The West Bengal government is planning a major crackdown on extortion, locally known as "tolabaji," which has plagued businesses and citizens across the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's administration is considering introducing a special law specifically targeting extortion rackets. The state has already launched a dedicated helpline where victims can report extortion demands anonymously. This initiative follows growing public outrage over syndicate-led extortion in construction, transport, and trade sectors. The proposed law aims to impose stricter penalties on offenders, including non-bailable provisions, to deter criminals operating under political patronage. Opposition parties have criticized the move as politically motivated, alleging ruling party-linked goons are the primary perpetrators.

The Indian government has clarified that no bank charges or fees will be levied on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions of up to Rs 2,000. This move aims to promote digital payments and encourage cashless transactions among citizens. The Finance Ministry confirmed that neither banks nor any service provider can impose charges on customers for small-value UPI payments. This decision supports the government's Digital India initiative and ensures UPI remains accessible and affordable for everyday transactions, benefiting millions of users nationwide.

At the BRICS Summit, PM Modi emphasized strengthening India-China bilateral ties through mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. China praised Modi's remarks, acknowledging India's independent foreign policy and welcoming his positive stance. The leaders discussed resolving border tensions and enhancing diplomatic engagement. China's endorsement signals a potential thaw in relations strained since the 2020 Ladakh standoff. Both nations agreed on maintaining peace along the LAC and boosting trade and people-to-people ties, marking a significant diplomatic development.

Police in China arrested a man after he carried out a knife attack that left multiple people wounded. The suspect reportedly went on a stabbing spree in a public area, injuring several victims before being apprehended by authorities. The wounded were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. While mass knife attacks have occurred periodically in China, where firearms are strictly controlled, authorities have not yet disclosed the attacker's motive. Police launched an investigation into the incident.

A massive wildfire erupted near residential areas in Quito, Ecuador, prompting an urgent response from firefighters and volunteers. The blaze threatened homes as strong winds and dry conditions fueled its spread across hillsides surrounding the capital. Emergency teams worked tirelessly to contain the flames, deploying ground crews and aerial support. Authorities issued evacuation warnings for nearby neighborhoods. Volunteers joined efforts, providing water and supplies. Officials linked the fire to prolonged drought and rising temperatures, highlighting climate change concerns.

**सोना-चांदी की कीमतों में गिरावट:**

अंतरराष्ट्रीय बाजार में सोना और चांदी की कीमतों पर दबाव देखा जा रहा है। अमेरिकी डॉलर की मजबूती, US फेडरल रिजर्व की ब्याज दरों पर सख्त रुख और बॉन्ड यील्ड में बढ़ोतरी इसकी मुख्य वजहें हैं। वैश्विक व्यापार तनाव कम होने से सेफ-हेवन डिमांड भी घटी है। विशेषज्ञों के अनुसार निवेशकों को इस गिरावट में घबराकर बेचने से बचना चाहिए। लंबी अवधि के लिए सोने में SIP या गिरावट पर खरीदारी की रणनीति अपनानी चाहिए। चांदी में भी औद्योगिक मांग को देखते हुए निचले स्तरों पर खरीदारी फायदेमंद हो सकती है।

I don't have information about the 2026 Emmy Awards. My knowledge only extends through early July 2025, and the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards would take place in September 2026, which is beyond my knowledge cutoff. I cannot provide a winners list or details about this event, as it hasn't occurred yet based on what I know. For accurate and up-to-date results, I recommend checking sources like the Television Academy's official website, Variety, or Deadline when the ceremony takes place.

India's Bureau of Immigration issued a show-cause notice to Air India after Italian passengers on a Rome-Delhi flight were allowed to skip mandatory immigration checks at Delhi's IGI Airport. The passengers were incorrectly handled and bypassed immigration counters, raising serious security concerns. Air India was asked to explain the procedural lapse. The incident highlighted gaps in airport protocol enforcement. Authorities emphasized that all international passengers must undergo proper immigration screening, regardless of nationality or airline, to maintain border security standards.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine is willing to support an energy ceasefire with Russia, provided the United States guarantees Moscow's genuine intent to comply. Zelenskiy emphasized the need for credible assurances, as past ceasefires were violated by Russia. The proposal focuses on halting attacks on energy infrastructure, crucial for civilian survival. Zelenskiy urged US involvement as a mediator to verify Russia's commitments, stressing that any agreement must protect Ukraine's sovereignty and people.

A new video from a fellow rider has surfaced in the Gurugram hit-and-run case, revealing the accused deliberately hit a bike before fleeing the scene. The footage, captured by another motorcyclist, shows the accused's vehicle striking the bike intentionally and speeding away without stopping to help the victim. The incident has sparked public outrage and demands for strict action. Police are investigating using the video as key evidence. The accused faces charges including reckless driving and fleeing the scene. Authorities urge witnesses to come forward as the case intensifies.

दिल्ली में एक जिम ट्रेनर की गोली मारकर हत्या कर दी गई। हमलावरों ने उस पर करीब 15 राउंड फायरिंग की, जिसमें 4 गोलियां लगीं और उनमें से 2 गोलियां सिर में लगीं, जिससे उसकी मौके पर ही मौत हो गई। इस हत्या की जिम्मेदारी हिमांशु भाऊ गैंग ने ली है। यह गैंग पहले भी दिल्ली-NCR में कई आपराधिक घटनाओं में शामिल रहा है। पुलिस ने मामला दर्ज कर जांच शुरू कर दी है और CCTV फुटेज खंगाले जा रहे हैं। हमलावरों की पहचान और गिरफ्तारी के लिए टीमें गठित की गई हैं। माना जा रहा है कि यह हत्या पुरानी रंजिश या गैंगवार से जुड़ी हो सकती है।

**Asian Markets & Crude Impact on Indian Indices**

Indian markets are expected to open cautiously as GIFT Nifty signals a flat-to-mildly positive start. Asian peers show mixed trends—Japan's Nikkei trades higher on weak yen boosting exporters, while South Korea's Kospi and Taiwan's index remain subdued amid global uncertainty and tech sector concerns. Crude oil prices staying elevated add inflationary pressure, potentially weighing on Sensex and Nifty. Investors eye US Fed cues, geopolitical tensions, and FII flows for direction. Caution prevails.

India's National Stock Exchange (NSE), the world's largest derivatives exchange by volume, is preparing a landmark IPO that could reshape India's financial landscape. The long-anticipated listing threatens to disrupt the country's massive shadow banking and informal trading markets, which have thrived alongside regulated exchanges. NSE's public offering would bring unprecedented transparency, attracting institutional investors while potentially siphoning liquidity from unregulated platforms. Regulatory scrutiny around governance issues, including a past co-location scandal, has delayed the IPO for years. Analysts believe the listing will strengthen market integrity, force informal operators to comply or exit, and modernize India's capital markets infrastructure significantly.

Three Congress Chief Ministers — Siddaramaiah (Karnataka), Revanth Reddy (Telangana), and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh) — were invited to PM Modi's dinner for BRICS summit delegates but didn't attend. Notably, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge were not invited, sparking political controversy. Congress called the selective invitations a diplomatic snub, while the BJP accused the CMs of disrespecting foreign dignitaries by skipping the event.

Syria's government has sharply increased fuel prices by up to 40%, sparking widespread public outrage amid an already devastating economic crisis. The hike affects gasoline, diesel, and cooking gas, burdening millions struggling with poverty, currency devaluation, and inflation worsened by years of civil war and international sanctions. Citizens took to social media to express frustration, with some staging rare protests. The government cited subsidy costs and budget pressures, but critics argue the move deepens suffering for ordinary Syrians already facing soaring living costs and limited income.