PM Modi’s Cultural Connection in Trinidad & Tobago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a warm moment during a dinner hosted by Trinidad & Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, where food was served on a Sohari leaf, a tradition dear to the island’s Indian diaspora. Modi highlighted its cultural significance, often used in festivals, symbolising deep Indo-Caribbean ties. He gifted Persad-Bissessar a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and holy water from the Saryu River, marking Mahakumbh 2025. Social media buzzed with praise, one user calling it “a tribute to shared heritage.” Persad-Bissessar, the first woman of Indian origin to lead a country outside India, embodies this bond. Her parents’ humble roots, her father at Texaco, her mother running a roti shop, add a personal touch to the story. This blend of diplomacy and tradition shows how culture can unite nations, even across oceans.
AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer’s Epic ‘Ramayana’ Selfie
Music fans lost it when AR Rahman posted a selfie with Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer, teasing their collaboration on Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’. The film, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana, promises a visual and auditory spectacle, backed by DNEG’s Oscar-winning VFX. Rahman’s post, captioned “With @hanszimmer #ramayanamovie,” went viral, with fans calling it “the frame of the decade.” Actor Lauren Gottlieb dubbed it “iconic,” while Armaan Malik hailed them as “legends.” The sneak peek revealed a stellar cast, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and a Diwali 2026 release for Part One. Produced by Namit Malhotra and Yash, this epic aims to blend Indian storytelling with global cinematic flair. For music lovers, the Rahman-Zimmer duo is already a win, promising a soundtrack that could redefine cinematic history.
MNS Leader’s Threat Over Marathi Language Row
A heated clash in Maharashtra sparked controversy when MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande issued a veiled threat to non-Marathi-speaking businessmen. This followed investor Sushil Kedia’s defiant X post, vowing not to learn Marathi after 30 years in Mumbai, protesting MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s “gross misconduct.” Deshpande’s response, warning against insulting Marathi culture, came after a shopkeeper in Mira Road was allegedly assaulted for not speaking Marathi. The shopkeeper claimed MNS workers cited a supposed new law mandating Marathi in businesses, which he questioned, leading to violence. Kedia’s bold stance—“Kya karna hai bol?”, ignited debate about regional identity and coercion. The incident highlights tensions over language and belonging in cosmopolitan Mumbai, where cultural pride sometimes clashes with inclusivity. Deshpande’s words, though, risk escalating an already volatile situation, leaving many to wonder what’s next for Maharashtra’s diverse business community.
Nvidia’s Rise to World’s Most Valuable Company
Nvidia made history on Thursday, hitting a staggering $3.92 trillion market cap, poised to become the world’s most valuable company ever. Its shares climbed 2.2% to $160.6, surpassing Apple’s record of $3.915 trillion. The chipmaker’s dominance in high-end AI chips, crucial for training advanced AI models, has fuelled this meteoric rise. Wall Street’s AI frenzy, with giants like Microsoft and Amazon racing to build AI data centres, has driven demand for Nvidia’s processors. From a $500 billion valuation in 2021, Nvidia’s stock has soared nearly eight-fold, outpacing entire stock markets like Canada’s. Despite tariff fears earlier this year, optimism about softened trade policies has boosted its rebound. Co-founded by Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s journey from gaming tech to AI powerhouse underscores its role as a barometer for the AI revolution sweeping global markets.
Delhi’s Fuel Ban U-Turn: How to Reclaim Seized Vehicles
Delhi’s government scrapped its controversial ban on fuelling “end-of-life” vehicles after public outcry, just three days after seizing dozens of cars and bikes. Launched on July 1, the policy targeted 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles to curb pollution but faced backlash for disrupting lives. Owners can now reclaim impounded vehicles by applying to the Transport Department, submitting ownership proof, and paying fines Rs 10,000 for cars, Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers. Vehicles can’t be driven in Delhi but can be relocated with a No Objection Certificate or parked privately. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta urged reconsideration, citing impacts on livelihoods. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa admitted enforcement issues, including faulty ANPR cameras meant to detect old vehicles. The policy aimed for cleaner air but exposed technological and practical gaps, leaving Delhiites relieved yet frustrated by the chaotic rollout.
IIT Guwahati Student Named Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador
Sukanya Sonowal, a fourth-year BTech student from IIT Guwahati, has been named a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador, a proud moment for Assam. As Lead for Communications and Public Relations in the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) for 2025–2027, she’s the first from her state to hold this role. Selected through a rigorous three-stage process, Sukanya’s peacebuilding experience and leadership shone through. Her work with global firms like Optiver and Jane Street bolstered her credentials. CYPAN, a youth-led initiative across 56 nations, fosters collaboration to promote peace and counter violent extremism. Sukanya’s role will involve managing large-scale campaigns and international outreach. Her achievement highlights the power of young voices in global peace efforts, proving that a student from Assam’s Lakhimpur district can make waves on an international stage.
Tragic Crash on Samruddhi Expressway Claims Four Lives
A devastating accident on Maharashtra’s Samruddhi Expressway left four dead on Thursday evening. A family of five from Umred, Nagpur, was returning from a Pune event when their car slammed into a divider near Wanoja, Washim district. The driver lost control, causing the crash around 8 pm. Madhuri and Vaidehi Jaiswal died instantly, while Sangeeta and Radheshyam Jaiswal later succumbed to injuries in hospital. The driver, the sole survivor, is receiving treatment in Washim. The high-speed expressway, meant to ease travel, has seen its share of tragedies, and this incident underscores the dangers of losing control at high speeds. For the tight-knit Umred community, the loss is profound, with locals mourning the family’s fate. Authorities are investigating, but the crash serves as a grim reminder to prioritise road safety on India’s modern highways.
Israeli Strike on Gaza School-Turned-Shelter Kills 15
In Gaza City, a pre-dawn Israeli strike on Mustafa Hafez School, a shelter for displaced Palestinians, killed 15 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The Thursday attack left bloodstains and charred debris, with clothes and household items scattered amidst the rubble. Resident Umm Yassin Abu Awda lamented, “This is not a life,” as mourners gathered at Al-Shifa Hospital. Israel claimed it targeted a Hamas command centre, saying steps were taken to avoid civilian harm. Yet, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 118 deaths in 24 hours, part of 300 killed in 48 hours across the territory. The strike is one of 26 “massacres” reported recently, with schools and aid sites repeatedly hit. Desperate Palestinians face dire conditions, with no safe haven in the 21-month war, leaving many pleading for an end to the violence.
Metro… In Dino: A Worthy Sequel with Women at the Helm
Anurag Basu’s Metro… In Dino, released on July 4, is a vibrant follow-up to 2007’s Life in a… Metro. This hyperlink drama weaves stories of love, identity, and modern struggles, starring Neena Gupta, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Sara Ali Khan. Unlike its predecessor, women drive the narrative, tackling #MeToo, commitment phobia, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion with agency and grit. From Neena Gupta’s elderly character redefining love to Konkona’s Kajol scheduling sex like a chore, the film feels raw yet hopeful. Pritam’s soundtrack, with tracks like Zamaana Lage, echoes the original’s soulful vibe. Packed with pop culture nods and a Mirzapur-esque moment, it’s lighter but timely, reflecting today’s social media-driven world. Basu’s cameo adds whimsy, making this 18-year wait worthwhile. For fans, it’s a nostalgic yet fresh take on love’s messy, beautiful reality.
