India
Earthquakes Hit Venezuela, But Tremors Could Be Felt 14,000 km Away In India
Powerful earthquakes in Venezuela have sparked concerns over India’s vital oil imports and investments in the South American nation. The seismic events threaten to disrupt shipping, increase costs, and complicate India’s energy diversification strategy, highlighting new vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
India
India’s Kalpakkam Reactor Pioneers Hydrogen Production Using Direct Nuclear Heat
India has inaugurated the world’s first facility at Kalpakkam that produces hydrogen directly from nuclear reactor heat, bypassing electricity. This groundbreaking achievement, utilizing the copper-chlorine thermochemical cycle, marks a significant leap in clean energy. It offers a continuous, efficient method for generating green hydrogen, crucial for decarbonizing heavy industries and advancing India’s sustainable energy goals.
India
Muslim Man Devices Muharram Poisoning Plot, Cops Seize 14,900 Rat Poison Capsules From Him
Mumbai Police have detained a Pune businessman, Faiyaz Premji, after allegedly foiling a plot to poison participants in a Muharram procession. Authorities seized nearly 15,000 capsules filled with zinc phosphide, a potent rat poison. The investigation is now probing the suspect’s extensive international travel and potential wider connections.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra’s 18 Lakh Farmers Win Prestigious Food Planet Prize, Model Replicated Globally
Andhra Pradesh’s community-managed natural farming program, involving 18 lakh farmers, has won the 2026 Food Planet Prize, often called the "Oscars of farming." This women-led, agroecology model is gaining international recognition and is now being adopted by 22 Indian states and countries like Sri Lanka and Zambia, highlighting its global impact on sustainable agriculture.
India
UP Student Faces Rs 21 Crore Income Tax Notice Amid PAN Card Misuse Mystery
An undergraduate student from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, has been summoned by the Income Tax Department over alleged transactions worth nearly Rs 21 crore. The student claims her PAN and Aadhaar cards were fraudulently used by a Delhi-based firm without her knowledge, sparking a police investigation into identity theft.
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.