Russian strikes have resulted in widespread power outages and disruptions to water supply in northern Ukraine, with an increase in civilian casualties in the eastern region, Ukrainian authorities reported on Saturday. In the Sumy region, close to the Russian border, strikes late Friday damaged energy infrastructure, leaving more than 100,000 households without electricity, according to the Ukrainian Energy Ministry. Russian drones later targeted the city of Sumy, hitting power lines connected to the water pumping system, leading to a cut-off in water supply.

The counselling process for the NEET-UG 2024, including the all-India quota (AIQ) seat allocation, which was scheduled to begin today, has been postponed indefinitely. The authorities have not provided a revised date for the commencement of the counselling. The decision to defer the counselling comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hold a crucial hearing regarding the NEET-UG controversy.

Congress criticized the government over NEET-UG counselling delay. Jairam Ramesh condemned the 'non-biological PM' and Education Minister's insensitivity. The Supreme Court, led by CJI Chandrachud and Justices Pardiwala and Misra, rejected deferment of NEET-UG 2024 despite irregularities, issuing notices to the Centre and NTA. Fresh decisions are awaited after the July 8 hearing.

The main accused of the Hathras stampede, Devprakash Madhukar, has surrendered and been taken into custody by the UP Police. Investigations continue with focus on the organisers. Madhukar's lawyer, AP Singh claimed that Madhukar surrendered to the Delhi Police in Najafgarh and following his surrender, the Delhi Police handed him over to the UP Police. Madhukar was the main organiser of the 'satsang' (religious prayer meet) where a stampede claimed the lives of 121 people.

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.