Catch up on today’s most important national and international stories in clear, simple language. From policy updates and unusual incidents to global honours and crises, stay informed with the key headlines.
NATIONAL NEWS
1. DELHI AIR QUALITY WORRIES
Delhi-NCR recorded ‘severe plus’ air pollution levels, contradicting claims by Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav that the air was improving. Residents and experts expressed concern over rising health risks. Authorities are urged to take stronger action to curb emissions.
2. SEAGULL GPS RAISES NAVAL ALERT
A seagull carrying a Chinese GPS tracker was spotted near Karnataka’s Karwar coast, close to the INS Kadamba naval base. Defence officials are monitoring the situation, highlighting concerns about surveillance near strategic installations.
3. GANDHI NAME IN NREGA DEBATE
Shivraj Singh Chouhan revealed in the Lok Sabha that Mahatma Gandhi’s name was added to the NREGA scheme with an eye on the 2009 elections. The comment sparked discussions on political influence in development programmes and public memory.
4. MAHARASHTRA VILLAGE BIRTH SPIKE
A village in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, reported an unusually high number of births, raising eyebrows among authorities. Officials are also investigating potential cyber fraud linked to registration records, ensuring transparency in public data.
5. BANGLADESH VISA CRISIS
Bangladeshis threatened violence after India temporarily shut its visa operations in Rajshahi. Security forces were deployed to prevent clashes, while diplomatic channels are working to resolve tensions and maintain calm.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. MODI HONOURED IN OMAN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Order of Oman, the Sultanate’s highest civilian award. The honour recognises his efforts in strengthening India-Oman ties and global diplomacy.
2. US H1B VISA CRISIS
The US H1B visa situation worsens as some appointments are postponed until October 2026. Indian professionals and H4 dependents face delays, impacting careers and international mobility. Authorities are reviewing measures to ease the backlog.
3. IMF REJECTS PAK GST PLAN
The IMF rejected Pakistan’s proposal to cut GST, citing fiscal concerns. This decision complicates Pakistan’s budget and financial plans, adding pressure on the government to implement alternative economic measures.
4. PAKISTAN DEPORTS BEGGARS
Islamabad deported over 56,000 beggars to curb street crime and public nuisance. The policy has drawn international attention and criticism from human rights groups concerned about forced relocations.
5. PHILIPPINES HOTEL MASS SHOOTING
In the Philippines, gunmen holed up in a hotel room on Bondi Beach, echoing mass shooting incidents in Sydney. Authorities managed the siege, highlighting ongoing concerns over security and public safety in tourist areas.
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