Govt urges crop shift as monsoon rains remain weak
The Central government has advised farmers in rain-fed regions with limited irrigation to switch to less water-intensive crops such as pulses, oilseeds and millets as rainfall remains well below normal.
With monsoon rains since June 1 running 42 per cent below average, authorities have identified 315 vulnerable districts and prepared contingency plans to protect agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
India and China see signs of improving relations
India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks on the sidelines of a BRICS security meeting, with both sides expressing optimism about bilateral ties.
India described the discussions as constructive and forward-looking, while China said relations were gradually recovering from a low point. The two countries reviewed recent developments but disclosed few details.
Six killed in suspected gas leak at Tamil Nadu seafood plant
At least six workers died and dozens were hospitalised after a suspected ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing facility in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvallur district.
Around 120 workers were on site when the leak reportedly spread from the plant’s refrigeration system. Victims suffered breathing difficulties, dizziness and severe irritation, triggering panic and a mass evacuation.
Govt plans Everest mission to recover ‘Green Boots’ climber
The Central government is preparing an expedition to recover the remains of the climber known as “Green Boots” after DNA testing confirmed the body belongs to Indian soldier Dorje Morup.
The frozen body has remained on Mount Everest since the deadly 1996 blizzard. Authorities have now formally identified the climber and begun planning a retrieval operation.
RBI says inflation remains under control despite recent rise
India’s inflation remains anchored below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) target despite a recent increase driven by energy costs, according to the central bank’s latest bulletin.
Inflation rose to 3.9 per cent in May but stayed below the 4 per cent target. The RBI highlighted strong economic growth, stable fundamentals and resilient external balances as reasons for optimism.
Fire at Lucknow training centre kills at least 15
At least 15 people, most of them students, were killed after a fire broke out at an animation training centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
The building also housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic. Several students were trapped inside, with some escaping through broken windows.
Meta names Indian entrepreneur as WhatsApp chief
Meta has appointed Indian fintech entrepreneur Kunal Shah as the new head of WhatsApp as it seeks to expand the platform’s business potential.
The announcement coincided with Meta leading a US$900 million (S$1.16 million) funding round in Mr Shah’s company, CRED.
Mr Shah succeeds Mr Will Cathcart, who oversaw WhatsApp’s growth to more than three billion users worldwide.
Iranian oil returns to Indian refiners’ radar after US waiver
Indian refiners are considering renewed imports of Iranian crude after the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iran’s oil exports.
The 60-day waiver allows Iranian oil sales through August and has prompted Tehran to re-engage international buyers.
Indian companies remain cautious, however, given the risk of future sanctions and geopolitical uncertainties.
Tata Electronics investigating cyber breach linked to Apple, Tesla
Tata Electronics has confirmed a cybersecurity incident after researchers reported that a ransomware group posted thousands of files allegedly linked to Apple and Tesla projects.
The company said operations remain unaffected and response protocols were activated immediately.
Apple is reportedly investigating the incident, which has raised fresh concerns about cybersecurity within its Indian supply chain.
Legal notice seeks disclosure of Ram Mandir donations
The trust managing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has received a legal notice demanding detailed disclosure of donations received and expenditures made over the past five years.
The request follows allegations of financial irregularities. The temple remains one of modern India’s most significant religious and political landmarks, making the allegations particularly sensitive.
Tight security as millions retake medical entrance exam
Millions of students retook India’s medical entrance examination under unprecedented security measures after the original test was cancelled over allegations of a paper leak.
Authorities deployed police, paramilitary personnel, biometric verification and even Air Force transport for exam papers.
The controversy sparked nationwide protests and renewed scrutiny of the country’s examination system.
