President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a joint development deal for Pakistan's 'massive oil reserves' was seen as a strategic move to reduce the country's reliance on China. However, experts caution that these reserves are largely unproven, and significant investment and time are needed before any development can happen. Amidst this news, US security warnings for potential terrorist threats targeting diplomats and tourists in Karachi have shifted the focus away from the promising oil partnership.
After a long wait, PM Narendra Modi will release the 20th installment of Rs 2,000 under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to over 9.7 crore eligible farmers. The event will take place in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on August 2, 2025. Eligible farmers are reminded to complete e-KYC and other required verifications to receive the installment. The ministry also stated that land seeding and Aadhaar-based payment are mandatory for receiving the benefits of the scheme.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will kick off the state's flagship health screening program, Nalam Kaakkum Stalin, in an effort to identify and treat non-communicable diseases at an early stage. The program will consist of 1,256 specialized health camps targeting individuals over 40 years of age, with a focus on those with diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, mental health issues, and marginalized communities. Each camp will offer free consultations with specialists and on-site diagnostic services, with results shared via WhatsApp. However, the launch has faced a hurdle as the state has filed a petition in the Madras High Court to modify an interim order that prevents the use of living political figures' names for welfare schemes.
As India celebrates Pingali Venkayya's birth anniversary, it's important to remember his contribution as the designer of India's National Flag. A farmer, geologist, and lecturer, Venkayya's interest in nationhood was sparked during his time as a soldier in the British Indian Army. After years of designing, his final version with the Tricolour and charkha was accepted by Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian National Congress meeting in Vijayawada. The flag went on to become a symbol of non-violent freedom movement and continues to represent India's independent spirit.
President Donald Trump has ordered the placement of two nuclear submarines following "highly provocative statements" made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev warned that Trump's new deadline for Russia to end the conflict with Ukraine is a "step towards war." There has been no response from Russia yet. These actions come amidst rising tensions between the two countries.
The long-standing political conspiracy to link Sanatan Dharma with terrorism has been finally debunked by the NIA court in Mumbai. With the acquittal of Sadhvi Pragya, Lt Col Purohit, and five others in the Malegaon blast case, the false equivalence between Hindu activists and jihadists has been shattered. The court's assertion that moral outrage cannot replace hard evidence exposes the Congress-era attempt to manufacture "Hindu terror" as a cynical ploy for vote bank politics. Meanwhile, the universalism of Sanatan Dharma ensures that it remains a pluralistic and peaceful philosophy, incapable of promoting crusades or holy wars.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Varanasi to inaugurate and lay the foundation for various development projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore in sectors such as healthcare, education, tourism, and urban development. He will inaugurate advanced medical facilities and civic amenities, as well as start redevelopment work at heritage sites and parks. This visit aims to drive comprehensive urban transformation and elevate the overall quality of life in Varanasi, the constituency of PM Modi.
The recent relocation of Mahadevi, a temple elephant in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, to a private animal centre in Gujarat following complaints from PETA has sparked outrage and protests from the Jain community. Considered a sacred and integral part of the community's spiritual life, Mahadevi's removal has sparked emotional reactions and demonstrations. Despite legal backing, many are calling for her return to Kolhapur, with Jain leaders questioning the decision to relocate her to a private facility. This development has also triggered a symbolic protest against the Ambani family, who inaugurated the centre, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the issue.
The Supreme Court has urged BJP leader Rajiv Babbar to withdraw the defamation case against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for his statement comparing PM Modi to a scorpion. The Court questioned why people in public life should be sensitive to such statements and suggested for the case to be closed. Tharoor had argued that the statement was not his original and has been in public domain for years, but the Delhi High Court refused to quash the case, stating that it amounted to defamation of Modi, BJP, and RSS.
In a shocking move, President Donald Trump has ordered the firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics' head, Erika McEntarfer, with claims of falsifying job numbers to boost Kamala Harris' chances before the upcoming election. The bureau has released revised numbers for May and June, raising concerns about the integrity of the department and potential political interference in economic data. The firing comes amidst global market unease over Trump's tariff threats against US allies.