In Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur, three revenue officials and nine others were detained for questioning regarding the murder of journalist and RTI activist Raghvendra Bajpai. The investigation, which involves multiple teams, is exploring Bajpai’s reports on alleged irregularities as potential motives for the crime. His wife has demanded severe punishment for the perpetrators and financial aid from the state.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and IAF chief witnessed the handover of the first rear fuselage for the Tejas Mark-1A jet produced by the private sector to HAL, marking progress in India’s self-reliance in defense. Despite delays, HAL aims to meet additional delivery commitments for the IAF starting from 2025-26 through partnerships with private Indian companies.
Jharkhand police’s investigation into the killing of NTPC deputy general manager Kumar Gaurav has led to questioning over a dozen people. Officials are exploring the possibility that Gaurav was mistaken for another officer. Gaurav was shot dead in a suspected attack linked to the coal mining mafia, while he was on his way to work in Hazaribag.
In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India canceled the bail granted to two individuals involved in an impersonation case during a government job exam. The apex court emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in public administration and highlighted the impact of such acts on societal faith in the system. The trial court’s decision to deny bail was supported.
The Indian government condemned the vandalization of a Hindu temple by Khalistan separatists in California as despicable. They urged local law enforcement to take stringent action and ensure the security of places of worship. The incident, involving anti-Hindu messages, occurred ahead of the Khalistan referendum in Los Angeles, alarming the local Hindu community and prompting united resistance against hate.
India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy with a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Dubai. Key performances from captain Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav were crucial in this success. Congratulations poured in from President Draupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, celebrating the historic win.
Union minister Jitendra Singh condemned the killing of three family members in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district as a terrorist attack. Their bodies were discovered after an extensive search. Lt governor Manoj Sinha ordered an investigation, sparking protests in Billawer town. If confirmed, it would be the deadliest civilian strike in Jammu since 2024.
The Indian Ports Bill, 2025, proposes significant changes to the 118-year-old Indian Ports Act. It mandates all ports to report incidents threatening pollution and defines 23 violations as criminal offences, including non-payment of port fees, and safety violations. It also introduces significant penalties and requires data integration with central systems.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray raised concerns over the cleanliness of the Ganga river, questioning the water quality during the Maha Kumbh. Despite its sacred status, recent CPCB reports showed significant variability in Ganga’s water quality, with some locations unfit for bathing due to high levels of contamination.
A 24-year-old man, Asif Raza, was arrested for beheading his girlfriend after she pressured him to marry her. Police discovered the headless body near Jagannathpur village and linked Raza to the crime. He confessed, stating he was influenced by the Telugu film Salaar.