India

Meta has withdrawn its AI image-generation feature that used public Instagram photos after widespread backlash over privacy concerns. Launched on July 7, the feature was discontinued within three days, while the Indian government indicated it could examine the issue if complaints are received

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's State Investigation Agency has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against designated Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in connection with the 2013 Baramulla terror attack that claimed the lives of four police personnel

Prime Minister Modi’s visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand reflect India’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy rooted in partnerships rather than blocs 

India and New Zealand elevated ties to a strategic partnership, set a target to double bilateral trade to ₹35,000 crore by 2030, and expanded maritime and security cooperation. Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon also reaffirmed commitment to a free Indo-Pacific

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the government supports responsible nightlife and DJ parties but will not tolerate drug use. Citing the success of Operation Toofan, he announced stricter enforcement, police reforms and enhanced anti-drug awareness initiatives across the state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his New Zealand visit after holding wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, signing multiple agreements and addressing the Indian diaspora. The MEA said the visit strengthened bilateral ties, with Luxon personally seeing Modi off at the airport

A 66-year-old woman missing from Kerala's Palakkad since June 10 was allegedly murdered for her two gold nose studs. Police arrested a local youth and detained a juvenile, alleging they killed, burnt and buried the victim to destroy evidence

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar warned police against involvement in illegal activities, promising strict action against offenders. He also launched new forensic and patrol vehicles, announced a ₹10 lakh reward for a major drug bust, and pledged stronger anti-crime measures

Fifteen people, including Indian tourists, are feared dead after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. Search and rescue operations are underway, while the Indian Embassy has established emergency control rooms

Intelligence officials say Hizbul Mujahideen has begun a fresh recruitment drive with a greater focus on Pakistani fighters, infiltration and reviving separatist sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir. Security agencies have cautioned that the outfit's renewed efforts should not be underestimated

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah alleged attempts to topple the National Conference government by offering MLAs cash, ministerial posts and statehood promises. He also announced a July 20 protest in Delhi, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, on the 14th day of his indefinite hunger strike, urged people to stop looking for heroes and instead fulfil their responsibilities as citizens. He also appealed for support for the July 20 march to Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is setting a new global development model despite worldwide challenges, highlighting rapid economic growth, digital innovation and technological progress. Addressing the Indian community in Auckland, he also emphasised stronger India-New Zealand ties and future trade opportunities

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said future wars may involve Artificial Intelligence but will ultimately be won by trained soldiers and national resolve. Commissioning INS Mahendragiri, he stressed balancing advanced technologies with conventional military strength and highlighted India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the global semiconductor industry faces a talent shortage of one million and urged India's IT sector to seize the opportunity. He highlighted progress in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics exports and railway infrastructure development

The Supreme Court criticised the Maharashtra government for opposing bail while failing to ensure speedy trials, warning it would "expose" the state publicly. The court noted only two of 34 witnesses had been examined in four years and stressed the right to a timely trial

Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra termed the alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya temple a disgrace and assured improvements in the management system. He also said the main phase of the temple construction is expected to be completed by July 30

Christopher Nolan said he had planned to premiere Tenet in India, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans. Speaking at The Odyssey's Mumbai premiere, the filmmaker praised India's deep cinema culture and called films a universal language that unites audiences worldwide

The Global Trade Research Initiative says the India-UK trade agreement offers significant export opportunities, but India must strengthen standards, certification, logistics and buyer networks to fully benefit. Labour-intensive goods, processed foods and automobiles are expected to gain the most from CETA

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged BRICS nations to strengthen cooperation in building sustainable and resilient transport systems. Addressing the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting, he highlighted India's infrastructure achievements and stressed collaboration in green mobility, digital transport and multimodal connectivity

The PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme has sanctioned loans to over two lakh micro food processing units, leveraging ₹20,300 crore in investments. The scheme has generated nearly 11 lakh jobs, with women accounting for 44 per cent of beneficiaries

The Centre is considering a common regulatory framework for messaging platforms after raising concerns over WhatsApp's proposed username feature. The government plans consultations with major platforms before deciding on uniform standards aimed at addressing fraud, impersonation and online safety concerns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met New Zealand Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins in Auckland to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, trade and people-to-people relations. The meeting followed Modi's talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, during which both countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership

The Centre is considering uniform regulations for messaging platforms after raising concerns over WhatsApp's proposed username feature. The government fears the feature could enable fraud, impersonation and phishing, and plans consultations with major platforms before finalising a common regulatory framework