Times of India

Amidst the Trump administration's restrictive policies, Indian students aspiring to study in the US face uncertainty, with visa interviews paused and social media scrutiny increased. Many are altering online presence, seeking guidance, and exploring alternative academic paths in Britain and Singapore. Despite the challenges, American universities continue to attract top Indian talent, producing global leaders.

A major train tragedy was averted in Shamli as an alert loco pilot spotted a 20ft iron pipe and stones on the Delhi-Saharanpur railway track, prompting emergency brakes. This marks the fourth sabotage attempt on Uttar Pradesh's railway network in May, following previous incidents involving ballast and wooden logs placed on tracks.

Amit Shah asserted that the era of appeasement politics in Bengal is ending, projecting BJP's victory in 2026 by gaining support from Hindu and women voters. He accused Mamata Banerjee of prioritizing vote-bank politics over national security, alleging open borders to Bangladeshis and opposing waqf amendments.

Despite the surge in UPI transactions, cash usage, particularly the Rs 500 note, remains surprisingly high in India, reaching record levels. This phenomenon is attributed to precautionary hoarding driven by economic uncertainties stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. While the government promotes digital payments and smaller denominations, the preference for liquidity persists, reversing the pre-pandemic trend of reduced cash holdings.

A Delhi court is reviewing a money laundering case involving Shravan Gupta, who was convicted in Abu Dhabi for similar offenses. Gupta is challenging a summons issued by an Indian court, arguing double jeopardy under the Indian Constitution and CrPC.

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnudeo Sai asserts that targeted welfare and security operations have significantly weakened Maoist networks in Bastar, paving the way for lasting peace. He aims for a Naxal-free Chhattisgarh by March 2026, emphasizing development and inclusive policies. The government is committed to addressing concerns about mining and ensuring tribal communities benefit from development.

Hospital empanelment under the Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana has significantly decreased, dropping from 316 monthly in early 2024 to just 111 by April 2025. Healthcare associations attribute this decline to low package rates and delayed payments, deterring private hospitals, especially large chains.

A young Indian full-stack developer experienced a dramatic career shift, with his salary jumping from Rs 6 LPA to a promised Rs 18 LPA for a US-based startup role. However, the offer was rescinded just before his start date due to 'internal restructuring,' leaving him unemployed. Now, he faces a challenging job hunt, seeking stability after a volatile startup experience.

Pakistan faces a looming crisis in its kharif crop sowing season due to critically low water levels in the Mangla and Tarbela dams. The situation is worsened by India's regulation of Chenab river flows and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam attack.

Russia's defence ministry confirmed Ukrainian drone strikes on five airbases, acknowledging damage to aircraft. Kyiv is accused of launching the attacks, some from locations near airfields in Murmansk and Irkutsk. Ukraine claims to have destroyed around 40 Russian military planes. Observers suggest the attacks aim to pressure Moscow before peace talks in Istanbul, though analysts remain skeptical of a breakthrough.

PM Modi is unlikely to attend the G7 summit in Canada this June, marking the first absence since 2019. This decision arises from strained relations due to concerns over Khalistani separatists and Ottawa's handling of the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case.

Shreyas Iyer etched his name in IPL history, leading Punjab Kings to their first final in 11 years. His captaincy masterclass, combined with a fiery chase spearheaded by his 87 off 41 balls, saw PBKS defeat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others with crimes against humanity, including mass murder, related to a violent crackdown on student protests last year. The tribunal has ordered the accused to appear in court, marking the start of Hasina's trial in absentia. The proceedings were broadcast live, a first for Bangladesh.

Hamas has expressed its willingness to engage in fresh truce talks, following renewed diplomatic efforts by Qatar and Egypt, who are coordinating with the United States to break the deadlock. The aim is a 60-day temporary truce as a step towards a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Poonch Police have taken action against Ajaz Ahmad, a resident of Salian-Surankote, for allegedly misusing social media to disrupt peace and social harmony. Authorities stated that Ahmad has been placed under preventive detention to maintain law and order in the region.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy lauded a drone strike deep within Russia, calling it a "brilliant result" that destroyed over 40 aircraft, including strategic bombers. The Security Service (SBU) claimed the operation, dubbed "Operation Spider Web," caused billions in damage and significantly impacted Russia's air missile carrier fleet.

Sikh Federation UK threatens to campaign against Labour MPs starting August 1 if PM Keir Starmer doesn't announce a judge-led public inquiry into Britain's role in the 1984 Operation Blue Star by the end of July.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 to November 30, is predicted to be volatile. The WMO has released the storm name list, replacing 'Dorian' with 'Dexter' due to the former's devastating impact. Experts warn of increasing hurricane strength and frequency due to global warming.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Pakistan's Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza designated Kashmir as the core issue fueling India-Pakistan tensions, advocating for international intervention. He urged conflict resolution aligned with UN Security Council resolutions, suggesting the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkiye, and UAE as potential mediators.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to convene the first Council of Ministers meeting this week following Operation Sindoor, preceding the completion of his first year in his third term. Ministers have been briefed about the upcoming meeting, where government departments will present updates on various schemes and programs.