Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, ranked as the most polluted city in India in the first half of 2025 while Delhi stood a distant second, according to a new analysis.

According to the analysis by independent research organisation Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Byrnihat recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 133 micrograms per cubic metre, while Delhi’s PM2.5 levels reached twice the national ambient air quality standard at 87 micrograms per cubic metre.

Hajipur (Bihar), Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Sasaram (Bihar), Patna, Talcher (Odisha), Rourkela (Odisha) and Rajgir (Bihar) were the other cities in the top 10 most polluted list.

Aizawl in Mizoram was the cleanest city in the country in the first half of the year.

India hit nine terrorist bases of Pakistan in Operation Sindoor: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

The National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, on Friday (July 11, 2025), said in Chennai that India hit nine terrorist targets criss-crossing Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. “We missed none,” he said at the 62nd convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology — Madras. “We hit nowhere else except that. It was precise to the point where we knew who was where. The entire operation started at five minutes past one and it was over at 28 minutes past one — 23 minutes,” he elaborated, amid loud applause from the audience. Thereafter, the foreign press had carried several reports saying Pakistan did this or that. “You show me any photograph, any imagery – you know, these days these imageries are from satellites all over the world – which show any Indian damage being done, even a glass pane having been broken,” he remarked.

Structural failure caused Vadodara bridge collapse, says Gujarat Minister

A preliminary investigation into the collapse of the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge in Padra taluka of Gujarat’s Vadodara district has identified structural failure — specifically the crushing of pedestals and articulation joints — as the primary cause, Gujarat Health Minister and government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel said on Friday (July 11, 2025). During his visit to the accident site, Mr. Patel said that the high-level probe was ordered by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and is being conducted by the Roads and Buildings Department. “As per the committee’s initial findings, the collapse occurred due to pedestal and articulation crushing,” he said. The Minister further informed that the committee will submit a comprehensive report within 30 days, covering both technical and administrative aspects of the tragedy. “The report will be handed over to the Chief Minister, based on which further decisions will be taken,” Mr. Patel said.

Gurugram tennis player murder: Court sends accused father Deepak to police custody for a day

 A court in Gurugram on Friday (July 11, 2025) sent Deepak Yadav, arrested for killing his daughter and tennis player Radhika Yadav, to police custody for a day. “We have to recover the ammunition of his licensed revolver (used in the crime). We have to verify how much ammunition he had procured,” he said. Asked from where the recovery has to be made, the official said, “The accused owns land in Kasam village near Rewari. We have to get the ammunition from there.

India’s population at crossroads, not a crisis: Population Foundation of India

An NGO, Population Foundation of India, has urged a shift away from fear-driven debates on overpopulation or fertility decline, calling instead for policies that centre on dignity, rights, and opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and the elderly.  The NGO, in a statement on World Population Day 2025 on Friday (July 11, 2025), asserted that India’s population challenges are not about numbers but about justice, equity, and investment in human potential. “India’s population story is not a crisis; it’s a crossroads,” Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, said during a function marking the occasion.

Non-cognisable case being filed against Shiv Sena MLA in canteen worker assault incident: Police

A non-cognisable offence is being filed against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in the MLA hostel canteen worker assault case, Mumbai Police said on Friday (July 11, 2025). “The process to file the offence is underway at the Marine Drive police station,” a police official told PTI. After the incident, which happened on Tuesday (July 8, 2025) night, sparked a furore, the two-time Buldhana MLA refused to express regret and said he would repeat his actions if needed. In a viral video of the assault, Mr. Gaikwad was seen punching and slapping the canteen worker, claiming that he was served stale food.

RSS chief’s remarks on stepping aside at 75 stir political row

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks suggesting that leaders should step aside at the age of 75 has sparked a political controversy, with Congress and other Opposition leaders interpreting it as a veiled message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 in September this year. Speaking at the launch of a book on senior RSS leader Moropant Pingle in Nagpur on July 9, Mr. Bhagwat recalled an instance from RSS meeting held in Vrindavan, where Mr. Pingle was felicitated on attaining the age of 75. Quoting Mr. Pingle from the event, Mr. Bhagwat said, “People started laughing at me when I stand… Because I feel that people are not taking me seriously… you gave this shawl to me at the age of 75, but I know its meaning. When a shawl is draped at the age of 75, it means that you have grown old; just move aside and let us do it.”

Elon Musk’s Tesla to open first India store in Mumbai on July 15

Tesla will open its first India showroom in Mumbai next week, having imported $1 million worth of cars and merchandise, marking its entry into the world’s third-largest car market despite CEO Elon Musk’s complaints about high import tariffs. In an invitation to media, the carmaker said the July 15 event was the “launch of Tesla in India through the opening of the Tesla experience centre at Bandra Kurla Complex”, located in the city’s leading commercial business district. Grappling with excess manufacturing capacity at its other factories and falling sales, Tesla has pivoted to selling imported cars in India on which it will need to pay about 70% import duty and other levies.

Ironical that an atheist nation like China wants to interfere in Dalai Lama succession: BJP MP

Parliamentarians across party lines are petitioning the Union government to accord the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, to the Dalai Lama, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. BJP MP in the Rajya Sabha, Sujeet Kumar had harsh words for the Chinese government’s statement that it was in that government’s remit to regulate the choice of successor by the Dalai Lama. “It is highly ironical that an atheist nation would express such strong opinions on what is purely a religious issue,” he said. He added that the procedure for the recognition of the successor to the Dalai Lama was “many centuries old” and the Indian government’s stance on not running interference was a correct one and not different from Mr. Rijiju’s statement.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ‘positive’ meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday (July 11, 2025) he had a “positive” meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of ASEAN talks in Malaysia, where Washington’s tariffs are in sharp focus. Mr. Rubio and Mr. Wang’s first face-to-face meeting since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office came as Washington and Beijing are locked in disputes ranging from trade to Taiwan — and both powers vie for greater influence in the region. “I thought it was a very constructive and positive meeting,” Mr. Rubio told reporters after the hour-long talks but stressed, “it was not a negotiation”.

South Korea, Japan, U.S. hold aerial drill in demonstration of strength against North Korea

Top South Korean, U.S. and Japanese military officers urged North Korea to cease all unlawful activities that threaten regional security, as the three nations flew advanced warplanes for a joint exercise in a show of force against North Korea.  The development came on Friday (July 11, 2025) as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was to travel to North Korea amid booming military and other cooperation between the two countries that have raised concerns among their neighbours. “They urged the DPRK to immediately cease all unlawful activities to destabilise the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and pledged to continue working together to respond to the DPRK’s threats,” the three top military officers said in a joint statement. DPRK stands for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea’s formal name.

Trump puts 35% tariff on Canada from August 1, eyes 15%-20% tariffs for others

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a letter that he will raise taxes on many imported goods from Canada to 35%, deepening a rift between two North American countries that have suffered a debilitating blow to their decades-old alliance. The letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is an aggressive increase to the top 25% tariff rates that Mr. Trump first imposed in March after months of threats. Mr. Trump’s tariffs were allegedly in an effort to get Canada to crack down on fentanyl smuggling despite the relatively modest trafficking in the drug from that country. Mr. Trump has also expressed frustration with a trade deficit with Canada that largely reflects oil purchases by America.

EU says it will ‘assess’ France-U.K. migrant deal

The European Commission said Friday (July 11, 2025) it would examine a deal between Paris and London on returning migrants arriving in the U.K., as other EU countries fret over the impact. Commission spokesman Markus Lammert said the rising number of migrants smuggled across the English Channel was “alarming” and a “robust response” was required to deter the dangerous journeys. “On the specific envisaged cooperation between France and the United Kingdom, the commission will assess the concrete modalities of this cooperation,” Mr. Lammert told reporters in Brussels.

Published – July 11, 2025 06:15 pm IST

India has launched a Rs 1,345 crore incentive programme to enhance domestic production of rare earth magnets, aiming to reduce reliance on China. India’s initiative responds to China’s tightened export controls on rare earth elements and magnets, where it holds over 90% of global processing capacity, causing supply chain disruptions. These magnets are vital for electric vehicles, telecommunications, and defence. Sources to Economic Times have confirmed that Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H. D. Kumaraswamy, announced the proposal for this scheme for “inter-ministerial consultations”.

Rare Earth Magnets incentive scheme: What to expect?

Ministry of Heavy Industries Secretary Kamran Rizvi stated that the draft policy for the rare earth magnet production incentive scheme has been submitted for inter-ministerial review, and the evaluation process is already underway.

 The scheme will offer incentives to both private and state-owned enterprises, encouraging them to invest in the entire supply chain from mineral extraction to finished magnet manufacturing. India currently imports more than 80% of its rare earth magnets from China, making this initiative vital for national security and industrial growth.

 Despite holding the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves of around 6.9 million tonnes, India has explored less than 20% of its geological potential. The government’s plan is to support several large companies to produce around 4,000 tonnes of neodymium- and praseodymium-based magnets over seven years, using locally mined raw materials. India Rare Earth Limited (IREL) will play a key role by supplying raw materials to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Top Indian conglomerates gear up for magnet manufacturing

The announcement has sparked significant interest among Indian industry leaders. Automotive giant Mahindra & Mahindra, component manufacturer Uno Minda, and EV parts supplier Sona BLW Precision Forgings are among those exploring investments in local magnet production facilities. Mahindra, which is expanding its electric SUV lineup, has expressed willingness to partner with established manufacturers or secure long-term supply agreements within India. Uno Minda, a major supplier to Maruti Suzuki, has also shown keen interest in entering the magnet manufacturing space.

The government plans to open bids for 500–1,500 tonnes of annual output, mandating local sourcing of neodymium-praseodymium oxide starting from 50% and rising to 80% by the fifth year. Final investment decisions by companies will depend on the scheme’s incentive structure and access to raw materials.

 This initiative is seen as crucial for securing India’s supply chains in the face of global uncertainties and for supporting the country’s rapidly growing electric vehicle and electronics industries. With the scheme’s rollout imminent, India is poised to become a significant player in the rare earth magnet market, challenging China’s long-standing dominance.

Two months after Operation Sindoor, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval condemned misleading coverage by foreign media and reaffirmed India’s commitment to indigenous innovation in national security. Speaking at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, Doval delivered a compelling address that underscored the nation’s technological advancement, civilisational legacy, and strategic capabilities. Addressing the graduating students, he highlighted the precision and success of Operation Sindoor while stressing the importance of self-reliance in defence and technology.

“Show me one image of damage in India”

NSA Doval took the stage to openly praise the precision and success of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent counter-terror operation targeting nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

“We are proud of Operation Sindoor. We missed none. The strikes were precise, and we hit nowhere else except our targets. Whether it was our BrahMos or radars, all were indigenous,” he said.

Doval also dismissed claims by foreign media about Indian casualties or infrastructure damage. “Show me one image that shows even a broken glass pane in India. They wrote these things, but all satellite imagery only showed changes across 13 Pakistani air bases before and after May 10 — Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Chaklala. We are capable of doing that damage,” he said, referring to images reported in foreign press coverage.

Doval calls out dependence on foreign tech for security

The NSA strongly underlined the importance of technological self-reliance, especially in communications. “We are going to completely indigenise our communication systems. It is necessary for data protection and national security,” Doval said, warning that reliance on foreign platforms poses serious risks.

Praising the private sector’s contribution, Doval said India had developed a home-grown 5G alternative in just two and a half years. “The Chinese spent 12 years and $300 billion. We neither had the time nor the money. Yet we did it, thanks to our private sector,” he said.

Artificial Intelligence

Calling Artificial Intelligence a “game-changer,” Doval urged young engineers and scientists to lead in emerging tech sectors. He noted that embracing AI and new technologies swiftly would be crucial for India’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness.

Doval also delivered a heartfelt message to the graduating class, urging them to reflect on the sacrifices of their ancestors. “You belong to a civilisation that has been bled, dishonoured, and beleaguered for a thousand years. Our ancestors suffered to keep the idea of India alive. The State may be new, but the Nation has existed for millennia,” he said.

Looking ahead to India’s 100th year of independence in 2047, Doval called on students to be torchbearers of change. “You will be at the prime of your careers then. It is your responsibility to take this nation forward.”

Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor was launched by India on the night of 7–8 May 2025 in response to a terrorist attack carried out by the Pakistan-based group “The Resistance Front” (TRF) on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. The operation involved precise missile and air strikes targeting nine terrorist training camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India emphasised that the strikes were focused on terrorist infrastructure only, avoiding military or civilian targets.

On July 9, 2025, fans were caught off guard by heartwarming news from Italy. A young NFL quarterback, known for his calm game presence, made headlines but this time, off the field. A photo surfaced showing him in a romantic setting, kneeling with a ring. The background was peaceful, the moment was personal, and the questions began. Who was the player? Who was the person beside him? And what made this trip so special? The answers came quickly and they made people smile everywhere. Here’s what really happened.

Riley Leonard’s engagement to Molly Walding in Italy

Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, who was picked by the Indianapolis Colts in April, surprised fans this week. On Wednesday, he got engaged to his high school sweetheart, Molly Walding, in beautiful Lake Como, Italy. Riley Leonard and Molly Walding have been dating since their high school days in Fairhope, Alabama, starting in 2017.They first met at Fairhope High School and stayed together through college. Riley Leonard played at Duke and Notre Dame, while Molly Walding studied public relations at Auburn University. On a sunny afternoon in Italy, Riley Leonard got down on one knee and asked Molly to marry him. He shared the moment on Instagram, writing: “Diamonds make pressure.” Molly Walding showing off her new ring, replied, “Best day of my life!!!!! I love you!!!”.They posed in matching white outfits, holding each other by the lake. Photos show Molly Walding smiling wide and Riley Leonard looking proud and happy.

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Will Riley Leonard Replace Aaron Rodgers As The Quarterback For The New York Jets?

Molly Walding and Riley Leonard’s high school love grows strong

Molly Walding was more than just a cheerleader in high school, she was Riley Leonard’s biggest fan since they were both 14 years old. They made the long-distance relationship work even when Riley Leonard moved to Duke in North Carolina and then Notre Dame in Indiana, and Molly stayed at Auburn in Alabama. Friends and followers often saw them sharing sweet posts, like Molly Walding saying “Newest @colts fan!!!!!!!” after Riley Leonard’s NFL draft.This engagement in Italy is now the biggest step in their shared journey. It comes just two weeks before Riley Walding starts training camp with the Indianapolis Colts on July 22, 2025. Fans are excited to see Riley Leonard balance a new NFL season with a new chapter in his life.

NEW DELHI: While Aadhaar was conceived as an identity proof, and not as proof of citizenship, allowing onboarding without real scrutiny, recent moves have meant that only verified adults can enrol for the unique ID. Besides, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is going to tap the online database for passport, ration cards, and birth and matriculation certificates in the future for enrolment of adults and also for updates to ensure that Aadhaar remains foolproof.While Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act states that it is not evidence of citizenship or domicile, the new tools are seeking to ensure only citizens get the unique number.Over the last 15 years, over 140 crore Aadhaars have been generated, including for those who have died, and there is near adult saturation. With infants also now getting Aadhaar soon after birth, govt has decided to tighten the norms for new adult registrations.To thwart attempts by illegal immigrants to get the unique ID based on forged or fake documents, for the last couple of years, the onus has been on states to verify credentials and that Aadhaar is only issued after rigorous checks through a state portal.In the past, there were concerns over illegal immigrants getting Aadhaar and then using it for other purposes, including other IDs. “It is going to be difficult for any illegal immigrant to now get Aadhaar,” argued an official, indicating a shift from the relaxed, if existent at all, rules of enrolment.Sources said that even if illegal immigrants use Aadhaar to clear the SIR of electoral rolls, there is little possibility of new ones being able to use that as the launchpad for acquiring documents, and most crucially, citizenship.A new tool developed by UIDAI is also going to put a second layer of check for updates as well as enrolments by tapping into documents available online, such as driving licenses, PAN, MNREGS details, and going forward, things like electricity bill. These documents are also in line with the prescriptions for centralized KYC, and ensure a homogenous identity.