India sees higher acreage of summer-sown Kharif crops in June despite a larger monsoon rainfall deficit compared to last year. Focus on less water-consuming crops like pulses and oilseeds contributes to the increase. Government support through higher MSP for oilseeds and pulses noted.

Punjab and Haryana high court dismisses rape charges against CRPF officer involved in extramarital affair. Court rules consensual nature of relationship between married individuals not grounds for criminal prosecution. Judge highlights challenges and complexities of such relationships.

Two smugglers in Andhra Pradesh sentenced to 10 years for possessing 40 kgs of marijuana. Another individual jailed for ganja smuggling. Court's decision based on NDPS Act charges.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose wrote to President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, claiming that the assembly speaker administering the oath to two newly elected TMC MLAs was a «violation of the Constitution,» according to a Raj Bhavan official. Bose took this step just hours after Biman Banerjee, the speaker, administered the oath to the two TMC legislators instead of the deputy speaker, who had been authorized by the governor for the task. Governor Bose had previously authorized assembly deputy speaker Ashish Banerjee to administer the oath to Sayantika Banerjee and Reyat Hossain Sarkar.

Former union minister Chaudhary Birender Singh criticized the BJP for failing to gain support through religion-based politics, predicting the NDA government will collapse within two years. Singh, who left BJP for Congress, emphasized Arya Samaj over Sanatan tradition. He urged preparations for the upcoming assembly elections and called for action on jobs, education, and corruption issues.

Pulsus Group is establishing an AI-based pharma healthcare IT hub in Ameenpur, Telangana, costing Rs 300 crore and creating around 50,000 jobs. Announced at the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress, the project aims to enhance drug development and healthcare delivery. Telangana's minister emphasized AI's potential to make treatments more affordable and boost the state's pharma industry.

A taskforce has been set up by the Govt of India to examine AI's influence on future work. Significant job creation in India, especially by global capability centers and startups. Labour laws simplified into four categories. Emphasis on increasing female workforce participation and social security. India's GDP expected to reach $33 trillion by 2047.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren penned an emotional post for father and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president Shibu Soren. Day after taking oath as CM, Soren posted a few photos with his father from the oath ceremony and said he is his father's «emerging reflection». Hemant Soren took oath as Jharkhand CM for the third time on Thursday. The ceremony was held a week after he was released on bail in a money laundering case. Soon after the oath he asserted that «people intoxicated with power» tried to silence him, but now the voice of the state will be strengthened.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his two-day visit to Russia on July 8, marking his first visit since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which the Kremlin referred to as a «special military operation.» Modi is scheduled to arrive in Moscow on Monday afternoon, where he will attend a private dinner hosted by Russian president Vladimir Putin. On Tuesday, Modi will meet with the Indian community in Russia. Following his interaction with the Indian diaspora, the Prime Minister will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Kremlin.

Journalist Zeyad Masroor Khan poignantly chronicles his boyhood in the heart of Aligarh's Hindu-Muslim tensions. Weaving together personal trauma, oral histories, and astute social commentary, Khan's story illuminates the human toll of communal violence while ultimately finding resilience and hope for change

Tejashwi Yadav attacks CM Nitish Kumar and JD(U) for corruption, citing a bridge collapse and administrative failures. Highlights continuous crime, inefficiency, corruption during his 18-month tenure. It took 6 to 8 months just to bring money. Criticizes Bihar's issues: unemployment, poverty, inflation, paper leaks. Describes JD(U)'s tenure as a double engine of corruption and crime.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Labour Party's Keir Starmer, who is set to become the next UK prime minister after a decisive victory in the general elections. The UK Labour Party has secured over 400 out of the 650 seats in parliament, according to exit polls. PM Modi praised outgoing UK PM Rishi Sunak, stating, «admirable leadership» and «active contribution to deepen India-UK bilateral ties.» Posined to be UK PM, ​Starmer has sought to mend the strained relationship between Labour and India.

Congress criticized the delay in publishing Class 6 textbooks, accusing the Education Ministry and NCERT of incompetence. Jairam Ramesh highlighted delays in Science, Mathematics, and Social Sciences textbooks. Despite plans to introduce new textbooks in 2024-25 under the National Curriculum Framework, delays are expected. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed the issue.