The court on Thursday refused to accept the Maharashtra government’s claim that ash from Hayli Gubbi — which erupted in Ethiopia on November 23 — caused Mumbai’s poor air quality. The bench noted that the city’s air quality index (AQI) had been “very poor” long before the eruption, with visibility “below 500 metres” even two days earlier. The court asked authorities to propose concrete pollution‑control measures, and directed the municipal body to act — particularly by enforcing construction‑site closures if AQI remains above 300. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court of India has directed comedian Samay Raina and three other comedians to use their platforms to host shows featuring successful stories of people with disabilities, to raise funds for their treatment. The court emphasized that this is a “social burden” rather than a punishment, urging well-known influencers to channel their popularity for a constructive public cause. The move follows criticism over previous insensitive content, underscoring that freedom of speech must respect human dignity. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government will soon allow private companies to enter India’s nuclear energy sector. This marks a major change, as the sector has always been controlled by the government. Modi said the move will help develop small modular reactors, advanced reactors, and new nuclear technology. He spoke while virtually opening Skyroot’s new Infinity Campus in Hyderabad. The Prime Minister praised private players for boosting India’s space progress in recent years. He said Skyroot’s growth shows the strength of India’s young talent and added that India can become a global leader in satellite launches. 

The Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed that the Election Commission of India is constitutionally and legally empowered to carry out the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, refusing to halt the process. It noted that the court may intervene later—extending deadlines or ordering corrections—if a “fit case” arises. Petitions from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala challenging the SIR were segregated for separate hearings, with the Court seeking responses from the EC and the respective state governments. The ruling underscores that electoral roll revision remains primarily the EC’s domain while judicial scrutiny remains open. (PC: PTI)

India has approved a Rs 7,280-crore plan to build its own rare earth permanent magnet (REPM) industry and cut its heavy reliance on China. China controls about 90% of global rare earth magnet production, which is key for EVs, wind turbines, electronics and defence systems. The new scheme will create India’s first full rare earth supply chain, from oxides to metals and finished magnets. The plan will run for seven to ten years with subsidies and incentives to set up 6,000 MTPA capacity. India has large rare earth reserves but makes only 1% of global output today. (PC: India Today)

Mary D’Costa has spoken out as cheating rumours spread around Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal’s postponed wedding. She said the chats with Palash took place only from April 29 to May 30. She added, “I never met him and I never got involved with him in any way.” D’Costa also said, “I am not the choreographer, and I am not the person he cheated with.” Screenshots of their chats, first posted on Reddit, went viral online. The wedding was put on hold after Smriti’s father fell ill. Smriti then deleted all wedding posts, adding to speculation. Palash’s cousin asked people not to judge him. (PC: X)

The VIP number plate “HR88B8888” was sold for a record ₹1.17 crore at an online auction in Haryana, making it the most expensive car registration number in India. The auction began with a base price of ₹50,000, but intense bidding — among 45 applicants — pushed the final amount past ₹1 crore by Wednesday evening. The number plate’s appeal lies in its visual symmetry: the uppercase “B” resembles the digit “8,” making “HR‑88‑B‑8888” read as a continuous string of eights — a motif many consider auspicious. This sale highlights the growing demand in India for “fancy” or VIP registration plates, often traded at prices far exceeding those of the vehicles they’re assigned to. (PC: X & Gemini)

Nearly 20 years after bodies of 19 children and women were found in Noida’s Nithari village, parents are demanding answers. Surinder Koli, last convicted in the case, was acquitted by the Supreme Court, ending the long judicial process. Families say the investigation was flawed and confessions were extracted under torture. Victims’ parents, like Sunita and Pappu Lal, remain anguished, asking, “If they are innocent, who killed our children?” Many victims’ families have left the area, while others struggle with grief and anger. Lawyers and officials say reinvestigation is unlikely due to the time elapsed. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission (EC) has told the Supreme Court that about 99% of enumeration forms for Kerala’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have been distributed. The EC argued that there is no need to delay the SIR process, even though it overlaps with upcoming local body elections. Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that more than 96% of forms are with voters, and over half of them have already been digitized. Meanwhile, the state government had asked the Court to defer SIR, citing administrative concerns. 

In a strategic move, the Union Cabinet has approved a ₹7,280 crore scheme to develop India’s manufacturing capacity for sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM). The plan targets the establishment of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum of integrated REPM production through a global competitive bidding process, with five selected beneficiaries. Of the budget, ₹6,450 crore is allocated as sales-linked incentives over five years, and ₹750 crore as capital subsidies. These powerful magnets are key in electric vehicles, wind turbines, defence systems, electronics, and aerospace. The scheme aligns with India’s push for self-reliance, reduced import dependence, and its Net Zero 2070 commitment. (PC: AP)