Major Terror Arrest in Delhi: Key LeT Recruiter Captured After Month-Long Operation
In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police's special cell has arrested Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a highly sought-after Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, following an intensive month-long operation. The arrest occurred on Sunday night, marking a critical victory in counter-terrorism efforts. Lone, who also goes by the alias Raja Kashmiri, is accused of establishing a LeT cell in Bangladesh under directives from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His alleged activities involved running a cross-border terror network specifically designed to radicalize Indian youth, posing a severe threat to national security.
Financial Markets in Turmoil: 10-Year Gilt Yield Surges Above 7%
Amidst heightened volatility in stock and forex markets, the benchmark yield on 10-year government securities (G-Secs) has climbed above the 7% threshold, reaching its highest level since July 2024. This surge, observed on the final trading session of fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26), saw yields increase by 37 basis points in March alone—the most substantial monthly rise since February 2017. The government's recent announcement of a half-yearly borrowing plan, totaling Rs 8.2 lakh crore, aligned with market expectations, with bond dealers noting careful selection of papers to mitigate yield hardening in FY27.
FY26 witnessed unprecedented milestones in the money market, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injecting a record Rs 10 lakh crore in liquidity through open market operations and foreign exchange swaps. Additionally, the RBI slashed the cash reserve ratio to a historic low of 3% and reduced the repo rate by 100 basis points to 5.25% to stimulate economic growth. Notably, the monetary policy committee shifted its stance from 'neutral' to 'accommodative' and back to 'neutral' within just two policy meetings between April and June, a first in RBI history.
NIA Clarifies Stance in Antilia Bomb Scare Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has addressed concerns over the absence of formal statements from industrialist Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita Ambani in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare case chargesheet. In a reply opposing dismissed police officer Sachin Waze's discharge plea, the NIA asserted that legally, some witness statements are not mandatory if facts can be substantiated through other evidence. The agency emphasized that sufficient evidence exists, including statements from the Ambani family's security personnel, to conclusively establish the terrorist acts by Waze and his co-accused. However, the NIA reserved the right to call the Ambanis as witnesses in the future. The case stems from an explosives-laden SUV discovered near the Ambanis' residence in south Mumbai on February 25, 2021.
Controversy Erupts Over 'Pink Elephant' Photoshoot in Jaipur
A viral photoshoot featuring an elephant painted bright pink in Jaipur has sparked widespread online outrage, reigniting debates over animal welfare in creative projects. The images, originally shot in November 2025 by Russian photographer Julia Buruleva and resurfaced on social media in March, drew sharp criticism from netizens and activists. Buruleva defended the shoot, stating that organic, locally made paint—similar to that used in festivals—was applied and was safe for the animal. Representatives from Amer's Hathi Gaon confirmed that only herbal colors were used, and the elephant was cleaned within 30 minutes to prevent discomfort. Despite these assurances, many, including filmmaker Aakash Prabhakar, condemned the act, arguing that elephants should not be treated as canvases for aesthetic purposes.
Government Tightens Subsidy Rules for Electronics Companies
In a bold move to bolster India's electronics sector, the government has issued a stern warning to companies under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme: subsidies will be withheld for firms that treat India merely as a manufacturing hub without investing in design capabilities. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this policy shift on Monday, emphasizing that real value is captured only when design, quality, and engineering are embedded within India. The warning accompanies fresh approvals for 29 new projects involving an investment of Rs 7,104 crore, pushing total approvals under the scheme to Rs 61,671 crore—exceeding the initial target of Rs 59,350 crore. Vaishnaw highlighted gaps in industry response and stated that incentives will now be linked to deeper technological competencies, signaling a strategic pivot from scale to value addition.
