Biennial elections for 26 Rajya Sabha seats will be held on June 18, with the BJP-led NDA expected to lose one seat. The Congress-led opposition could see its tally improve to five seats. The elections will cover 12 states, with bypolls also scheduled for Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

In India's democracy, fractured election mandates often shift power to governors, who become arbiters of government formation. The recent Tamil Nadu election saw actor-turned-politician Vijay's party emerge as the single largest, but the governor's discretion in inviting him to form the government sparked debate over constitutional conventions and political arithmetic.

The Supreme Court has assured three academics that harsh remarks against them in a previous order will be deleted. These remarks stemmed from a Class 8 NCERT chapter on judicial corruption. The court clarified its concern was the chapter's content, not the individuals, emphasizing the need for balanced academic discussions on the judiciary while respecting constitutional frameworks.

Mount Everest, often a site of triumph, turned somber as two Indian climbers, Arun Kumar Tiwari and Sandeep Are, tragically lost their lives while descending from its peak. Reports confirmed their deaths on Friday, with experts suggesting extreme fatigue was to blame.

A jhalmuri vendor from Jhargram, who served Prime Minister Modi, claims to be receiving threatening calls from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The vendor, Vikram Sao, has informed the police, who have provided security. Sao, the sole breadwinner, fears for his safety while cycling and has appealed to the PM for protection after his interaction went viral.

A parliamentary committee questioned the NTA chief regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, with the director stating the leak did not originate from their system. The committee also reviewed NTA reforms and discussed the impact of AI on education, alongside challenges faced by Aligarh Muslim University and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions.

The Competition Commission of India raised alarms about the practices of private super-specialty hospitals in the Delhi NCR region. It was highlighted that patients find themselves in a 'locked-in' predicament, where they're almost forced to rely on the hospitals' own pharmacies and diagnostic services.

In a strategic move, the US is pushing to wrap up a trade deal with India that seeks to expand market access and lower trade obstacles, aiming for a remarkable $500 billion in trade by 2030. This agreement is set to bolster supply chain resiliency and attract foreign investments.

NTA chief Abhishek Singh told a parliamentary panel the NEET-UG 2026 paper wasn't leaked via their system, with the CBI investigating. Officials presented reforms, noting 70% of Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations are implemented. The agency faces a 25% staff shortage and is considering computer-based testing for future exams.

German auto technology supplier Bosch is shifting towards partnerships and joint ventures to accelerate development and market entry in new mobility technologies. This strategic move, exemplified by a new JV with TSF Group for commercial vehicle air systems, aims to leverage complementary strengths for quicker market access and innovation.

Umar Khalid has approached the Delhi High Court seeking 15 days' interim bail to attend his uncle's Chehlum ceremony and care for his mother undergoing surgery. A trial court had previously denied his request, deeming the ceremony «not that necessary» and suggesting other family members could assist.

The Calcutta High Court has upheld the West Bengal government's restrictions on slaughtering certain animals ahead of Bakr Eid. The court found the notification aligned with previous directives, emphasizing that cow sacrifice isn't a mandatory Islamic practice. Authorities must now decide on exemptions within 24 hours, ensuring proper certification and infrastructure for any permitted slaughter.

Rahul Gandhi has demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak, accusing the Centre of neglecting student concerns. He pledged the Congress's continued fight for affected students, advocating for a robust examination system.

Kerala CM VD Satheesan faces a political storm over using his full legal name, including 'Menon', during his oath. Critics within his party argue it contradicts the Congress's secular image and signals caste politics. Satheesan defended the move, stating it was to honor his late parents, not a political statement.

India is pivoting towards Europe as traditional partnerships become unreliable. The burgeoning India-Italy relationship, spearheaded by Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni, is central to this strategy. This partnership is building crucial economic architecture, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and a potential EU Free Trade Agreement, positioning Europe as India's primary strategic focus.