Apple App Store Rankings
Aravind Srinivas-led Perplexity AI has become the top free app on the Apple App Store in India, overtaking OpenAI's ChatGPT. The surge is attributed to a strategic partnership with telecom operator Airtel, which is offering its customers a free premium subscription to Perplexity Pro. The Pro version provides access to advanced AI models like GPT-4.1 and Claude. This development highlights the intense competition in the AI market, with local partnerships significantly influencing user adoption and challenging the dominance of established global players.
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.
India Cautions Against 'Double Standards' Amid US Sanctions Threat Over Russian Oil
India has responded to warnings from the US and NATO about potential secondary sanctions on countries trading with Russia, cautioning against "double standards." The Ministry of External Affairs stated that securing India's energy needs is a top priority, guided by market availability and global circumstances. The statement follows threats from NATO's chief and moves by US lawmakers to impose heavy tariffs on countries, including India, that import Russian oil, complicating ongoing India-US trade negotiations and diplomatic relations.
ED Files First Chargesheet Against Robert Vadra in Gurugram Land Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed its first chargesheet against Robert Vadra, his firm Skylight Hospitality, and others in a money laundering case linked to a 2008 Gurugram land deal. The agency also attached 43 immovable properties worth ₹37.64 crore connected to Vadra. The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent purchase and subsequent sale of 3.5 acres of land, resulting in a large profit. Vadra has denied the allegations, calling the investigation a politically motivated "witch hunt."
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.
Bombay High Court Upholds Constitutional Validity of UAPA Anti-Terror Law
The Bombay High Court has dismissed petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the sedition law (Section 124A of IPC). A division bench held that the UAPA, a stringent anti-terror law, is constitutionally sound. The challenge was brought by a Mumbai resident who argued that the law gives the executive blanket power to designate individuals or organizations as terrorists without adequate safeguards or clear definitions, rendering it unconstitutional. The court found no merit in these arguments.