Annual Amarnath Yatra Commences in Jammu and Kashmir
The annual Amarnath Yatra has officially begun, with Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of nearly 6,000 pilgrims from Jammu. Enthusiastic devotees embarked on the 36-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in the Himalayas, which is situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters. The yatra is proceeding under unprecedented security measures, involving a multi-layered deployment of security forces to ensure the safety of the pilgrims throughout the two official routes.
Death Toll in Telangana Pharmaceutical Plant Explosion Rises to 34
The death toll from a massive explosion at the Sigachi Industries pharmaceutical plant in Sangareddy, Telangana, has climbed to 34. The blast, suspected to be caused by a chemical reaction on Monday, led to a building collapse, trapping workers under debris. Rescue operations are ongoing to find more victims. The incident has triggered a major investigation into industrial safety standards at the facility. The state's Chief Minister is scheduled to visit the site and the injured.
CBI Uncovers 8.5 Lakh 'Mule Accounts' in Pan-India Cyber Fraud Network
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is set to question bank officials in connection with a massive cybercrime syndicate that used 8.5 lakh "mule accounts" to launder illicit funds. The probe revealed that officials at 743 bank branches across India allegedly failed to conduct proper due diligence and report suspicious transactions, enabling the network. The CBI alleges a pan-India conspiracy, with bank staff conniving with criminals to open accounts, often using forged documents, to channel fraud proceeds.
Supreme Court Introduces Reservation Policy for Staff Appointments and Promotions
For the first time, the Supreme Court of India has implemented a formal reservation policy for its own staff. According to a circular effective June 23, 2025, a 15% quota for Scheduled Castes and a 7.5% quota for Scheduled Tribes will apply in direct recruitment and promotions. The landmark policy covers various positions, including registrars, senior personal assistants, and junior court assistants, marking a significant step towards affirmative action within the country's highest judicial institution.
India Will Not Yield to Pakistan's 'Nuclear Blackmail', Says EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar declared that India will not allow "nuclear blackmail" to prevent it from responding to terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Speaking in New York, he characterized the recent Pahalgam attack as "economic warfare" designed to destroy tourism in Kashmir. He asserted that India will no longer spare governments that support and finance terror proxies and will do what is necessary to defend its people, signalling a hardened stance on national security and cross-border terrorism.
India-U.S. Trade Deal Nears Conclusion, Jaishankar Signals Imminent Outcome
A major trade agreement between India and the United States appears to be in its final stages, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stating observers should "watch this space for the next few days." Speaking in New York, Jaishankar described the negotiations as "very intricate" but expressed optimism about reaching a "successful conclusion." The potential deal, aimed at enhancing bilateral economic ties, is the culmination of months of intense discussions, with an Indian delegation currently in Washington D.C.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspended From Office by Court
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office pending an investigation into alleged ethical misconduct. The case stems from a leaked phone call with a former Cambodian leader regarding a border dispute, which sparked public outrage and accusations of undermining national security. The court voted 7-2 to suspend her while it considers a petition for her removal. The move further destabilizes her administration, which has already seen a key party quit the ruling coalition.
Indian Navy Commissions Stealth Frigate INS Tamal in Russia
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Tamal, its newest stealth frigate, at a ceremony in Kaliningrad, Russia. This is the last warship to be built for India by a foreign source, marking a significant milestone in the country's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative. The Tushil-class frigate, weighing 3,900 tonnes, is equipped with advanced weaponry, including BrahMos supersonic missiles. Two similar frigates are now being constructed in India at Goa Shipyard Limited with Russian technological assistance.
Delhi High Court Orders Fresh Review of Priyadarshini Mattoo Murder Convict's Release Plea
The Delhi High Court has ordered a fresh review of the premature release plea of Santosh Kumar Singh, who is serving a life sentence for the 1996 rape and murder of law student Priyadarshini Mattoo. The court set aside a 2023 decision by the Sentence Review Board that had rejected his plea. Singh, initially acquitted by a trial court, was later sentenced to death by the High Court, a sentence the Supreme Court commuted to life imprisonment in 2010.
Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium Power Cut Over Fire Safety Lapses
The electricity supply to Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been disconnected due to persistent fire safety violations by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The action by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) follows increased scrutiny after a deadly stampede near the stadium in June. Despite multiple notices, the KSCA failed to obtain a mandatory No Objection Certificate from the Fire Department. The Karnataka High Court backed the move, stating safety cannot be compromised and power will remain cut until compliance.
Cricketer Mohammed Siraj Opens Hyderabadi Cuisine Restaurant in Home City
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has entered the restaurant business, launching a new culinary venture named "Joharfa" in his hometown of Hyderabad. The restaurant will specialize in Mughlai, Persian, and Arabian cuisines, reflecting the city's rich culinary heritage. Siraj stated the restaurant is his way of giving back to the city that gave him his identity. He joins a list of Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, who have successfully ventured into the hospitality industry.
Indian Railways to Overhaul Ticketing, Prepare Reservation Charts 8 Hours in Advance
Indian Railways will now prepare reservation charts eight hours before departure, double the current four-hour window, to help passengers from remote areas better plan their journeys. Additionally, the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) is being upgraded to handle over 1.5 lakh bookings per minute, a five-fold increase. The new system will also feature a more user-friendly interface and require OTP-based authentication for Tatkal bookings to curb misuse, with these changes reflecting a major modernisation effort.
Telangana to Introduce Bill to Protect Gig Worker Rights
The Telangana government is set to introduce legislation to protect the state's 4.2 lakh gig workers, making it the third Congress-governed state to do so after Rajasthan and Karnataka. The proposed bill mandates the registration of gig workers and aggregators, and establishes a tripartite welfare board with representatives from the government, companies, and workers. This board will administer a dedicated welfare fund, aiming to provide social and economic justice to a rapidly growing segment of the workforce.
Senior Iranian Cleric Issues 'Fatwa' Against Trump and Netanyahu
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, a senior Shia cleric in Iran, has issued a 'fatwa' (religious decree) declaring former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "enemies of God." The decree, a response to perceived threats against Iran's Supreme Leader, forbids any cooperation with them and calls on Muslims worldwide to make the leaders "regret their words." The move follows recent heightened military tensions and verbal sparring between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Crowds Return to Puri for Darshan a Day After Deadly Stampede
A day after a stampede killed three people and injured about 50, thousands of devotees returned to Puri's Shree Gundicha temple for a darshan of the deities during the Rath Yatra festival. In response to the tragedy, authorities have erected new barricades and queuing systems to manage the large crowds. An ADG-rank IPS officer has been appointed to oversee security arrangements for the remainder of the festival, as pilgrims continue to flock to the religiously significant event.