India achieved 'major power' status on the Asia Power Index 2025, ranking third globally with a score of 40 behind the US (80.4) and China (73.5). The Lowy Institute attributed India's rise to economic growth and enhanced military capability demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when strikes on nine Pakistani terror bases showcased combat prowess. India overtook China as the second-largest investment destination after the US, driven by supply-chain diversification. The nation also recorded improvements in diplomatic influence, cultural presence, and economic relationships marking its first-ever rise since 2018. India stands on the cusp of military superpower status, needing to cross the 40-point threshold, while steadily widening its lead over fourth-ranked Japan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the world's tallest statue of Lord Rama, a 77-foot bronze sculpture at Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in South Goa during the institution's 550th-anniversary celebration. Crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, the statue was inaugurated during the 'Sardha Panchashatamanotsava' ceremony attended by Goa Governor, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Union minister Shripad Naik. Modi released a special postal stamp and commemorative coin, praising the mutt for preserving tradition while embracing modernization through museums and technology. The Vaishnava Math, following the 13th-century Dvaita order, has been completely refurbished. Modi emphasized how institutions built on truth and service strengthen society, noting he attended Ram Temple's consecration just three days prior.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has dramatically upgraded India's seismic zonation map, placing the entire Himalayan arc in the newly created highest-risk Zone VI. This radical reclassification means 61% of India now falls within moderate to high earthquake hazard zones. The Himalayas, previously split between Zones IV and V, face elevated danger due to the ongoing collision between Indian and Eurasian plates moving at 5cm annually. Experts highlight that earlier maps underestimated risks from long-unruptured fault segments, particularly in Central Himalayas which haven't experienced major surface rupture in 2,000 years. The update requires stricter building codes and infrastructure planning across affected regions, reflecting accumulated tectonic stress in these geologically young, unstable mountains. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message of national strength and resilience, declaring that “Naya Bharat will not bow down before any force.” Speaking at a public event, he invoked the symbolism of the Sudarshan Chakra, stating that India’s resolve, like the divine weapon, is firm and unshakeable when confronting enemies and threats to national security. He emphasized that modern India is prepared to defend its sovereignty with determination, unity, and technological capability. Modi added that citizens’ trust and the nation’s growing global stature reflect a new era where India stands confident, self-reliant, and fearless on the world stage.  

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent amid Delhi’s crippling air pollution, calling it a “health emergency.” He urged an urgent parliamentary debate and demanded a strict, enforceable action plan to clean the capital’s toxic air. Sharing a video of conversations with worried mothers, Rahul said, “India’s children are choking … How can you stay silent? Why no accountability, no plan?” Delhi has endured “very poor” to “severe” air quality for over two weeks, heightening concerns over long-term health risks for children and vulnerable groups. 

Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has arrested Bandhu Man Singh, a close associate of gangster Goldy Dhillon, in connection with the shootings outside comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada. Investigators say he coordinated with Dhillon’s network, arranging weapons and logistics for the attacks. During the arrest, police recovered a Chinese-made PX-3 pistol along with live cartridges. This arrest marks a significant step in probing cross-border gang activities targeting high-profile individuals. (PC: The Hindu & Times Now)

After India’s recent Test loss to South Africa, the BCCI reportedly took issue with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s public praise of the turning pitch at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Gambhir insisted the black-soil track was exactly what the team wanted, calling it a test of technique and temperament — comments that irked board members. Although no immediate action is planned, insiders warn that another poor showing, especially at the upcoming T20 World Cup, could put his future under serious threat. (PC: PTI)

In Delhi’s Chhawla area, 35-year-old Virender Singh allegedly strangled his 44-year-old live-in partner, Radha, following a drunken argument. He then placed her body in the backseat of his Maruti Swift, reportedly deciding to dispose of it, but was too intoxicated to drive far. Instead, he returned home, resumed drinking, and fell asleep. The following morning, a neighbour spotted the body in the car and alerted the police, leading to Virender’s arrest. A murder case has been registered. (PC: X)

A simmering leadership tussle within Karnataka’s Congress party flared as Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar shared a cryptic post on X: “Word power is world power … everyone has to walk the talk.” Shivakumar later denied writing the message, calling it “fake.” In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah fired back: “A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people,” highlighting his government’s delivery on key welfare schemes. The exchange underscores deepening factional tensions, especially amid speculation about a previous power-sharing deal. (PC: X)

A catastrophic blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po District, Hong Kong. The fire, which began on bamboo scaffolding around a 32‑storey tower undergoing renovation, spread rapidly across seven of eight towers, killing at least 65 people. Thick smoke and flames continued into a second day as firefighters searched charred apartments floor by floor. Over 900 residents were evacuated and about 70 people sustained injuries. Authorities arrested three men from the renovation company on suspicion of manslaughter and launched a wider investigation into building‑safety violations and possible use of substandard, flammable materials like Styrofoam.