The Election Commission of India is encouraging political parties to increase the number of booth level agents for Bihar's special intensive revision process, emphasizing that parties should act now rather than complain later. While many BLAs are already engaged, the ECI indicates there is still time for parties to appoint additional BLAs.

TOI again celebrates youngsters from across India who’ve made a mark and are hungry for more

Dr. Shraddha Chauhan, an 80-year-old woman, has created a record. She became India's oldest woman to complete a tandem skydive. Her son, Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, accompanied her. Despite health challenges, she jumped from 10,000 feet. She fulfilled her childhood dream with her son's support. The video of her skydive has gained popularity.

The Dalai Lama, ahead of his 90th birthday, has declared that the institution of the Dalai Lama will persist after his death, a statement with significant implications for his global Buddhist followers. He emphasised that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, based in India, will have the exclusive authority to identify his successor, adhering to traditional Buddhist practices.

The Quad foreign ministers strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, urging justice for the victims. They voiced concerns over the East and South China Seas, North Korea's missile launches and cyber activities, and the crisis in Myanmar. The Quad also announced initiatives for critical minerals, maritime law enforcement, disaster response, and countering disinformation in the Indo-Pacific region.

S Jaishankar met with Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. They emphasized the strategic importance of India-US defence ties. Hegseth expressed enthusiasm for the growing defence partnership. Both countries aim to expand industrial cooperation and co-production networks. They also want to strengthen interoperability. The US is pleased with the integration of US defence items into India's armed forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a five-nation tour from July 2-9, visiting Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The trip aims to strengthen India's ties with the Global South, focusing on enhanced cooperation in various sectors like investment, energy, and technology. Modi will engage with leaders and address parliaments, reaffirming India's commitment to multilateral platforms and partnerships.

Home Minister Amit Shah declared the new criminal laws as the biggest reform since Independence, aiming to foster public trust in the justice system. These laws, designed to be citizen-centric and transparent, will ensure justice within three years, leveraging technology for efficient processes. The focus shifts from punishment to justice, protecting citizens' rights and addressing crimes against women and children.

A parliamentary committee meeting on land acquisition was disrupted when BJP MPs, including Parshottam Rupala, walked out due to the presence of activist Medha Patkar. BJP members labeled Patkar «anti-national,» objecting to her involvement. Committee head Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka defended inviting Patkar, citing standard practice.

A former Trinamool Chhatra Parishad member and two accomplices allegedly revived a gang-rape victim with an inhaler to continue the assault, according to police. The court remanded the suspects in police custody, citing their influence and potential to tamper with evidence. Evidence includes CCTV footage, mobile data, and medical reports corroborating the survivor's account.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed optimism about finalizing a trade deal with the US, despite India's firm stance on agricultural tariff reductions. Negotiations are ongoing, and he anticipates a potential resolution soon. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt indicated that an announcement from President Trump's team regarding the India deal is expected shortly.

The Cabinet has approved the Rs 1-lakh crore Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme to generate over 3.5 crore jobs in the organised sector. Announced in July 2024, the scheme aims to address concerns about job creation amid a rising number of job seekers. It targets first-time employees and encourages manufacturing companies to hire more, offering financial incentives to both.

Amidst internal discord within the Karnataka Congress, the central leadership has dismissed rumors of a change in leadership. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar affirmed that leadership transitions were not under discussion, emphasizing the importance of the 2028 elections. The party has warned against public statements that fuel speculation, prioritizing the strengthening of CM Siddaramaiah's government.

A flood alert has been issued in Ramgarh, Jharkhand, due to rising water levels in the Nalkari and Damodar rivers. The Patratu dam's water level has reached a critical point, exceeding the danger mark. Authorities are preparing to open the dam gates, prompting warnings for residents downstream to avoid riverbanks and safeguard livestock.

S. Jaishankar characterized the Pahalgam terror attack as economic warfare aimed at crippling Kashmir's tourism and inciting communal violence. India, undeterred by nuclear threats, retaliated against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK through Operation Sindoor. Jaishankar emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism, dismissing nuclear blackmail and asserting India's right to respond to cross-border attacks, referencing historical incidents and recent retaliations.

A recent IMHANS-Kashmir report reveals the severe mental health impact of Pakistani shelling following Operation Sindoor in border areas. Residents, especially children, are experiencing trauma, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has ordered a CBI investigation into the custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a temple guard who died after being detained for questioning about a jewellery theft. The decision aims to ensure a transparent probe, following concerns raised by the Madras High Court.

Police investigated a gangrape at South Calcutta Law College. CCTV footage showed Zaib Ahmed buying an inhaler for the victim. Medical reports revealed struggle marks on Monojit Mishra. Monojit contacted Dr. Nayna Chatterji after the incident. Police questioned 16 individuals and arrested three men and a security guard. Evidence aligns with the victim’s complaint. The investigation is ongoing and sensitive.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared that individuals who donate their organs or bodies will receive a guard of honor during their final rites. This decision by the state government aims to encourage organ and body donation. Furthermore, the family members of these donors will be publicly honored on Republic Day or Independence Day as a mark of respect.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing its role as a modern center for ancient traditions. She lauded the university's advanced facilities and its benefit to affiliated AYUSH colleges. President Murmu also highlighted the importance of AYUSH systems and yoga for a healthy lifestyle and national development, urging their increased scientific acceptance.

The legal clash between X and the Indian government escalated in the Karnataka High Court, with X's lawyer criticizing the authorization of numerous officials to issue content takedown orders. This remark drew strong opposition from the government, which defended its statutory functionaries.