The J&K high court overturned a sessions court's decision that dismissed proceedings against two Kashmiri men accused of anti-India sloganeering. The court stated that inflammatory slogans targeting the country are unlawful and prejudicial to national interest. The accused were charged under the UAPA for allegedly making anti-national speeches intended to instigate the public and advocate for J&K's separation.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that over 3.35 lakh pilgrims have participated in the Amarnath Yatra this year, including nine young foreigners. The 38-day yatra, which began on July 3 and concludes on August 9, proceeds smoothly via Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The LG has directed medical officials to analyze health incidents among pilgrims and take preventive measures.
Chirag Paswan, LJP (Ram Vilas) chief, has clarified that his party will not repeat its 2020 solo performance in the upcoming Bihar assembly election. He affirmed that LJP (RV) will support all NDA candidates, aiming for a collective victory in all 243 seats. Paswan dismissed concerns about Prashant Kishor appropriating his 'Bihar first, Bihari first' agenda, acknowledging Kishor's efforts in Bihar's interest and welcoming diverse political options for the people.
The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that lowering the age of consent from 18 is not feasible, emphasizing its role in safeguarding minors from sexual abuse, often within trusted environments. While advocating for strict enforcement to uphold child protection laws, the Centre acknowledged judicial discretion in adolescent romantic relationships. Data indicates most offenses are by known individuals, making consent a problematic defense.
Senior advocate Indira Jaising argued in Supreme Court against the government's stance on the age of consent, asserting that criminalizing consensual sexual activity between 16-18 year olds violates their autonomy. She highlighted that the age of consent remained static at 16 for 80 years without rational justification for its increase. Jaising proposed an exception for 'close in age', non-abusive consensual relationships, citing early puberty and sexual awareness among adolescents.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a comprehensive review meeting on Thursday with MPs, MLAs, and senior officials to discuss upcoming road infrastructure projects across all assembly constituencies in the Gorakhpur and Basti divisions, as per the official statement.
A political firestorm has erupted over Bihar's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, with the opposition accusing the Election Commission of favoring the ruling coalition. Tejashwi Yadav has threatened an election boycott, while Mamata Banerjee has warned against similar measures in West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow over the fatal plane crash in Russia's Far East, which resulted in the loss of all lives on board. The Soviet-made Antonov-24 aircraft, carrying nearly 50 individuals, crashed in the Amur region, prompting an investigation by Russian authorities.
India has firmly reiterated its opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), deeming its expansion or third-party involvement, including Afghanistan's, as unacceptable. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that India has consistently protested CPEC's inclusion in the Belt and Road Initiative, as it traverses Indian territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation.
The central government clarified on Thursday that there are «no current plans» to remove 'socialism' and 'secularism' from the Preamble, despite recent calls for review. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that any changes would require broad consensus, which is not initiated yet.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to form a high-level inquiry committee to investigate allegations against Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varma, following a notice signed by 152 MPs. Consultations are underway to establish the three-member panel, as mandated by the Judges (Inquiry) Act, involving coordination with the Rajya Sabha, where a similar notice was submitted.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi's lighthearted reassurance to a translator, who briefly stumbled between Hindi and English, drew chuckles. Moments later, Modi strategically switched to English while addressing global terror, delivering a stern message to Khalistani groups and Western nations. He emphasized accountability for those abusing democratic freedoms.
Tejashwi Yadav ignited a fierce debate in the Bihar Assembly, asserting that Amit Shah has lost confidence in Nitish Kumar's leadership. He challenged the BJP to publicly affirm Kumar as the CM until 2030.
Following the devastating Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, 112 pilots reported sick on June 16, Parliament was informed. The government stated there was a minor increase in sick leave across all fleets. DGCA has reinforced mental health support for flight crew.
The Congress party's Social Justice 2.0 meeting faced backlash. BR Ambedkar's portrait was allegedly moved to accommodate Mallikarjun Kharge's picture. The BJP criticized this as hypocrisy. Kharge defended the meeting. He highlighted Congress's commitment to social justice. He mentioned caste census demands. He also spoke about reservation policies in Telangana. The party is yet to comment on the matter.
Amidst opposition protests, the Election Commission defended its intensive revision of Bihar's electoral rolls, emphasizing its commitment to fair elections and a strong democracy. The commission highlighted discrepancies found, including deceased and shifted electors, asserting the exercise's aim to purify the electoral process by removing ineligible voters. Opposition leaders, however, condemned the move as an attempt to manipulate elections.
The DGCA has issued a stern warning to Air India, threatening action over safety violations, including crew fatigue management and training protocols. The regulator cited 29 violations, such as insufficient pilot rest, poor simulator training compliance, and inadequate crew on international routes. This follows Air India's self-reporting of issues after a plane crash in Ahmedabad.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament is facing disruption as the Opposition protests the rejection of adjournment notices, particularly regarding the sudden resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Opposition leaders are questioning the circumstances surrounding Dhankhar's departure, alleging potential government pressure. Meanwhile, speculation is rife about his successor, with Revanth Reddy suggesting Bandaru Dattatraya.
The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure with the Karnataka High Court's handling of actor Darshan's bail in the Renukaswamy murder case. Justice Pardiwala questioned the High Court's approach. He suggested the bail order resembled an acquittal. The Karnataka government sought cancellation of Darshan's bail. Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted and murdered in Bengaluru.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann announced the development of modern sports grounds in villages across the state to combat drug abuse among youth. The initiative aims to channelize their energy positively, with plans to develop 4,000 grounds in the first phase, involving international medalists in coaching.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the opposition for a spelling error on a banner during a protest concerning electoral roll revisions in Bihar. The opposition alleges that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls is being misused to suppress votes.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of enabling electoral fraud in Karnataka, claiming to possess “100% proof” of voter manipulation. He alleged voter deletions, unauthorized additions, and suspicious new voters. Gandhi also targeted the Standardisation of Electoral Rolls drive in Bihar, warning the Election Commission of consequences.
The Air India Flight AI 171 crash is under investigation, focusing on ten critical seconds in the cockpit. A Bloomberg report highlights unexplained actions, including the simultaneous cutoff of engine fuel switches shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Confusion and delays in resetting the switches, coupled with the aircraft's low altitude, prevented engine reignition.
Marking its 70th anniversary, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has emerged as India's largest trade union, surpassing Left-leaning organizations. Rooted in RSS's philosophy of social harmony, BMS advocates cooperation over class conflict. Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the union's journey as a vindication of RSS's worldview, urging adaptation to modern challenges while upholding core principles and cautioning against hubris.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has strongly criticized Goa CM Pramod Sawant's remarks regarding the Mahadayi river water project, deeming them an insult to the people of Karnataka. Karnataka vows to fight for its rightful share of the project legally, politically, and morally, emphasizing the project's importance for North Karnataka's drinking water needs.
India has called for renewed dialogue and diplomacy to achieve peace in the Middle East, emphasizing that temporary pauses in hostilities are insufficient. Addressing the UN Security Council, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni stressed the need for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and a two-state solution.
Following Jagdeep Dhankhar's unexpected resignation as Vice President, the government refuted claims that he was compelled to immediately vacate his official residence. Opposition parties are questioning the circumstances surrounding his departure, suggesting potential pressure to step down despite the official reason being health concerns. The Election Commission has begun the process to elect a new vice president.