In America, the Trump administration is changing student loan forgiveness. It favors ICE agents with bonuses and loan relief. Simultaneously, it restricts debt relief for teachers and nonprofit workers. Organisations aiding immigrants or transgender youth may be excluded. Critics call it hypocrisy. The administration is also dismantling the SAVE Plan. This shift impacts Indian students pursuing education in the US.
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A cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district triggered flash floods, causing significant damage in high-altitude villages. The India Meteorological Department defines a cloudburst as rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres per hour. Research indicates Uttarakhand is highly prone to such events due to its altitude and climate change, necessitating stronger policy responses and better planning.
A CRPF constable, Tamil Selvan, was arrested in Chennai for beheading his wife in Tuticorin district due to suspicions of infidelity. After murdering Uma Maheshwari, he surrendered his children to his father-in-law and fled. Seeking to publicly discuss the crime, he approached a news channel, whose staff alerted the police, leading to his capture.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spearheaded a massive protest rally in Jhargram, condemning alleged attacks on Bengali-speaking migrants and accusing the BJP of orchestrating a campaign of harassment. Banerjee vowed to expose the BJP if attacks on Bengali language and people continue, asserting that Bengali identity will not be silenced.
Out of the 16 Vice-Presidential elections held in India, four were uncontested, with S Radhakrishnan winning twice unopposed. Several Vice-Presidents, including V V Giri and Shankar Dayal Sharma, resigned to become President. The Election Commission has compiled a booklet detailing the election process and past results, highlighting instances of invalid votes despite a small electoral college.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh defended Operation Sindoor in Lok Sabha, stating its objective was to punish Pakistan for proxy terrorism by eliminating terror nurseries, and it was paused after achieving desired results, not due to US pressure. The opposition criticized the government for halting the operation and demanded accountability for security lapses in Pahalgam and clarification on downed Indian jets, questioning the operation's success and the delay in reclaiming PoK.
A southern right whale calf was struck by a boat off NSW, weeks after its mother was injured similarly. Despite the alarming collision, the calf appeared unharmed, rejoining its mother. Authorities are monitoring the pair, urging boaters to be cautious during whale season. These endangered whales are vulnerable due to their shallow water habits and lack of dorsal fins.
PM Modi emphasized the need for India to attract global consumers, tourists, and students, urging citizens to enhance productivity. He highlighted the government's focus on infrastructure development and transparent governance, noting that over Rs 4.3 lakh crore has been saved by eliminating fraudulent beneficiaries through Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile integration. Redevelopment of government offices will further save public expenditure.
Indian stock markets faced a fifth consecutive week of losses, driven by persistent FII selling, concerns over India-US trade negotiations, and disappointing Q1 corporate earnings. Donald Trump's tariff imposition and a strengthening US dollar further contributed to the bearish sentiment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, the first building under the Common Central Secretariat project, designed to consolidate government offices for enhanced efficiency. This state-of-the-art complex will house key ministries, including home affairs and external affairs, marking a significant shift from the historic North Block.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated 75% minimum attendance for Class 10 and 12 students in the 2025–26 session to qualify for the 2026 board exams. Strict exemptions, surprise inspections, and zero tolerance for manipulated records underscore the board’s renewed push to curb dummy candidates and enforce academic discipline across affiliated schools.