Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Timelines for Governor's Assent to Bills
A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on a Presidential reference concerning whether courts can set timelines for Governors and the President to assent to bills passed by state legislatures. The court questioned if it could "sit idle" when a constitutional authority fails its duty, highlighting a critical issue of separation of powers. The outcome will have significant implications for federalism and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches across Indian states.
Conservative Activist and Trump Ally Charlie Kirk Assassinated at US University
Charlie Kirk, a prominent 31-year-old conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The co-founder of Turning Point USA was reportedly shot in the neck while on stage. The incident, which Utah's governor called a "political assassination," has sent shockwaves through the US, escalating concerns over political violence. A manhunt for the shooter is underway, as President Trump blamed the "radical left" for the killing.
US Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated at University Event
Charlie Kirk, a prominent 31-year-old conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The attack, described by the Utah Governor as a "political assassination," was carried out by a sniper who fired a single shot from a nearby building. The FBI has released photos of a person of interest and recovered a rifle believed to be the weapon used, as a manhunt for the shooter continues.
Ten Naxalites, Including Senior Cadre, Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
At least ten Naxalites were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district. The operation was launched based on intelligence about the movement of top Maoist leaders in the area. The encounter involved personnel from the state police's Special Task Force, district units, and the CRPF's CoBRA battalion. Police sources suggest a senior leader and Central Committee Member of the CPI (Maoist) may be among the deceased, marking a significant event in the state's ongoing anti-Naxal operations.
HAL to Deliver First Two Tejas Mark-1A Jets to Indian Air Force Next Month
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is set to deliver the first two Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force in October. The delivery follows the receipt of GE404 engines from US-based GE Aerospace, which had caused previous delays. The government procured 83 of these indigenous single-engine fighters in a Rs 48,000 crore deal in 2021 to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet and bolster the IAF's squadron strength. An additional order for 97 more jets was approved last month.
Delhi Mandates Anti-Smog Guns on All High-Rise Buildings by November 29
The Delhi government has ordered all government and private buildings taller than five floors to install anti-smog guns by November 29 to combat winter air pollution. The directive applies to commercial complexes, malls, hotels, and educational institutions with a built-up area over 3,000 square metres, but exempts residential properties. The number of required guns will scale with the building's size. This policy aims to mitigate high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter ahead of the peak pollution season.
RJD Leader Shot Dead in Patna
Rajkumar Rai, a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), was shot and killed by two assailants on a motorcycle in Patna's Munnachak area late Wednesday night. Rai, who was also involved in real estate, sustained six gunshot wounds and died at a local hospital. Police are investigating the murder, with preliminary findings suggesting a property dispute as a possible motive. The incident has heightened tensions in the city, raising concerns about political violence in the state.
Brazil's Supreme Court Convicts Former President Bolsonaro in Coup Case
Brazil's Supreme Court has reached a majority vote to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in plotting a coup after his 2022 election defeat. The far-right leader was found guilty of leading a "criminal organization" to overthrow the government of his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. With the conviction all but certain, Bolsonaro faces a potential prison sentence of over 40 years. He has maintained that the trial is a form of political persecution.
Bengaluru Woman Loses ₹3.75 Crore to Investment Scam Using Sadhguru Deepfake
A 57-year-old retired woman in Bengaluru was defrauded of nearly ₹3.75 crore after falling for an investment scam that used an AI-generated deepfake video of spiritual leader Sadhguru. The victim saw the video on social media, where the deepfake endorsed a trading firm. After clicking a link and investing, she was contacted by fraudsters who guided her to transfer large sums into various accounts via a trading app. The cybercrime police have registered a case, highlighting the growing threat of sophisticated AI-driven scams.
Supreme Court Refuses to Cancel India-Pakistan Cricket Match
The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing for a petition seeking to cancel the upcoming India-Pakistan Asia Cup T20 match scheduled for September 14. A bench observed, "The match should go on!" The Public Interest Litigation, filed by law students, argued that playing against Pakistan after recent terror attacks was against national dignity and demoralised the armed forces. The court’s refusal ensures the high-profile cricket fixture will proceed as planned in Dubai.
World's First Tri-Service All-Women Circumnavigation Expedition Flagged Off
In a historic first, an all-women tri-service team from the Indian armed forces has embarked on a sailing expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The mission, named 'Samudra Pradakshina,' was flagged off from Mumbai's Gateway of India. Over the next nine months, ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will sail nearly 26,000 nautical miles aboard the indigenously built vessel IASV Triveni. The expedition is being hailed as a landmark moment for women's empowerment and military jointness.
Political Crisis in Nepal Escalates as PM Resigns and Army Takes Control
Nepal is facing a constitutional and administrative vacuum after Prime Minister K.P. Oli resigned amid violent, youth-led anti-corruption protests that have left at least 19 dead. Demonstrators torched major government buildings, including Parliament and the Supreme Court. The Nepal Army has taken control of security in Kathmandu, imposing a curfew and deploying personnel across the capital. India has issued emergency contact numbers for its stranded nationals, while several airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended flights to Kathmandu.
US Urges EU to Impose Up to 100% Tariffs on India and China
US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and China for purchasing Russian crude oil. The move is intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, a US official stated Washington was prepared to "mirror" any tariffs imposed by the EU. This demand comes amid a downturn in US-India trade relations and challenges India's policy of buying discounted Russian oil to meet its energy needs.
Indian Markets Surge on Renewed Hopes for India-US Trade Deal
India's benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, rallied following positive remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump about ongoing trade negotiations. Trump stated he was certain of a "successful conclusion" to talks aimed at addressing trade barriers. This signals a potential thaw in bilateral economic relations after recent tariff tensions. The optimism spurred a market rally, particularly in IT stocks, with the BSE Sensex jumping over 440 points and the NSE Nifty crossing the 24,900 mark in early trade.
Poland Downs Drones Breaching Airspace During Russian Attack on Ukraine
Poland's military shot down drones that entered its airspace from the direction of Ukraine during a massive wave of Russian aerial strikes. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the action, stating the drones posed a direct threat and that he had informed the NATO Secretary General. The incident placed Poland's armed forces on heightened alert and led to a temporary closure of airspace over part of the country, affecting flight operations at Warsaw's Chopin Airport, significantly raising tensions on NATO's eastern flank.