Rajnath Singh Defends Operation Sindoor’s Success
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh didn’t hold back in Parliament, slamming the Opposition for questioning Operation Sindoor’s outcome. Launched after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the operation saw Indian forces destroy terror bases in Pakistan with precision. Singh proudly declared no Indian soldiers were harmed, and Pakistan’s attacks were foiled by advanced defence systems. “Ask if we crushed terrorist hubs, yes, we did!” he told the Lok Sabha. He urged lawmakers to applaud the armed forces’ bravery instead of nitpicking. The operation, a response to the April 22 attack that killed 26, showcased India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. Singh’s fiery speech underlined the mission’s success, with no damage to key Indian assets. This bold move has sparked debates, but the minister’s message was clear: India’s forces delivered, and the nation stands strong.
Operation Mahadev Strikes Terror Hideout
In a forest near Srinagar, Indian forces pulled off a daring mission called Operation Mahadev. Three high-value terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Suleman, a mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack, were neutralised in a fierce firefight. A striking photo revealed their hideout, assault rifles scattered among blankets and food under a green tarp. The operation, launched on precise intelligence, targeted the Mulnar area of Harwan. Suleman, alongside Abu Hamza and Yasir, met their end in Lidwas, a blow to terror networks. The Army confirmed the mission continues, ensuring no stone is left unturned. This strike, following the April 22 attack that claimed 26 lives, shows India’s relentless fight against terrorism. The image of the hideout paints a vivid picture of the danger these terrorists posed, now eliminated by brave security forces.
Hari Hara Veera Mallu Gets a Makeover
Pawan Kalyan’s historical epic, Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1, hit theatres but faced flak for shaky VFX and dragging scenes. The filmmakers listened, quietly releasing a sharper, shorter version last weekend. Fans noticed trimmed horse-riding shots, a cut flag scene, and a revamped climax where Pawan’s Veera Mallu faces Bobby Deol’s Aurangzeb. The tornado showdown was axed, ending with Aurangzeb’s chilling line, “The storm is here.” About 15 minutes were chopped, making the film crisper. Fans on X cheered, with one saying, “This is the perfect cut!” Though the film’s earned ₹75.65 crore, some wished these tweaks came earlier. The promise of a Part 2 keeps excitement alive. This quick fix shows the team’s commitment to delivering a better cinematic ride for fans of this Telugu blockbuster.
RSS Pushes Indian Education Reform
In Kochi, the RSS’s education wing, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, held a four-day conclave called Gyan Sabha, ending July 28. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stressed an education model rooted in Indian philosophy, moving away from colonial influences. Kerala’s Governor Arlekar called the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 a step to “decolonise” learning, claiming India’s historical role as a global teacher. Vice-chancellors from Kerala’s top universities, like Kerala Health Science and Calicut, attended, discussing curriculum changes to align with NEP’s vision. Despite Kerala’s government resisting NEP, some universities have adopted its four-year undergraduate programme. Critics, including the Student Federation of India, raised concerns about “saffronisation” of education, but organiser Sivaprasad dismissed this, saying knowledge has no colour. The event, held in Shankaracharya’s birthplace, aimed to blend local and national wisdom for a developed India.
Tragedy Strikes German Train
A regional train in southern Germany derailed near Riedlingen on Sunday evening, killing three and injuring several of the 100 passengers onboard. The accident, reported at 6:10 pm, saw two carriages tip over in a forested area while travelling from Sigmaringen to Ulm. Deutsche Bahn, the rail operator, said the cause is unclear, but heavy rainfall and a possible landslide are under investigation. Emergency crews swarmed the site, climbing atop the yellow and grey coaches to rescue passengers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock, offering condolences and urging full support for the victims’ families. Local media noted the area’s recent severe storms, which may have destabilised the tracks. Authorities are now probing to pinpoint the cause, as Germany mourns this tragic loss and seeks answers to prevent future disasters.
Akshay Kumar’s Property Selling Spree
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is making waves in Mumbai’s real estate market, selling two apartments in Borivali East for ₹7.10 crore. Bought in 2017 for ₹3.69 crore, the units, a 1,101 sq ft flat and a 252 sq ft studio, fetched a 92% return. The Oberoi Sky City properties were sold to Pravin and Sabita Shetty, with stamp duties of ₹41.25 lakh. Over the past seven months, Akshay has offloaded eight properties worth ₹110 crore, including luxury flats in Worli and a commercial space in Lower Parel. His sales, yielding returns up to 99%, reflect a savvy investment streak. Oberoi Sky City alone saw ₹428 crore in transactions recently, with prices averaging ₹47,800 per sq ft. Akshay’s real estate moves highlight Mumbai’s booming property market, keeping him in the headlines beyond the silver screen.
Young Chess Star Shines
At just 19, Divya Deshmukh made history by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, on Monday. Facing India’s top player, Koneru Humpy, in the final, Divya showed nerves of steel. After two drawn classical games, the match went to rapid tiebreaks. The first game ended evenly, but in the second, Divya, playing Black, outmanoeuvred Humpy under time pressure. Humpy’s endgame errors handed Divya a decisive win, earning her the title and her final Grandmaster norm. As the 15th seed, Divya’s journey through top global players was stunning. Her victory marks a proud moment for Indian chess, showcasing the rise of young talent. Fans celebrated her composure and skill, with many calling her a future legend. This triumph in the news roundup cements Divya’s place among India’s chess elite.
India’s Billion-Dollar Family Feuds
India’s business tycoons are no strangers to inheritance battles, and the Kapur family is the latest to join the fray. Rani Kapur, mother of the late Sona Group chairman Sunjay Kapur, accused her daughter-in-law Priya of locking her in a room to force her to sign documents, aiming to seize the ₹30,000 crore empire. Priya’s appointment as a non-executive director sparked Rani’s outrage, claiming she wasn’t consulted. This drama echoes past feuds: the Ambanis split Reliance after Dhirubhai’s death, with Mukesh and Anil clashing until their mother intervened. The Modis fought over a ₹11,000 crore estate, with son Samir suing his mother Bina. The Oberois battled over hotel chains worth ₹9,000 crore, tangled in conflicting wills. These high-stakes disputes reveal the messy, human side of India’s wealthiest clans, gripping the nation with each twist.
