Supreme Court Questions Bihar Voter List Revision
The Supreme Court in India has stirred up a storm over Bihar’s voter list revision ahead of the November 2025 Assembly elections. On Thursday, Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi refused to halt the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) special intensive revision (SIR) but pressed for Aadhaar, ration cards, and electoral photo identity cards to be accepted as voter ID proof. The ECI’s June 24 directive demands citizenship documents, especially for those not on the 2003 rolls, sparking fears of disenfranchising millions in Bihar, where poverty and low documentation are rampant. Opposition leaders and NGOs, like the Association for Democratic Reforms, argue the rules are too harsh, potentially violating constitutional rights. The Court asked the ECI to justify excluding Aadhaar and set July 28 for the next hearing. With elections looming, this debate could reshape Bihar’s electoral landscape.
Sheikh Hasina Faces Crimes Against Humanity Charges
In Bangladesh, a special tribunal has indicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia for crimes against humanity tied to last year’s deadly protests. On Thursday, the International Crimes Tribunal charged Hasina, her former home minister, and ex-police chief with mass killings and torture during the July-August 2024 uprising, which killed up to 1,400 people, per a UN report. Hasina, ousted in August 2024 after a student-led agitation, faces a trial starting August 3, with potential death penalties for the accused. The prosecution alleges she ordered a brutal crackdown, including a provocative speech and helicopter-led attacks on protesters. Hasina, now in exile, remains a polarizing figure as Bangladesh grapples with its turbulent past. The trial marks a historic step toward accountability, but with tensions high, the nation watches closely.
Elon Musk’s Grok 4 Promises Smarter AI
Tech mogul Elon Musk unveiled Grok 4, xAI’s latest AI chatbot, on Wednesday, calling it the “smartest AI in the world.” Launched amid controversy over Grok 3’s inappropriate posts, Grok 4 boasts scientist-level reasoning and real-time web access via its DeepSearch tool. Trained on xAI’s Colossus supercomputer, it’s designed for coding, debugging, and explaining complex tasks, rivaling tools like OpenAI’s Code Interpreter. Available only to premium users, subscriptions start at $30 monthly, with a $300 SuperGrok Heavy plan. Musk claims Grok 4 outsmarts most graduate students across disciplines, though he admits it lacks common sense—for now. The launch, streamed on X, marks a bold step in AI innovation, but questions linger about ensuring ethical outputs after Grok 3’s missteps. The tech world is buzzing with anticipation.
Delhi-NCR Roads Paralyzed by Heavy Rains
Heavy overnight rains on Wednesday turned Delhi and nearby cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad into a commuter’s nightmare. Waterlogged roads, potholes, and traffic snarls plagued the region, with key routes like the Delhi-Jaipur highway and Rohtak Road grinding to a halt. In Gurugram, a truck fell into a crater after a road caved in, while areas like Basai and Sohna Road were submerged. Delhi’s Shadipur and Dhaula Kuan saw hours-long jams, and the Zakhira Railway Underpass was diverted due to severe flooding. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for more rain on Thursday, prompting Gurugram authorities to urge work-from-home arrangements. Commuters took to X to vent frustrations, while Delhi Traffic Police shared real-time updates. The chaos highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in India’s capital region.
Congress’ Jab at Shashi Tharoor Over Emergency Article
A political storm is brewing within India’s Congress party after MP Shashi Tharoor’s article on the 1975 Emergency sparked controversy. Writing for Project Syndicate, Tharoor called the Emergency’s excesses, like forced vasectomies and slum demolitions under Indira Gandhi, “unspeakable cruelty” but noted they were later downplayed. This drew a sharp dig from colleague Manickam Tagore, who, without naming Tharoor, posted on X, “Is the bird becoming a parrot?”—hinting Tharoor echoes BJP’s anti-Congress rhetoric. Tharoor’s recent praise for PM Modi and support for Operation Sindoor has fueled perceptions of him drifting toward the BJP. With the BJP marking June 25 as ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’ to condemn the Emergency, Tharoor’s article has stirred tensions, raising questions about party loyalty and his political future.
Modi Wraps Up Five-Nation Diplomatic Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Thursday after a whirlwind five-nation tour from July 2 to 9. Kicking off in Ghana, his first visit there in over 30 years, Modi forged a Comprehensive Partnership with President John Mahama, earning Ghana’s highest civilian honour. In Trinidad and Tobago, he addressed Parliament and extended OCI cards to the Indian diaspora, receiving their top award. In Argentina, talks with President Javier Milei boosted ties in defence and energy, while Brazil’s BRICS Summit saw Modi deepen India-Brazil relations and receive their highest honour. Finally, in Namibia, he addressed Parliament and was awarded the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. Modi’s tour strengthened India’s global ties, but with domestic challenges looming, his diplomatic wins face scrutiny at home.
Bengaluru Stays Resilient Amid Nationwide Strike
While trade unions across India staged a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest the government’s labour policies, Bengaluru remained largely unscathed. Public transport, including buses and cabs, ran smoothly, and schools and colleges stayed open, defying the chaos seen elsewhere. However, Freedom Park in Bengaluru became a hub of dissent, with labour groups rallying against recent labour law amendments and proposed longer working hours. Protesters accused the government of favouring corporations over workers’ rights. In Hubballi, trade unions marched, echoing similar anti-government sentiments. Despite the protests, Karnataka’s capital kept its cool, with daily life continuing uninterrupted. The strike highlights growing tensions over labour reforms, but Bengaluru’s resilience shows the city’s ability to balance dissent with normalcy, even as debates over workers’ rights heat up nationwide.
Houthi Attack Sinks Red Sea Ship, Kills Four
A Houthi attack sank the Eternity C, a Liberian-flagged ship, in the Red Sea on Wednesday, killing four of its 25 crew members. The EU’s Operation Aspides rescued ten people, while six others, possibly held by the Iran-backed Houthis, were taken to an undisclosed location. The Houthis claimed they used an unmanned boat and missiles, targeting the ship for alleged Israeli links. They released footage of the sinking, asserting they provided medical care to some crew. This marks the second Houthi ship sinking this week, intensifying fears of a renewed shipping crisis on this vital trade route. The US demanded the release of any captives. The Houthis vow to continue attacks until Israel halts its Gaza campaign, raising global concerns about maritime security.
