ED Raids 11 Locations in Probe of 'Donkey Route' Human Trafficking
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 11 locations across Punjab and Haryana in a money-laundering investigation linked to the "Donkey Route" human trafficking case. The probe stems from police FIRs against agents who allegedly charged individuals ₹45-50 lakh for promised legal travel to the US but instead sent them via dangerous, illegal routes. The raids targeted suspects identified through the statements of victims who were deported from the US, as authorities crack down on these illicit networks.
India and Brazil Deepen Ties in Defence, Energy, and Trade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Brazil, holding talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to strengthen bilateral relations. The leaders focused on diversifying trade and expanding cooperation in key areas including clean energy, defence, agriculture, space, and AI. During the visit, PM Modi was awarded Brazil's highest civilian honor, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross. The visit, part of a five-nation tour, aims to bolster India's strategic partnerships.
Court Extends Judicial Custody of 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana
A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, until August 13. Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national and associate of conspirator David Coleman Headley, was extradited from the US to face trial in India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary charge sheet against him, alleging he assisted Headley in scouting targets for the attacks that killed 166 people. The investigation continues to probe his role in the conspiracy.
China Imposes Export Ban on Taiwan's Defence-Linked Companies
China has escalated tensions by imposing an immediate export ban on eight Taiwanese companies, including major aerospace and shipbuilding firms, linked to the island's military. Citing national security, Beijing's Commerce Ministry has prohibited the export of "dual-use" items—goods with both civilian and military applications—to these firms. The move coincides with Taiwan beginning its largest-ever annual Han Kuang military drills, which simulate a defence against a potential Chinese invasion, further straining cross-strait relations.
Indian Air Force Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed in an agricultural field in Rajasthan's Churu district on Wednesday afternoon. The aircraft had taken off from the Suratgarh airbase. The crash occurred around 1:25 pm in Bhanoda village. Details regarding the pilot's condition and the cause of the crash were not immediately available. The incident highlights the operational risks associated with the aging Jaguar fleet, which the IAF has been using for several decades as a deep penetration strike aircraft.
Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Return to Patna After Bird Strike
An IndiGo flight with approximately 175 passengers on board returned to Patna shortly after takeoff on Wednesday due to a technical snag caused by a bird strike. The Delhi-bound flight, IGO5009, reported vibrations in one engine after the bird hit. A local standby was declared at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, and the aircraft landed safely at 9:03 am. All passengers and crew are safe, and the airline is arranging an alternative flight while the aircraft undergoes a thorough inspection.
Apple Appoints Indian-Origin Sabih Khan as Chief Operating Officer
Apple has promoted Indian-origin executive Sabih Khan to the role of Chief Operating Officer as part of a planned succession. Khan, born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been with Apple for 30 years and currently serves as the senior vice president of operations, managing the company's global supply chain. He will take over from Jeff Williams, who is set to retire later this year. The appointment places Khan, an alumnus of Tufts University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in a key leadership position.
US Nears India Trade Deal While Imposing New Tariffs on 14 Nations
U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs, some as high as 40%, on 14 countries including Japan, South Korea, and Bangladesh, effective August 1. While imposing these measures to correct what he calls unsustainable trade deficits, Trump stated that the U.S. is "close to making a deal with India." He also repeated claims that he had previously averted a major conflict between India and Pakistan through trade leverage, a statement New Delhi has not corroborated.
Trump Reverses Stance, Says US Must Send More Weapons to Ukraine
In an apparent policy reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. must send more weapons to Ukraine so it can defend itself. This comes just days after his administration ordered a pause on deliveries of critical weapons, including air defense missiles and precision-guided artillery, citing concerns over depleting U.S. stockpiles. During a dinner with Israel's Prime Minister, Trump also expressed his growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the protracted conflict.
India Abstains from UN Vote on Afghanistan, Citing Need for Nuanced Approach
India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan, arguing that a "business as usual" approach focused solely on punitive measures is unlikely to succeed. India's envoy stated that any policy must blend incentives for positive behavior with disincentives for harmful actions. New Delhi reiterated its call for coordinated efforts to ensure groups like LeT and JeM cannot use Afghan territory for terrorism, while highlighting its own significant humanitarian aid and development projects in the country.
Adani Power Acquires Vidarbha Industries, Boosting Capacity to 18,150 MW
Adani Power Ltd. has completed its acquisition of Vidarbha Industries Power Ltd. (VIPL), which operates a 600 MW coal-fired plant in Maharashtra. The acquisition, part of a corporate insolvency resolution process, increases Adani Power's total operating capacity to 18,150 MW. The company stated the move is a key step in its strategy to turn around stressed assets and support India's energy needs, with a goal of reaching over 30,000 MW in operational capacity by 2030.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
During a White House dinner, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Netanyahu presented Trump with the nomination letter, praising his leadership in forging peace, particularly highlighting the recent joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. The nomination comes as the two leaders discuss a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict, underscoring a period of intense diplomatic and military coordination.
Key Suspect in Patna Businessman's Murder Killed in Police Encounter
A key suspect in the high-profile murder of Patna industrialist Gopal Khemka has been killed in a gunfight with police. The accused, identified as Vikas Kumar alias Raja, was tracked down by a joint team of Bihar's Special Task Force and local police. Officials said Kumar opened fire when confronted, prompting retaliatory fire that resulted in his death. This development follows the earlier arrest of the main shooter, as police continue to investigate the contract killing that has intensified scrutiny of Bihar's law and order.
Two Students Killed as School Van Collides with Train in Tamil Nadu
Two school students, aged 12 and 16, were killed and four others were injured when their van collided with a passenger train at a manned level crossing in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The impact destroyed the vehicle. Southern Railway has suspended the gatekeeper for allegedly violating safety rules by opening the gate for the van driver, who reportedly insisted on crossing to reach the school early. The state government and railways have announced ex-gratia payments to the victims' families.
China Expands Visa-Free Entry to Over 70 Countries to Boost Tourism
In a major policy shift to revive its tourism sector, China has extended visa-free entry to citizens of 74 countries for stays of up to 30 days. The move, which now includes most of Europe, has significantly increased foreign visitor numbers, with travel agencies reporting a surge in bookings. While the policy aims to boost the economy and China's soft power, citizens from the U.S., UK, and Canada are not on the 30-day list but can enter for 10 days under a transit policy.