India

Parliament Monsoon Session Set for July 20, Key Bills Including Women's Quota on Agenda

India's Parliament monsoon session is scheduled to begin on July 20, with the government planning to push several significant pieces of legislation. The administration intends to reintroduce the women's reservation bill, which had previously failed to pass. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's pending ruling on defecting MPs could potentially strengthen the ruling alliance's position in the House. Discussions are also anticipated around modifying the bill to address objections raised by southern states. Additionally, a proposal for the automatic removal of political leaders facing serious criminal charges is expected to come up for debate.

Modi inaugurates HPCL Rajasthan Refinery, boosting India to 4th-largest refiner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery, marking a major expansion in India's domestic refining capacity. The development positions India as the fourth-largest refining nation in the world. Amid global energy disruptions, India has also ramped up domestic LPG production and diversified its crude oil supply sources. Strategic policy measures and diplomatic efforts helped protect Indian consumers from fuel shortages and price spikes. Modi highlighted that India is bucking the global trend by actively adding refining infrastructure rather than scaling back.

Carmakers back E20 fuel, flag minor mileage dip in older vehicles

Vehicle manufacturers have come out in support of the government's mandate requiring 20% ethanol blending in petrol, known as E20. Industry leaders confirmed that no engine damage has been reported since the policy's implementation. However, they acknowledged that older vehicles may experience a slight decline in fuel efficiency due to ethanol's lower calorific value compared to pure petrol. Overall, automakers say field experience with E20 has been positive. Separately, discussions are underway with the government on promoting flex-fuel vehicles as a longer-term solution.

India to mandate cybersecurity rules for advanced and connected vehicles from October

India's Ministry of Road Transport is set to introduce mandatory cybersecurity and software update regulations for modern vehicles. The new rules will take effect from October, initially applying to new vehicle models equipped with Level-3 automation or higher. Existing models and vehicles with over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities will be brought under the framework in subsequent phases. The move comes in response to rising cybersecurity threats targeting increasingly connected and automated cars. The regulations aim to protect vehicles from potential hijackings and cyberattacks, enhancing road safety across the country.

India designates 23 individuals as terrorists under anti-terror law

India has officially designated 23 individuals as terrorists, including 17 from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and 6 Indians. The designations target operatives linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that those named are involved in anti-India activities such as terror attacks, recruitment, and reconnaissance for future strikes. Several of the designated individuals are connected to major attacks, including the Pathankot assault and the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. The move signals the government's continued hardline approach toward cross-border and domestic terrorism.

Congress accuses BJP of splitting opposition parties ahead of monsoon session

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP is actively working to split opposition parties in the lead-up to the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Ramesh claimed the ruling party's ultimate goal is to amend India's Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses. He argued that the BJP will fall short of this threshold, pointing to the failure of its '400 Paar' campaign target in the recent general elections. The Congress leader also anticipated that contentious legislation such as delimitation and 'One Nation, One Election' bills could be tabled during the session.

Jets, Dolphins Emerge as Top Trade Destinations for Browns QB Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has become a frequent subject of NFL trade speculation following his impressive performance last season. Reports suggest the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins are the leading candidates to acquire the rookie. Sanders, who carries a $4 million contract, has drawn significant attention ahead of the upcoming season. The ongoing rumors have created uncertainty around his future with the Browns.

Rajnath Singh credits Operation Sindoor for boosting India's homegrown defence platforms

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's 12-year transformation from defence shortages to self-reliance, linking recent progress to the vision of a developed India. He pointed to the success of the Make-in-India initiative in the defence sector, noting a sharp rise in domestic production and record-high exports. Singh also acknowledged the media's role in supporting national security objectives. He cited the abrogation of Article 370 and the campaign against Naxalism as significant milestones in strengthening India's internal and global standing.

Mamata Banerjee retakes TMC state chief role amid defections, blames BJP

Mamata Banerjee has formally reassumed charge as the Trinamool Congress state president following a wave of desertions that triggered an organisational crisis within the party. She accused the BJP of orchestrating the defections through intimidation and coercion. Banerjee declared her Kolkata residence as the party's permanent office, emphasising that TMC's strength lies in its supporters rather than symbols or buildings. She issued a stern warning to rebels, stating that those aligning with the BJP cannot simultaneously claim TMC membership. Banerjee also pledged to resist what she described as political persecution targeting her party.

Amarnath Yatra: 4,800 pilgrims depart in third batch after 12,000 visit on day one

The Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage is underway with thousands of devotees making their way to the sacred cave shrine in Jammu & Kashmir. On Saturday, a third batch of 4,812 pilgrims set off from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu. The pilgrimage had a strong start, with more than 12,000 devotees offering prayers on the opening day. Authorities have made advance registration mandatory for all pilgrims wishing to undertake the yatra. Helicopter services remain suspended along the route following a no-fly zone declaration in the area.

Butker reportedly excluded from Kelce-Swift wedding over controversial 2024 remarks

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker sparked widespread controversy in 2024 after making remarks about women's roles and other social issues. While quarterback Patrick Mahomes distanced himself from the views, tight end Travis Kelce defended Butker as a teammate without endorsing his opinions. A viral rumor now claims Butker was not invited to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's upcoming wedding. Most other Chiefs players are said to have received invitations from Kelce. The reported snub is being linked to the lingering fallout from Butker's divisive public comments.

AAI Cancels Srinagar Airport Closure Plans, Omar Abdullah Welcomes Decision

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has withdrawn its plans to shut down Srinagar airport, which had included Monday-Tuesday closures and a full shutdown from October 1–16. The closures were originally proposed by the Indian Air Force to carry out runway repair work. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked the central government for its swift intervention in reversing the decision. Abdullah emphasized that uninterrupted air connectivity is critical for the region's tourism sector and overall economy. The move is seen as particularly significant given that the cancellations coincide with the peak holiday season.

PoK Man Who Crossed LoC to Meet Girlfriend Acquitted, Sent Back Home

Zeeshan Mir, a young man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, crossed the Line of Control into the Kashmir Valley to meet a woman he loved, Iram Bano. He was detained by authorities following the border crossing but was later acquitted by a court in Uri. The court concluded that Mir's act was driven by personal and romantic intent rather than any infiltration motive. The two families, who share cross-border ties, arranged a brief meeting between the couple before Mir was handed back. Both families have expressed hope that the two may eventually be united.

Narendra Modi greets Donald Trump, people of US on 250th anniversary of independence

J&K suspends 8 officials over school library books using separatist terminology

A controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir after books in government school libraries were found describing the region as 'India-occupied Kashmir' and referring to a banned separatist leader as 'Shaheed.' The BJP responded by demanding the resignation of the education minister over the inflammatory content. Authorities have suspended eight officials and blacklisted the publishers responsible for the books. A high-level inquiry has been launched to investigate how the material entered school libraries. The incident has reignited broader debates over narratives and educational content in the region.

Pakistan Deputy PM's Relative Named in Gang-Rape Case Amid Crypto Angle

A gang-rape case in Pakistan has drawn attention due to its alleged connection to Raza Dar, a relative of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Raza Dar is listed among the accused in the case. The case has gained additional notoriety due to a cryptocurrency-related dimension linked to the alleged crime. The involvement of a senior government official's family member has intensified public and media scrutiny of the case.

J&K: Gunshots heard during search operation in Shopian

India Lifts Emergency Natural Gas Supply Restrictions Amid Easing Middle East Tensions

The Indian government has lifted restrictions on natural gas supplies that were imposed earlier as an emergency measure. The curbs had been introduced in March to redirect gas from non-priority sectors toward essential users. The decision to ease these measures comes as tensions in the Middle East have shown signs of de-escalation. The normalization of gas distribution suggests that supply pressures which prompted the emergency intervention have sufficiently subsided.

SGPC Bans Bhagwant Mann Photo IDs at Golden Temple Amid Controversy

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has directed devotees to remove identity cards bearing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's photo at the Golden Temple. The move comes amid a growing controversy surrounding a viral video involving the chief minister. The SGPC, which manages Sikh shrines, has also called a Panthic congregation to address the matter. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Sunday.

US Charitable Giving Hits Record $617bn as Musk Questions Philanthropy's Impact

US charitable donations reached a record $617.2 billion in 2025, according to the Giving USA 2026 report, with bequests and foundation contributions showing notable growth. Elon Musk, speaking on a podcast, raised doubts about the effectiveness of large-scale philanthropy, arguing it is difficult to ensure donated funds genuinely help people rather than merely project an image of goodness. Musk also renewed his criticism of billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, describing her donation strategy as harmful. The comments come amid a broader national conversation about how charitable wealth is directed and whether it achieves meaningful impact.