• The ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project, involving a port, airport, power plant, and township, faces controversy over alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
• The Andaman & Nicobar Administration claimed tribal rights were “identified and settled,” securing forest clearances for diversion of 13,075 hectares.
• However, the Nicobarese Tribal Council denies giving consent, calling the 2022 certification false.
• The administration argues FRA need not apply due to the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation, 1956 (PAT56), but tribals fear ecological destruction and cultural loss.
• The case highlights tensions between development, environmental sustainability, and indigenous rights.

Association for Democratic Reforms

• Of the 30 Chief Ministers in the country, 12 of them, or 40%, declared criminal cases against themselves, according to a new report by poll rights body Association for Democratic Reforms.
• Telangana CM Revanth Reddy has declared 89 cases against him, the highest, followed by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, who declared 47.
• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared four cases, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan declared two, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann declared one case.
• According to the report by the ADR, 10, or 33%, of the CMs have declared serious criminal cases, including attempt to murder, kidnapping, bribery, and criminal intimidation.

OpenAI to Open First India Office in New Delhi

• OpenAI has announced the launch of its first office in India, located in New Delhi, marking a major step in expanding its presence in one of its fastest-growing markets.
• The company stated that the move supports the government’s IndiaAI Mission and will help better serve millions of Indian students, educators, professionals, and developers who use its tools.
• OpenAI India Private Limited has already been registered, with hiring underway for sales roles.
• India, now ChatGPT’s second-largest user base after the U.S., has seen usage grow fourfold in the past year, highlighting its growing significance.

Real Money Gaming Platforms Halt Operations After New Law

• Major online gaming platforms such as WinZO, Dream11, PokerBaazi, and RummyCircle have stopped offering cash games following the enactment of The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
• The law prohibits real money games (RMGs), though its enforcement awaits a formal notification from the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
• Companies are allowing users a brief window to withdraw deposits but are otherwise winding down operations.
• The bill, passed swiftly within three days, has prompted firms to adopt a non-confrontational stance, with major players announcing immediate compliance.

UN Declares Famine in Gaza Amid Israeli Blockade and Intensifying Conflict

• The UN has officially declared a famine in Gaza, blaming Israel’s “systematic obstruction of aid” that has left 500,000 people in Gaza governorate facing starvation.
• The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned famine could spread to Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis by September, affecting nearly two-thirds of Gaza.
• Israel rejected the UN-backed report, calling it propaganda, while pressing ahead with its offensive on Gaza City.
• UN officials condemned starvation as a war crime, urging a ceasefire.
• Aid agencies said the crisis was entirely preventable, citing Israel’s severe restrictions on food, medicine, and fuel during the two-year war.