Chief Minister pushes for Telugu as second language in Singapore schools to boost diaspora ties and economy
The Chief Minister of an Indian state urged the Singapore government to include Telugu as a second language in Singapore schools, highlighting the presence of a significant Telugu-origin diaspora in the city-state. He inaugurated a club aimed at leveraging the expertise of Telugu-origin multinational executives and announced plans to establish a global export-import cell to promote entrepreneurship among the state's non-resident community worldwide. The initiative seeks to enhance economic ties and increase remittances from the diaspora, which currently contribute substantially to the state's economy. Additionally, a public-private partnership program was discussed to mentor underprivileged individuals. The event was attended by entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from various countries and organized by a non-resident Telugu society.

1995 Terrorist Siege Destroys Historic Shrine, Displaces Residents, and Halts Mosque Repairs Under Section 144
A 1995 siege at a historic shrine resulted in its destruction by fire set by terrorists during a security operation, causing extensive damage to the town and displacement of residents. The siege lasted 66 days, with terrorists refusing safe passage offers and committing violent acts against civilians. Despite the tragedy, the local community's faith in the shrine's spiritual significance remains strong. Reconstruction efforts have been slow, with many destroyed homes never fully rehabilitated and mosque repairs halted due to structural concerns. Residents have raised concerns about the quality of mosque construction and requested an official inquiry. Security officials noted that the shrine was a target for terrorists aiming to undermine regional religious traditions. The incident continues to affect the town's social and physical landscape decades later.

Former Insurgents Turn to Fish Farming Under National Fisheries Scheme, Boosting Local Jobs and Economy
Former members of a left-wing insurgent group in Jharkhand's Gumla district have transitioned from armed conflict to fish farming, supported by a government aquaculture initiative. The transformation, highlighted by government officials, involved training and financial assistance under a national fisheries scheme, enabling over 150 families to engage in fish farming. Key individuals abandoned insurgency to establish profitable fish-related enterprises, including fish farming and feed production, contributing to local employment and economic development. This shift has contributed to the removal of Gumla district from the official list of insurgency-affected areas, reflecting a significant reduction in extremist activity and the successful rehabilitation of former insurgents through sustainable livelihood programs.

New State Capital Region Development Authority to Oversee Urban Planning, Land Use, and Infrastructure Growth
The state government has enacted legislation to establish a State Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) to oversee the integrated development of urban clusters including the capital city and surrounding areas. The CRDA will function similarly to other metropolitan planning bodies, with the chief minister as chairperson and representation from key ministers, government officials, legislators, and local authorities. It will regulate land use, coordinate urban planning, and promote sustainable infrastructure and economic growth. Funding provisions include initial budget allocations for office setup, project reports, and feasibility studies for transit projects. The CRDA will have authority to impose special infrastructure cesses, prepare annual budgets, and submit progress reports to the government. The initiative aims to manage expected population growth, improve public services, and foster planned urbanization within the region.

State-Owned Green Energy Firm Partners with Power Entity to Develop Renewable and Battery Storage Projects Under MoU
A state-owned green energy company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with a state power generation entity to develop renewable energy and battery energy storage projects in the state. The agreement focuses on decarbonization and energy transition efforts within the region. The collaboration aims to expand the green energy company's portfolio and support its target of achieving 60 gigawatts of capacity by fiscal year 2032. The MoU was signed by representatives of both parties in the presence of the state's energy minister and senior government officials.

Supreme Court to Hear Challenges Against Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls Under Election Laws
The Supreme Court will hear challenges to the Election Commission's decision to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls, aimed at removing ineligible voters. Petitioners, including political leaders and civil society groups, argue the SIR risks disenfranchising large numbers of voters due to alleged irregularities such as forged signatures, mass-uploaded forms without voter consent, and exclusion of commonly accepted documents like Aadhaar and ration cards. The Election Commission maintains the exercise ensures electoral integrity by verifying voter eligibility under constitutional and statutory provisions. Petitioners contend the SIR violates due process and constitutional rights, potentially undermining free and fair elections. The court will consider these competing claims on July 28.

Chief Minister's Five-Day Visit to Singapore to Boost Investment, Jobs, and Diaspora Engagement
A state chief minister embarked on a five-day official visit to Singapore to attract investments and strengthen ties with the diaspora. The itinerary includes meetings with diplomatic officials, business leaders, and government ministers, focusing on creating global employment opportunities, poverty eradication initiatives, and expanding the diaspora's role in the state's development. The delegation plans to engage in discussions on sustainable urban planning, port infrastructure, IT, fintech, and industrial logistics. Strategic talks aim to enhance exports and skill development programs. The visit also involves tours of key infrastructure and logistics hubs. The overall objective is to establish global partnerships across multiple sectors to promote inclusive growth in the state.

Women Entrepreneurs Boost Local Economy and Culture Through Sustainable Homestay Ventures
Women entrepreneurs in Arunachal Pradesh are increasingly establishing homestays that serve as sources of economic empowerment and cultural preservation. These ventures provide sustainable income alternatives to government jobs, promoting local traditions and tourism. Homestays offer immersive cultural experiences, including traditional cuisine and participation in festivals, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The state government supports this growth through policies offering incentives and partnerships with major booking platforms to enhance visibility. Community-based models emphasize sustainability and mindful tourism to protect local lifestyles. This development encourages youth to remain in their villages, fostering cultural pride and economic self-reliance while promoting responsible tourism aligned with environmental and cultural values.

India's Economy to Grow Over 6.5% with Inflation Near 2%, RBI Eyes Rate Cuts and Trade Balance
A member of the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee stated that the Indian economy is expected to grow over 6.5% in the current and next fiscal years, driven primarily by domestic consumption and investment. Inflation is currently around 2%, within the RBI's target range, though further rate cuts will depend on broader macroeconomic trends. Regarding the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States, India is cautious about opening sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy, seeking to protect domestic interests while gaining access to US markets for labor-intensive goods. India also aims to remove additional US tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos and reserves the right to impose retaliatory duties under WTO rules. Foreign direct investment inflows have increased despite net outflows due to repatriation, with a positive outlook for continued growth in FDI attracted by India's robust economic performance.

Neighboring Countries Agree to Ceasefire Talks Amid Ongoing Border Clashes and Humanitarian Concerns
Two neighboring countries agreed to pursue ceasefire negotiations following mediation by a third-party leader, after several days of deadly border clashes resulting in numerous casualties and mass displacement. Despite the agreement to negotiate, hostilities continued with both sides accusing each other of initiating attacks and violating humanitarian principles. Diplomatic efforts included coordination between foreign ministers and involvement of international actors urging peaceful resolution. The conflict has led to the closure of border crossings and evacuation of civilians, with reports of artillery and rocket attacks on civilian areas and culturally significant sites. Human rights organizations condemned the use of banned weapons and called for protection of civilians. The longstanding territorial dispute has escalated recently, exacerbating regional tensions and prompting calls for mediation by a regional organization and the United Nations Security Council.

Indian Subsidiary Plans Rs 80 Crore IPO to Fund Robotic Manufacturing Unit and Boost Production Capacity
An Indian subsidiary of a Swiss automated parking solutions company plans to raise Rs 80 crore through an initial public offering to fund the establishment of a robotic manufacturing unit in West Bengal. The fresh equity issue will dilute existing promoter holdings by approximately 6.25%, increasing public shareholding to about 25-26%. The funds will be allocated equally between setting up the manufacturing facility and debt reduction plus working capital enhancement. The new plant aims to support production for over 10,000 automated car parks annually and create more than 100 jobs. The company's equity is currently evenly split among two Indian promoters, the Swiss parent company, and private equity funds. The IPO is intended to enhance self-reliance in robot manufacturing and unlock company value, with regulatory filings expected shortly. The company has an order book of Rs 1,000 crore and has begun exporting to the US and Dubai.

Neighboring countries start ceasefire talks after former U.S. president's intervention amid border clashes and tariff talks
Two neighboring countries agreed to initiate ceasefire talks following intervention by a former U.S. president, despite ongoing border clashes. Concurrently, the former president held discussions with a senior European official amid an impending tariff deadline. Additional reports address political developments and conflicts in various regions, including South Asia, Eastern Europe, and West Asia.

Foreign Luxury Brand Faces Design Infringement Claims on GI-Protected Traditional Footwear Craft
A traditional footwear craft protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been subject to alleged infringement by a foreign luxury brand accused of design appropriation. The relevant state governments secured the GI status under international trade agreements to reserve production rights for designated artisan districts, defining strict manufacturing criteria. To combat counterfeiting and reinforce authenticity, the state-run development corporation introduced QR-coded certification linking each product to its artisan and compliance details. The corporation also provides training, market access, and economic support to artisans, aiming to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen the craft's market position domestically and internationally. The foreign brand acknowledged inspiration from the traditional design but clarified their product remains in the design phase and is not yet commercialized. This initiative underscores efforts to protect indigenous intellectual property rights and support artisan communities through legal and technological measures.

US President delays 30% EU tariff deadline amid trade talks and links agreements to regional peace efforts
The U.S. President met with a senior European official in Scotland to negotiate trade tariffs ahead of a looming deadline to impose a 30% tariff on the European Union. Despite previous indications of a potential deal, the tariff deadline has been postponed, and the likelihood of an agreement remains uncertain. The discussions occurred privately, with the U.S. seeking to reduce the proposed tariff rate. Concurrently, the President engaged in diplomatic efforts to address conflicts between two Southeast Asian nations, linking trade agreements to regional peace. Additionally, the President planned meetings with the British Prime Minister to finalize a trade framework. The EU warned of retaliatory tariffs on numerous American goods if the U.S. enforces the threatened tariffs, which could increase costs on various European products in the U.S. market.

State urges central govt to release Rs 2,100 crore under Samagra Shiksha without PM SHRI agreement
The state government requested the central government to release over Rs 2,100 crore in pending funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for 2024-25 and the first installment of 2025-26 without requiring the state to sign the PM SHRI agreement. The state reaffirmed its commitment to a two-language education policy, opposing the three-language formula of the National Education Policy 2020. Additional demands included approval for metro rail projects in two cities on a 50:50 funding basis, expansion of suburban rail services, and a permanent resolution to the recurring arrests of state fishermen by a neighboring country, including the release of detained fishermen and boats. The memorandum containing these requests was submitted to the Prime Minister during his visit to the state.

Village Festival Marks 1,000 Years of Historic King's Maritime Expedition and Temple Construction Celebration
A village in Tamil Nadu is hosting a festival to mark the 1,000th anniversary of a historic king's maritime expedition and the start of construction of a notable temple. The event, presided over by the Prime Minister, includes religious recitations, a musical concert, and cultural exhibitions curated by the Archaeological Survey of India. Local authorities have implemented security measures for the celebrations, which are attended by various government officials. The festival highlights the region's architectural and cultural heritage through guided tours and special exhibitions.

State-Owned Corp to Pilot Mobile Crop Processing Units Extending Shelf Life by 12-18 Months
A state-owned agricultural corporation plans to introduce mobile processing units to assist farmers in managing surplus crop production by extending shelf life by 12-18 months. The units will process various crops through washing, peeling, drying, chopping, slicing, and liquefaction, allowing farmers to avoid losses caused by market oversupply and perishable goods. Two machines will be deployed on a pilot basis in two districts, each capable of processing 150-200 tonnes daily and customizable to regional crops. The initiative aims to reduce transportation costs and enable farmers to sell processed products at better prices. A startup will supply the units, each costing approximately Rs 1.5 crore. Following the pilot, the corporation intends to propose wider procurement to district administrations to support local farmers.

Deadly Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Cause Displacement and Draw International Calls for Ceasefire
Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in deadly border clashes resulting in over 30 deaths and mass displacement. Both governments accuse each other of initiating hostilities, with artillery and small arms fire reported near border villages. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated, including ambassador recalls and border closures. International actors, including the UN Security Council and ASEAN, have urged ceasefire and peaceful negotiations, with mediation efforts underway. The use of cluster munitions by Thai forces, though not party to the relevant convention, has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations due to civilian harm. Both sides claim adherence to international law while accusing the other of aggression and using civilians as shields. The conflict exacerbates regional instability, prompting calls for restraint and a negotiated resolution to prevent further humanitarian and legal violations.