Apple’s AI Push to Boost iPhone Sales Amid Customer Upgrades
San Francisco – Apple’s new AI features, requiring an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, may drive a significant upgrade cycle. The integration of Apple Intelligence, offering custom emojis and improved Siri, is seen as a potential catalyst. Despite some skepticism, analysts predict strong sales as Apple aims to reverse declining iPhone revenue.
Jaishankar Signals Continuity in Indian Foreign Policy as he Assumes Office Again
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar reaffirms “business as usual” approach for foreign policy in second term. Emphasis on maintaining stance towards China, Pakistan, UN reforms, and neighborhood focus. New team appointed; re-engagement with Pakistan and equilibrium with China anticipated. Balancing act between U.S. and Russia amidst Ukraine conflict and upcoming international engagements.
Rajnath Singh’s Second Tenure Focused on Agnipath Scheme and Military Modernization
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh prioritizes Agnipath scheme and military modernization in second term. Indigenization and border security, especially with China, top the agenda. Emphasis on strengthening ‘Make in India’ for defense manufacturing and exports. Minister of State Sanjay Seth also takes charge amidst calls for detailed discussions on Agnipath scheme.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Assumes Charge as I&B Minister, Vows to Empower Poor
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pledges government’s commitment to uplift the poor as he takes over Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Emphasizes PM Modi’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’ and recent decision to construct three crore rural and urban houses. BJP leader L. Murugan appointed Minister of State for I&B, expected to enhance coordination and reforms in the department.
BJP to Initiate Process for New Chief; RSS Influence Expected in Selection
As BJP prepares to elect its next president, RSS influence likely to shape the choice. Recent remarks by Mohan Bhagwat suggest a close embrace of RSS in the selection process. Induction of J.P. Nadda into Union Cabinet prompts leadership change, highlighting potential churn within Sangh Parivar. Membership drive to commence soon, with polls at district, state, and national levels expected to follow.
Congress Retains Leader of Opposition Post in Rajya Sabha by Slim Margin
Congress narrowly holds onto Leader of Opposition position in Rajya Sabha despite decrease in numbers. Mallikarjun Kharge continues as LoP with Congress’s 26 members, just meeting the minimum requirement. BJP gains additional seats due to Lok Sabha election victories, including Leader of the House position with Piyush Goyal’s exit.
Amit Shah Vows to Strengthen India’s Security Against Terrorism and Insurgency
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirms commitment to enhance India’s security against terrorism, insurgency, and Naxalism. Pledges to build India as a bulwark under Modi 3.0 government. Initiates 100-day development plan for cooperative sector as part of Cooperation Ministry’s agenda. Focus on modernizing cooperative banks and agricultural credit societies to boost rural economy.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Assumes Role as Agriculture and Rural Development Minister
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a senior BJP leader, takes charge of the Union Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry. Emphasizes commitment to doubling farmers’ income and welfare measures. Faces challenges amid ongoing farmer protests for MSP guarantees.
“UN Declares 2025 as Year of Quantum Science; India’s National Quantum Mission in Focus”
The United Nations designates 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology,’ coinciding with India’s launch of the ‘National Quantum Mission.’ The initiative aims to raise global awareness and foster advancements in quantum technologies.
SC Allows NEET Counselling, Seeks NTA Response on Paper Leak Allegations
Supreme Court declines to stay NEET counselling process but seeks NTA’s response on alleged question paper leak. Court emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sanctity of exams. Hearing scheduled for July 8 to address allegations impacting students’ careers and public interest.
UNSC Endorses Resolution to End War on Gaza
United Nations, New York
The United Nations Security Council approved a U.S.-sponsored resolution for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, with 14 members voting in favor and Russia abstaining. Hamas has expressed readiness to engage in indirect negotiations, while Israel’s commitment remains uncertain. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli acceptance of the plan during his visit to Israel.
Mohan Majhi Appointed Odisha Chief Minister
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Mohan Charan Majhi, a four-time MLA and tribal leader, will be sworn in as Odisha’s Chief Minister. The BJP has staked its claim to form the government for the first time in the state, winning 78 seats in the 147-member Assembly. Majhi was elected BJP Legislature Party leader, with K.V. Singh Deo and Pravati Parida appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers. The swearing-in ceremony, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will take place on Wednesday.
Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi Appointed as New Army Chief
New Delhi
The Union government announced Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi’s appointment as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective June 30, 2024. Currently serving as Vice-Chief, he will succeed General Manoj Pande. Commissioned in 1984 into the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi has held key command roles, including leading the Northern Command. General Pande’s retirement was extended by a month, sparking speculation about seniority-based appointments.
Kannada Actor Darshan Arrested in Murder Case
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was taken into custody on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a fan accused of harassing Darshan’s friend, actor Pavithra Gowda, online. The police allege Darshan, Gowda, and their associates kidnapped, tortured, and murdered Renukaswamy before dumping his body in a stormwater drain. After intense questioning, Darshan and his associates were remanded to six-day police custody for further investigation. The case has sparked significant attention in the Kannada film industry and among the public.
Infighting in U.P. BJP: Som Counters Balyan’s Sabotage Claims
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Former BJP MLA Sangeet Som rebuffed sabotage charges by ex-Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan, who blamed party members for his Muzaffarnagar election loss. Som criticized Balyan for airing grievances publicly. The dispute exposes deep-seated tensions and caste divisions within the party in western Uttar Pradesh.
Sharad Pawar Targets Ajit in Baramati Assembly Showdown
In the aftermath of LS triumph, Sharad Pawar maneuvers to challenge nephew Ajit’s stronghold in Baramati. With Yugendra Pawar emerging as potential contender, political landscape shifts. Amidst family rift, Pawar Sr. aims to diminish Ajit’s grip on assembly seat, signaling fierce electoral battle. Grassroots support and sympathy sway dynamics.
Chandrababu Naidu Set to Assume Office as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Today
TDP leader unanimously elected NDA leader in state assembly, ceremony at Kesarapalle. Prime Minister Modi to grace oath-taking event. Pawan Kalyan proposed Naidu’s leadership; Janasena to likely secure key roles in cabinet. Political circles abuzz with speculations on deputy CM appointment.
Renowned Sarod Maestro Pandit Rajeev Taranath Passes Away at 92
Pandit Rajeev Taranath, revered for his mastery in Sarod, breathes his last in Mysuru hospital. A Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, he leaves behind a legacy of musical brilliance. Karnataka mourns loss of Rajyotsava Awardee and prolific composer for Kannada and Malayalam cinema.
Police Dog Bindu Honored for Dedicated Service on Retirement
Chittoor District Armed Reserve Police pays tribute to loyal K9 officer Bindu, retiring after 11 years of service. Superintendent of Police lauds Bindu’s vital role in operations, VIP events, and maintaining peace at religious festivals. Ceremony recognizes Bindu’s contributions with garlands and accolades, highlighting its exemplary service.
IISc Develops Eco-Friendly Method to Purify Groundwater from Heavy Metals
Indian Institute of Science unveils innovative three-step process to eliminate arsenic and other heavy metal contaminants from groundwater. Patent-pending method ensures environmentally sustainable disposal of removed pollutants, preventing re-entry into the environment. Collaboration with NGOs to deploy and test systems in affected rural areas.
IndiGo, IRB, Honasa See Significant Block Deals
Mumbai – Over ₹5,500 crore worth of block deals occurred as promoters and key investors sold significant stakes in InterGlobe Aviation, Honasa Consumer, and IRB Infrastructure Developers. Rahul Bhatia sold 2% of InterGlobe’s equity for ₹3,367.3 crore. Cintra divested 5% of IRB Infrastructure for ₹1,921 crore. Fireside Ventures and Sofina Ventures sold 2% of Honasa Consumer for ₹282 crore.
Malawi’s Vice-President and 9 Others Killed in Plane Crash
BLANTYRE – Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima and nine others died in a plane crash in the north of the country, President Lazarus Chakwera announced. The small military plane went missing on Monday morning, and wreckage was found after a 24-hour search in thick forests near Mzuzu. Chilima, 51, along with staff, security detail, and former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, were all killed on impact. The group was en route from Lilongwe to Mzuzu for a funeral.
Hunter Biden Convicted of Gun Charges
WILMINGTON – Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty of federal gun charges on Tuesday in a landmark case. This marks the first criminal prosecution of a sitting U.S. President’s child. Convicted of three felony counts related to a 2018 handgun purchase while addicted to crack cocaine, Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison. President Biden expressed support for his son and respect for the judicial process. Sentencing is expected in the coming months.
Glum Conservatives in U.K. Try to Shift the Mood with Promises as Polls Near
LONDON – With polls showing the Conservatives trailing the Labour Party ahead of the July 4 election, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak launched the party’s manifesto on Tuesday, focusing on lowering taxes by £17 billion by 2030. Critics, however, claim these promises are unrealistic and unaffordable.
The Great American Dream Faces a Reality Test Against Men in Blue
NEW YORK – The USA cricket team, featuring players with roots in India, Pakistan, and the West Indies, is set for a landmark match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group-A clash on Wednesday. Despite their improbable rise, which included a Super Over victory against Pakistan, the USA team, led by Monank Patel and bolstered by former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson, will face a formidable Indian side. Skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will look to maintain India’s dominant form, challenging the hosts’ dream run.