Morning Brief: China Blocks Key Equipment For India’s Bullet Train Project; Army’s Drone Shopping Spree Kicks Off; Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Iran, Israel; And More

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China Blocks Key Equipment For India’s Bullet Train Project

Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) critical to India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project are stuck at a Chinese port, raising concerns about delays in the high-profile infrastructure effort, The Times of India has reported. Although ordered from German firm Herrenknecht, the TBMs were made in China and have not received clearance for shipment, with no official explanation provided.

The Ministry of Railways has escalated the issue to the Ministry of External Affairs, and diplomatic channels are now being used to resolve the standoff. The TBMs are vital for constructing the underground segment of the corridor, especially the 21-km stretch between Bandra-Kurla Complex and Shilphata, which includes a 7-km undersea tunnel. A prolonged delay could impact the construction timeline.

Also Read: China Is Choking India’s Factories — And India Has No Quick Fixes 

Army Ramps Up Drone Purchases With Emergency Powers

The Indian Army has begun emergency procurements from Indian companies to bolster its operational readiness, placing orders for advanced drones, loitering munitions, and counter-drone systems. Among the key deals are 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from Solar Industries and hybrid Mini UAVs from ideaForge, both cleared after rigorous validation to ensure they contain no Chinese-origin components.

This is part of a broader Rs 44,000 crore procurement push focused on long-range, standoff weapons and indigenous solutions. The armed forces are also prioritising jammers, low-level transportable radars, and air defence systems, which proved critical during Op Sindoor, along with ammunition for prolonged conflict. The defence ministry has granted sweeping powers to fast-track these acquisitions.

Trump Announces Ceasefire Between Israel And Iran

President Trump declared on social media that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” following a week of escalating missile exchanges and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. But hours later, Iran’s foreign minister denied any finalised deal, saying Iran might consider a ceasefire if Israel halted its attacks.

The announcement came after Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US base in the region, in retaliation for US bombings, though with forewarning to limit casualties. Despite this, Vice President JD Vance said the war appeared “effectively over,” and Qatari diplomats were credited with brokering Iran’s tentative acceptance of a phased ceasefire.

Other Developments

Kejriwal Quashes Rajya Sabha Buzz, But Signals Comeback

After months of silence following AAP’s drubbing in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal appears poised for a national comeback, powered by strong bypoll wins in Punjab and Gujarat. The twin victories revived speculation that Kejriwal might enter the Rajya Sabha through Punjab, especially with AAP MP Sanjeev Arora winning an Assembly seat and expected to vacate his Upper House position.

However, Kejriwal dismissed the chatter, stating he has no plans to join the Rajya Sabha and that the party’s Political Affairs Committee would decide who fills the vacancy. Still, AAP leaders are celebrating the wins as a major turnaround, especially in Gujarat’s Visavadar, calling it a “big setback” for the BJP. While Kejriwal has ruled out a parliamentary entry for now, his return to centre stage in national politics appears all but certain.

China Undercuts India’s EV Dreams

Chinese battery makers are slashing prices amid a supply glut, making it difficult for Indian firms like Amara Raja and Exide to compete. Analysts warn that aggressive pricing from China is unlikely to ease soon. Compounding the issue, China’s dominance over rare earth processing, which is crucial for EV motor magnets, puts further pressure on India’s electric mobility plans. As geopolitical tensions grow, so does India’s vulnerability to Beijing’s grip over supply chains critical for its manufacturing ambitions.

Parliament Panel Summons Boeing Over Safety

Following the deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, a parliamentary panel on transport has summoned Boeing executives to answer questions on aircraft safety and maintenance. The committee, expected to meet in early July, will also examine helicopter accidents, pilot fitness, and the role of the DGCA.

Before the meeting, members will fly on Air India to personally assess its aircraft and crew. The crash, which killed 271 of 272 people on board and 33 on the ground, has triggered a full safety audit of Air India’s Dreamliner fleet. With flight data recorders damaged and the cause still unclear, theories point to a possible dual engine failure or system-wide malfunction, raising serious questions about Boeing’s role.

From The States

Centre to Revive Key Jammu-Srinagar Tunnel Projects

The Centre is set to revive two long-pending tunnel projects—Singhpora-Vailoo and Sudhmahadev-Dranga—on NH-244 to boost all-weather connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir. Dropped by the Public Investment Board in March over high costs, revised and cheaper proposals are now being prepared for fresh approval.

The tunnels are vital for safer troop movement and trade, offering alternatives to the vulnerable NH-44 and landslide-prone Goha-Khellani road. The Singhpora-Vailoo tunnel will link the Valley to the Chenab region year-round, while the Sudhmahadev-Dranga tunnel will cut Udhampur-Doda travel by two-thirds. Political leaders from all parties in the state have backed the projects.

Cash Joins Caste in Bihar Poll Battle

With elections nearing, Bihar's politics is shifting from just caste equations to direct cash benefits. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar raised pensions for elderly, disabled, and widows from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, covering 1.1 crore people, and increased honorariums for Jeevika workers. His rivals quickly countered with promises of even higher payouts—RJD and Jan Suraj vowed Rs 1,500–2,000 pensions, and Congress pushed a Rs 2,500 monthly women’s scheme, like it has done in. out other states.

Kumar also eased loan terms for women-led self-help groups, reinforcing his focus on female voters. Cash welfare is emerging as a central poll plank, mirroring trends in states like Jharkhand and Maharashtra, where similar payouts helped swing results.

Congress MLAs Turn Up Heat on Karnataka CM

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing growing dissent within his own party, with senior Congress MLAs accusing the government of corruption and administrative failure. Kagawad MLA Raju Kage backed Aland MLA BR Patil’s explosive claim that bribes were being demanded for housing scheme benefits, and even hinted at resigning over stalled projects in his constituency.

A leaked audio of Patil alleging corruption in the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation has put Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan under pressure. The episode has embarrassed the Congress just as party president Mallikarjun Kharge continues to praise the state government’s welfare record. Siddaramaiah has said he will speak to the disgruntled MLAs, but the damage may already be done.

You’re all caught up—until next time.