US Aims to Finalize Most Trade Pacts by August 1, Says President Trump
US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration expects to finalize most of its trade deals with various countries by August 1. South Korea and other partners are reportedly in intensive negotiations to secure agreements and avoid threatened 25% 'reciprocal' tariffs on goods like automobiles and steel. A White House official described the talks with South Korea as "productive," raising hopes for a breakthrough. The deadline places significant pressure on trading partners, including India, to conclude negotiations.
Seven Children Killed, 28 Injured in Rajasthan School Roof Collapse
Seven students were killed and at least 28 injured after the roof of a government school collapsed in Piplod village, Jhalawar district, Rajasthan. The incident occurred Friday morning as children were assembling for prayers. Locals alleged they had previously warned authorities about the dilapidated state of the 30-year-old building but were ignored. The tragedy has prompted a high-level inquiry and the suspension of five school staffers, sparking outrage over administrative negligence and the safety of public infrastructure.
Seven Children Killed in Rajasthan School Collapse; Government Pledges Aid
A government school building collapsed in Piplodi village, Jhalawar, killing seven children and injuring 28 others. The incident, which occurred as students gathered for morning prayers, has sparked public outrage over infrastructure safety. In response, the Rajasthan government announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to each victim's family and ordered a high-level inquiry. Five school staff members have been suspended pending the investigation into the tragedy, which has highlighted the poor condition of many rural schools.
Army Chief Details 'Operation Sindoor' Strikes, Declares a 'New Normal'
Speaking on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the 'Operation Sindoor' surgical strikes sent a clear message to Pakistan that terrorism supporters will face a decisive response. He described this stern approach as India's 'new normal.' The operation reportedly eliminated nine high-value terrorist targets with zero collateral damage. Gen. Dwivedi also announced major modernization efforts, including new integrated brigades, specialized commando units, and the incorporation of drones into every infantry and artillery unit.
Four Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter, Weapons Seized
Security forces killed four Maoists during an encounter in a forest in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. A large cache of weapons, including INSAS and SLR rifles, was recovered from the site, suggesting the deceased may have been senior cadres. The operation was launched based on intelligence about Maoist presence in the area. This incident is part of an intensified anti-Maoist campaign in the state, which has seen 225 Maoists killed in encounters so far this year.
Bihar Electoral Roll Revision Finds Over 6 Million Anomalies
The first phase of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral roll has uncovered significant discrepancies. Ahead of the state's assembly polls, officials reported that approximately 3.5 million registered electors could not be traced or have permanently migrated. Additionally, around 2.2 million deceased electors and 700,000 duplicate entries were identified. The findings, covering 99.8% of the state's 7.9 crore voters, will be used to create a draft roll for public verification, raising questions about voter data accuracy.
Gwyneth Paltrow Stars in Ironic Ad for Tech Firm After CEO's Kiss-Cam Scandal
In a uniquely modern PR move, tech startup Astronomer has hired actress Gwyneth Paltrow as a "temporary spokesperson" following a viral scandal. The firm's former CEO and HR chief were caught in an intimate moment on a Coldplay concert 'kiss-cam', prompting their resignations. In a humorous video, Paltrow deadpans answers to mock questions about the incident, pivoting to the company's data services. The self-aware campaign has turned a moment of corporate embarrassment into a widely discussed publicity coup.
Army Launches Digital Tributes for Kargil Vijay Diwas
On the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army has launched three digital initiatives to honor fallen soldiers. The projects include an 'e-shradhanjali' portal allowing citizens to pay tribute online, a QR code-based audio gateway at the Kargil War Memorial for listening to battle stories, and the 'Indus Viewpoint' project, which will allow visitors to travel to the Line of Control in the Batalik sector. These initiatives aim to connect the public with the military's sacrifices using modern technology.
Deadly Border Clashes Erupt Between Thailand and Cambodia
Intense military clashes have erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border, resulting in at least 14 deaths and causing over 100,000 civilians to flee. The fighting, which involved artillery, rockets, and Thai airstrikes, marks a major escalation of a long-standing border dispute. In response to the unrest, which has affected seven Thai provinces, the Indian embassy in Bangkok has issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid the region and monitor updates from official Thai sources.
Six Students Killed as Government School Roof Collapses in Rajasthan
A tragic incident in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district saw a portion of a government school building collapse, killing six students and injuring more than 30 others. The collapse occurred at the Peeplodi Government School while students were in their classroom. Local villagers and teachers initiated rescue efforts, pulling victims from the debris. The state government has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident, which residents claim was caused by the building's long-term deterioration exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall.
DRDO Successfully Tests UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested its new UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in Andhra Pradesh. This marks a significant advance in India's indigenous defence capabilities, particularly in unmanned precision strike technology. The missile system, designed to be lightweight and compatible with various aerial platforms, enhances the armed forces' strategic flexibility. The successful trial showcases India's growing self-reliance in producing critical defence technologies through collaboration between DRDO and private industry.
Government Rules Out Removing 'Secular' and 'Socialist' from Preamble
The Union government has no plans to remove the words "secular" and "socialist" from the Preamble to the Constitution, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed Parliament. His statement provides an official clarification amid recent calls for a review from some political and social groups. Meghwal noted that any amendment would require extensive deliberation and consensus, but no formal process has been initiated. The words were added in 1976 via the 42nd Amendment and have been upheld by the Supreme Court.
PM Modi Arrives in Maldives for Visit to Mend Strained Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in the Maldives for a two-day state visit, marking a significant step toward mending recently strained diplomatic relations. He will be the chief guest at the nation's 60th Independence Day celebrations and hold extensive talks with President Mohamed Muizzu. The visit, the first state visit hosted by President Muizzu, is aimed at advancing the India-Maldives partnership in economic and maritime security and reinforcing stability in the strategic Indian Ocean Region.
Election Commission Initiates Vice-Presidential Poll Process
The Election Commission of India has set the process for the next vice-presidential election in motion by appointing Rajya Sabha Secretary General P.C. Mody as the Returning Officer. The election was necessitated by the surprise mid-term resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, who cited health reasons. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A poll schedule is expected to be announced shortly to fill the rare constitutional vacancy.
India and UK Sign Landmark Free Trade Agreement
India and the United Kingdom have signed a historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to boost their economies. The deal, formalised during PM Modi's visit to the UK, will eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, including textiles and agricultural products, while reducing duties on British cars and Scotch whisky. The pact aims to double the nearly $56 billion bilateral trade by 2030, create jobs, and facilitate greater mobility for Indian professionals in the UK.