Bypolls across five Assembly segments in Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Kerala saw varied voter turnouts, with West Bengal's Kaliganj leading at nearly 70%. Largely peaceful, the polls were necessitated by MLA deaths and resignations. Key contests included those in Nilambur (Kerala), Visavadar and Kadi (Gujarat), and Ludhiana West (Punjab). The Election Commission implemented webcasting and mobile-phone deposit facilities.

Bypolls across Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal saw the Election Commission of India (ECI) implement several new initiatives. These included faster voter turnout updates via the ECINET app, 100% webcasting at polling stations, and mobile deposit facilities for voters.

India has initiated a comprehensive review of its Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 to expedite weapon system procurement, promote self-reliance, and increase private sector involvement. The review aims to streamline processes, align with 'Atmanirbharta' goals, and encourage indigenous technology infusion.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson affirmed that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the June 12 crash was meticulously maintained. Enhanced pre-flight safety checks are now implemented across the 787 fleet, following a DGCA directive. Wilson stated that 26 of 33 aircraft have been cleared after inspections. A temporary reduction in widebody operations is a precautionary measure.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has criticized the central government for denying him permission to visit the United States to promote investment opportunities in Karnataka. Kharge, who was scheduled to attend Bio 2025 in Boston and the Design Automation Conference in San Francisco, has demanded an explanation from the Ministry of External Affairs.

A week after the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed 274, the AAIB continues its investigation, with debris still at the site. The FDR and CVR have been recovered, potentially revealing the cause of the crash. The NTSB is also conducting a parallel probe due to the aircraft's American origin, while local authorities assist with site operations.

Shashi Tharoor criticized Donald Trump's lunch with Asim Munir. He reminded the US of Pakistan's history with terrorism. Tharoor cited Osama bin Laden's presence near a Pakistani army camp. He hoped the US raised concerns about Pakistan's support for terrorism. Trump invited Narendra Modi to the US, but Modi declined.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged his differences with the party's leadership, revealing he wasn't invited to campaign in the Nilambur Assembly byelection. Tharoor emphasized resolving issues internally and reaffirmed his commitment to the party's values and workers.

Shashi Tharoor criticized Donald Trump's lunch with Asim Munir. He reminded the US of Pakistan's history with terrorism. Tharoor cited Osama bin Laden's presence near a Pakistani army camp. He hoped the US raised concerns about Pakistan's support for terrorism. Trump invited Narendra Modi to the US, but Modi declined.

The Delhi High Court has denied interim relief to a man accused of his wife's murder in London, who is challenging a lower court order declaring him a proclaimed offender. Justice Pratibha M Singh emphasized the need for thorough consideration and suggested the accused pursue legal remedies if arrested.

In the wake of Operation Sindhu, Indian students returning from Iran shared their chilling accounts of survival amidst missile strikes and destruction. One student vividly recalled the sight of missiles raining down, leaving Tehran in devastation. The Indian government stepped in, offering comprehensive support for their safe return, including personalized assistance.

The Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka government to ensure the smooth screening of Kamal Haasan's film «Thug Life,» taking action against those obstructing its release. The court expressed concern over the suppression of artistic expression due to perceived offense, emphasizing the state's duty to protect freedom of expression.

Sonia Gandhi is showing positive signs of recovery and responding well to treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, according to Dr. Ajay Swaroop. Her health is stable, and a tailored diet plan has been implemented as part of her ongoing care. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition, and her discharge date will depend on her progress.

Following the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, the civil aviation ministry has released draft rules targeting structures posing risks to aircraft. These rules empower authorities to act against buildings and trees exceeding height limits near aerodromes. Owners of non-compliant structures face notices, potential demolition, and can appeal orders, but compensation is limited to those who comply with initial directives.

Central government employees under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will now receive retirement and death gratuity benefits, aligning them with the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). This move, addressing a long-standing demand, aims to encourage more employees to opt for UPS, which guarantees a pension of 50 per cent of the average basic salary after 25 years of service, ensuring enhanced social security.

Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, India initiates Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens, commencing with the extraction of 110 students from Armenia. Simultaneously, Canada's intelligence agency acknowledges the presence of Khalistani extremists orchestrating violent activities against India from Canadian soil. The US resumes student visa interviews, implementing stringent social media screening processes.

Amidst ongoing political sparring, Congress criticizes the government over Pakistan's army chief's meeting with Trump, labeling it a diplomatic setback. BJP retaliates, asserting Modi's conversation with Trump on Operation Sindoor refuted Congress's claims of mediation. The party insists India firmly rejects third-party intervention, accusing Congress of spreading misinformation to undermine India's foreign policy.

Canada's intelligence agency has accused India of foreign interference, alleging attempts to influence Canadian communities and politicians, particularly regarding Sikh separatists. This report surfaces amidst strained relations following Canada's accusation against India in the 2023 murder of Hardeep Nijjar. Despite the tension, both countries' Prime Ministers recently pledged to strengthen ties.

At the G7 Summit in Canada, PM Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni displayed a strong rapport, exchanging warm greetings and compliments. Meloni praised Modi, acknowledging their friendship. Both leaders affirmed the strengthening ties between Italy and India, highlighting their camaraderie at various global events like COP in Dubai and G20 summits.

Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, India initiated Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens. As an initial step, 110 students were successfully relocated from northern Iran to Armenia, and subsequently flown to Delhi on a special flight. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is providing ongoing support and guidance to Indian nationals remaining in Iran.

The Supreme Court has cautioned against misusing stringent laws like the UP Gangsters Act for harassment, especially with political motives. It quashed an FIR under the Act against individuals involved in a protest following communal unrest, emphasizing that the law targets organized crime, not isolated incidents.

PM Modi's visit to Zagreb marked the first by an Indian PM, leading to discussions with Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic. Both leaders emphasized dialogue and diplomacy over conflict, particularly amid escalating global tensions.

At the G7 outreach session, PM Modi strongly condemned terrorism, citing the Pahalgam attack as an assault on humanity. He criticized double standards in combating terror, noting India's neighborhood as a breeding ground. Modi questioned the international community's seriousness in addressing terrorism and highlighted the impact of global conflicts on the Global South.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump. They discussed India's firm stance against terrorism, viewing it as an act of war. Modi explained Operation Sindoor and India's response to Pakistan's actions. Discussions also covered the Israel-Iran conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed on the importance of direct talks for peace in Ukraine.

The Indian government is set to mandate Indian Standard Time (IST) for all official activities, aiming to eliminate reliance on foreign systems like GPS. This move, driven by cybersecurity concerns and past incidents, involves an indigenous timekeeping system developed by NPL and ISRO. The initiative promises enhanced security for digital transactions, accurate billing, and reduced cybercrime risks through synchronized timekeeping.

In Agra, a tragic accident occurred on NH-19. A loader truck carrying mangoes fell off a flyover. The truck crushed three men, Rajesh, Rameshwar and Haribabu, who were resting after their morning walk. All three died instantly. The truck driver also died later from his injuries. His helper is in critical condition. Police suspect the driver fell asleep.