Bharatiya Janata Party appointed nine new presidents across seven states and two union territories, including key states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. The party is expected to announce state chiefs for West Bengal and Odisha soon. This move is part of BJP's second phase of its organizational drive, following internal elections completed in 28 states and union territories.
The Dalai Lama has asserted that the Tibetan Buddhist institution will endure beyond his lifetime, emphasizing that China should not interfere in choosing his successor. He stated the next Dalai Lama should be identified following historical Buddhist customs. The spiritual leader also suggested his successor could be female, clarifying previous controversial remarks and reaffirming gender equality within Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama has affirmed his reincarnation will continue, challenging China's claim to approve his successor. This declaration, made before his 90th birthday, intensifies the geopolitical struggle over Tibetan autonomy and religious freedom. The Dalai Lama's stance protects Tibetan Buddhism from Chinese manipulation, while China aims to control the reincarnation for political dominance.
A SpiceJet flight from Pune to Goa experienced a mid-air incident when a window frame became dislodged, causing passenger concern. The airline clarified that the dislodged component was a non-structural trim piece and did not affect the aircraft's safety or cabin pressure. The frame was reattached after landing, and SpiceJet reaffirmed its commitment to safety standards.
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.
