1. Legendary Pandavani Folk Singer Teejan Bai Passes Away

Renowned folk artist and musical storyteller Teejan Bai passed away on July 5, 2026, at the age of 69 in AIIMS Raipur, Chhattisgarh, following a prolonged illness.

• Pioneering Legacy: Born in Durg district in 1956, Teejan Bai was the defining global face of Pandavani, the traditional Chhattisgarhi folk art of narrating stories from the Mahabharata through vivid vocal performances and musical accompaniment. She broke strict patriarchal boundaries by performing in the Kapalik style (standing up and performing aggressively), which was historically restricted to male artists.
• Highest State Honours: She stands as one of the most celebrated folk musicians in Indian history and remains the only individual from Chhattisgarh to be conferred the Padma Vibhushan (2019), following her earlier Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1996), Padma Bhushan (2003), and Padma Shri (1988).

2. India’s First Nationally Manufactured EXIM Container Unveiled in UP

Marking a massive leap forward for the Atmanirbhar Bharat logistics push, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal officially unveiled India’s first locally manufactured export-import (EXIM) shipping container at the Maersk-CONCOR Inland Container Depot in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh.

• Global Commercial Validation: Global shipping giant AP Moller–Maersk became the first international carrier to officially procure this domestic container, validating the quality standards of India's emerging maritime production line.
• Massive Order Book: During the ceremony, Maersk placed a fresh bulk order for 1,000 additional India-manufactured shipping containers with the domestic industrial conglomerate DCM Shriram Group. This builds directly on strategic maritime manufacturing frameworks initiated by the Ministry to build self-reliance in global supply chains.

3. Indian Delegation Attends Final Rituals for Slain Iranian Leader in Tehran

A high-level Indian delegation led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain traveled to Tehran to officially attend the final funeral ceremonies for Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

• Bilateral Relations: The delegation conveyed the deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of India. The multi-party Indian presence—which also included prominent opposition figures—was warmly acknowledged by the Iranian Embassy as a direct reflection of the centuries-old civilizational relationship between the two nations.
• Geopolitical Background: The state funeral rituals concluded following the delayed and highly guarded arrangements across Iran, tracking the massive regional transformations that followed the targeted military airstrikes in Tehran earlier this year.