India
PM Modi Begins Seychelles Visit, Set to Meet World’s Oldest Land Animal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a three-day official visit to Seychelles, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties. A unique highlight of his trip includes a scheduled meeting with Jonathan, the approximately 194-year-old Aldabra Giant tortoise, recognised as the world’s oldest living land animal. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in maritime security, climate action, and economic partnerships.
India
Blockbuster Tamil Nadu bypoll? Buzz around Stalin’s Trichy East candidacy grows
Speculation is mounting that DMK chief MK Stalin might contest the Trichy East by-election, a seat vacated by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. This potential move could set the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle, drawing significant statewide attention and serving as a crucial political test.
India
21,310 Cups of Tea, 13,390 Meals: Rajkot Demolition Drive’s Rs 46 Lakh Bill Sparks Row
A major demolition drive by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has ignited a political storm over an alleged Rs 46 lakh expenditure on refreshments and services. Details reveal thousands of cups of tea and meals were provided to personnel, prompting the Standing Committee to halt approval for a significant portion of the bill. Opposition parties are now demanding a thorough investigation into the unusually high costs.
India
High Court Calls Online Child Exploitation ‘Most Serious Crime,’ Backs Instagram Ban
The Bombay High Court has upheld Meta’s permanent suspension of an Instagram account for sending nude content to a minor. Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode termed online child sexual exploitation a "most serious crime," affirming social media platforms’ zero-tolerance policies are essential to protect children and prevent misuse.
India
Indian Passport Fees Rise from July 1: New Normal Passport at ₹2,500, Tatkaal at ₹5,000
The Indian government has announced a significant increase in passport fees, effective July 1, 2026. This marks the first revision in nearly 14 years, with a standard 36-page normal passport now costing ₹2,500 and Tatkaal applications rising to ₹5,000. The Ministry of External Affairs notified the new rates, impacting millions of applicants nationwide.
India
Why Khamenei funeral invite for PM Modi puts India in a delicate spot
Iran’s invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s state funeral presents India with a complex diplomatic challenge. New Delhi must carefully navigate its response, balancing long-standing ties with Tehran against crucial strategic relationships with the US, Israel, and key Gulf nations. The decision on India’s representation will be closely watched globally.
India
Passport is a Travel Document, Not Citizenship Proof, Clarifies Government
The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that an Indian passport serves primarily as a travel document and does not establish citizenship, sparking debate on what constitutes definitive proof of Indian nationality. This clarification comes amidst ongoing discussions about identity documents in the country.
India
Not Mentally Prepared for Marriage: New Motive Emerges in Pune Murder Case
Investigators in the Ketan Agrawal murder case now suspect his fiancée, Siya Goyal, was unwilling to marry him and faced family pressure, leading to his alleged murder at Lohagad Fort. This new motive, coupled with an alleged relationship with Chetan Chaudhary, forms a central focus of the ongoing police probe.
India
Daughter, Grandson Kill Woman for Asking Them to Stop Drinking in Bengaluru
A 70-year-old woman in Bengaluru was brutally murdered by her daughter and grandson after she objected to their persistent alcohol consumption. The shocking incident, which involved an attack with a cricket bat and sticks, highlights the severe consequences of domestic disputes fueled by addiction. Police have arrested the mother-son duo and are investigating the tragic case.
India
Telugu Actors Rajendra Prasad, Murali Mohan Honored with Padma Shri Awards
Veteran Telugu actors Rajendra Prasad and Murali Mohan recently received the prestigious Padma Shri awards from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This national recognition celebrates their extensive contributions to the Indian film industry, particularly Telugu cinema, spanning decades of acting, production, and industry leadership. The honor underscores their significant impact on arts and culture.