World
Trump Confuses India With Iran, Repeats Ceasefire Claim and Tariffs Stopped War
US President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to India as Iran while claiming that his tariffs helped stop a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Trump recounted threats of a nuclear conflict and said Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised his “peace efforts.” His comments drew attention for confusing two South Asian countries amid ongoing tensions, with India and Pakistan maintaining their own verified ceasefire agreements.
Entertainment
Deepika Padukone Becomes Voice of Meta AI, Announces With Video
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has become the brand ambassador and new voice of Meta’s AI initiatives, announcing her collaboration with a promotional video. The partnership aims to blend AI technology with creative expression, highlighting Meta’s push for inclusive AI tools and public engagement. Deepika’s involvement is expected to increase awareness and accessibility of AI technology among a broader audience in India.
India
Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Bill Banning Hindi Movie Hoardings Amid Language Row
Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a bill banning Hindi movie hoardings across the state, sparking debate over language politics. The decision, strongly supported by the DMK government led by MK Stalin, seeks to protect Tamil language prominence. Opposition parties criticized the move as divisive while supporters hailed it as a means to preserve linguistic identity amid growing concerns about Hindi imposition in southern states.
Finance
Sugar Industry Urges Government for Demand Push to Boost Ethanol Blending
India's sugar industry has appealed to the government to increase demand support measures to further boost ethanol blending targets. Industry bodies cited challenges in raw material sourcing and market dynamics but reinforced their commitment to aiding India’s renewable energy goals. Enhanced incentives and assured sourcing were recommended to accelerate ethanol production and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
India
SC Considers PIL For Switching To Lethal Injection Over Hanging For Death Row Convicts
The Supreme Court is examining a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking to replace the traditional hanging method of execution with lethal injection for death row convicts, citing concerns over human rights and methods’ humanity. The petition argues that lethal injection is a less painful and more dignified method. The court is studying legal, ethical, and procedural aspects before issuing directions.
World
India’s Russian Oil Imports Paid Partly In Yuan and Roubles, Mostly Through Global Banks
India has been paying for Russian oil imports partly in yuan and roubles rather than US dollars, with most transactions processed through international banks leveraging the global banking system (GLBS). This shift reflects changing geopolitical and economic alliances, balancing Western sanctions against Russia with India’s energy needs and currency diversification efforts amid global tensions.
Science & Tech
Apple Launches iPad Pro With Powerful M5 Chip, AI Boosts, Starting at ₹99,990 in India
Apple has released its latest iPad Pro featuring the all-new M5 chip, boasting a significant leap in AI performance with a 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine that accelerates applications like Adobe Illustrator and DaVinci Resolve. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models with Wi-Fi 7 and cellular support, the device offers up to 6.7 times faster 3D rendering and doubles memory bandwidth, aimed at creative professionals in India.
India
Indian Passport Falls Five Places in 2025 Henley Passport Index; Japan Tops Again
India’s passport slipped five places in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, now ranked 89th, as global mobility faces growing geopolitical challenges. Japan retains its top position, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. The dip reflects changes in visa policies worldwide and underscores the complexity of international travel post-pandemic, affecting Indian travelers’ ability to access certain countries without prior clearance.
Finance
Amazon Plans Major Layoffs, Up To 15 Percent of Its HR Staff Could Be Affected
Amazon is preparing a significant reduction in its human resources department, potentially affecting up to 15% of HR personnel as part of broader cost-cutting measures amid economic uncertainties. This restructuring aligns with other recent layoffs targeting various divisions to streamline operations and manage spending while continuing investments in core growth areas like cloud computing and logistics.
World
Afghans Display Pants of Pakistani Soldiers, Vow to Join Taliban Mujahideen
In a display of defiance amid ongoing hostilities, Afghan citizens showcased captured Pakistani soldiers’ pants as a symbol of resistance and pledged to join Taliban mujahideen fighters. The incident occurred in Islamabad as tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remain high, fueled by recent military clashes and geopolitical conflicts involving both nations’ armed factions and proxy engagements.