Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed speculation of a rift with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating they will visit Delhi if summoned by the party high command. This comes after a meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge amid ongoing rumors about leadership tussle within the state government.

India is grappling with an intense heatwave as temperatures soar, with the IMD issuing orange and red alerts for several northern and central regions. Delhi is experiencing highs of 44-45°C, while Uttar Pradesh's Banda district has recorded over 48°C. The extreme heat is also impacting tourism and is linked to global climate factors like potential El Niño conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni for dinner and a walk through the Colosseum upon his arrival in Rome. The leaders exchanged perspectives on boosting India-Italy friendship, with their discussions taking on a relaxed tone against the historic backdrop. Modi also received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Italy.

A political controversy has ignited in Kerala following the full recitation of 'Vande Mataram' at a new cabinet's oath-taking. The CPI(M) criticizes the move, citing historical precedents and concerns for pluralism. The BJP retorts, accusing the CPI(M) of insulting the national song and appeasing certain groups. A similar protocol dispute occurred in Tamil Nadu over song sequencing.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay appointed his spiritual advisor as Officer on Special Duty. Public outcry led to the swift revocation of this appointment. This event underscores the deep-rooted influence of astrology in Indian politics. Many leaders privately consult astrologers for crucial decisions. This practice continues despite public scrutiny and modern governance.

Kavery Nambisan is a surgeon and a novelist from Karnataka. She has won the Tata Excellence Award for her work in tea plantations in Tamil Nadu. She has written articles and essays on medical and literary issues. Her novels include ‘The Scent of Pepper’, ‘The Story That Must Not Be Told’ and ‘A Town Like Ours’. Her two non-fiction books are ‘A Luxury Called Health’ and ‘Cherry Red, Cherry Black’. Today she discusses her latest novel, ‘Rising Sons’.

India's Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the nation's «coexistence-based management» approach to tackle human-wildlife conflict amidst growing economies. He emphasized that conservation efforts extend beyond mere numbers, focusing on habitat expansion, connectivity, and multi-species protection, including tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, and cheetahs, with the International Big Cat Alliance poised to foster cross-border cooperation.

The CPM has warned it will reconsider its support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government. This comes if the ruling party includes the rebel faction of the AIADMK in its cabinet. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam stated this at a press conference. The party's support was initially to prevent President's Rule and BJP's influence.

Kerala's new UDF government, led by CM VD Satheesan, has formed a special committee to prepare a White Paper on the state's financial condition, headed by ex-cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar. This move follows allegations of financial mismanagement by the previous government. The cabinet also established an SIT to probe attacks during the Nava Kerala Yatra.

AI adoption is reshaping the job market, with significant tech job cuts reported and AI capable of performing a substantial portion of the US labor market's work. While AI automates tasks rather than eliminating entire jobs, younger workers in entry-level roles are disproportionately affected.

An alleged rape accused in Ghaziabad received a triumphant welcome from supporters upon his bail, with videos showing him being carried on shoulders amidst cheers and a procession. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government, calling the reception reprehensible and highlighting the perceived hypocrisy.

Following a water tank collapse in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh authorities have blacklisted construction firm NCC and inspection agency BLG Construction Services. An FIR has been lodged, and several officials, including an executive engineer and junior engineers, have been suspended or terminated. The firms face fines and are ordered to reconstruct the tank, with a statewide safety audit now mandated.