US Designates LeT Proxy 'The Resistance Front' as a Terrorist Organization
The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The State Department noted that TRF claimed responsibility for the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. India welcomed the decision, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling it a "strong affirmation" of India-U.S. counter-terrorism cooperation. This move is a significant diplomatic step against Pakistan-based terror outfits.
Bihar Approves 125 Units of Free Monthly Electricity for 1.67 Crore Households
The Bihar state cabinet has approved a plan to provide 125 units of free electricity per month to approximately 1.67 crore domestic consumers, a day after the policy was announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The scheme, effective August 1, will apply a 100% subsidy on consumption up to 125 units, waiving all fixed and other charges. The move is expected to cost the state exchequer an additional ₹3,797 crore annually, bringing the total power subsidy to nearly ₹20,000 crore.
Pakistan Extends Airspace Ban for Indian Flights Until August 24
Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian-operated aircraft using its airspace for another month, until August 24. The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) confirming the restriction on all Indian-owned or leased military and civilian flights. The move is part of ongoing tit-for-tat airspace closures between the two nations, which began in April following a terror attack in Pahalgam. India's reciprocal ban on Pakistani aircraft is currently in effect until July 24.
ED Raids Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's Home in Liquor Scam Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted fresh raids at the Bhilai residence of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The search is part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged multi-crore liquor scam, with the action reportedly focused on his son, Chaitanya Baghel. The ED claims the scam caused a loss of over ₹2,100 crore to the state exchequer between 2019 and 2022. Baghel, a senior Congress leader, termed the raid politically motivated, noting its timing on the last day of the assembly session.
Supreme Court Intervenes to Help Save Indian Nurse on Death Row in Yemen
The Supreme Court has asked the central government to consider allowing an action council to travel to Yemen to negotiate for the life of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse on death row for murder. Her execution, previously scheduled for July 16, has been temporarily stayed. The court was informed that while Priya's mother is in Yemen, she is unable to conduct negotiations for pardon and blood money with the victim's family. The bench directed the Centre to consider the council's representation on its merits.
Tata Group Establishes ₹500 Crore Welfare Trust for Air India Crash Victims
The Tata Group has established a ₹500 crore charitable trust to support victims of the Air India flight AI-171 crash that killed 260 people in Ahmedabad last month. Tata Sons and Tata Trusts will contribute ₹250 crore each to the 'AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust'. The fund will provide immediate and long-term support to the families of the deceased, the injured, and others affected by the tragedy, including first responders and disaster relief professionals involved in the aftermath.
Perplexity AI Surpasses ChatGPT on India's Apple App Store Rankings
Aravind Srinivas-led Perplexity AI has become the top free app on the Apple App Store in India, overtaking OpenAI's ChatGPT. The surge is attributed to a strategic partnership with telecom operator Airtel, which is offering its customers a free premium subscription to Perplexity Pro. The Pro version provides access to advanced AI models like GPT-4.1 and Claude. This development highlights the intense competition in the AI market, with local partnerships significantly influencing user adoption and challenging the dominance of established global players.
Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' IMAX Tickets Sell Out a Year in Advance
Advance tickets for director Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, 'The Odyssey', have sold out for its opening weekend in several IMAX theaters, a full year before its July 2026 release. The film, a retelling of Homer's epic shot entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras, has generated unprecedented demand, with screenings at key venues in New York, Los Angeles, and Melbourne being snapped up within minutes. The early rush highlights the immense anticipation for Nolan's large-format filmmaking, turning the pre-sale into a cinematic event.
Over 60 Killed in Massive Iraq Mall Fire
A devastating fire in a newly opened mall in Kut, eastern Iraq, has killed at least 61 people, with many dying from suffocation. The blaze, which broke out late Wednesday in the five-story building, also left over 45 people injured. Officials have declared three days of mourning and filed legal cases against the building and mall owners. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about poor building standards in Iraq, which have contributed to several deadly fires in recent years.
CBI Secures Return of 134 Fugitives in 5 Years, Nearly Doubling Previous Decade's Total
India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has facilitated the return of 134 fugitives from abroad since 2020, a sharp increase from the 74 repatriated between 2010 and 2019. Officials attribute the success to enhanced diplomatic engagement, improved international coordination through Interpol, and new technology like the 'Bharatpol' digital portal, which has cut Red Notice issuance times by half. A recent success includes the arrest of Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, in the U.S. for extradition proceedings.
Bihar Government Announces 125 Units of Free Electricity Ahead of Polls
In a major populist move ahead of Assembly elections, Bihar's government has announced it will provide up to 125 units of free electricity per month to all domestic consumers. The policy, set to benefit an estimated 1.67 crore households, will take effect from August 1, applying to bills from July. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also announced plans to promote solar power, aiming to produce 10,000 MW in the next three years, including installing solar panels on homes.
India Cautions Against 'Double Standards' Amid US Sanctions Threat Over Russian Oil
India has responded to warnings from the US and NATO about potential secondary sanctions on countries trading with Russia, cautioning against "double standards." The Ministry of External Affairs stated that securing India's energy needs is a top priority, guided by market availability and global circumstances. The statement follows threats from NATO's chief and moves by US lawmakers to impose heavy tariffs on countries, including India, that import Russian oil, complicating ongoing India-US trade negotiations and diplomatic relations.
ED Files First Chargesheet Against Robert Vadra in Gurugram Land Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed its first chargesheet against Robert Vadra, his firm Skylight Hospitality, and others in a money laundering case linked to a 2008 Gurugram land deal. The agency also attached 43 immovable properties worth ₹37.64 crore connected to Vadra. The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent purchase and subsequent sale of 3.5 acres of land, resulting in a large profit. Vadra has denied the allegations, calling the investigation a politically motivated "witch hunt."
South Korea's Top Court Clears Samsung Chairman in Merger Fraud Case
South Korea's Supreme Court has upheld a not-guilty verdict for Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee, ending a nearly decade-long legal battle over a controversial 2015 corporate merger. Prosecutors had alleged the $8 billion merger between two Samsung affiliates involved stock manipulation and accounting fraud to cement Lee's control over the conglomerate. The final ruling removes significant legal uncertainty for Lee and Samsung, a development business groups welcomed as a stabilizing factor for the South Korean economy.
Nationwide Protests Planned in US Against Trump's Policies
A coalition of activist groups is organizing protests at over 1,600 locations across the United States on Thursday to oppose President Donald Trump's policies on mass deportations and cuts to healthcare programs. The national day of action, themed "Good Trouble Lives On," honors the legacy of late civil rights leader John Lewis. Major demonstrations are planned in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Oakland, marking the latest wave of public pushback against the administration's immigration enforcement tactics and social spending cuts.