'Amar Singh Chamkila' and Star Diljit Dosanjh Earn International Emmy Nominations
The biographical film 'Amar Singh Chamkila' has become India's sole entry at the 2025 International Emmy Awards, securing two major nominations. The Netflix movie, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is nominated for Best TV Movie/Mini-Series. Its lead, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his portrayal of the iconic Punjabi folk singer. The recognition marks a significant achievement for Indian cinema and storytelling on a prestigious global platform.
US Urges India to Cease Russian Oil Imports Amid Tariff Pressure
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly called for India to stop buying discounted Russian oil, stating it funds the war in Ukraine. This highlights growing friction, as the Trump administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods over this issue. While the US claims it doesn't want to punish India, the move underscores a significant diplomatic and economic challenge for New Delhi, which maintains its imports are vital for its energy security and are governed by market dynamics.
India Conducts First-Ever Rail-Based Test of Agni-Prime Missile
India has successfully test-fired its next-generation Agni-Prime ballistic missile from a train-based mobile launcher for the first time. This capability places India in a select group of nations able to launch strategic weapons from its rail network. The system enhances the missile's mobility and survivability, as it can be moved quickly across the country with reduced visibility compared to road-based launchers, allowing for faster reaction times. The Agni-Prime missile has a range of up to 2,000 km.
Defence Ministry Signs ₹62,370 Crore Deal for 97 Tejas Mk-1A Jets
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth ₹62,370 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 97 additional Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. This is the largest-ever order for indigenous military hardware and brings the total number of Mk-1A jets on order to 180. The deal is a significant boost for India's self-reliance ('Aatmanirbharta') initiative and is critical for replenishing the IAF's dwindling combat squadron strength as it phases out its aging MiG-21 fleet.
India Enhances Strategic Mobility with Agni-Prime Missile Rail-Based Test
India has successfully test-fired its next-generation Agni-Prime ballistic missile from a rail-based mobile launcher for the first time. The missile, with a range of up to 2,000 km, can now be transported across the country's rail network, significantly enhancing strategic mobility and reducing reaction time. This development marks a key advancement in the country's nuclear deterrent capabilities, allowing for greater operational flexibility and survivability of its strategic assets.
White House Directs Agencies to Draft Mass Firing Plans for Shutdown
In an escalation of a potential US government shutdown, the White House Office of Management and Budget has instructed federal agencies to prepare for mass firings, not just temporary furloughs. The memo directs agencies to plan for a 'reduction in force' for programs whose funding would lapse. This aggressive tactic raises the stakes in the ongoing budget standoff in Washington, marking a significant departure from how previous shutdowns have been handled and creating deep uncertainty for the federal workforce.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Prison
A Paris court has sentenced former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to five years in prison after finding him guilty of criminal association related to illegal campaign financing by Libya for his successful 2007 presidential bid. In a surprising move, the court ordered that he be incarcerated even if he appeals the verdict. The conviction of a former head of state from a major Western power marks a significant moment in French politics and law, despite Sarkozy being cleared of several other charges.
US Sanctions Two Indians, Pharmacy for Trafficking Fentanyl Pills
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned two Indian nationals, Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed and Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh, along with Shaikh's India-based online pharmacy, for supplying counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl to the United States. The action freezes their U.S. assets and prohibits business dealings with them. U.S. authorities stated the network distributed hundreds of thousands of fake pills, highlighting a growing concern over India-based operations in the global illicit drug trade.
Karnataka High Court Allows Caste Survey with Conditions
The Karnataka High Court has refused to halt the state's ongoing Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as a caste survey. However, the court imposed strict conditions, ruling that participation must be entirely voluntary and that enumerators must clearly inform citizens of this. It also ordered that all data collected must be kept confidential and cannot be shared with any party, including the state government. The ruling is a key legal development in a politically sensitive and widely watched policy initiative.
Azim Premji Rejects CM's Plea to Open Wipro Campus for Traffic
Wipro founder-chairman Azim Premji has declined a request from Karnataka's Chief Minister to allow public traffic through the company's Sarjapur campus in Bengaluru to alleviate congestion on the Outer Ring Road. In a letter, Premji cited legal, governance, and security challenges, noting the campus is a private property and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with strict access norms. Instead, he proposed that Wipro would help fund a comprehensive scientific study by urban transport experts to find a sustainable solution.
Tirumala Temple Launches AI-Powered System to Manage Pilgrims
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has launched India's first AI-powered Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to manage its vast pilgrimage ecosystem. The system uses over 6,000 AI cameras, 3D situational maps, and digital twin technology to monitor crowds in real-time, predict queue movements, and enhance safety. It aims to shorten darshan waiting times, provide timely assistance, and offer a more streamlined experience for the millions of devotees who visit the shrine, setting a new benchmark in temple governance.
CBSE to Hold Class 10 Board Exams Twice a Year in Major Reform
In a landmark decision, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct Class 10 board exams twice a year, starting from the 2026 session. Students will have the option to take a second exam in May-June to improve their scores from the initial February-March session, with the better of the two results being retained. The move, affecting millions of students, aims to reduce exam-related stress and provide a second opportunity without waiting for supplementary exams.
Cabinet Approves ₹69,725 Crore Package to Revitalise Shipbuilding Sector
The Union Cabinet has approved a substantial ₹69,725 crore package to boost India's shipbuilding and maritime industry. The four-pillar plan aims to enhance domestic capacity, provide long-term financing through a new Maritime Development Fund, and implement policy reforms. The government projects the initiative will unlock significant shipbuilding capacity, create nearly 3 million jobs, attract ₹4.5 lakh crore in investment, and strengthen national security under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision.
Typhoon Ragasa Batters East Asia, Killing At Least 17
Typhoon Ragasa, one of the most powerful storms in years, has wreaked havoc across East Asia, killing at least 17 people in Taiwan and the Philippines. The typhoon is now battering Hong Kong and southern China with sustained winds of 195 kph. Authorities in China's Guangdong province have relocated over a million people, while Hong Kong and Macau have shut down schools, flights, and businesses as the storm skirts the financial hub, causing widespread disruption and damage.
71 Maoist Militants Surrender in Chhattisgarh in Major Setback to Insurgency
In a significant blow to left-wing extremism, 71 Maoist cadres, including 21 women and 30 carrying large bounties, have surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. The mass surrender is attributed to the success of the state's rehabilitation campaign, 'Lon Varratu', and disillusionment with the rebel ideology. This event follows the recent killing of two senior Maoist leaders and marks a major success for security forces in the conflict-ridden Bastar region.