Mumbai Mosques Adopt Mobile App for 'Azan' Amid Loudspeaker Curbs
In an innovative response to restrictions on loudspeaker use, several mosques in Mumbai have started using a mobile app to broadcast the 'azan' (call to prayer) directly to worshippers' phones. The "Online Azan" app live-streams the call in real-time, allowing the faithful to stay connected to their local mosque without violating noise regulations. The move is being hailed as a creative and peaceful solution, with organisers promoting "innovation over confrontation" to navigate the sensitive social issue.
Iran Holds Mass Funeral for Officials Killed in Israeli Strikes
Tehran held a massive state funeral for 60 people, including top military commanders and nuclear scientists, killed during a recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Thousands mourned Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the Revolutionary Guard, and others targeted in what Israel called a campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear program. The conflict, which ended with a ceasefire on June 24, reportedly saw over 1,000 killed in Iran. The funeral procession underscores the heavy losses and heightened tensions in the region.
Railways Caps Waiting Lists at 25%, Sparking Debate
Indian Railways has implemented a new policy capping passenger waiting lists at 25% of a train's class capacity, a move experts and some officials criticize as impractical and potentially loss-making. The Ministry of Railways says the decision is based on data showing less than a quarter of waitlisted passengers typically get confirmed seats. However, critics argue the cap will obscure true travel demand, hinder the planning of special trains, and might not reduce crowding as intended.
Government Proposes Mandatory Inclusion of Two Helmets with New Two-Wheelers
The Indian government is considering a new rule that would make it mandatory for manufacturers to provide two helmets with every new two-wheeler sold. The proposal aims to enhance road safety by ensuring both the rider and the pillion passenger have access to protective headgear from the point of purchase. This potential policy change, if enacted, would have a significant impact on vehicle manufacturers and buyers across the country, directly addressing India's high rate of road-accident fatalities.
Prada Acknowledges Kolhapuri Chappal Inspiration After Outcry
Italian luxury brand Prada has formally acknowledged that sandals in its upcoming menswear collection were inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals. The admission came after protests from Indian artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, who cited the footwear's Geographical Indication (GI) status and accused the brand of appropriation. Prada stated it is committed to a dialogue with local artisan communities to ensure rightful recognition, highlighting a significant moment for cultural heritage protection in global fashion.
Two Arrested for Poisoning Tigress and Four Cubs in Karnataka
Authorities in Karnataka have arrested two men for allegedly poisoning a tigress and her four cubs in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills forest range. The act was reportedly one of revenge after the tigress preyed on a cow belonging to one of the accused. The men allegedly laced the cow's carcass with poison, which the big cats consumed upon returning to feed. The incident highlights the severe challenges of human-wildlife conflict and has been condemned as a significant blow to tiger conservation efforts.
Puri Rath Yatra Resumes After Overnight Halt
The annual Rath Yatra procession in Puri resumed Saturday morning after an unexpected overnight halt. The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were stopped on the Grand Road Friday evening after one of the chariots got stuck while negotiating a turn. Amidst chanting and renewed enthusiasm, thousands of devotees, who had stayed in the holy town overnight, resumed pulling the chariots towards the Gundicha temple. The festival continues to draw massive crowds under heavy security.
Fourth Arrest Made in Kolkata Law Student Gang Rape Case
Police in Kolkata arrested a college security guard in connection with the gang rape of a first-year law student, bringing the total number of arrests to four. The crime allegedly occurred on campus on June 25. The main accused, a criminal lawyer and alumnus, along with two current students, were arrested earlier. Police suspect the attack was an act of vengeance after the victim rejected a marriage proposal from the prime accused. The guard was arrested for failing to perform his duty.
Badrinath National Highway Shut Down by Heavy Rains in Uttarakhand
Heavy monsoon rains in Uttarakhand have triggered landslides, forcing the closure of the Badrinath National Highway near Nandprayag. The blockage has disrupted traffic, stranding pilgrims and tourists traveling to and from the major Hindu pilgrimage site of Badrinath. This closure highlights the annual challenge faced by the state's infrastructure during the monsoon season, where landslides frequently sever critical road links in the mountainous region, impacting both local life and religious tourism.
'Kaanta Laga' Star Shefali Jariwala Dies at 42
Actor and dancer Shefali Jariwala, who shot to fame with the 2002 music video "Kaanta Laga," has died at the age of 42. She was declared dead on arrival at a Mumbai hospital late Friday night. While initial reports suggest a heart attack, police have stated the cause of death is still unclear pending a postmortem. Jariwala was also known for her participation in reality shows like "Bigg Boss" and "Nach Baliye." Her sudden passing has shocked the entertainment industry.
Chinese Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Mid-Air Malfunction
A Shandong Airlines domestic flight in China made a successful emergency landing in Nanjing after experiencing a severe mid-air malfunction. Passengers on the flight from Qingdao to Shanghai reported hearing loud bangs from the left engine, followed by shaking and a strong burnt smell. The crew declared an emergency and diverted the plane, landing safely with no injuries reported. Passengers praised the pilots for their calm and professional handling of the terrifying incident, which averted a potential disaster.
US President Signals 'Very Big' Trade Deal with India Imminent
US President Donald Trump announced that a "very big" trade deal with India is forthcoming, suggesting significant progress in long-standing negotiations. His remarks came as an Indian delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal, arrived in Washington for another round of talks. The two nations are reportedly trying to finalize an interim pact by July 9. The deal is expected to address contentious issues like tariffs on agricultural products, dairy, and industrial goods, aiming to substantially boost bilateral trade.
RSS Calls for Review of 'Socialist' and 'Secular' in Constitution's Preamble
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a review of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale argued the terms were added during the Emergency and were not part of the original document drafted by B.R. Ambedkar. The statement has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party, which alleges it is part of a long-standing conspiracy to undermine the Constitution's basic structure and vision.
India Reportedly Denies UN Investigator Role in Air India Crash Probe
India has reportedly refused to grant observer status to an investigator from the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the probe into the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad. The ICAO had taken the unusual step of offering assistance in the investigation of the crash, which killed 260-270 people. The move has raised concerns among some international safety experts regarding transparency and delays in analyzing the Boeing 787's crucial black box flight recorders.
India Evacuates Over 4,400 Citizens from Israel and Iran
India has successfully evacuated 4,415 of its citizens from conflict-ridden Israel and Iran under 'Operation Sindhu', the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. The operation utilized 19 special flights to bring back 3,597 people from Iran and 818 from Israel. The evacuations, prompted by recent hostilities in West Asia, also included some nationals from Nepal and Sri Lanka. India continues to monitor the situation on the ground following a US-brokered ceasefire between the two nations.