Supreme Court to Examine Presidential Power Over State Legislation
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and all states on a Presidential Reference questioning a previous court verdict that imposed time limits on Governors and the President for giving assent to bills. This sets the stage for a crucial constitutional hearing on the scope of executive power over state legislatures. The issue has been a major source of friction between several state governments and the Centre, and the outcome will have profound implications for federalism.
Supreme Court Seeks Centre, State Responses on Presidential Reference Regarding Bill Assent Timelines
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the central and all state governments on a Presidential reference concerning the timeline for governors and the President to assent to state-passed bills. A five-judge Constitution bench will examine 14 questions posed by President Droupadi Murmu, questioning whether the judiciary can impose deadlines on these constitutional functions. The reference follows a previous SC verdict that set a three-month timeframe, raising significant questions about the separation of powers and federal structure.
US Announces Withdrawal From UN Cultural Agency UNESCO
The United States announced it will withdraw from UNESCO for the third time, effective December 2026, reversing its decision to rejoin just two years ago. The Trump administration cited the UN agency's perceived anti-Israel bias and promotion of "woke, divisive cultural and social causes" as the primary reasons. The move marks a significant shift in US foreign policy and is expected to impact UNESCO's funding and global standing, as the US was a major contributor to its budget.
28 Nations, Including UK and Canada, Issue Joint Call for Gaza War to End Immediately
In a sign of Israel's growing diplomatic isolation, 28 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, have issued a joint statement demanding that the war in Gaza "must end now." The foreign ministers condemned the "inhumane killing of civilians" and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, labeling Israel's aid delivery model as dangerous and unacceptable. The statement calls for an immediate ceasefire and urges Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.
Indian Army Receives First Batch of US-Made Apache Helicopters
The Indian Army has taken delivery of the first three of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States. The advanced, heavily armed aircraft arrived in India via a transport plane and will significantly enhance the Army Aviation Corps' offensive capabilities, particularly in challenging high-altitude terrains. The acquisition, part of a ₹5,691-crore deal, marks a key milestone in India's military modernisation and deepens the strategic defense partnership between India and the US.
Tribunal Finds Ex-ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar Guilty in Videocon Loan Case
An appellate tribunal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has found former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar guilty of accepting a ₹64-crore bribe as a quid pro quo for sanctioning a loan to the Videocon Group. The tribunal upheld the Enforcement Directorate's attachment of her properties, deeming them proceeds of crime. This landmark verdict is a significant development in one of India's most high-profile cases of corporate corruption, with major implications for banking accountability.
Tribunal Finds Ex-ICICI CEO Chanda Kochhar Guilty of Accepting ₹64 Crore Bribe
An appellate tribunal under the SAFEMA Act has found former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar guilty of accepting a ₹64 crore bribe for sanctioning a ₹300 crore loan to the Videocon Group in 2009. The ruling overturns an earlier clean chit from a PMLA authority and supports the Enforcement Directorate's attachment of her assets, framing it as a prima facie money laundering case. The tribunal highlighted a clear conflict of interest, noting the funds were traced to a company promoted by her husband.
BCCI to Be Brought Under New National Sports Governance Bill
The powerful and largely autonomous Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to come under the purview of the new National Sports Governance Bill. This move, revealed ahead of the bill's introduction in Parliament, would require the cricket body to get recognition from a proposed National Sports Board, similar to other national sports federations. The legislation aims to enforce accountability, timely elections, and a formal dispute resolution framework, fundamentally altering governance of India's most popular sport.
Parliament Disrupted as Opposition Protests Bihar's Special Electoral Roll Revision
The second day of the Monsoon Session saw Parliament proceedings stalled as Opposition parties protested Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Leaders alleged the exercise, which excludes Aadhaar and PAN cards as valid proof for voter verification, is designed for large-scale disenfranchisement of marginalized communities ahead of state elections. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned amid sloganeering and demands for a debate, with the Opposition calling the move a threat to democratic rights.
Heavy Metal Legend Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic English singer and frontman of pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath, has died at 76 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Known as the "Prince of Darkness," Osbourne's powerful vocals and theatrical stage presence defined a genre and influenced generations of musicians. His career, spanning his time with Black Sabbath, a successful solo run, and later fame as a reality TV star, cemented his status as a global cultural icon who sold over 100 million albums.
Gita Gopinath to Step Down as IMF's First Deputy Managing Director
Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will step down in August 2025 to return to academia at Harvard University. Gopinath, the first woman to serve as the IMF's Chief Economist, was promoted to the Fund's number two position in 2022. Her tenure was marked by her leadership during major global economic crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. She will rejoin Harvard as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics.
Stranded British Stealth Fighter Jet Finally Departs After Month-Long Stay
A British F-35B stealth fighter, which made an emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram on June 14, finally departed after a month-long stay for repairs. The advanced jet was grounded due to a hydraulic system failure, requiring a 14-member UK engineering team to be flown in. The unusual, extended layover caught the public's imagination, inspiring a witty social media ad from Kerala Tourism that featured the jet and quipped, "Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave."
Bombay High Court Acquits All 12 Convicted in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts
The Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals convicted for the 2006 Mumbai local train blasts, which killed 189 people. The ruling overturns a 2015 trial court verdict that had sentenced five to death and seven to life imprisonment. Citing a lack of conclusive evidence, the court stated the prosecution "utterly failed" to prove its case and granted the accused the benefit of doubt. After 19 years, the 12 men are set to be released.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns, Citing Health Reasons
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has unexpectedly resigned from his post, effective immediately, citing medical advice. His resignation, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, came on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The move has triggered political speculation, with the Opposition suggesting deeper reasons beyond health. The Constitution mandates that an election to fill the vacancy must be held "as soon as possible," initiating the process to select India's next Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
Parliament Session Opens With Showdown Over 'Operation Sindoor'
The Monsoon Session of Parliament began with the opposition demanding an immediate debate on the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent "Operation Sindoor". INDIA bloc parties have given notices to discuss India's military response and claims by former US President Trump of mediating a ceasefire. The government has stated it is ready for a discussion on all issues, while Prime Minister Modi hailed the military operation as a "Vijay Utsav" (victory celebration) for the nation.