Tata Communications invests US$152 million in subsea cables to strengthen India-Singapore AI connectivity
Tata Communications will invest US$152 million (S$197 million) in new subsea cable infrastructure linking India and Singapore to support rising AI, cloud and enterprise data demand, crnasia.com reported.
The project will add 98 Tbps of network capacity through new Mumbai-Singapore and Chennai-Singapore cable systems, improving bandwidth, resilience and low-latency connectivity across India, Southeast Asia and international markets.
Much-delayed bullet train line to partially open in 2027
India’s first high-speed bullet train project is set to achieve a major milestone when the Surat-Vapi section opens in 2027, nearly a decade after construction began, AFP reported.
Railway officials said the 508km Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will help develop expertise for future high-speed rail projects nationwide. Significant progress has already been made on the entire corridor, according to Indian Railways.
Initial US-India trade deal in ‘final steps’, says US envoy
The first phase of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement is in its “final steps”, with only the “last 1 per cent” remaining, United States Ambassador Sergio Gor said, according to the Press Trust of India.
Both countries have repeatedly expressed optimism in recent months, although negotiations were slowed by strained ties and global conflicts. Talks, first announced in February 2025, have regained momentum this year.
Advisory issued to Kailash Manasarovar pilgrims over China permissions
The Ministry of External Affairs has urged pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar to ensure they possess valid Chinese visas and entry permits before departing, after several Indians became stranded in Nepal.
The ministry, according to The Times of India, advised travellers to use only authorised tour operators and avoid starting the pilgrimage without complete documentation.
The sacred journey remains geopolitically sensitive because of India-China tensions.
New Delhi to ban new gas-powered scooters, trucks to fight pollution
New Delhi will ban new petrol and natural gas-powered two-wheelers and small trucks over the next two years under a major clean-air initiative, Bloomberg reported.
From 2027, only electric small trucks and three-wheelers will receive registrations, followed by two-wheelers in 2028. The city will also waive taxes on eligible electric cars as it tackles severe air pollution.
US judge won’t immediately dismiss criminal charges against Adani
A United States judge has asked the Justice Department to explain its decision to abandon criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani before dismissing the case, Reuters reported.
Mr Adani had been accused of bribery and misleading investors over a solar project, allegations his group denies.
Prosecutors have until July 13 to provide additional justification for ending the prosecution.
Staff accused of theft from Ram Mandir Hindu temple arrested
Police have arrested eight people, including temple employees, over alleged theft and misappropriation of donations at Uttar Pradesh’s Ram Mandir, AFP reported.
The suspects reportedly handled cash and valuables offered by devotees.
Authorities have not disclosed the scale of the alleged embezzlement, although media reports suggest it could exceed US$20 million, prompting widespread public concern.
Prices cut for LPG cylinders for industrial clients
Indian oil marketing companies have reduced the price of 19kg commercial LPG cylinders by Rs183.50 for industrial users, while household LPG prices remain unchanged, local media reported.
The reduction follows a price hike in June triggered by supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis. Indian Oil had earlier raised commercial cylinder prices amid tightening supplies.
Fifth driest June recorded in over a century
India recorded its fifth driest June since 1901, with rainfall nearly 40 per cent below normal due to a delayed monsoon, reported India Today.
The shortfall has delayed planting of key crops including rice, corn and soybeans.
The India Meteorological Department had earlier forecast weaker monsoon conditions, while northern India continues to endure temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius.
Delhi authorities deploy thousands of officials for mammoth voter lists revision
More than 13,000 booth-level officers have begun a month-long revision of Delhi’s electoral rolls, with the updated draft voter list due on Aug 5, reported Reuters.
Officials will conduct door-to-door verification to identify eligible voters.
Critics argue the exercise could disproportionately affect poorer and minority communities after similar revisions elsewhere reportedly removed long-time residents from voter rolls.
SBI-backed Cashfree Payments bets on cross-border push with travel, investment payments
Indian fintech firm Cashfree Payments plans to expand beyond cross-border e-commerce into overseas investment, travel and business payment services, Reuters reported.
CEO Akash Sinha said pilot projects will begin later this year as demand for international transactions rises. Backed by State Bank of India, the company sees growing opportunities driven by India’s expanding global trade and investment links.
Fire at petrochemical plant in eastern India injures at least 20 people
At least 20 people were injured, five critically, after a fire broke out in a naphtha pipeline at a Haldia Petrochemicals plant in West Bengal on June 30.
The blaze spread to nearby homes before firefighters brought it under control using 12 fire engines, local media reported. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident involving the highly flammable petroleum product.
Kerala private bus operators to begin protest over free travel scheme
Private bus operators in Kerala will launch an indefinite protest from July 20, claiming the state’s free travel scheme for women on government buses has severely hurt their earnings, reported NDTV.
Operators say falling passenger numbers have reduced workers’ wages and threatened services. The state government has acknowledged the concerns and plans discussions with stakeholders to resolve the dispute.
Haryana boy who fell into 220-foot-deep borewell brought out dead
A four-year-old boy who fell into a 220-foot-deep borewell in Haryana’s Ambala district was declared dead after a 21-hour rescue operation, reported NDTV.
Nirvair Singh had accompanied his father to the fields when the accident occurred. He was pulled out early Wednesday and rushed to hospital, where doctors confirmed he had died before arrival.
