In a bizarre turn of events, five Patna University colleges received new principals via a lottery system. This unusual method, implemented to ensure fairness after allegations of corruption, saw individuals like a history teacher from Chapra selected to lead Magadh Mahila College.

A parliamentary committee session on the land acquisition law was disrupted when BJP MPs objected to social activist Medha Patkar's scheduled testimony. Accusations of Patkar being «anti-national» and stalling development led to a heated exchange between opposition and BJP members. The BJP bloc, holding a majority in attendance, ultimately walked out, prematurely ending the session.

India has expressed grave concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali, who were employees of Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes. The abduction occurred during a coordinated armed assault on July 1. India has urged the Malian government to ensure the safe and swift release of its citizens, while the Indian embassy is working closely with local authorities.

Passengers on a SpiceJet flight from Goa to Pune experienced anxiety when a window panel dislodged mid-air. The airline clarified that the detached part was a non-structural trim component used for shade and did not affect safety or cabin pressure. Despite the airline's reassurance, the incident caused concern among passengers, especially given recent aviation tragedies.

India has seen an increase in protein consumption over the past decade, with cereals remaining a primary source. However, fat intake has risen at a faster rate across both rural and urban areas. While protein intake saw a modest rise, consumption of eggs, meat, and fish experienced the most significant growth, offsetting a decline in cereal-based protein.

The Union health ministry refuted claims of a direct link between Covid-19 vaccination and sudden deaths, citing ICMR and AIIMS studies. This response came after Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah suggested a possible connection, prompting the formation of an expert committee to investigate heart attack causes in Hassan district.

PM Modi embarked on a five-nation tour, starting with a state visit to Ghana, the first in three decades, to deepen partnerships and strengthen engagement with Africa and the Global South. He then proceeded to Brasilia, marking the first Indian PM visit in six decades, to reinforce ties with Brazil and advance Global South priorities.

The Supreme Court has ruled that insurance companies are not liable to compensate families of drivers who die due to their own reckless actions. This decision came as Justices P S Narasimha and R Mahadevan dismissed a claim by the family of N S Ravisha, who died in a car accident caused by his rash driving.

Ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama declared that the institution of the Dalai Lama would persist, with the Gaden Phodrang Trust holding sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, dismissing China's claims. He clarified that the next Dalai Lama could be of any gender and need not be from Tibet.

A coalition of 11 opposition parties has raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding the ongoing electoral roll revision in Bihar, just ahead of the assembly elections. They've termed the exercise 'Votebandi,' fearing it could disenfranchise voters, especially migrants.

A joint operation by the J&K police, Army, and CRPF in Kishtwar's Kuchal area led to an encounter with terrorists on Wednesday. The gunfight erupted after terrorists fired upon the security forces during a search operation in Kanzal Mandu. Reinforcements have been deployed to cordon off the area and neutralize the threat.

As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, he asserts the authority of his India-based trust to name his reincarnation, sparking a succession battle with China. Beijing insists on its right to approve the next Dalai Lama, leading to the potential emergence of two rival spiritual leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a five-nation tour, commencing in Ghana where he was greeted by President John Mahama. His itinerary includes visits to Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil for the BRICS Summit. Modi aims to bolster ties in investment, energy, and trade, marking significant bilateral visits and focusing on collaboration with Global South partners.

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 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.