As the world celebrates the Global Tiger Day on July 29. 2025, India is celebrating the day differently basking under pride. The reason is that it has emerged as the global leader in tiger conservation, proudly holding the highest number of wild tigers in the world. According to the latest figures released by the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), India is home to 3,682 wild tigers — a staggering 64% of the total global tiger population of 5,711.
This remarkable figure puts India far ahead of all other tiger-range countries. The next closest is Russia with 586 tigers, followed by Indonesia (393), Nepal (355), and Thailand (201). Some countries, like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, have reported zero wild tigers left in their forests.
The data reflects the effectiveness of India’s long-term conservation efforts, including the flagship Project Tiger, launched in 1973. Over the years, India has expanded its network of tiger reserves to over 50, covering critical habitats across states like Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra.
On the eve of the Global Tiger Day, we take this opportunity to inform that wild tiger numbers have increased by 78% since the inception of the GTRP in 2010. Regionally skewed, but re-assuring ! Kudos to TRCs and partners #globaltigerday#internationaltigerdaypic.twitter.com/kEIPprdff5
— Global Tiger Forum (@Unitedfortigers) July 28, 2025
Union Environment Minister hailed the achievement, saying, “This is not just a number, it’s a symbol of India’s unwavering commitment to wildlife protection. Our forest staff, scientists, and communities deserve full credit for this global leadership.”
From August 1, new rules related to Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will come into effect. These changes will impact users, banks, and merchants alike. If you frequently check your bank balance or transaction status via UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm, you may need to adjust your habits.
Here’s a detailed Q\&A to understand what’s changing and how it affects you:
Q1. What are the major changes in UPI from August 1?
* Balance Check Limit: You will only be able to check your bank balance up to 50 times a day per UPI app.
* Auto-Pay Timing Change: Auto-pay transactions like EMIs, subscriptions, or bill payments will now be processed in fixed time slots instead of randomly during the day.
* Transaction Status Checks Limited: If a payment is stuck, you can check its status only three times, with a 90-second gap between each attempt.
Q2. Why are these changes being introduced?
The NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) says repeated balance/status checks during peak hours (10 am–1 pm and 5 pm–9:30 pm) overload the system. Two major outages in March and April 2025 affected crores of users. These steps aim to improve UPI’s reliability and speed.
Q3. What are the fixed time slots for auto-pay?
Auto-pay transactions will now be processed during non-peak hours:
* Before 10 am
* Between 1 pm to 5 pm
* After 9:30 pm
Q4. Will these changes apply to all UPI users?
Yes, the rules apply universally, regardless of which UPI app you use.
Q5. Will this affect regular users?
Most users won’t notice major changes. Daily payments, transfers, and bill payments will continue normally. Only those who frequently check balances or transaction status might face restrictions.
Q6. Is there any change in UPI transaction limits?
No. The transaction limits remain the same: ₹1 lakh per transaction, and up to ₹5 lakh for healthcare or education-related payments.
Q7. Do users need to do anything?
No action is required. The updates will be applied automatically. Just be mindful of the new limits to avoid inconvenience.
Udaipur, renowned for its rich heritage, also holds a deep connection with spirituality and religion. The city is home to several ancient temples, many of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Among them, the Hazareshwar Mahadev Temple, located at Court Square, stands out for its historical significance and spiritual appeal. During the holy month of Sawan, the temple sees a large influx of devotees from far and wide.
This sacred temple was built by Marathi Brahmin Govind Rao during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh II (1734–1751 AD). At its heart lies a unique and massive Shivlinga, which bears 1,101 smaller Shivlingas carved onto a single white stone. Each row features 100 intricately engraved Shivlingas, making this an extraordinary example of artistic devotion.
The temple’s rituals and worship have traditionally been overseen by the descendants of the Kshirsagar Gotra, a Marathi Brahmin family. Currently, Prakashchandra Bhatt carries forward this legacy of service and worship.
According to historian Dr. G.L. Menaria, the temple was once under the administration of Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, a revered 18th-century ruler and religious patron. She was made the religious sister of Maharana Arisingh of Mewar. This historical connection is documented on a copper plate preserved in the State Museum of Indore, dated Ramnavami, 1827 Vikram Samvat (1779 AD).
Conveniently located on the main road, the temple is approximately 2 km from the bus stand and 3 km from the railway station. Udaipur is well-connected to major cities by both road and rail, making the temple easily accessible to visitors.
Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone has earned a coveted spot on The Shift’s prestigious list of 90+ Women Shaping Culture, joining global changemakers like Angelina Jolie, Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, and Amal Clooney. This recognition celebrates women who are redefining the cultural landscape through activism, creativity, leadership, and global impact.
A Journey of Grace, Grit, and Global Influence
From her cinematic debut in Om Shanti Om to becoming one of India’s most influential voices in mental health advocacy, Deepika’s journey has been nothing short of transformative. Her foundation, Live Love Laugh, has played a pivotal role in destigmatizing mental illness and promoting emotional well-being across India and beyond.
In tribute to feminist icon Gloria Steinem’s 91 years of activism, The Shift honored Deepika for her cultural influence and advocacy. Sharing her gratitude on Instagram, she wrote:
“In tribute to the one and only Gloria Steinem and her 91 years of activism, The Shift is honoring 90 voices shaping our future. Grateful for the honour… #TheShiftIsOn”
Deepika’s Reflections on Success
In her feature, Deepika offered a heartfelt perspective on what success truly means:
“To me, success isn’t just about professional achievements but also about well-being—where mental health and self-care matter as much as discipline, dedication, and determination. I hope to inspire a generation that values patience, balance, consistency, and authenticity.”
Beyond the Silver Screen
Deepika’s influence now extends far beyond Bollywood. She is set to become the first Indian actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026, a historic milestone that cements her global legacy. Her upcoming projects include a pan-India sci-fi action film with Allu Arjun and a sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, further showcasing her versatility and star power.
This recognition by The Shift isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a celebration of Deepika Padukone’s unwavering commitment to shaping a more compassionate, balanced, and culturally rich world.
Sculpted from scraps and steeped in Scandinavian folklore, Thomas Dambo’s latest creation bridges art, ecology, and myth — standing tall as a call for harmony at California’s historic Filoli Estate.
A Troll Born of Trash and Imagination
In Woodside, California, nestled within the storied Filoli Estate, a giant wooden troll now rises — cobbled together from discarded pallets and old wine barrels. The sculpture is the latest piece in Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s sustainable art movement, Trolls Save the Humans. It’s more than a marvel of creative recycling; it’s a sentinel of forgotten wisdom.
From Myth to Message
Dambo’s trolls span continents — over 170 in 21 U.S. states and more than 20 countries. His Trail of a Thousand Trolls transforms salvaged waste into folklore-inspired beacons that whisper ancient truths about balance, respect, and renewal. Each troll is a storyteller, urging viewers to reimagine their relationship with the Earth.
A Dialogue with Nature
At Filoli, this towering troll doesn’t just dominate the landscape — it engages in a silent conversation with it. Carved eyes gaze across the estate as if urging visitors to slow down, listen to the rustling trees, and rekindle lost connections. It stands not as a monument, but as a reminder: nature is not a backdrop to life, it is life.
In a stunning blend of innovation and natural splendor, Maharashtra has unveiled its first-ever glass bridge, perched gracefully over the mesmerizing Napne Waterfall in Sindhudurg district. The bridge, now open to the public, is not just an architectural marvel—it’s a promise of eco-tourism rooted in wonder and sustainability.
Crafted with transparency and vision, the Napne Glass Bridge allows visitors to walk quite literally above nature, offering a thrilling bird’s-eye view of cascading waters and lush green forest. The structure aims to promote environmental tourism in the region, inviting nature lovers, adventure seekers, and storytellers alike to explore Sindhudurg’s hidden treasures.
By merging ecological responsibility with immersive travel, the bridge positions Sindhudurg as a rising star in Maharashtra’s tourism map. It is expected to spark local economic growth while encouraging preservation of the district’s rich biodiversity.
As travelers tread lightly across the glass panels with hearts pounding and cameras ready, Napne becomes more than a destination—it becomes a dialogue between nature and human ingenuity.
Semiconductors—essential components in virtually all modern electronics—have become central to global power struggles. Long reliant on imports for its chip needs, India is now ambitiously repositioning itself as a hub for chip design, manufacturing, and technological innovation. This transition comes at a critical time, as geopolitical rivalries prompt a re- evaluation of technology supply chains. This article explores India’s evolving semiconductor ambitions within the broader international context, assessing both its potential and the obstacles ahead.
India’sSemiconductorLandscape:ABriefHistory
India has traditionally played a supportive role in the global chip industry, particularly in design and software development. As reported by McKinsey & Company (2023), Indian engineers make up more than 20% of the world’s semiconductor design talent. However, the country has lacked commercial-scale wafer fabrication capabilities—a key element in chip production.
The launch of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in December 2021 marked a turning point. Backed by a $10 billion incentive package, ISM aims to:
Attract top-tier global chipmakers to set up operations in India.
Support emerging domestic chip design startups.
Build long-term infrastructure and develop a skilled semiconductor workforce.
Recent milestones include:
Micron Technology’s $2.75 billion investment in an Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) plant in Gujarat (Ministry of Electronics & IT, 2023).
Strategic partnerships with industry giants such as Applied Materials and Lam Research, known for their semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
GeopoliticalDimensionsofIndia’sSemiconductorPush
The race to dominate semiconductor technology is no longer just about business—it’s now a geopolitical priority. Escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly efforts by Washington to restrict China’s access to cutting-edge chips, have disrupted global supply chains.
In this shifting landscape, India is gaining prominence as a trusted alternative for semiconductor development due to:
Strong diplomatic ties with the U.S., Japan, and other Quad nations.
A highly educated workforce and a vast consumer base.
Clear policy frameworks, including the “Make in India” campaign and the Digital India Programme.
According to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA, 2024), enhancing supply chain resilience through trusted democratic partners like India is essential to global semiconductor security.
BarrierstoInnovationandExpansion
Despite strong momentum, India faces several hurdles in becoming a semiconductor powerhouse:
Infrastructure Deficits: Fabrication plants require stable power, water supply, and advanced cleanroom environments—areas where India still needs significant improvements.
Skill Shortages in Manufacturing: While India excels in chip design, it lacks a large pool of experienced professionals in fabrication and hardware manufacturing.
HighCapitalRequirements: Setting up fabs involves multibillion-dollar investments and long gestation periods, often dependent on geopolitical and economic stability.
Rising Global Competition: Other countries, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, are also wooing semiconductor firms with lucrative incentives and faster setup processes.
Nonetheless, India has the opportunity to bypass some challenges by focusing on fablesschip design, advanced packaging, and research-intensive areas like AI, edge computing, and automotive semiconductors.
PathwaystoInnovationandGlobalLeadership
India has the potential to emerge as a global leader in fabless chip development by capitalizing on its strong IT ecosystem and engineering expertise. The Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, introduced alongside the ISM, is specifically designed to support startups in chip design by offering both funding and infrastructure.
Additionally, sectors such as defence, telecommunications, and electric mobility are driving domestic demand for specialized semiconductor solutions—offering an ideal testbed for local innovation.
Key growth areas include:
AI and edge computing processors
Semiconductors for 5G and IoT infrastructure
Secure chips for digital governance and defence applications
Conclusion
India’s semiconductor initiative is not merely an industrial upgrade; it represents a strategic shift towards technological sovereignty in an era of digital geopolitics. Though the path is filled with competitive and logistical challenges, India’s well-articulated policy framework,
growing international credibility, and robust innovation potential form a strong platform for success.
If effectively implemented, India’s chip strategy could transform the nation from a passive importer to a key global player—one that shapes the future of semiconductor supply chains while advancing its national interests in technology and security.
(The writer of the article is Vibha Sharma, an M.A. Political Science student at Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya College)
The vibrant and traditional Teej Mata procession marked the beginning of the two-day Teej Mahotsav–2025 in Jaipur on Sunday, 27 July. Organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, the celebration witnessed a massive turnout of women, locals, and tourists from across the globe.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture Diya Kumari performed the grand Maha Aarti of Teej Mata for the first time at the main stage at Chhoti Chaupad, setting the festive tone for the event.
The event was graced by Governor Shri Haribhau Bagde, Assembly Speaker Shri Vasudev Devnani, Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Ji Maharaj, MLAs Balmukund Acharya and Gopal Sharma, Principal Secretary Rajesh Yadav, Tourism Commissioner Smt. Rukmani Riyad, Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Heritage) Mayor Kusum Yadav, and Mayor of Jaipur Greater Saumya Gurjar. A large number of women, tourists, media personnel, and social media influencers also gathered for the Aarti.
Teej Mata’s Royal Procession Mesmerizes All
The grand procession commenced from Janani Deori at the City Palace, passing through Tripolia Gate, Chhoti Chaupad, and Chaugan Stadium, before culminating at Taltora Paundrik Park.
The spectacle included a vibrant display of Rajasthani folk culture, with around 200 folk artists showcasing traditional performances. The procession featured Rajasthani tableaux, horses and royal carriages, decorated elephants, camels, bulls, and bands playing shehnai and drums, reflecting the rich heritage of Rajasthan.
Key highlights included:
The first tableau of Kachhi Ghori by Banwarilal Jat
The Gair dance from Shekhawati region
Bahurupiya artists portraying characters like Narad, Krishna, and Shiva
International performer Purnanath Sapera and Kalbelia dancers
Chari dance and Hela Khayal performances
Puppetry by international puppeteer Raju Bhaat
Folk artist Tejpal Nagauri and his troupe from Nagaur
The warrior spirit of Rajasthan was beautifully depicted with bullock carts, sword-bearing men in traditional attire, and the majestic peacock dance. The highlight came as Teej Mata’s red carriage appeared through Tripolia Gate, greeted by cheers from the packed crowd on both sides.
Women’s Participation and Religious Ceremonies
A major attraction was the women’s tableau, where women clad in colorful lehriya sarees danced with pots balanced on their heads—symbolizing Rajasthani tradition and grace. Significantly, women priests performed the puja of Teej Mata during the procession, marking a powerful cultural moment.
Statewide Broadcast and Cultural Promotion
This vibrant festival was broadcast live on various television channels and displayed on 200 large screens across Rajasthan, with support from the Department of Information Technology (DoIT).
The Teej Mahotsav not only celebrated Rajasthan’s deep-rooted traditions but also presented its unique art and culture to the world, thanks to the spirited performances and state-led promotion of tourism and culture.
In a significant step towards integrating technology into the Indian judicial system, the Kerala High Court has introduced a pioneering document titled ‘Policy Regarding the Use of AI Tools in District Judiciary’. This is the first instance of any Indian High Court formulating specific guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial functions. The policy promotes responsible and limited use of AI, focusing mainly on administrative tasks, amid a growing national push to leverage technology to reduce case backlogs and enhance judicial efficiency.
Core Principles of the AI Policy
The policy is built around four guiding principles:
Transparency
Fairness
Accountability
Confidentiality
These principles aim to ensure the ethical and secure deployment of AI tools within the judiciary. The policy applies to all members of the district judiciary, including judges, clerks, interns, and court staff, and governs AI usage on both personal and government devices to ensure consistent and uniform application.
Scope and Restrictions
AI tools are categorized into general and approved tools. Only those AI applications that have been explicitly sanctioned by the Kerala High Court or the Supreme Court of India may be used for court-related tasks.
The policy strictly prohibits the use of AI for drafting legal judgments, orders, or findings. While AI may be used to translate documents, the output must be verified by a judge or a certified translator. Similarly, AI-assisted legal research, such as retrieving case citations, must be reviewed by a designated individual to prevent reliance on inaccurate information.
Permitted Use Cases
Permissible applications of AI are limited to administrative functions such as:
Case scheduling
Workflow and docket management
Even in these areas, AI usage must be documented and supervised. If errors are detected in AI-generated outputs, they must be reported immediately to the Principal District Court, which will forward the matter to the High Court’s IT department for further review. This mechanism supports continuous improvement and performance monitoring of AI tools.
Training and Compliance Framework
To support responsible use, judicial officers and staff will undergo comprehensive training on both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI. The policy also provides for strict disciplinary action against violations, reinforcing the need to maintain judicial integrity and prevent overdependence on AI—especially where human discretion and legal interpretation are essential.
National Context and Broader Implications
This policy aligns with a 2025 directive from the Government of India encouraging the use of AI to address judicial delays. However, it also acknowledges the limitations and risks of emerging technologies. For instance, the Karnataka High Court recently raised concerns over AI hallucinations—instances where AI tools generate factually incorrect or misleading content. Judicial experts have warned that excessive reliance on AI may erode the profession’s intellectual depth and reasoning skills.
Previously, the Punjab and Haryana High Court consulted ChatGPT for comparative legal research but explicitly stated that AI-generated content cannot be considered binding in legal decisions.
As China’s global influence continues to expand, its growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific has prompted a strategic realignment among regional powers. Japan and India—two of Asia’s leading democracies—are increasingly converging to uphold shared values and safeguard the rules-based international order. Their evolving partnership is not merely reactive; it is a deliberate effort to build a democratic bulwark capable of counterbalancing Beijing’s rise.
Over the past decade, China’s posture has grown more assertive, particularly in disputed maritime zones like the South and East China Seas. Beyond military assertiveness, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has extended its economic and political influence through opaque financing strategies, raising concerns about sovereignty and debt dependency across Asia. These developments have heightened alarm in both Tokyo and New Delhi, underscoring the urgent need for deeper strategic coordination.
Japan has moved decisively away from its post-World War II pacifist stance, significantly increasing defense spending and adopting new security doctrines centered on deterrence. Recognizing China as its primary strategic challenge, Tokyo is forging stronger ties with like-minded allies throughout the Indo-Pacific.
India, too, has reassessed its approach toward China—especially after the 2020 border clash in Ladakh, a pivotal moment that reshaped New Delhi’s strategic calculus. The incident spurred greater military preparedness and reinforced India’s resolve to defend its territorial sovereignty.
Despite differences in historical foreign policy traditions, Japan and India share key strategic interests: defending national sovereignty, ensuring freedom of navigation, and supporting open, transparent infrastructure development. These common goals form the foundation of their “Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” which spans cooperation in defense, cybersecurity, and economic infrastructure.
Their bilateral collaboration is further reinforced through multilateral platforms. Within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)—which also includes the United States and Australia—Japan and India are pivotal in advancing a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and logistics agreements signal deepening operational interoperability between their armed forces.
This alignment extends beyond security. Japan’s infrastructure investment model and India’s pioneering digital public platforms present credible, democratic alternatives to China’s development financing. By offering open, sustainable options, Tokyo and Delhi are appealing to nations wary of becoming overly reliant on Beijing.
Looking ahead, both nations are shedding passive postures in favor of a proactive, principled partnership. By championing democratic cooperation grounded in mutual respect and international norms, the emerging Tokyo-Delhi axis has the potential to become a cornerstone of regional stability. As the global power balance shifts, their alliance exemplifies how democracies can join forces to uphold sovereignty, openness, and shared prosperity in a contested Indo-Pacific landscape
(Writer of this article, Vaishnavi Mishra, is a student of Kanoria PG Mahila Mahavidyalaya)
