India

GST Turns 9: Record Rs 23.11 Lakh Crore Collected in FY 2025-26

India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) marked its ninth anniversary with record-breaking revenue figures. Total GST collections reached an all-time high of Rs 23.11 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26. The month of April 2026 alone set a new monthly record, bringing in Rs 2.42 lakh crore. The milestone reflects the tax regime's growing consolidation across sectors since its rollout in 2017. However, the system continues to face unresolved legal challenges and sectoral inconsistencies that remain works in progress.

Delhi Plans Signal-Free Corridors on 25 Major Roads to Ease Traffic

Delhi authorities are planning to eliminate red lights on 25 busy roads to enable uninterrupted vehicle movement across the city. The initiative focuses on redesigning road junctions rather than constructing additional flyovers. The approach aims to keep traffic flowing continuously through high-congestion corridors. By reworking intersections, officials hope to reduce bottlenecks and improve commute times for daily travellers.

Ram Temple Trust chief, 89, in ICU with urinary tract infection days before key meet

Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has been admitted to the ICU at a Lucknow hospital after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The 89-year-old was found unconscious and remains in critical condition. His hospitalisation comes just days ahead of a significant trust meeting scheduled for July 6. The meeting is expected to take up the resignations of two trustees against the backdrop of a controversy over missing donations.

Bengaluru daycare staff booked for allegedly abusing toddlers at IT campus

Five women employees at a daycare facility on an IT company campus in Bengaluru have been named in an FIR for allegedly abusing young children. Videos that surfaced online appear to show caregivers threatening and physically mistreating toddlers aged two to three years. The alleged abuse includes locking children in bathrooms and placing them inside a washing machine. Police have launched an investigation, questioning the accused and verifying the authenticity of the footage. Authorities are working to establish the full extent of the mistreatment.

Rs 35cr bribe to topple Vijay govt? TVK, DMK trade MLA poaching charges

US Navy Sinks Decommissioned USS Juneau in Pacific Weapons Exercise

The US Navy conducted a 'SinkEx' exercise off the Mariana Islands, deliberately sinking the decommissioned USS Juneau. The drill engaged air, surface, and submarine forces to test weapon systems and build real-world combat readiness. Rear Admiral Eric Anduze emphasized the exercise's role in integrating joint capabilities for high-end Pacific operations. Such exercises also validate the effectiveness of ordnance under realistic conditions. India's Navy similarly conducts comparable drills to test weapons and demonstrate operational preparedness.

Ishan Kishan displaces Abhishek Sharma at top of ICC T20I batting rankings

Ishan Kishan has risen to the number one position in the ICC T20I batting rankings, overtaking fellow Indian opener Abhishek Sharma. Sharma had held the top spot for approximately a year before being displaced. Kishan's strong recent form, particularly during the T20 World Cup, played a key role in his ascent. Both batsmen are currently part of the Indian squad preparing for the upcoming series against England.

Centre serves show cause notice to Delhi Gymkhana Club over unauthorised occupation

The Indian government has issued a show cause notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club as part of eviction proceedings against the prestigious establishment. The notice states that the Club's continued presence on the land constitutes unauthorised occupation under Section 2(g) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. The government resumed possession of the property citing public purpose as the basis for reclaiming the land. The President of India invoked powers under Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed, which permits the lessor to reclaim the property when required for a public purpose.

France Storm Into World Cup Last Eight With Dominant Attacking Display

France continued their impressive run at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, showcasing a powerful attacking performance on Day 20 of the tournament. Their consistent scoring form has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest attacking lineups in World Cup history. Meanwhile, Norway and striker Erling Haaland have also emerged as notable contenders in the competition. In another significant result, Mexico secured their fifth-ever World Cup victory, marking a milestone moment for the team.

Ashwin defends bench role for teen Sooryavanshi, calls it a learning experience

Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of the decision to keep 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in a support role rather than fast-tracking his international debut. Ashwin clarified his earlier remarks, stating that tasks like carrying drinks are not degrading but instead help young players understand team dynamics. Despite an impressive IPL campaign, Sooryavanshi's debut has been put on hold for now. Ashwin urged patience, suggesting the teenager has a bright career ahead and that a measured approach will benefit him in the long run.

UN Scientific Panel Flags Both Promise and Peril in Rapid AI Expansion

A United Nations independent scientific panel has released a report examining the global state of artificial intelligence adoption. The report finds that AI uptake has grown significantly but notes the progress has been uneven across different countries and industries. While the panel acknowledges enormous potential benefits the technology can offer, it also highlights substantial risks that accompany its spread. The findings reflect growing international concern over how AI development is being distributed and governed worldwide.

Centre rejects claim that India’s E20 fuel push is just an ‘experiment’

IPS officer arrested for seeking Rs 3 crore to ‘fix’ CBI fake drugs case

Kerala Opposition Walks Out Over Low Alcohol Beverage Tax Bill Debate

The Kerala state assembly witnessed an opposition walkout over a bill related to taxation on low alcohol beverages. Opposition members raised objections to the legislation, prompting them to leave the chamber in protest. Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan responded by defending the bill's passage, stating it had gone through proper deliberations in the Business Advisory Committee. He noted that the Leader of the Opposition had himself participated in those committee discussions. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition over the proposed tax measure.

AP EAPCET 2025 Results Out: 1.82 Lakh Qualify in Engineering Stream

JNTU Kakinada declared the AP EAPCET 2025 results on July 1, covering Engineering, Agriculture, and Pharmacy streams. Over 1.82 lakh candidates cleared the Engineering section, with girls recording a higher pass percentage than boys. More than 63,000 students secured ranks in the Agriculture and Pharmacy categories. Rank cards are now available for download on the official website. The results pave the way for upcoming counselling rounds that will determine college admissions across Andhra Pradesh.

Transponder Glitch Triggers False Hijack Alert on Tel Aviv-Bound Flight

A technical malfunction aboard a Tel Aviv-bound flight caused the aircraft to accidentally transmit Code 7500, the international hijacking distress signal. The false alarm prompted authorities to scramble fighter jets in response to the perceived threat. Bulgaria's Ministry confirmed the incident was the result of a transponder glitch and not an actual hijacking. The aircraft was safely diverted to Bulgaria, where the situation was brought under control without any harm to passengers or crew.

Anthropic blocks Chinese users from AI models amid distillation attack fears

US artificial intelligence company Anthropic has embedded advanced code in its AI models to prevent access by Chinese users, citing national security concerns. The company has identified and suspended accounts suspected of being operated by Chinese entities and is actively working to disrupt proxy networks used to bypass restrictions. The move follows allegations that Chinese tech giant Alibaba conducted a large-scale 'distillation attack' aimed at replicating Anthropic's advanced AI capabilities at a significantly lower cost. Such distillation techniques allow rivals to clone a model's performance by training on its outputs, rather than developing the technology independently.

Delhi Police Arrests Three in Digital Arrest Cyber Fraud Bust

Delhi Police has dismantled a cyber fraud network operating a so-called 'digital arrest' scam. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the racket. The scheme involved fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials to extort money from victims by falsely threatening them with digital arrest. Authorities have been increasingly targeting such cyber fraud operations as digital arrest scams have become a growing concern across India.

'Tree Collapse Beyond Human Control': Minister On Mumbai Schoolboy's Death

As Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat felt the heat of the questions, his responses appeared to be straying from his initial considered statements.

Mother and 18-Month-Old Baby Rescued 32 Hours After Venezuela Earthquake

A mother and her 18-month-old baby were pulled to safety roughly 32 hours after a devastating earthquake struck Venezuela. The mother, identified as Dayana, sustained injuries to both legs during the disaster, while her infant escaped with only minor injuries. Rescue teams located and freed the pair from the rubble well over a day after the seismic event. The successful rescue brought a moment of relief amid the broader humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake.