Chennai airport officials arrest passenger for smuggling live monkeys and tortoises from Bangkok under Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Customs officials at Chennai airport intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok who attempted to smuggle wildlife into the country. Upon baggage examination, authorities discovered two live monkeys of different species concealed in ventilated bags and seven tortoises wrapped in a cloth bag, all hidden under confectionery items. The smuggling violated the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Customs Act 1962, and CITES regulations governing endangered species trade. The animals were deported back to Thailand while the passenger was arrested and remanded to judicial custody by a local court.

Karnataka government announces Rs 200 crore theme park and Constitution Museum project to honor constitutional architect's legacy
The Karnataka government has announced plans to establish a theme park and Constitution Museum dedicated to the architect of the Indian Constitution at a university campus in Bengaluru. The project, estimated to cost Rs 200 crore, was initially proposed in the 2019-20 state budget with Rs 20 crore allocation. The Chief Minister formally announced the museum establishment during recent birth anniversary celebrations in April 2025. The initiative aims to honor the constitutional architect's legacy and educate future generations about constitutional values.

Ministry of Culture to host International Day of Yoga at 100 iconic destinations and 50 cultural sites June 21
The Ministry of Culture will organize International Day of Yoga celebrations on June 21 at 100 iconic destinations and 50 cultural sites nationwide, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Prime Minister will lead main celebrations in Visakhapatnam, while the Culture Minister will attend events at Mehrangarh Fort. Sessions will be held at prominent locations including Charaideo Moidam, Rani Ki Vav, Hampi, Khajuraho, Sun Temple Konark, and Qutub Minar complex. The Archaeological Survey of India will organize sessions at five heritage sites in Punjab and Haryana. This year's theme is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health."

Space startup develops second satellite with 0.5-meter resolution imaging for defense and security applications launching 2026-2027
A space startup announced development of its second satellite featuring 0.5-meter resolution imaging capabilities, planned for launch in late 2026 or early 2027. The satellite uses proprietary SAR-Optical imaging technology designed for defense, security, and intelligence applications. The company will launch its first satellite with 1.25-meter resolution later this year. The second-generation satellite will provide enhanced spatial resolution and reduce revisit time to under three days, offering all-weather capabilities for defense, disaster response, urban security, and maritime awareness. The startup plans expansion into international defense markets including the United States, West Asia, and Europe.

Three men arrested for stealing phone and fraudulently transferring Rs 7.2 lakh using victim's digital Aadhaar
Three men were arrested for stealing a mobile phone from a bus passenger and fraudulently transferring Rs 7.2 lakh from the victim's bank accounts. The accused accessed the unlocked phone, used the victim's digital Aadhaar card to create a fake UPI ID, and linked it to his bank accounts. They used the stolen funds to finance a trip to various locations in Uttarakhand. Police investigation traced the transactions through technical analysis and arrested the perpetrators, while three additional suspects remain at large.

Government announces massive recruitment drive for 40,000 youth positions targeting 1.60 lakh total appointments by October 10
The state government announced plans to hire 40,000 youth in a single recruitment drive scheduled for October 10, aiming to reach 1.60 lakh total appointments. During a ceremony, 481 appointment letters were distributed to veterinary field assistants, tourism development officers, and education department lecturers. The Chief Minister emphasized the government's commitment to transparent, merit-based recruitment after fulfilling promises of over one lakh government jobs. The announcement highlighted ongoing initiatives in animal husbandry, dairy development, tourism promotion, and educational sector improvements to boost the state's economic development.

E-commerce platform sees 25% growth in home kitchen outdoor sales with 15% new customers
An e-commerce platform reported 25% annual growth in home, kitchen and outdoor product sales across a northern Indian state in 2025, with 15% increase in new customers from the region. The growth stems from rising demand for lifestyle upgrades, commercial purchases, and sustainable living solutions. Customers increasingly prefer smarter, functional products spanning modern kitchen setups, home renovations, fitness equipment, and electric vehicles. The state capital showed particularly strong double-digit growth across kitchen, home, automotive and fitness categories, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward experience-driven purchasing decisions.

Enforcement Directorate raids multiple states over police recruitment exam paper leak money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate conducted multi-state raids investigating money laundering in a 2023 constable recruitment examination scam in the state. The agency searched locations across multiple states under anti-money laundering laws, targeting private entities, agents, and syndicate members. The examination for over 21,000 police vacancies was cancelled after paper leak allegations. Investigators found that a contracted printing company outsourced work to another firm, with question papers improperly stored for six days before distribution to candidates who paid substantial amounts. The same individuals allegedly masterminded a separate medical entrance examination paper leak case in 2024.

Special court allows release of Rs 66.33 crore properties of fugitive diamantaire for bank auction to recover fraud dues
A special court permitted the release of properties worth Rs 66.33 crore belonging to a fugitive diamantaire and his sister, previously attached by the Enforcement Directorate in a bank fraud case. The court approved the bank's application to sell or auction these properties to recover dues from the multi-crore fraud. Properties include jewelry, watches, cash from the accused's residence, and a flat. The banking consortium claims losses exceeding Rs 8,526 crore from the fraud, while total attached properties are valued at approximately Rs 2,324.97 crore. The primary accused remains absconding overseas.

President extends TikTok operations for 90 days amid ongoing negotiations for American ownership transfer
The President signed an executive order extending TikTok's operation in the US for another 90 days, marking the third such extension since taking office. The delays aim to provide more time for negotiations to transfer the platform to American ownership, though previous deal attempts have failed. Despite Congressional approval and Supreme Court backing for a national ban, no legal challenges have emerged against the extensions. The platform, owned by a Chinese company, continues serving 170 million American users while the administration seeks a resolution. Public opinion remains divided, with support for a ban declining from 50% to about one-third of Americans.

Airline flight with 130 passengers returns safely after technical snag forces mid-air turn back to departure airport
An airline flight carrying 130 passengers from the national capital to Vietnam returned shortly after takeoff due to a technical snag. The aircraft made a mid-air turn as a precautionary measure and landed safely back at the departure airport. All passengers were disembarked without incident. The flight had departed 45 minutes behind schedule before developing the technical issue. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft with fresh crew to complete the journey to the Vietnamese destination, though no specific departure time was provided for the replacement flight.

Airline flight returns to Delhi mid-journey due to technical snag, 130 passengers safe, alternative aircraft arranged
An airline flight from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City returned to Delhi mid-way due to a technical snag as a precautionary measure. The aircraft, carrying over 130 passengers, landed safely and all passengers were disembarked. The flight had departed 45 minutes behind schedule. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft with fresh crew to complete the journey to the destination, with departure expected shortly after the incident.

Energy company wins 120 MWh battery storage project under competitive bidding for grid stabilization
An energy company received a letter of intent to develop a 120 MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Bihar under tariff-based competitive bidding on a Build, Own, Operate, Transfer basis. The project will be implemented across three grid substations at 40 MWh each, with commissioning scheduled within 18 months of the purchase agreement. This initiative is part of a central government-approved 500 MWh battery storage project aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply and balancing demand during peak hours while supporting clean energy objectives.

Swiss bank funds from specific country triple to 3.5 billion francs despite customer deposits rising only 11%
Money held by individuals and entities from a particular country in Swiss banks tripled to 3.5 billion Swiss francs in 2024, recovering from a 70% decline in 2023. However, customer deposits increased only 11% to 346 million francs, representing just one-tenth of total funds. The surge was primarily driven by funds held through local branches and financial institutions rather than direct customer accounts. These official figures from Switzerland's central bank do not indicate alleged undeclared money and exclude funds held through third-country entities. The country ranked 48th globally for foreign client money in Swiss banks.

State oil corporation brings US experts after eight days of uncontrolled gas leakage from contractor-operated well blowout
A state-owned oil and gas corporation experienced a well blowout at a crude oil facility in Assam's district eight days prior, causing continuous gas leakage. The company announced that US-based well control experts will arrive to assist with containment efforts. The incident occurred at an oil field where a private contractor was operating the well on behalf of the corporation. Multiple technical operations using various materials and pressure combinations have been attempted to control the gas discharge, but the leakage remains uncontrolled.

Rupee hits two-month low at 86.73 against dollar amid rising crude prices and geopolitical tensions
The rupee weakened 30 paise to close at 86.73 against the US dollar, marking its lowest level in over two months and third consecutive day of decline. The currency lost 69 paise over three sessions due to strong dollar demand from importers, rising crude oil prices, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Market analysts expect continued negative pressure on the rupee, with projections of further decline toward the 87-87.50 range against the dollar.

US President credits South Asian leaders with preventing nuclear escalation amid regional tensions
The US President stated that leaders from two South Asian nations ended a recent conflict that could have escalated to nuclear war, following a meeting with a Pakistani military official. Chinese and Russian leaders condemned Israeli strikes on Iran and called for immediate ceasefire. An Indian minister discussed trade partnerships during a UK visit, where a bilateral free trade agreement was finalized. The UK reported a 23% increase in Indian-owned businesses. A large methane gas reserve was discovered in western Nepal. A former Maldivian president rejoined his previous political party. Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected petitions regarding judicial transfers and the country secured a $1 billion financing facility. Israeli-Iranian tensions escalated with missile exchanges causing casualties.

Customs seizes drugs worth Rs 30 crore in major operations, recovers heroin and methamphetamine
Customs officials seized drugs worth over Rs 30 crore during operations in Assam and Tripura. In Silchar, an abandoned vehicle contained 885.56 grams of heroin and 15 kg of methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 22 crore. Separate raids in Tripura recovered 8 kg of methamphetamine worth Rs 8 crore from two locations. One person was arrested while two suspects escaped. The operations were conducted with assistance from BSF and Assam Rifles based on intelligence inputs.