PM Modi, President Macron Discuss Ukraine and West Asia Conflicts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call to discuss ongoing global conflicts and bilateral ties. Macron briefed Modi on recent high-level meetings concerning the war in Ukraine. The leaders exchanged views on achieving peaceful resolutions in both Ukraine and West Asia, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the India-France strategic partnership in areas like defence, technology, and trade, including support for an early conclusion of the India-EU free trade agreement.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attacked; Granted Z-Category Security Cover
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked by a man from Gujarat during a public grievance meeting at her residence. The accused was immediately detained and later sent to police remand on an attempt to murder charge. Following the serious security breach, the Union Home Ministry accorded the Chief Minister Z-category security. A contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has now taken charge of her protection, upgrading the security previously provided by the Delhi Police.
Kolkata Students Attacked and Called 'Bangladeshis' for Speaking Bengali
Four Calcutta University students were allegedly assaulted by a group of shopkeepers near Sealdah station after being branded "Bangladeshis" for speaking Bengali. The altercation began when a student tried to bargain in his native tongue, leading to verbal abuse. When he returned with friends to protest, they were physically attacked. The incident, which led to two arrests, has sparked outrage over linguistic intolerance and taps into sensitive national debates surrounding identity and citizenship in West Bengal.
FBI's 'Top 10 Most Wanted' Fugitive Arrested in India
Cindy Rodriguez Singh, one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, has been arrested in India through a collaborative effort with Indian police and INTERPOL. Singh was wanted in Texas for the capital murder of her six-year-old son in 2022. She allegedly misled investigators about the child's whereabouts before fleeing to India in March 2023. Having been on the run for over a year, she has now been extradited to the United States to face charges.
Suspected Dinosaur-Era Fossils Unearthed in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer
Villagers in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, have discovered what appear to be dinosaur-era fossils while digging near a local pond. The find includes a large, bone-shaped structure and petrified wood. Geologists visiting the site noted that Jaisalmer's rock formations date back 180 million years to the Jurassic age when dinosaurs lived, making the discovery potentially significant. The site has been cordoned off as the Geological Survey of India prepares to conduct scientific tests to confirm the remains' age and origin.
Frank Caprio, Beloved TV Judge Known for His Compassion, Dies at 88
Frank Caprio, the retired Rhode Island traffic court judge who became a global internet star for his empathetic rulings on the show 'Caught in Providence', has passed away at 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Celebrated for his kindness, warmth, and belief in second chances, Judge Caprio's courtroom videos were viewed by millions, showcasing a humane approach to justice that often considered the personal struggles of those appearing before him. His passing is being mourned by admirers worldwide.
Parliament Considers Bills for Removal of Jailed PM, CMs, and Ministers
The Union government has introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha, including a constitutional amendment, that would mandate the removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or minister if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on criminal charges punishable by five or more years. The bills, introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah, were referred to a joint parliamentary committee for examination amidst fierce protests from opposition parties, who labelled the move an undemocratic attack on federalism.
Government to Introduce Bills for Automatic Removal of Jailed Ministers
The Union government plans to introduce three bills in Parliament to create a legal framework for the automatic removal of a Prime Minister, Union minister, or Chief Minister. Under the proposed law, if such an official is arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges (punishable by five or more years), they would cease to hold office on the 31st day. The move aims to enhance political accountability and ensure governance is not run from custody.
India Deepens Russia Ties Amid US Tariff Pressure Over Oil Purchases
As the US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil, India is strengthening its economic ties with Moscow. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar encouraged Russian companies to engage more intensively with India, while Russia called US pressure "unjustified" and affirmed that energy cooperation would continue. Meanwhile, prominent Republican Nikki Haley urged the US administration to treat India as a "prized democratic partner" to counter China, not an adversary.
Cabinet Clears ₹62,000 Crore Deal for 97 Indigenous Tejas Fighter Jets
The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the acquisition of 97 indigenous Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for approximately ₹62,000 crore. This major defence deal is a significant boost for India's domestic aerospace industry and the 'Make in India' initiative. The advanced aircraft are intended to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing MiG-21 fleet, substantially enhancing its combat capabilities. The news prompted a rally in HAL's stock price.
Bomb Threats Sent to 50 Schools Across Delhi, Sparking Panic
Around 50 schools across Delhi received bomb threats via email, triggering widespread panic and forcing evacuations. Police and bomb disposal squads were dispatched to conduct thorough searches of the premises. This is the second such mass threat incident in three days, disrupting school operations and raising serious concerns among parents and authorities about student safety in the national capital. The threats are being investigated as hoaxes, part of a disruptive pattern seen in recent months.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Ban Online Gaming with Real Money
The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which imposes a blanket ban on all online games involving monetary deposits, including fantasy sports and card games. Citing concerns over addiction, financial fraud, and money laundering, the legislation introduces severe penalties, with up to three years imprisonment and a ₹1 crore fine for operators. While banning money games, the bill also establishes an authority to regulate and promote e-sports and online social gaming.
India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-5 Ballistic Missile
India successfully test-fired its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launch, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters of the nuclear-capable missile. With a reported range of over 5,000 km and equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, Agni-5 is a cornerstone of India's strategic deterrence and second-strike capability, placing it in an elite group of nations with such technology.
NDA's C.P. Radhakrishnan Files Nomination for Vice President
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the candidate for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has officially filed his nomination papers for the Vice-Presidential election. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior coalition leaders. Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, will contest against the opposition's candidate, B. Sudarshan Reddy. His election to the country's second-highest constitutional office is considered a certainty given the NDA's majority in the electoral college.
Delhi Chief Minister Attacked During Public Meeting
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a 'Jan Sunwai' (public hearing) at her official residence. A man reportedly approached her with papers before grabbing her hand and attempting to pull her. The assailant was immediately overpowered and detained by Delhi Police. The incident, which caused a scuffle but no serious injury, has been widely condemned across party lines and has prompted a review of the security arrangements for the Chief Minister during public interactions.