Month: July 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday agreed to host the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 at a neutral venue.

The venues of the tournament can be Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as per the sources.

The Asia Cup 2025, a six-team tournament, will be played in T20 format this time around. The sources further revealed that it is likely that both India and Pakistan will be in the same group for the tournament.

“India is ready to host the Asia Cup 2025, but at a neutral venue (Abu Dhabi and UAE), India and Pakistan will likely be in the same group,” sources told ANI.

India is the defending champion of the Asia Cup. In 2023, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, and Sri Lanka was picked as the neutral venue for India’s fixtures. Earlier this year, Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy, but India declined to cross the border and played all its matches at a neutral venue in Dubai.

In May, various reports and speculations stormed social media, suggesting that India had declined to participate in this year’s Asia Cup and the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

The reports claimed that the BCCI had informed the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of its decision to withdraw from both events–the Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next month, and the Men’s Asia Cup, slated for September.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia categorically denied the claims, stating that the BCCI hasn’t engaged in such conversations or taken any steps regarding the ACC events. The BCCI secretary labelled the reports as “speculative and imaginary.” (ANI)

Following Leader of Opposition in Bihar Tejashwi Yadav’s caveat of boycotting Bihar elections over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) row, Congress General Secretary and MP KC Venugopal said that the circumstances prevailing in the country pressurised Tejashwi Yadav to say this and SIR of electoral rolls would be not be allowed to take place.

Speaking to ANI, KC Venugopal said, “Circumstances prevailing in the country pressurised Tejashwi Yadav to say this. The Election Commission is indirectly approving the removal of so many names from the electoral roll. Why are they doing this special exercise within the stipulated time? Their intention is not correct. We will not allow it to happen.”

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday warned of boycotting the upcoming Bihar elections if it is not rolled back.

Addressing media personnel, Tejashwi Yadav said, “When everything has been decided from before that the names of lakhs of people will be deleted from the voter’s list, and when these same voters voted for PM Modi in the past and decided the fate of the government in the past, then it was all right. We are asking how the sudden need for SIR arose now. It means that the people in power are acknowledging that they came to power through deception earlier, and now the same thing will be repeated. When they have decided to be dishonest, then we (all parties in the Mahagathbandhan) could talk about boycotting the elections. We have this option.”

He further said that he would talk with all the parties of the Mahagathbandhan.

“What is the meaning of polls if people in a democracy do not vote. The option to boycott polls is available with us. The main game will be played by EC after August 1, when scrutiny will be done,” he said.

He claimed that the state is being “remote controlled” from New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah giving “orders” carry out the voter roll revision.

Opposition leaders on Thursday held a protest in front of the Bihar Assembly over the issue of the SIR exercise being carried out by ECI ahead of the state elections, to be held later this year.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) MPs, for the fourth consecutive day, protested against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted by the Election Commission (EC) in poll bound Bihar. The MPs gathered at Parliament Makar Dwar, and called for a stop to the exercise.

The opposition parties have repeatedly called for a discussion in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha regarding the revision exercise, moving adjournment motions everyday since the start of the monsoon session and alleging that manipulation of voter rolls is taking place under the guise of the SIR.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji, Deputy Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJ) MP Manoj Jha, among multiple other leaders attended the protest.

Carrying banner which read “SIR-Attack on Democracy,” the MPs stood at Makar Dwar, demanding that the voter list revision is halted.

Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. (ANI)

Superstar Kamal Haasan was all praise for Fahadh Faasil’s latest release ‘Maareesan’. The actor congratulated the team for producing a socially apt film.

Taking to his X handle, actor Haasan wrote a meticulous review of ‘Maareesan’, highlighting the maker’s motive to use humour as a camouflage to showcase “human emotions” and “dark shadows” of our society.

Haasan wrote, “Watched Maareesan – a film that dances effortlessly between wit and depth, leaving me laughing, thinking, and admiring its craft. Had a wonderful conversation with the team to congratulate them on this delightful creation. Beneath its humour lies a socially conscious lens on human emotion and a keen gaze at the darker shadows of our society. The kind of inventive, spirited cinema I naturally gravitate towards – both as viewer and creator.”

Watched Maareesan – a film that dances effortlessly between wit and depth, leaving me laughing, thinking, and admiring its craft. Had a wonderful conversation with the team to congratulate them on this delightful creation.

Beneath its humour lies a socially conscious lens on…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 24, 2025

The film is directed by Sudheesh Shankar and also stars Vadivelu in the lead role. One of the reasons why the movie created a buzz is the unexpected comparison between Kamal Haasan and Fahadh Faasil’s acting performances. The fans of both actors often debate about who is better, as they are considered to be method actors.

Faasil plays the role of a thief who is on a mission to con Vadivelu for money. To succeed without resorting to violence or crime, Fahadh decides to win the actor’s trust so that he can get access to his funds.

The two-minute and six-second trailer begins with Fahadh being intrigued by how a fish swimming under the water became prey to a crane flying above in the sky.

In a surprising turn of events, he sets his eyes on a middle-aged man (Vadivelu) carrying loads of money on a trip to Thiruvannamalai.

However, a simple theft becomes a tough hassle for him when Fahadh discovers that the actor seems to be an Alzheimer’s patient, who has forgotten even his Debit Card’s ATM pin and route to home. (ANI)

The much-awaited landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement was signed on Thursday, in the presence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer, providing greater access to goods and services between the two countries.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to the UK.

“A landmark deal with India means jobs, investment and growth here in the UK. It creates thousands of British jobs, unlocks new opportunities for businesses and puts money in the pockets of working people. That’s our Plan for Change in action,” UK PM Starmer wrote on X ahead of the signing ceremony.

On May 6, Prime Minister Modi and his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, announced the successful conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This forward-looking Agreement is aligned with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and complements the growth aspirations of both countries.

The idea behind the trade deal is to eliminate or reduce tariffs on imports and exports between the two nations. This should make Indian products competitive in the UK and vice versa.

Both nations desire to increase their trade to USD 120 billion by 2030.

The FTA is expected to boost key sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods and toys, marine products, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, auto parts and engines, and organic chemicals.

“The FTA ensures comprehensive market access for goods, across all sectors, covering all of India’s export interests. India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99% of the tariff lines covering almost 100 per cent of the trade value offering huge opportunities for increase in the bilateral trade between India and the UK,” India’s Commerce and Industry Ministry had said in its release on May 6.

Today, the UK government said India’s average tariff on UK products will drop from 15 per cent to 3 per cent under India-UK FTA.

The UK statement asserted that British companies selling products to India — from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices — will find it easier to sell to the Indian market.

Further, British whisky producers will benefit from tariffs slashed in half, reduced immediately from 150 per cent to 75 per cent and then dropped even further to 40 per cent over the next ten years – giving the UK an advantage over international competitors in reaching the Indian market, the UK statement noted. (ANI)

At least five people, including three women and two men, were killed after a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus plunged into a gorge near the Maseran area of Sarkaghat, around 60 kilometres from Mandi town, police said.

Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma stated that around 20 people sustained injuries in the accident and are currently receiving treatment at the Sarkaghat hospital. Several passengers are reported to be in critical condition.

Preliminary information indicated that the bus was carrying approximately 20-25 passengers at the time of the mishap. Rescue and relief operations are being conducted by the police and local administration.

Further details are awaited.

Meanwhile, unrelenting monsoon fury has pushed Himachal Pradesh into a state of crisis.

The total death toll due to monsoon-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 137.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), this includes 77 rain-related deaths, such as those caused by landslides, house collapses, and flash floods, as well as 60 fatalities resulting from road accidents exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, restoration efforts are ongoing across affected districts. While conditions have improved in some areas, fresh disruptions continue to be reported, underscoring the vulnerability of infrastructure during extreme weather events.

Authorities have also advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel in high-risk areas and adhere to safety advisories issued by local administrations. Disaster response teams are closely monitoring the situation. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has called for eschewing “radical globalism” pursued by some of the country’s firms, including tech giants like Google, Meta and Microsoft, among others, to “stop building factories” and “hiring workers” from countries including India.

“For too long, much of our tech industry pursued a radical globalism that left millions of Americans feeling distrustful and betrayed. And you know that,” Trump said.

“Many of our largest tech companies have reaped the blessings of American freedom while building their factories in China, hiring workers in India, and slashing profits in Ireland. You know that. All the while dismissing and even censoring their fellow citizens right here at home,” Trump said ahead of unveiling his administration’s “AI Action Plan.”

He said this in his address to the All-In Podcast and Hill & Valley Forum AI Summit in Washington, DC on Wednesday (local time) Washington, DC.

Trump signed three new executive orders: expediting permitting for AI infrastructure, boosting exports of US-developed AI, and banning federal procurement of AI systems with political or ideological bias.

During his remarks at the AI Summit, Trump urged US tech companies to be “all in for America.”

“We want you to put America first. You have to do that. That’s all we ask. That’s all we ask to partner with our tech geniuses and achieving this vision. Today, we’re releasing the White House AI action plan. Big stuff,” Trump said.

The US President said that in a few months, “Meta, Amazon, Google, Microsoft are all investing $320 billion dollars or more in data centers and AI infrastructure this year” adding that Nvidia has committed $500 billion over the next four years.

“For decades, we had leaders who spent their time focused on building up foreign nations. Under the Trump administration, we are going to have leaders who are going to build up our nation. This colossal investment in AI infrastructure and many other industries for that matter such as automobiles and so many other things will also create thousands and thousands of great paying jobs. the kind of jobs we want, including lots of blue collar jobs,” Trump said.

Taking aim at his predecessor Joe Biden, Trump said, “The last administration was obsessed with imposing restrictions on AI, including extreme restrictions on its exports.”

This he said “alienated American partners and drove even our friends into the arms of China and other countries,” Trump said noting that he had upon assuming office “repealed the so-called Biden diffusion rule,” which crippled American AI exports.

Further he said,” We created the digital age, and now we are leading the world into the golden age.

Indeed, the golden age of America. With your help, that golden age will be built by American workers. It will be powered by American energy. It will be run on American technology, improved by American artificial intelligence.” (ANI)

The Maharashtra government introduced the Housing Policy 2025 on Wednesday, a comprehensive plan expected to mobilise investments worth Rs 70,000 crore.

The policy outlines a multi-pronged strategy focusing on slum rehabilitation, affordable housing, and sustainable urban development, with special emphasis on economically weaker sections (EWS), lower-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG).

The government has set an ambitious target to construct 35 lakh houses over the next five years, with a long-term vision of delivering 50 lakh homes within a decade. To facilitate this, the MahaAwas Fund will be significantly expanded to Rs 20,000 crore.

“The ultimate target is to build 50 lakh houses in the next 10 years… To achieve this ambitious target, existing provisions under the Development Control and Promotion Regulations/Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations and relevant institutional frameworks will be strengthened and modified as needed. Additionally, active participation from the private sector will be promoted through a range of incentive-based measures,” the policy stated.

A key focus of the policy is transforming Maharashtra into a slum-free state through large-scale rehabilitation and redevelopment projects. The policy prioritises the needs of low-income earners, senior citizens, women, industrial workers, and students.

Affordable housing has been granted infrastructure status, enabling developers to access external commercial borrowing (ECB) and foreign direct investment (FDI). It also qualifies for priority sector lending (PSL) from banks and housing finance companies (HFCs).

The policy advocates for the redevelopment of old buildings to enhance living conditions and optimise land use. It also promotes the development of integrated townships that combine affordable housing with essential services.

“The state-level portal will soon be developed for providing information on housing development through government-private sector partnership, through developers and also through state-run undertakings,” the policy noted.

Recognising diverse housing needs, the policy includes provisions for industrial workers, senior citizens, working women, students, project-affected persons (PAPs), and migrant workers. A notable feature is the ‘Walk to Work’ concept, which reserves 10% to 30% of land in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) areas for housing.

“Such land should be handed over to the appropriate authority at the applicable acquisition price, so that authority can create adequate housing stock in such areas. The authority can also partner with private industries to provide housing for industrial workers in a public-private partnership model,” the policy explained. (ANI)

By Reena Bhardwaj

India has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, uninterrupted humanitarian aid and release of hostages to address the deepening crisis in the region. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the Middle East, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said that mere pauses in hostilities are not enough to address the worsening humanitarian situation.

“Intermittent pauses in hostilities are not enough to address the scale of humanitarian challenges confronting the people, who grapple daily with acute shortages of food and fuel, inadequate medical services and lack of access to education,” Harish said.

He expressed concern over the collapsing healthcare and education systems in Gaza.

“WHO estimates that around 95 per cent of all hospitals in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reports that more than 6,50,000 children have had no schooling for over 20 months,” he said.

Calling for urgent international action, Harish said, “The ongoing human suffering must not be allowed to continue. Humanitarian assistance needs to be facilitated in a safe, sustained and timely manner. There is no substitute for peace. A ceasefire must be established. All hostages must be released. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable paths to achieving these objectives. There are no other fixes or solutions.”

Harish also reiterated India’s historic support to Palestine.

“India shares historic and strong ties with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We have always stood by them, and our commitment towards the Palestinian cause is unwavering. We were the first non-Arab country to recognise the State of Palestine.”

#IndiaAtUN

PR @AmbHarishP delivered 🇮🇳’s statement at the @UN Security Council Quarterly Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/T7NNvIXzqk

— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) July 23, 2025

He said India is currently implementing development projects worth over USD 40 million to support Palestinian people through direct aid and partnerships with organisations like UNRWA.

“India reiterates that the pathway to enduring peace is rooted in a two-State solution, one that establishes a sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace,” Harish said.

He also welcomed the upcoming High-Level International Conference on the two-State solution, expressing hope it would lead to “concrete steps” toward peace.

“India underscores its readiness to contribute to efforts that are aimed at shaping a political horizon that restores hope for the Palestinians and achieving sustained peace in the Middle East,” Harish added.

Meanwhile, Israel categorically rejected statements made by several international organisations on the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In a statement, the Israeli foreign ministry accused these organisations of “serving the propaganda of Hamas.”

“These organisations are serving the propaganda of Hamas, using their numbers and justifying their horrors. Instead of challenging the terror organisation, they embrace it as their own,” the ministry said.

𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮:

These organizations are serving the propaganda of… pic.twitter.com/7hM6Ol8whz

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) July 23, 2025

Israel said such statements were harming ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire. “In this critical time of negotiations, they are echoing Hamas’s propaganda and harming the chances for a ceasefire.”

According to the statement, nearly 4,500 trucks have entered Gaza carrying food, flour, and baby formula. Israel said over 700 aid trucks are currently inside Gaza but are waiting to be picked up by the UN.

“This bottleneck is the main obstacle to maintaining a consistent flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. For some, the obsession with attacking Israel is more important than helping the people of Gaza,” the statement said. (ANI)

A Large number of devotees took a holy dip in the confluence of Rivers Ganga and Yamuna, known as ‘Sangam’ in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Thursday on the occasion of Shravan Amavasya.

Taking a dip in the holy water on Shravan Amavasya is considered to have special significance, and devotees today, along with chanting and penance, also make donations.

Even after the flood, a flock of devotees has been reaching at the Sangam point since this morning.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather in Prayagraj would be “Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers”.

It also said that the maximum temperature would be 35 degrees and the minimum would be 27 degrees. Humidity is 90 degrees maximum and 70 degrees minimum, as per IMD.

Across various states in India, the auspicious day of Shravan Amavasya is being celebrated. At the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, priests performed Bhasma Aarti, and devotees prayed with their hands folded.

Moreover, people are also performing prayers to their ancestors and taking a holy dip in the sea at the Thoothukudi Port beach in Tamil Nadu. The devotees are praying for the peace of the departed ancestors and seeking their blessings.

This particular Amavasya, observed on July 24, 2025, is also known as “Hariyali Amavasya”.

According to the Hindu tradition, Amavasya is considered a time for ancestral remembrance, and when it falls in Shravan, it carries added power and sanctity.

On this auspicious day, families perform Tarpan, Shraddha, and other rituals to pay homage to their ancestors, seeking their blessings for peace and wellbeing.

People also observe the day by bathing in holy rivers, such as the Ganga, and offering their prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They also do fasting, donate to the needy, and participate in community rituals and temple visits.

The name “Hariyali Amavasya” reflects the lush renewal of life during the monsoon season. It’s a symbolic time of fertility, growth, and preparation for the future.

Yesterday, the sacred festival of Sawan Shivratri was celebrated with immense devotion across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, as thousands of devotees and Kanwar pilgrims gathered at prominent Shiva temples to offer prayers and perform rituals.

In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, special prayers were conducted at the Shiv Temple of the Kailash Math. The city also witnessed massive footfall at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India. Long queues of saffron-clad Kanwar pilgrims, many of whom had walked barefoot for days, lined the streets, waiting patiently to catch a glimpse of the deity. They offered their prayers on this spiritually significant day.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat, devotees flocked to the Shree Parshuram Pura Mahadev Mandir to offer their prayers. Devotees thronged the ancient premises from early morning, pouring holy water and milk over the Shivalinga, a ritual symbolic of purification and surrender to Lord Shiva.

Sawan Shivratri, observed during the holy month of Sawan, is considered one of the most auspicious days for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts, visit temples, and chant Shiva mantras, believing that this day holds the power to absolve sins and fulfil heartfelt desires.

This year, Sawan began on July 11 and will conclude on August 9. It is the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest periods for devotees of Shiva. (ANI)

The 16-year-old girl, who sustained 75% burns after being set on fire by unidentified miscreants at Balanga in Odisha’s Puri, remained critical at AIIMS, New Delhi, said the hospital.

According to the press release issued by AIIMS Delhi, she has undergone surgery for the management of deep burns. She is currently on oxygen support and remains in a critical condition.

“The patient, a 16-year-old girl who sustained 75% burns on 19th July 2025, was airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar and received at the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, AIIMS New Delhi, on 20th July 2025. Day 5 of extensive deep burns. She has undergone surgery for the management of deep burns,” the press release stated.

“She is currently on oxygen support and remains in a critical condition. A dedicated team of doctors is closely monitoring her progress,” it added.

She was airlifted to AIIMS, New Delhi, on Sunday (July 20, 2025) for advanced medical treatment.

Earlier, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) delegation comprising Rajya Sabha MPs Sasmit Patra, Manas Ranjan Mangaraj, Sulata Deo and Niranjan Bishi visited AIIMS here on Monday and met with the 15-year-old girl, who was set ablaze in Puri.

The delegation interacted with the attending doctors to enquire about the victim’s medical condition and ongoing treatment. They also met with the family members of the victim and assured them of all possible support. The minor girl, who suffered 75% burn injuries, was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi on Sunday.

The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Balanda police station in the Nimapada block of Puri district. According to her cousin, the 16-year-old girl, who had gone out with friends, was abducted and taken to the riverside, where she was set on fire by unidentified miscreants. Severely burnt, she managed to reach a nearby house from where she was rushed to the hospital.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident.

“Whoever is responsible will be caught. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident and to determine whether any conspiracy was involved. The government will ensure strict punishment under the law,” the Chief Minister had said.

The incident has come into light a few days after the self-immolation case of a female student at Balasore’s FM (Auto) college.

The student had attempted self-immolation on July 12 on the college campus, sustaining over 90 per cent burn injuries, and succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14. (ANI)