India

Parliament Panel Urges Faster Hiring at CERT-In Amid Rising Cyber Threats

A parliamentary committee has urged the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to speed up recruitment amid growing cybersecurity concerns. The finance ministry has already approved additional posts for CERT-In, but the hiring process is still ongoing. The IndiaAI Mission's fellowship program also faced early challenges in attracting eligible candidates, prompting MeitY to launch outreach and promotional efforts to boost applications. Meanwhile, the ministry is finalising recruitment guidelines for several scientific positions before issuing formal job advertisements.

15 Indian Seafarers Killed in West Asia and Black Sea Conflicts: Regulator

Fifteen Indian seafarers have lost their lives and two remain missing amid escalating geopolitical conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. Drone and missile strikes have become increasingly frequent in the Black Sea, posing serious risks to maritime personnel. Renewed piracy off the Somali coast and threats from Houthi militants have further compounded dangers for seafarers in the area. India's maritime regulator has acknowledged the growing threat and is stepping up safety protocols and monitoring of seafarers' welfare.

Benjamin Netanyahu calls PM Narendra Modi, discusses West Asia crisis, India-Israel ties

Wangchuk accuses Rahul Gandhi of ignoring fast, slams leaders for apathy

Activist Sonam Wangchuk expressed disappointment with political leaders after concluding his hunger strike. His wife Gitanjali reached out to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for support, but received no positive response. Wangchuk also alleged that Union ministers failed to honour a commitment related to the release of certain photographs. He criticised leaders for arriving late to his protest and displaying a narrow-minded approach. In contrast, he commended the apolitical CJP organisation for its fair and principled advocacy on his behalf.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas to Star Opposite Russell Crowe in Sci-Fi Thriller Bluefly

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has announced her latest Hollywood project, a sci-fi action thriller titled 'Bluefly'. The film will see her co-starring alongside acclaimed actor Russell Crowe. The story centers on a mission deep into the Congo to retrieve a mysterious downed aircraft. The project represents another major international role for the Indian actress. Production and release details are yet to be confirmed.

Three rebel TMC MPs to meet PM Modi for breakfast along with other NDA allies

Three dissenting Trinamool Congress MPs are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi over breakfast on Friday morning. The lawmakers had previously held discussions with Union Minister Amit Shah regarding key concerns. Despite their outreach to the ruling alliance, the rebel MPs notably skipped two NDA meetings. Representatives from the NCPI and Shiv Sena MPs are also expected to attend the breakfast meeting with the Prime Minister.

Supreme Court Monitors Mediation in Sunjay Kapur Family Dispute

A high-profile family dispute involving Sunjay Kapur is being resolved through court-mandated mediation overseen by former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The Supreme Court has expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far in the proceedings. Six mediation sessions have already been conducted, with all parties agreeing to continue the dialogue. The discussions are aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement concerning trust-related claims. Mediation is scheduled to continue until November 2.

5.7 lakh people fined Rs 5.1 cr for public smoking in India in 2025-26

More than 570,000 people across India were penalised for smoking in public places during 2025-26, with total fines surpassing Rs 51 million under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Karnataka emerged as the top enforcer, recording the highest number of fines in the country. However, several states reported zero violations or penalties during the same period, pointing to uneven implementation. Since enforcement responsibility rests with state governments, compliance levels vary significantly across the country. The data underscores the inconsistent application of India's public smoking ban nationwide.

US content creator Sydney Towle dies at 26 after documenting rare cancer battle

American content creator Sydney Towle passed away at the age of 26 after a prolonged battle with a rare form of cancer. She had gained a large following by openly sharing her cancer journey online, inspiring millions of people. Following her death, a clip from a 2025 podcast interview she had given resurfaced and widely circulated on social media. Many viewers described the video as a testament to the legacy she leaves behind. Her brother Austin Towle has since spoken publicly about her final days.

Trump Says US-Iran Conflict Could End Soon as Diplomacy Continues

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the ongoing conflict with Iran will reach a resolution in the near future, stating that Tehran cannot sustain the pressure. Trump indicated optimism regarding negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. The United States maintains a firm stance against Iran developing nuclear weapons. In response, Iran's defence minister stated that the country's military remains on alert against any potential threats. Iran's parliament speaker also weighed in, signalling that tensions between the two nations remain high.

Supreme Court upholds CISF officer's compulsory retirement, calls it non-punitive

The Supreme Court has ruled that compulsory retirement does not constitute a punishment, but is a measure to maintain efficiency and discipline within the force. The court dismissed a petition filed by a CISF officer who challenged his removal following a significant decline in his performance ratings. The officer's appraisal had slipped from 'Good' to 'Average', prompting the retirement order. The court stressed that personnel serving in disciplined forces must consistently maintain high performance standards.

Govt tells Supreme Court it opposes creamy layer exclusion for SC/ST quotas

The Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that it does not support applying the creamy layer principle to SC and ST reservation benefits. The government argued that the disadvantages faced by these communities go beyond economic factors and are rooted in historical discrimination. Reservations, it maintained, exist to correct historical injustices and ensure equal opportunities for marginalized groups. While the Supreme Court has allowed states to sub-classify castes within SC categories, only Parliament has the authority to modify the official SC and ST lists.

Modi and Netanyahu Discuss Bilateral Ties Amid West Asia Tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call to review the state of their bilateral relationship. The two leaders assessed progress in their strategic partnership and ongoing engagements between India and Israel. They also discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, a region currently under significant global attention. The call comes as Israel faces growing international scrutiny over its military operations in the region. The conversation underscores both nations' commitment to strengthening cooperation and deepening diplomatic ties.

Foreign Donations to NGOs Rise Even as FCRA Rules Tighten

Foreign contributions to Indian NGOs have increased despite stricter regulations under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. However, the number of FCRA-registered NGOs has dropped sharply, falling to just 14,500 from several lakh previously. The government has defended the regulatory amendments, stating they target specific foreign-funded channels rather than civil society as a whole. Authorities maintain that the changes are intended to improve oversight and accountability without broadly restricting nonprofit activity.

Opposition raises minority concerns over FCRA bill in cross-party discussions

Rahul Gandhi briefed opposition parties on key legislative matters, including discussions around the delimitation bill. The opposition reiterated its position on women's reservation within the existing Lok Sabha strength. Concerns were raised during the meeting about the FCRA bill's potential adverse impact on minority communities. Some members flagged the possibility of the government removing retrospective effect clauses from the legislation. Opposition parties indicated that smooth parliamentary functioning would depend on the government addressing concerns related to protests and donations.

Amit Shah assures FCRA amendments will not be retrospective, Mizoram CM confirms

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday to discuss proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. Shah assured the Chief Minister that the changes would not apply retrospectively. Church representatives were also present at the meeting, urging that safeguards for the FCRA be incorporated into any revisions. A parliamentary debate on the proposed bill is scheduled for August 12, which is expected to provide further clarity on the legislative direction.

US to Impose Tariffs on Polysilicon Imports After Year-Long Federal Probe

The United States is set to impose tariffs on polysilicon imports following a year-long investigation by the Commerce Department. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described polysilicon as a foundational material used in the production of chips. The probe examined the role of these imports in the broader semiconductor supply chain. The tariff decision marks a significant step in US efforts to regulate critical materials tied to chip manufacturing.

Supreme Court closes Bofors case, upholds Delhi HC relief to Hinduja brothers

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal challenging the Delhi High Court's 2005 ruling that had quashed criminal proceedings against the Hinduja brothers in the Bofors payoff case. The appeal was filed by advocate Ajay K Agrawal, who sought to contest the high court's earlier decision. The Supreme Court declined to grant additional time for arguments, bringing the long-running legal dispute to a definitive end. The dismissal effectively closes the final chapter of the Bofors case against the Hinduja brothers.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Restrict Birthright Citizenship for Birth Tourists

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at limiting birthright citizenship in the United States. The order specifically targets children born to mothers who travel to the US solely for the purpose of giving birth. Under the directive, such children would no longer automatically receive American citizenship by birth. This marks another effort by the Trump administration to tighten rules around birthright citizenship, which is currently guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

Rajnath Singh lauds Territorial Army's role in India's Viksit Bharat mission

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has praised the Territorial Army for its significant contributions toward India's Viksit Bharat vision. The force operates on a citizen-soldier model, playing a key role in border protection and maintaining internal security. Territorial Army personnel also serve as surge capacity support and act as a vital link between the military and civilian society. They are among the first responders during natural disasters and actively contribute to environmental conservation. The Army's ecological task forces have planted ten crore saplings, aligning with the country's broader climate objectives.