July 14, 2025
State's GDP hits Rs 9.6 lakh crore with 80% growth since 2020-21, targets 10% national share by 2026
A state's chief minister announced that the region's economic journey has shifted from possibilities to concrete results, aligning with national development vision. The state's Gross State Domestic Product reached Rs 9.6 lakh crore in 2024-25, marking an 80% increase since 2020-21. The state's share in national economy rose from 8.4% to 8.9%, with a target of 10% by 2026. Key achievements include food grain production projected at 722 lakh metric tonnes, over 27,000 registered factories, IT services exports of Rs 46,800 crore, and GST collections exceeding Rs 1.49 lakh crore. The official emphasized structural economic shifts with increased manufacturing and services contributions while agriculture's share declined relatively.
July 14, 2025
Administration freezes $6 billion in education grants affecting 1.4 million children in after-school programs
Over 20 states have sued the administration for freezing billions in federal funding for after-school and summer programs, affecting 1.4 million children. The administration withheld over $6 billion in education grants, including money for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, claiming programs must align with presidential priorities. The freeze particularly impacts Republican-led districts, with 91 of the top 100 funded districts in Republican congressional areas. Programs face closure within weeks without funding release, forcing families to seek expensive alternatives or rely on older siblings for childcare. Organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA warn of widespread shutdowns affecting low-income families.
July 14, 2025
Major automotive manufacturer trains first all-female batch of motor mechanics in rural skills development initiative
A major automotive manufacturer completed training for its first all-female batch of motor mechanics in Jharkhand under its skills development initiative. Thirteen women from rural areas across three districts completed an intensive program including 50 days of classroom instruction on commercial vehicle components and one year of on-the-job training. Participants received accommodation and monthly stipends during training. The initiative aims to empower women from underserved tribal communities to enter the traditionally male-dominated automotive servicing field by providing a supportive learning environment and building employability skills.
July 14, 2025
Delhi government transfers Anti-Corruption Branch chief investigating graft cases against former ministers amid ongoing probe
Delhi government transferred the Anti-Corruption Branch chief who was investigating graft cases against former ministers. A senior IPS officer replaced him as the new ACB head. The transferred officer, who had summoned the former ministers regarding alleged corruption in government school classroom construction, was reassigned as Joint Commissioner of Police. The reshuffle involved multiple senior police officers across various departments including Security, Economic Offences Wing, and other specialized units within Delhi Police.
July 14, 2025
Deputy Chief Minister Warns Party Members to Maintain Discipline After Assault and Cash Controversy
A deputy chief minister addressed party legislators following two controversial incidents involving party members. One legislator physically assaulted a canteen worker over allegedly stale food, while a minister faced scrutiny after a video showed him with what appeared to be cash bundles following an income tax notice. The deputy chief minister warned party members to maintain discipline in public life and avoid actions that would force him to take disciplinary measures. He emphasized that such incidents damage the party's reputation and reflect poorly on his leadership, urging members to focus on work rather than controversy and remember their responsibilities as public servants.
July 14, 2025
Former opposition MLA and three others summoned for questioning in horse-trading bribery case
The Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police issued notices to a former opposition party MLA and three others for questioning in a horse-trading case. The investigation stems from allegations of bribery attempts before a trust vote in February 2024. A ruling party MLA claimed he was offered money and a ministerial position to switch sides and help the opposition form government. The probe follows political upheaval that led to a floor test won by the current ruling alliance.
July 14, 2025
Punjab Assembly passes Development Tax Amendment Bill allowing lump-sum Rs 2,200 payment option instead of monthly installments
The Punjab Assembly passed the Punjab State Development Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to simplify tax compliance and improve collections. The original 2018 Act requires monthly payments of Rs 200 from income taxpayers, generating Rs 190.36 crore in 2024-25. Key amendments include a lump-sum payment option of Rs 2,200 instead of monthly installments, and new sections addressing tax liabilities in cases of death, company mergers, and corporate insolvency. The Assembly also passed the Punjab Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2025, to remove outdated laws from statute books while preserving actions taken under these expired acts.
July 14, 2025
India US bilateral trade agreement first phase targeted for completion by fall 2025
Trade negotiations between India and the US for a bilateral trade agreement are progressing rapidly, with Indian officials targeting completion of the first phase by fall 2025. The Commerce Minister confirmed that an Indian delegation has reached Washington for the next round of talks. Simultaneously, India is negotiating free trade agreements with the European Union and the UK. The Commerce Secretary noted that modern trade agreements differ from traditional pacts by incorporating services, regulatory frameworks, foreign direct investment, intellectual property rights, and digital trade principles. These comprehensive agreements include mechanisms for dispute resolution and regulatory harmonization, which officials say will facilitate global capability centers in India and provide regulatory certainty for businesses once implemented.
July 14, 2025
Supreme Court allows secretly recorded spousal conversations as evidence in matrimonial disputes
The Enforcement Directorate questioned a businessman for five hours in a money laundering case linked to a UK-based arms consultant. Air India's CEO defended pilot fitness and aircraft maintenance following a preliminary crash report that raised questions about flight operations. An astronaut returned to Earth after an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station. The Supreme Court ruled that secretly recorded spousal conversations can be used as evidence in matrimonial disputes. A college student remained in critical condition after self-immolation over alleged sexual harassment. Punjab Assembly introduced anti-sacrilege legislation proposing life imprisonment and substantial fines for religious offenses.
July 14, 2025
President threatens severe tariffs on Russia if Ukraine war not resolved within 50 days
A US President threatened to impose severe tariffs on Russia if the Ukraine war isn't resolved within 50 days, expressing frustration with Russian leadership's stance on peace efforts. The announcement came during a meeting with NATO's Secretary-General. The President's special envoy met with Ukraine's President in Kyiv to discuss air defenses, arms production, and weapons purchases. The US confirmed sending additional Patriot missiles to Ukraine, with European Union countries financing the sophisticated weaponry. Germany offered to finance two Patriot systems and is sending its Defense Minister to Washington for discussions. A senior Republican Senator indicated weapons would flow to Ukraine at record levels.
July 14, 2025
RSS-linked publication demands removal of 'socialist' and 'secular' from Constitution's Preamble, calls them illegitimate Emergency additions
An RSS-linked weekly published an article calling for removal of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' from the Constitution's Preamble, terming them "ideological landmines" and "constitutional fraud." The author argued these terms were illegitimately added during the Emergency through the 42nd Amendment when Parliament functioned under duress. The article claimed these words contradict the nation's civilizational identity and democratic values, advocating for restoration of the original Preamble. The piece characterized secularism as discriminatory against the majority community while providing unquestioned privileges to minorities, and described socialism as a failed ideology that stifles individual enterprise and promotes bureaucratic control.
July 14, 2025
Pilots association slams preliminary crash report lacking technical details and cockpit voice transcripts
An airline pilots' association criticized a preliminary investigation report on a fatal aircraft crash that killed 260 people. The Boeing aircraft experienced dual engine shutdown 32 seconds after takeoff, crashing into a medical facility. The report indicated fuel switches were cut off within one second of takeoff, causing cockpit confusion between pilots. Multiple pilot organizations objected to the preliminary findings, claiming the report lacks vital technical explanations and cockpit voice transcripts, leading to speculation and potentially undermining crew professionalism. The pilots' body demanded a thorough, fact-driven investigation rather than premature conclusions based on incomplete data.
July 14, 2025
Businessman questioned for five hours under Prevention of Money Laundering Act over UK arms consultant links
The Enforcement Directorate questioned a businessman for five hours in a money laundering case linked to UK-based arms consultant and others. The individual, accompanied by a Congress MP, had his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. He may face additional questioning as he allegedly failed to answer certain questions regarding financial links with the consultant and family members. The businessman is under investigation in three different money laundering cases, including two involving alleged land deal irregularities. The case involves allegations that the consultant acquired a London property in 2009 and renovated it as per the businessman's directions using funds he provided. The businessman denies owning any London property and claims political harassment.
July 14, 2025
Indian rupee falls 12 paise to 85.92 against dollar amid rising crude prices and foreign fund outflows
The Indian rupee depreciated 12 paise to close at 85.92 against the US dollar due to rising global crude oil prices and a strengthening dollar. Foreign fund outflows and delays in the India-US trade deal further pressured the currency. The dollar index rose 0.03 percent while Brent crude increased 1.56 percent. The Reserve Bank intervened to protect the rupee as foreign portfolio investors sold equities worth Rs 1,614.32 crore. India's forex reserves declined USD 3.049 billion to USD 699.736 billion. Wholesale price inflation turned negative at 0.13 percent in June after 19 months.
July 14, 2025
Government appoints new CEO for Life Insurance Corporation with three-year term ending August 2028
The government appointed a new managing director and CEO for the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation following cabinet approval. The appointee will serve a three-year term ending in August 2028 upon reaching age 62. The Financial Services Institutions Bureau had recommended the candidate in June. Following the previous CEO's term ending in June, an interim leader was appointed for three months until September 2025. The insurance corporation operates with four managing directors under the CEO's leadership.
July 14, 2025
Nigerian national denied bail in matrimonial website cyber fraud case involving Rs 33.73 lakh losses
A foreign national from Nigeria was denied bail by Delhi High Court in a cyber fraud case involving matrimonial website scams. The accused allegedly impersonated individuals on dating platforms, using fake profiles and digital tools to defraud victims. The case originated from a complaint where a woman was duped of Rs 55,900 by someone posing as a Canada-based doctor. Investigation revealed an organized international syndicate operating with multiple bank accounts, phones, and devices, affecting 17 victims with total losses of Rs 33.73 lakh. The court cited the sophisticated, organized nature of the operation and multiple victims as reasons for denying bail.
July 14, 2025
US President announces 30% tariffs on EU and Mexico effective August 1 amid trade tensions
The US President announced surprise 30% tariffs on the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1, following previous tariffs imposed in April with a 90-day negotiation period. European trade ministers met in Brussels expressing unity and readiness for proportionate countermeasures while remaining hopeful for negotiated solutions. The EU suspended its planned retaliatory tariffs to allow negotiations until August 1. The tariffs could affect various goods from cheese to electronics, potentially destabilizing economies. The EU is simultaneously pursuing new trade partnerships with Indonesia, Asian nations, and other regions to diversify economic relationships amid ongoing trade tensions.
July 14, 2025
India's foreign minister meets Chinese counterpart in Beijing to discuss border de-escalation and trade normalization
India's external affairs minister held talks with Chinese counterpart in Beijing, emphasizing need for de-escalation in border issues and avoiding restrictive trade measures while building on progress in normalizing bilateral ties. The minister also met with Chinese vice president, stating that continued normalization could produce mutually beneficial outcomes. Other developments include Russia planning to import one million skilled workers from India, families of British victims expressing concerns over an Air India crash report, and a mob attack on a minority community worship place in Pakistan's Punjab province injuring five policemen.
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