India's Pursuit of Fugitives Intensifies as Interpol Red Notices Double
India has significantly ramped up its pursuit of international fugitives, with the number of Interpol Red Notices issued at its request more than doubling annually since 2023. Officials attribute the surge to a combination of diplomatic efforts during the G20 and Interpol summits, institutional reforms within the CBI, and technological upgrades. This strategic shift has accelerated the process of locating and seeking the extradition of criminals who have fled the country.
Comedian Vir Das Champions India's Rising Global Soft Power
Emmy-winning comedian Vir Das declared that India is on the “precipice of an amazing, undeniable global soft power” during a talk at the Asia Society. He celebrated the crucial role played by both Indians at home and the global diaspora in promoting modern Indian culture. Citing examples like singer Diljit Dosanjh's performance at Coachella, Das offered an inspiring perspective, arguing that the world is embracing a diverse and dynamic Indian identity beyond historical stereotypes.
Army to Sponsor Education of Punjab Boy Who Aided Troops During Clashes
The Indian Army has announced it will fully sponsor the education of Shvan Singh, a 10-year-old boy from a Punjab border village. During the recent "Operation Sindoor," Shvan displayed immense courage by supplying water, tea, and meals to soldiers engaged in cross-border firing. In recognition of his selfless service and spirit, the Army's Golden Arrow Division felicitated the boy and committed to covering all his future educational expenses.
China Begins Construction on World's Largest Dam on Brahmaputra River
China has formally commenced construction of a massive $167.8 billion hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Zangbo) in Tibet, near the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. The project, expected to generate over 300 billion kWh annually, is the world's biggest infrastructure project. Its location has raised significant strategic, environmental, and water-security concerns for downstream nations India and Bangladesh, which rely heavily on the river's flow.
India and US Conclude Fifth Round of Talks for Bilateral Trade Pact
Indian and US negotiators have completed the fifth round of talks for a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in Washington. The discussions are aimed at finalizing an interim deal before an August 1 deadline related to US tariffs. Key issues include agriculture, dairy products, and automobiles, with India seeking concessions for its labor-intensive sectors like textiles and the US pushing for market access for its farm goods and electric vehicles. Both nations aim to conclude the first tranche of the BTA by fall 2025.
Supreme Court to Hear Presidential Reference on Bill Assent Deadlines
A five-judge Supreme Court Constitution Bench will hear a Presidential Reference on July 22 concerning its recent verdict that set deadlines for Governors and the President to assent to state bills. The President has sought the court's opinion on whether it can impose such timelines without explicit constitutional provisions. The hearing will address fundamental questions about judicial review, separation of powers, and the limits of executive authority over state legislation, carrying major constitutional implications.
First 'Made in India' Semiconductor Chip Set for 2025 Launch
India is set to unveil its first domestically manufactured semiconductor chip in 2025, according to Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking in Hyderabad, he confirmed that construction is underway at six approved semiconductor plants, marking a major milestone in India's ambition to become a global hub for chip manufacturing. This development is a key part of the government's strategy to bolster its high-tech industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign-made electronic components.
YSRC MP Midhun Reddy Arrested in ₹3,200 Crore Andhra Pradesh Liquor Scam
YSR Congress MP P.V. Midhun Reddy was arrested by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with an alleged ₹3,200-crore liquor scam in Andhra Pradesh. The arrest came after the Supreme Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea. The SIT is investigating his purported role in formulating liquor policy and diverting funds under the previous YSRC government. Reddy is the 12th person to be arrested in the high-profile case, marking a major development in the corruption probe.
ED Summons Google and Meta in Probe into Illegal Betting Apps
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned representatives from Google and Meta to appear on July 21 as part of its money laundering investigation into illegal betting applications. The agency is examining the role of the tech giants' platforms in promoting these apps through advertising. The move follows recent raids in a major 'dabba trading' and online betting case, where the ED seized significant amounts of cash and assets while investigating several illicit platforms.
Enforcement Directorate Summons Google and Meta in Illegal Betting Probe
India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned representatives from tech giants Meta and Google to appear on July 21 as part of a money laundering investigation into illegal online betting platforms. The agency is probing how these platforms are able to place advertisements on social media and app stores, cheating people and laundering crores of rupees. The move signals a major regulatory crackdown on global tech firms, seeking to hold them accountable for enabling illicit activities on their networks.
Supreme Court Criticises Maharashtra for Lack of Dedicated MCOCA Courts
The Supreme Court has admonished the Maharashtra government for its failure to establish exclusive courts for trials under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). While hearing a bail plea, the bench questioned why additional judicial infrastructure hadn't been created to ensure speedy trials for cases under special statutes, warning that delays force courts to grant bail. The court set a January 2026 deadline for the completion of a 2017 murder trial involving MCOCA charges.
Justice Yashwant Varma Moves Supreme Court to Quash Impeachment Inquiry
Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma has petitioned the Supreme Court to invalidate an in-house inquiry report that found him guilty of misconduct following the discovery of burnt cash at his residence. The petition challenges the recommendation for his impeachment made by then-CJI Sanjiv Khanna. Justice Varma argues the inquiry violated principles of natural justice, reversed the burden of proof, and was based on a preconceived narrative. The government reportedly plans to move an impeachment motion in the upcoming Parliament session.
EU Sanctions Indian Refinery in New Measures Against Russia, India Protests 'Double Standards'
The European Union imposed its 18th sanctions package against Russia, for the first time targeting an Indian entity—the Rosneft-owned Nayara Energy refinery in Gujarat. The measures also lower the price cap on Russian oil. India's Ministry of External Affairs responded sharply, stating it does not subscribe to unilateral sanctions and that there should be no "double standards" in energy trade. The move escalates pressure on India over its significant imports of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine war began.
ED Arrests Son of Former Chhattisgarh CM in Liquor Scam Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in connection with a multi-crore liquor scam-linked money laundering case. The arrest followed raids at the family's residence in Bhilai. The ED alleges a criminal syndicate operated between 2019-2022, during the Congress government's tenure, illegally generating over ₹2,100 crore. The Congress party has condemned the action as political vendetta, noting it occurred on Chaitanya's birthday.
Dozens of Schools in Delhi and Bengaluru Receive Coordinated Bomb Threats
Over 60 schools across Delhi and Bengaluru received bomb threats via email, causing widespread panic and forcing evacuations. More than 45 schools in Delhi and 40 in Bengaluru were targeted. The threatening emails, sent from a single ID, contained disturbing messages about planted explosives. Police, bomb disposal squads, and dog squads were deployed to all locations. This is the fourth time in a week that schools in Delhi have received such threats, which authorities later declared a hoax after thorough searches.