Ram Mandir Donation Theft: SIT Probe Nears Final Report, Kejriwal Launches Nationwide Campaign
The Special Investigation Team probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is in its final stages, with the complete report expected by July 15. The preliminary findings flagged around 70 suspicious CCTV-captured incidents of cash concealment by counting staff, lapses in frisking protocols, and recoveries of cash, gold, and a car from three arrested accused following custodial interrogation.
Former Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra have resigned amid the fallout. Adding a political dimension, Arvind Kejriwal has announced a nationwide signature campaign starting today in Delhi’s Rohini, demanding accountability and a stronger probe into the case.
INS Mahendragiri Commissioned: India’s Sixth Indigenous Stealth Frigate Joins Navy
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A stealth frigate, into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders with over 75% indigenous content, the warship is equipped with BrahMos missiles, advanced radar, and anti-submarine systems, and can undertake extended deep-ocean operations.
Singh called it a milestone for India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing push and its role as a security partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Vietnam Boat Tragedy: 15 Indian Tourists Killed Off Phu Quoc Island
A speedboat returning from an island trip near Vietnam’s Phu Quoc capsized on Saturday, killing at least 15 Indian tourists barely 400 metres from shore. The boat carried 32 Indian tourists and four crew; 21 were rescued and all bodies recovered.
Most victims are believed to be from Telangana and Tamil Nadu. PM Modi expressed condolences, and India’s embassy has set up emergency response centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
IMD Issues Heavy Rain and Thunderstorm Alert Across 18 States
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms, and winds up to 70 kmph across 18 states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar for July 12. Eastern India and hill states face very heavy rainfall risk, while Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and western UP may see intense heat and humidity between spells. IMD has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
US Charges Lawrence Bishnoi in Nijjar Assassination That Strained India-Canada Ties
US authorities have charged jailed Indian gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi and his associate Satinderjeet Singh with directing the 2023 assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
The charges were part of a wider operation against 37 defendants across three India-linked crime syndicates. US officials clarified no Indian government involvement was alleged, though the case remains politically sensitive given past India-Canada diplomatic tensions.
FIFA World Cup 2026: England Beats Norway in Extra-Time Thriller, Reaches Semifinals
England edged past Norway in a dramatic extra-time World Cup quarterfinal in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice to keep alive hopes of a first title since 1966. Spain also advanced past Belgium, joining France, who beat Morocco 2-0 earlier. Argentina faces Switzerland next, with Lionel Messi chasing a semifinal berth.
Microsoft’s Xbox Layoffs Spark H-1B Visa Row Around Indian-American CEO Asha Sharma
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma faces backlash after announcing 3,200 job cuts, with critics alleging American jobs are being replaced by H-1B hires. Microsoft says the layoffs are performance-driven, noting it filed for only 2,273 H-1B visas this year — fewer than several other tech firms. Sharma has defended the restructuring as necessary given Xbox’s weak profit margins.
Legendary Playback Singer S. Janaki Passes Away at 88
India lost one of its most celebrated voices as veteran playback singer S. Janaki, the “Nightingale of South India,” passed away in Mysuru after multiple cardiac arrests. Over a six-decade career, she recorded more than 40,000 songs in 20 languages and won four National Film Awards. Tributes poured in from Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth.
Trump Warns Iran of “1,000 Missiles Locked and Loaded” as Hormuz Tensions Rise
President Trump warned Iran the US would respond forcefully to any assassination attempt, as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten global oil supply — a route critical to India’s crude imports.
Tanker traffic through the strait has slowed following recent attacks, and Trump says talks with Iran will continue even as the earlier ceasefire has ended.
Bihar’s Bankipur Bypoll: BJP Replaces Candidate Amid Fodder Scam Row
The BJP dropped its first Bankipur by-election candidate, Abhishek Bunty, after his father’s name surfaced in the decades-old fodder scam, replacing him with Neeraj Kumar Sinha. The Patna seat fell vacant after sitting MLA Nitin Nabin’s election to the Rajya Sabha, with the by-poll scheduled for July 30.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
