Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is on a crucial four-day visit to Bhutan, reinforcing strong military ties amid China's growing infrastructure in the Doklam plateau. He will meet King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Lt General Batoo Tshering.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha pledged government jobs for eligible, unemployed members of Kashmiri families who lost loved ones to terrorism in the last three decades. This initiative aims to acknowledge the victims of Pakistan-backed terrorism and provide justice to the affected families.
Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai emphasized the importance of the creamy layer principle within SC/STs. He cautioned against judicial overreach and highlighted the Constitution's role in social transformation. Gavai mentioned landmark judgments, including those on Article 370 and electoral bonds. He also addressed pending cases and infrastructure improvements. Gavai ruled out post-retirement assignments, focusing on his current responsibilities.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has vehemently rejected accusations from the Pakistan Army linking India to a deadly suicide bombing in North Waziristan that killed 16 soldiers. The MEA dismissed the claims as contemptible, despite the Pakistan Taliban faction claiming responsibility for the attack. The bombing, which involved an explosives-laden vehicle, also injured dozens and damaged nearby homes.
Opposition parties have strongly criticized RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's suggestion to review the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Constitution's Preamble, labeling it an attack on the Constitution's core values. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the RSS-BJP of wanting to replace the Constitution with 'Manusmriti'.
Russia has assured India that the remaining two squadrons of the S-400 Triumf missile systems will be delivered by 2026-27, despite delays caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. These systems played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan last month. India is also developing its own air defence system, Project Kusha, with operational deployment planned for 2028-2029.
Narendra Modi spoke with Navinchandra Ramgoolam about the India-Mauritius partnership. They talked about regional issues. Both leaders want stronger ties between their countries. They reviewed cooperation in development, defense, and digital infrastructure. Modi appreciated Ramgoolam's yoga participation. Modi invited Ramgoolam to India. Earlier, Modi visited Mauritius and received their highest civilian honor. He thanked Mauritius for their hospitality.
Iran launched six missiles at the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, causing explosions across Doha and Lusail. This attack, confirmed by Iranian state TV, followed Qatar's airspace closure and recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. While no immediate casualties were reported, embassies urged citizens to stay indoors as regional tensions escalate.
A recent study reveals that nearly 20% of Indian households have all adults classified as overweight, while 10% are obese. States like Manipur and Kerala show over 30% of households with all adults overweight. Researchers emphasize the need for family-centered obesity prevention strategies, as obesity clusters within families significantly increase the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.
Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the Indian government initiated Operation Sindhu, safely evacuating Indian nationals from the Middle East. A flight carrying 290 students, mainly from Jammu and Kashmir, landed in Delhi from Mashhad, Iran, after Tehran opened its airspace. Approximately 1,000 Indians are expected to return, with additional flights scheduled.
Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed Ambassadors and High Commissioners from various nations to a cultural event in Bhararisain on the eve of International Yoga Day. The foreign dignitaries were impressed by Gairsain's natural beauty and cultural heritage, enjoying a traditional Chholia dance performance. Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand's potential as a growing tourist destination, inviting exploration of its diverse landscapes.
Amidst escalating conflict in Iran, Kashmiri medical students studying abroad faced harrowing journeys back home. Saba Rasool, a student at Urmia University, recounts the escalating tensions and the eventual evacuation facilitated by the MEA. While grateful for the support, students criticized the J&K administration's reception upon their return, highlighting inadequate transportation arrangements.
Following the AI 171 Boeing 787 crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will determine whether to send the black boxes abroad for analysis, with assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu reviewed passenger support and safety measures, urging airlines to address passenger issues and airports to enhance wildlife hazard management.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has declared the routes to the Shri Amarnath shrine no-fly zones from July 1 to August 10, prohibiting helicopter services for pilgrims this year. This decision, based on Union home ministry recommendations, aims to bolster security for the annual pilgrimage commencing on July 3. Restrictions exclude medical evacuations and security surveillance.
British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron recently met with Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister, Omar Abdullah, in New Delhi, accompanied by her team. While the CM's office acknowledged the meeting on X, details remained undisclosed. A National Conference spokesperson described it as a courtesy call.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav affirmed the INDIA bloc's unity, confirming their joint participation in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. He accused the BJP of internal discord and manipulating upcoming panchayat polls. Yadav also pledged a caste-based census if his party forms the government, criticising the BJP's governance and asserting the SP-Congress alliance's success in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
The National Conference (NC) has intensified its criticism of the "dual power centre" in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting it impedes effective governance. NC questions LG Manoj Sinha's claim of controlling only the police, arguing his authority over law, order, and IAS officer transfers undermines the elected government's functioning. Opposition parties are blaming Omar Abdullah govt for ineffective and lacklustre administration.
Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, India's MEA is closely monitoring the security situation, prioritizing the safety of its citizens. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively assisting students, relocating them to safer areas and maintaining contact with community leaders. Following airstrikes and missile exchanges, advisories have been issued, urging Indian nationals to remain vigilant and limit movement.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit China for the SCO defence ministers' meet amid ongoing efforts to stabilize bilateral ties, though de-escalation along the LAC remains elusive. He is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, marking his first visit to China as defence minister.
India has distanced itself from an SCO statement condemning Israel's strikes on Iran, reflecting its continued support for Israel. This follows India's abstention from a UN vote seeking a Gaza ceasefire. While India values its ties with Iran and the SCO for trade and counterterrorism, its strong relationship with Israel, particularly in defense, appears to be a deciding factor.
The UN Ocean Conference concluded in Nice, France, emphasizing the 'High Seas Treaty' to protect marine biodiversity in international waters. India pledged to ratify the treaty soon and proposed a 10-point roadmap for sustainable ocean governance. The conference also highlighted growing calls for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, reflecting a global commitment to ocean health.
India and China are actively working to improve their relationship, focusing on resuming direct air services and resolving trade and economic concerns. Discussions between officials included the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and trans-border river cooperation. Both sides are preparing for future talks on the border issue and high-level meetings, aiming to stabilize ties and increase mutual trust.
In Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district, authorities attached the property of a terrorist residing in Pakistan, Mohd Saleem, who absconded to evade legal proceedings. Additionally, a proclamation notice has been issued against Mohd Shafi, Shams Din, and Farooq Ahmad, wanted in connection with a 2009 case registered under the Enemy Agents Ordinance Act in Doda.
Meghalaya police cracked the honeymoon murder case of Raja Raghuvanshi, revealing that his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, orchestrated his killing. Sonam's 'mangalsutra' and ring, left behind at a homestay, raised suspicion. Police investigations led to Sonam's arrest in Uttar Pradesh, along with her boyfriend and contract killers, exposing a conspiracy that unfolded during what was supposed to be a romantic getaway.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, part of the Axiom-4 mission, will carry IISc-designed postcards to the ISS, honoring India's space aspirations and scientific legacy. These postcards celebrate IISc's contributions to space science and feature pioneers like Homi J Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai. Upon Shukla's return, NASA will certify the postcards, which IISc plans to preserve as space-flown souvenirs.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh has strongly criticised the UNSC's decision to appoint Pakistan as vice-chair of its counter-terrorism panel. "What is astonishing is that this Counter-Terrorism panel, was formed after the 9/11 terror attacks. Pakistan had sheltered the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. This (decision) is akin to cat guarding the milk," Singh said.
Following a tragic incident where four passengers died falling from an overcrowded Mumbai local train, the Railway Board announced that all new non-AC local trains will feature automatic closing doors, similar to metro trains. Existing rakes will be retrofitted with this system later. The first train with the new system is expected by November and operational by January.
India is witnessing a resurgence of COVID-19, with over 6,000 active cases and six deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Kerala, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi are the most affected states. The Union health ministry is conducting mock drills and instructing states to ensure the availability of essential resources.
A five-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh tragically died after being struck by a recklessly driven vehicle in the bustling Raghunath Bazaar in Jammu. The incident occurred as the family was returning from a pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Police have arrested the driver, Kartikay Vaid, and seized the vehicle involved in the fatal accident, initiating legal proceedings.
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong expressed optimism about Sino-Indian ties, highlighting their deep historical roots and shared civilizational heritage. He anticipates improved relations, emphasizing the role of youth in fostering understanding and resolving border tensions through dialogue and cooperation. Feihong also looks forward to the resumption of direct flights and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.
On Eid-ul-Adha, Srinagar's Jamia Masjid was locked, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest, preventing devotees from offering prayers, which sparked criticism from various political figures, including Omar Abdullah. Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar reported the mosque's closure and police deployment. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed his dismay over the continued restrictions on religious practices in the Muslim-majority region.
An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Shashi Tharoor, briefed US officials on cross-border terrorism and India's Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam attack. The US reaffirmed its support to India in combating terrorism. Discussions included deepening bilateral cooperation, with senators expressing solidarity. The delegation addressed the US media, highlighting India's resolve against terrorism emanating from across the border.
Srinagar's agricultural university has welcomed Swiss Saanen goats, sparking immense interest for their high milk yield with less feed. ...
