Government to Raise ₹36,000 Crore via Auction of Two Dated Securities on July 25

The Government of India has announced the re-issue of two dated securities to raise a total of ₹36,000 crore through an auction to be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on July 25, 2025. The first security is the 5.91% Government Security (GS) 2028, maturing on June 30, 2028, with a notified amount of ₹6,000 crore. The second is the 6.33% GS 2035, maturing on May 5, 2035, with a significantly higher notified amount of ₹30,000 crore. Additionally, the government has kept the option open to retain an extra subscription of up to ₹2,000 crore for each security, depending on investor response. These bonds are part of the government’s borrowing strategy to meet its financial needs, especially in situations of fiscal deficit—when its expenditure exceeds revenue. By issuing these securities, the government borrows from the public, banks, and institutions, promising to repay with interest after a fixed term. The funds raised help finance infrastructure projects, welfare schemes, subsidies, and other developmental expenses without immediate tax hikes. The auction will be conducted via the RBI’s electronic platform, e-Kuber, using the multiple price method. Results will be declared on the same day, and successful bidders must make payments by July 28, 2025. Primary Dealers may submit their bids for underwriting the Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) portion between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on the auction day. RBI also clarified that the minimum bid size is ₹10,000 and in multiples of ₹10,000 thereafter. These securities will be eligible for “When Issued” trading from July 22 to July 25, allowing pre-issuance trading. Investors, including retail participants using the RBI Retail Direct platform, can also access the non-competitive bidding facility. Moreover, the bonds will be eligible for repurchase (repo) transactions and are open to non-resident investors under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR). This strategic auction is part of the government’s ongoing effort to manage fiscal needs while offering safe investment instruments backed by sovereign guarantee.

उप राष्ट्रपति जगदीप धनखड़ ने अचानक दिया इस्तीफा, एनडीए के सामने उत्तराधिकारी चुनने की चुनौती

उप राष्ट्रपति जगदीप धनखड़ ने सोमवार शाम अचानक अपने पद से इस्तीफा देकर देश की राजनीति को चौंका दिया है। स्वास्थ्य कारणों का हवाला देते हुए उन्होंने राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मू को अपना इस्तीफा सौंपा और कहा कि यह तत्काल प्रभाव से लागू होगा। उन्होंने अपने पत्र में लिखा, “चिकित्सकीय सलाह के अनुसार स्वास्थ्य को प्राथमिकता देने हेतु मैं भारत के उप राष्ट्रपति पद से तत्काल प्रभाव से इस्तीफा देता हूं।” धनखड़, जो अगस्त 2022 में उप राष्ट्रपति बने थे, का कार्यकाल 2027 तक था। उनके इस्तीफे की घोषणा संसद के मानसून सत्र के पहले दिन हुई, जब उन्होंने राज्यसभा में इलाहाबाद हाईकोर्ट के जज यशवंत वर्मा के खिलाफ विपक्ष द्वारा दिए गए महाभियोग नोटिस का उल्लेख किया। यह घटनाक्रम सत्तारूढ़ गठबंधन के लिए एक अप्रत्याशित झटका साबित हुआ। धनखड़ का कार्यकाल विपक्ष के साथ लगातार टकरावों के लिए जाना गया, विशेष रूप से राज्यसभा में उनके तीखे और विवादास्पद बयानों को लेकर कई बार सरकार भी असहज महसूस करती रही। अब जब एनडीए के पास लोकसभा और राज्यसभा में बहुमत है, तो उनके उत्तराधिकारी का चयन गठबंधन के लिए महत्वपूर्ण राजनीतिक फैसला होगा। पार्टी सूत्रों के अनुसार, भाजपा एक ऐसे अनुभवी और विवाद-मुक्त नेता को चुनने के पक्ष में है, जो संगठनात्मक रूप से मजबूत हो और संवैधानिक जिम्मेदारियों को निभाने में सक्षम हो। धनखड़ की तरह किसी राज्यपाल — संभवतः किसी मौजूदा या पूर्व राज्यपाल — या फिर केंद्र सरकार के किसी वरिष्ठ मंत्री या संगठन के अनुभवी नेता को इस पद के लिए चुना जा सकता है। राज्यसभा के उपसभापति हरिवंश, जो जनता दल (यूनाइटेड) के सांसद हैं और 2020 से इस पद पर हैं, को भी एक संभावित नाम के तौर पर देखा जा रहा है क्योंकि वे सरकार का विश्वास प्राप्त करते हैं। धनखड़ के पूर्ववर्ती एम. वेंकैया नायडू भी भाजपा के वरिष्ठ नेता रहे हैं और 2017 में उप राष्ट्रपति चुने जाने से पहले मोदी सरकार में केंद्रीय मंत्री थे। फिलहाल पार्टी के नेता मानते हैं कि यह फैसला कुछ ही दिनों में लिया जाएगा और एक “ठोस और सर्वमान्य” नाम पर सहमति बनेगी।

Aviation Minister Urges Calm Amid Speculation Over Air India Crash, Investigation Ongoing

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has appealed for restraint and patience as investigations continue into the tragic Air India crash on June 12 that claimed 274 lives, including 19 people on the ground. Addressing the Lok Sabha, the minister acknowledged the various theories circulating about the cause of the crash but emphasized the need to “respect the process of investigation.” Naidu reassured Parliament that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is handling the inquiry in a transparent and fact-based manner. “We have seen multiple articles, not just from Indian media, but also from international outlets pushing their own narratives,” he said, underlining the government’s commitment to truth and evidence-led conclusions. The minister’s statement comes amid rising concerns sparked by a preliminary AAIB report. According to the report, the crash occurred just 32 seconds after takeoff, with both of the aircraft’s fuel control switches moving from the ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ positions within a second of each other — effectively cutting power to the engines during a critical phase of flight. International media, particularly the Wall Street Journal, have reported on a cockpit voice recording that allegedly captured the First Officer asking Captain Sabharwal why he moved the fuel switches — an action the captain reportedly denied. However, these claims have been strongly refuted in India. The AAIB criticized such coverage as “selective,” “unverified,” and “irresponsible,” warning that it undermines the integrity of the ongoing investigation and stokes unnecessary public anxiety about Indian aviation safety. The pilots’ union also slammed the reports, stating there is no official confirmation of such cockpit exchanges. Meanwhile, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is collaborating with the AAIB, cautioned against “premature” and “speculative” media coverage, although it did not single out any specific reports. Importantly, the fuel control switches on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the model involved in the crash, are designed to be manually operated and cannot shift positions accidentally. Following the preliminary findings, Indian aviation authorities have directed airlines operating similar aircraft to inspect all fuel regulation switches as a precautionary measure. As the final AAIB report is still awaited, Minister Naidu stressed the importance of allowing the investigation to conclude before drawing any conclusions, urging the public and media alike to avoid spreading speculative narratives.

73 Palestinians Killed While Seeking Aid in Gaza, Evacuation Orders Deepen Crisis

At least 73 Palestinians were killed on Sunday while attempting to access humanitarian aid at various distribution points across Gaza, according to a report by the Associated Press. The highest number of fatalities occurred in northern Gaza, where at least 67 individuals were killed near the Zikim crossing with Israel. The figures were confirmed by the health ministry in Gaza and local hospitals. It remains unclear whether the deaths were caused by Israeli military fire, armed gangs, or both. However, several eyewitnesses claimed that Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd. Health workers stated that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed over recent weeks while trying to obtain food and supplies at Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) distribution centers. The GHF is supported by both the United States and Israel. In addition to the fatalities, more than 150 people were injured in Sunday’s incidents, many of them critically. New Evacuation Orders Amid Ceasefire Talks In a separate development, the Israeli military issued new evacuation warnings for central Gaza on Sunday. The order affects areas between Deir al-Balah and the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, severely restricting civilian and humanitarian movement in the already devastated enclave. The timing of the evacuation order coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar. The United Nations has reportedly asked Israel to clarify whether its facilities in southwestern Deir al-Balah are included in the latest evacuation zone. The area covered by the new evacuation spans from previously cleared zones all the way to the Mediterranean coast. The directive is expected to significantly disrupt aid operations and civilian access to shelter and essential services. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned that the army will carry out intense strikes on militant targets and urged civilians, including those living in makeshift tents, to relocate to the Muwasi area on Gaza’s southern shore—a designated “humanitarian zone” with limited infrastructure and resources. Earlier in July, the Israeli military announced that it had gained control over more than 65% of the Gaza Strip. The recent developments raise fresh concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the territory.

BBC to Appoint Senior Editorial Director with Six-Figure Salary After Gaza Doc Scandal

The BBC has announced plans to hire a new senior director responsible for editorial oversight of its documentaries and current affairs output, following intense criticism over the pulled documentary Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone. The move is part of a broader package of reforms aimed at strengthening compliance and accountability in coverage of the Israel–Hamas conflict. The additional executive will join the BBC News Board—where top leaders such as News Head Deborah Turness, earning up to £435,000, already sit—to tighten controls on high-risk programmes. Their remit will include instituting rigorous background and social-media checks on contributors and ensuring that any project flagged as sensitive is overseen by a dedicated senior executive producer. The aim is to clarify lines of responsibility and prevent the “too many cooks” mentality that some insiders say has muddled decision-making. A government-mandated review found that Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone breached editorial guidelines by failing to disclose that its young narrator Abdullah was the son of a Hamas deputy minister. The scandal prompted accusations of “catastrophic failures” from ministers and a confidence vote challenge from Israel’s ambassador to the UK. The UK government treats all wings of Hamas as a “single terrorist organisation,” a distinction the BBC’s leadership had previously rejected. Further reforms include stricter translation policies—mandating the Arabic term “Yehudi” be translated as “Jews” rather than “Israelis”—and expanded mandatory anti-Semitism training for all staff. Director-General Tim Davie has also pledged specialist training for managers handling sensitive subjects, in an effort to reassure Jewish staff and restore trust in the broadcaster’s culture and editorial standards.

Govt, Opposition Discuss Smooth Parliament Functioning Ahead of Monsoon Session

The government, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, sought the Opposition’s cooperation for the smooth conduct of the Monsoon session of Parliament. Rijiju emphasized that government-opposition coordination was essential for effective legislative proceedings. The all-party meeting saw heated exchanges, with the Opposition planning to raise several contentious issues: The meeting was chaired by Union Minister J.P. Nadda and attended by key leaders, including Congress’s Jairam Ramesh, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule, DMK’s T R Baalu, and RPI(A) leader Ramdas Athawale. Rijiju assured that the government would respond “appropriately” to all issues raised during the session.

Monsoon Session Begins with Ruckus; Lok Sabha Adjourned Within 20 Minutes

Despite the government’s appeals for cooperation, the first sitting of the Lok Sabha in the Monsoon Session was adjourned just 20 minutes after it began, as opposition MPs created an uproar demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating a peace deal between India and Pakistan under the alleged Operation Sindoor. The House began with tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Air India AI-171 plane crash, but soon descended into chaos as opposition MPs raised slogans of “PM Modi jawab do” and stormed the well of the House. Speaker Om Birla appealed for order and assured members that discussions on the issue would be allowed after Question Hour, but protests continued. “The government wants to answer on every issue,” Birla said, before adjourning proceedings until noon. This turbulence followed Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s call for “government-opposition coordination” at an all-party meeting on Sunday. Rijiju had said the Centre would “respond appropriately” to any issue raised, including Trump’s comments. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi, addressing the media outside Parliament, described the Monsoon Session as a “Vijayotsav” and praised political parties for exposing Pakistan as a terror sponsor on global platforms. The Monsoon Session will run until August 21 and is expected to be stormy, with the INDIA bloc determined to push for discussions on: The opposition is firm that PM Modi must personally respond in Parliament.

Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks with E3 Nations in Istanbul Amid Sanctions Threat

Iran, along with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, is set to hold critical nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday. The discussions come in the wake of renewed pressure from the three European countries—collectively known as the E3—who have warned that a failure to resume meaningful negotiations could lead to the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Tehran by the end of August. These talks will be held at the deputy foreign minister level, as confirmed by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. This marks the first formal engagement since the E3 and the European Union’s foreign policy chief held a joint call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday. The dialogue follows a volatile period triggered by joint attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities by Israel and the United States a month ago. The 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), originally involved Iran and six world powers—China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, and the US. The agreement provided Iran with sanctions relief in return for strict limitations on its nuclear activities. However, the US unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under President Donald Trump, escalating tensions. Since then, diplomatic efforts have been ongoing, with five rounds of US-Iran talks previously held in Oman, though those discussions hit roadblocks over issues like Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. Western powers have insisted that Iran reduce its enrichment activities to near zero to avoid the risk of weaponisation, a demand Tehran continues to resist, insisting its nuclear programme is purely for civilian purposes. The latest round of talks comes after the Israeli-American offensive killed senior Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of civilians. The US later claimed to have “obliterated” three major Iranian nuclear sites. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24. Iran has accused the US of complicity in the Israeli strikes and has warned the E3 against resorting to pressure tactics. “If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the ‘snap-back’ for which they lack absolutely moral and legal ground,” Araghchi said last week. As international attention turns to Istanbul, the outcome of these talks could determine whether diplomacy is restored—or whether another chapter of sanctions and hostilities awaits.

मध्यप्रदेश के छतरपुर में दलित युवकों का आरोप: पुलिस ने की अवैध हिरासत और थर्ड डिग्री टॉर्चर, मिर्च डालकर कबूलनामा लिया

मध्यप्रदेश के छतरपुर ज़िले में चार दलित युवकों ने पुलिस पर अवैध हिरासत और बर्बर पिटाई का आरोप लगाया है। पीड़ितों ने बताया कि चोरी के एक मामले में जबरन कबूलनामा करवाने के लिए उन्हें चार दिन तक नंगा करके पीटा गया और उनके प्राइवेट पार्ट्स में मिर्च पाउडर डालकर प्रताड़ित किया गया। कंजारपुर धर्मपुरा क्षेत्र के निवासी ये युवक 15 जुलाई की रात एक गृह प्रवेश समारोह से लौट रहे थे। रास्ते में पेशाब करने के लिए रुके थे, तभी डायल-100 पुलिस वाहन ने उन्हें बिना किसी कारण उठाकर ले जाया। पीड़ितों में से एक युवक दिव्यांग था, जिसे छोड़ दिया गया, जबकि बाकी चार को थाने ले जाकर उल्टा लटकाकर बेल्ट से पीटा गया। पुलिस पहले ही ट्रांसफार्मर ऑयल चोरी के मामले में पांच लोगों की गिरफ्तारी का दावा कर चुकी थी। इस घटना के विरोध में भीम आर्मी के कार्यकर्ता और पीड़ितों के परिजन एसपी ऑफिस पहुंचे और एससी/एसटी एक्ट के तहत कार्रवाई और दोषी पुलिसकर्मियों को निलंबित करने की मांग को लेकर प्रदर्शन किया। प्रदर्शन के दौरान पुलिस प्रशासन ने एसपी कार्यालय के गेट बंद कर दिए और बिजली भी काट दी। बाद में डीआईजी ललित शक्यवार मौके पर पहुंचे और पीड़ितों का मेडिकल परीक्षण कराने तथा निष्पक्ष जांच का आश्वासन दिया। छतरपुर एसपी अगम जैन ने बताया कि मामले की जांच के लिए एक वरिष्ठ अधिकारी को नियुक्त किया गया है और थाने के सीसीटीवी फुटेज की जांच की जा रही है। अब तक तीन पीड़ितों का मेडिकल परीक्षण कराया जा चुका है। पीड़ित परिवारों ने यह भी आरोप लगाया कि पुलिस हिरासत में एक युवक लापता है और आशंका जताई जा रही है कि उसकी मौत हो चुकी है। एक पीड़ित के ससुर ने यह भी आरोप लगाया कि यदि उन्होंने प्रदर्शन जारी रखा, तो पुलिस उन्हें गिरफ्तार कर सरकारी ज़मीन से बेदखल कर देगी। विरोध प्रदर्शन स्थल पर भारी संख्या में पुलिस बल तैनात किया गया, वहीं पूर्व कांग्रेस विधायक नीरज दीक्षित ने भी मौके पर पहुंचकर पीड़ितों के लिए न्याय की मांग की। फिलहाल मामले की जांच जारी है।

FIR Lodged Against Nivin Pauly and Abrid Shine Over ₹1.90 Crore ‘Mahaveeryar’ Dispute

A Thalayolaparambu police station has registered a case against actor Nivin Pauly and director Abrid Shine for allegedly cheating producer P.S. Shamnas of ₹1.90 crore during the making of their 2022 film Mahaveeryar. The courtroom drama, which mixed time travel and fantasy elements, was both a critical and commercial disappointment, according to the complainant. According to the FIR (No. 808/2025), Shamnas alleges that Pauly and Shine breached his trust by wrongfully profiting at his expense. As per their April 1, 2024 agreement, Shamnas advanced ₹1.90 crore toward production costs. In return, Pauly had promised to refund ₹95 lakh and grant Shamnas co-producer credit on Shine’s next project, Action Hero Biju 2. The complaint further states that, although the title banner was officially amended from Abrid Shine Productions to Indian Movie Makers (Shamnas’s banner) via the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, Pauly later submitted an earlier agreement to a Dubai distributor to falsely claim production rights. Overseas distribution rights—valued at ₹5 crore—were transferred to Home Screen Motion Pictures LLC in Dubai, which paid a ₹2 crore advance under the belief that Mahaveeryar was fully controlled by “Nivin Pauly Juniors.” Shamnas contends this arrangement led to the alleged ₹1.90 crore “duping.” An arbitration proceeding, directed by the court on June 28, 2025, is already underway under a confidentiality gag order. In an Instagram statement, Pauly clarified that despite these ongoing arbitration proceedings, “a new case has been registered without respecting the court’s directions and by concealing the ongoing arbitration proceedings and manipulating facts.” He affirmed his intention to pursue legal action, concluding, “The truth will prevail.” The FIR cites Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). SHO Vipin Chandran is leading the investigation, and relevant documents have been forwarded to judicial authorities for further action.

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