Times of India

The Enforcement Directorate is opting for large-scale compounding of Foreign Exchange Management Act (Fema) cases, with the Reserve Bank of India's approval, to expedite resolutions and avoid lengthy legal battles. Over 150 Fema cases have been terminated in the past 15 months following "no-objection certificates" from the ED. This approach, involving penalty payments, aims to foster a more facilitative business environment in India.

Following a directive to Meta, the Indian government has now issued notices to Telegram and Signal, demanding explanations on their existing username systems. Authorities are seeking details on how these platforms prevent fraud, impersonation, and scams, giving them three days to respond. The government also questioned Telegram's continued offering of its username feature, citing concerns over potential cybercrime.

Nine years post-retirement, Usain Bolt's global icon status fuels a $90 million fortune, bolstered by enduring endorsements and business ventures. His partner, Kasi Bennett, independently contributes between $1-2 million through her entrepreneurial and philanthropic work. Together, this Jamaican power couple boasts a combined net worth nearing $92 million, showcasing a successful blend of family, luxury, and expanding business interests.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, managing the Ayodhya temple, operates independently, with the Home Ministry confirming it's not accountable to the government. This autonomy is crucial as the trust faces a July 6 meeting to address resignations amid a donation row. Decisions on key figures like Champat Rai and Anil Mishra will be made internally by its members, highlighting the trust's self-governing structure.

China is pushing for an economic corridor linking Bangladesh and Myanmar, mirroring CPEC's strategic importance. This initiative, discussed during Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's China visit, aims to boost connectivity, with China developing the Mongla port. Beijing has also expressed openness to other nations joining this "transnational initiative," which has drawn India's attention due to its proximity to the eastern border.

Indian Navy warship INS Trikand successfully thwarted a piracy attempt on an India-bound merchant vessel, MV Golden Arsenal, in the Gulf of Aden. Marine commandos boarded the ship, which carries an Indian sailor, and secured it after the crew took refuge in the citadel. The vessel sustained some damage. This incident highlights the Navy's ongoing commitment to maritime security in the region.

A viral video showing a damaged section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan has sparked renewed criticism. The National Highways Authority of India terminated the original contractor's agreement in April due to persistent poor performance. Repairs are underway by a new builder at the former contractor's expense, with micro-milling and permanent reconstruction planned after traffic diversion. Experts are investigating the cause of the pavement distress.

Defence Ministry gears up to approve over Rs 1 lakh crore in acquisitions, including 300 K-9 Vajra howitzers and 600 HAMMER missiles for fighter jets. The Army will also bolster its air defence with Russian Verba systems. This significant procurement push aims to modernize India's military capabilities, with key defence chiefs attending the crucial Defence Acquisition Council meeting for the first time.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah advocated for renewed India-Pakistan dialogue, emphasizing it's the sole path to de-escalate tensions. He questioned the criticism faced by J&K politicians for similar calls, contrasting it with the lack of backlash for RSS leaders advocating open talks. Abdullah highlighted the importance of improving neighborly relations, referencing former PM Vajpayee's sentiment.

Informal discussions are set to resume in Leh between central officials and Ladakh groups, focusing on previous meeting outcomes and other pressing matters. This follows a recent shutdown protesting alleged backtracking on key agreements, including a legislative body and constitutional safeguards. While a prominent activist continues a hunger strike in Delhi, these talks aim to bridge the gap on crucial demands for the Union Territory's future.

Mehbooba Mufti, the sole non-Shia politician from J&K and Ladakh, flew to Tehran for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, an event arranged with a special aircraft due to suspended commercial flights. Several other prominent figures from the region were also invited. The invitation highlighted the deep historical and strategic ties between Iran and India, underscoring the significance of the attendees' presence.

Several completed public facilities in Delhi, including Karol Bagh's Heritage Park and a Jangpura pet park, remain inaccessible to citizens years after construction. Bureaucratic inertia and procedural delays, even for projects with no financial constraints like the JPN Library, are preventing these valuable assets from serving the public, leading to significant underutilization of investment.

The Bombay High Court has quashed an externment order against a political party office-bearer, stating that opposing government decisions, even through protests and slogans like 'BJP Govt murdabad', cannot be grounds for forcing someone out of their locality. Justice Madhav Jamdar emphasized citizens' fundamental rights to express opinions and protest, questioning the validity of such actions against individuals for voicing dissent.

A shocking incident unfolded in east Delhi's Rashid Market where a 20-year-old woman allegedly strangled her 19-year-old husband to death. The crime, reportedly committed in a fit of rage, occurred after the husband accused her of an extramarital affair and confiscated her phone. Despite his mother's attempts to intervene, the woman allegedly used her dupatta to commit the act. The accused has been arrested.

Rajasthan Cricket Association's ad hoc committee has been dissolved by the High Court, paving the way for democratic elections within three months. A sole administrator has been appointed to oversee this process. This judicial intervention is expected to revive stalled projects like the Chonp stadium and secure the Rajasthan Royals' IPL home matches in Jaipur, addressing long-standing administrative and financial disputes.

Delhi's transport department is investigating the Chinese app BAT-BMS following viral claims of it remotely disabling e-rickshaws. The app reportedly exploits unsecured Bluetooth-enabled Chinese battery management systems, allowing unauthorized users to halt vehicles by switching off their discharge function. Officials are verifying the app's capabilities and the security vulnerabilities of these systems.