David Beckham to Receive Knighthood in Royal Honours List
Football icon David Beckham is set to be knighted in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours, a long-anticipated recognition of his outstanding contributions to English football and his extensive philanthropic work. Known for his global influence on and off the pitch, Beckham will now join the ranks of British sporting knights. The announcement is expected next week and comes after years of speculation about his eligibility. His wife, Victoria Beckham, is also expected to attend the ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The knighthood is seen as a symbol of Beckham’s enduring legacy in British culture and international sports diplomacy.
RBI Hikes Gold Loan LTV to 85% for Small Borrowers
In a move to enhance access to credit, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio for gold loans to 85%, applicable to loans below ₹2.5 lakh. This policy revision aims to help low-income households leverage gold assets more effectively during times of financial need. The decision follows feedback from financial institutions and is part of a broader push to strengthen rural and small-scale lending. Analysts believe the change will ease liquidity constraints for borrowers while maintaining manageable risk levels for lenders, especially in semi-urban and rural markets where gold loans are prevalent.
PM Modi’s Canada Visit Marks Diplomatic Reset at G-7 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Canada next week to participate in the G-7 Summit, marking a potential reset in India-Canada relations after months of diplomatic tensions. The visit is seen as a strategic opportunity to strengthen ties with Western allies, engage in climate and economic discussions, and address global security issues. Analysts highlight that Modi’s presence at the summit reflects India’s growing geopolitical clout. The renewed dialogue with Canada comes after both sides expressed willingness to stabilize relations and collaborate on trade, technology, and climate action during recent backchannel discussions.
Ancient Shiva Temple from Pandya Era Found in Tamil Nadu
An 800-year-old Shiva temple from the Pandya dynasty has been discovered in Udampatti village, near Melur in Tamil Nadu. The structure, buried under layers of soil and vegetation, features traditional Pandya-style stone carvings and inscriptions. Archaeologists believe the temple was an important cultural and religious site during the 12th–13th century. The find offers new insights into the architectural sophistication and spiritual life of the Pandya period. Conservation efforts are now underway to preserve the structure, which could become a key heritage attraction and shed light on lesser-known regional dynasties in South India.
Experts Urge “Source-to-Sea” Overhaul of India’s Water Policy
India’s water management needs a drastic reform, say experts, urging a “source-to-sea” approach to tackle climate change, pollution, and mismanagement. Fragmented jurisdiction across states and agencies has led to inefficient use and rising water stress. The new approach emphasizes viewing rivers, wetlands, and coasts as interconnected systems. Recommendations include integrating river basin planning, enhancing pollution controls, and using digital tracking tools. With India facing a water crisis in many regions, the policy rethink aims to ensure sustainable use, equitable distribution, and long-term resilience for both agriculture and urban needs.