Ahead of the NEET re-exam, Rahul Gandhi offered encouragement to students and urged the government to prevent further disruptions. He highlighted the stress faced by aspirants, referencing a case of a Nagpur student reportedly assigned an Abu Dhabi center, though the NTA clarified the student chose the option. Gandhi emphasized the need for a reliable examination system.
India, once concerned about a population boom, now faces a declining birth rate, with the Total Fertility Rate dropping to 1.9 children per woman, below the replacement level. This significant shift reflects women's increased educational attainment, career focus, and later marriages, leading to more personal choices about family planning. The narrative is evolving from population control to individual decisions, marking a societal transition.
The CBI will challenge the acquittal of nine individuals, including former NCP leader Padamsinh Patil, in the 2006 Pawanraje Nimbalkar double murder case. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister confirmed the appeal to the Bombay High Court, citing disappointment with the special court's decision. The acquittal, nearly two decades after the murders, hinged on the unreliability of a key witness. This high-profile political murder case is set for further legal battle.
Highlighting the NTA's web-activity records, the test-conducting body said its record indicated that the city was changed through «candidate's own registered login credentials» during the open correction window. The NTA also claimed that the centre was previewed twice from the candidates' credentials. «Despite that NTA has accorded to aspirant’s request and the change of centre was actioned,» the body said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated President Droupadi Murmu's birthday by highlighting her dedication to public service before joining her in Odisha. Their visit included engagements in her native Mayurbhanj district and the inauguration of development projects exceeding Rs 47,600 crore. These initiatives span energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and more, aiming to boost connectivity and create jobs across the state.
A political storm has erupted in Varanasi after Congress workers depicted Rahul Gandhi as Lord Parshuram, performing a symbolic milk ablution on his photograph. The BJP has strongly condemned the act, accusing the Congress of disrespecting Hindu faith and using religious symbols for political gain. Congress leaders, however, defended the gesture, questioning the BJP's monopoly on religious figures and asserting Gandhi's distinct identity.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has strongly criticized Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, labeling him a «dishonest leader» who betrayed the party. Raut also drew parallels with West Bengal's Suvendu Adhikari, suggesting both leaders make provocative statements while in power. He warned that public backlash awaits them once their power diminishes, amidst speculation of MPs switching parties.
West Bengal Police have apprehended Sarina Bibi, wife of former TMC leader Jahangir Khan, for allegedly masterminding an attack on Falta police station. The incident aimed to free Khan from custody. This arrest is part of a wider crackdown on Khan's alleged criminal network, following his own apprehension near the India-Nepal border. Investigations into the attack are ongoing, with further arrests anticipated.
India has achieved a significant leadership role in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) with Vivek Aggarwal elected as its Vice President. This appointment underscores India's commitment to combating money laundering and terrorist financing globally. Aggarwal's extensive experience, including leading India's FATF delegation and heading the Financial Intelligence Unit, will bolster the organization's efforts to secure financial integrity and dismantle illicit financial systems.
Political tensions escalate between Shiv Sena factions as Sanjay Raut fires back at Eknath Shinde's 'lion' jibe with a post calling some people disloyal dogs. This follows speculation of six Uddhav Thackeray camp MPs potentially defecting to Shinde's side. Raut announced action, including disqualification efforts, against the absent MPs, while Thackeray emotionally appealed to workers, vowing not to hand the party to 'thieves'.
Chaos erupted outside Kolkata airport Friday night as Trinamool and BJP supporters clashed violently. BJP supporters allegedly planned to target Abhishek Banerjee with rotten eggs, prompting a swift counter-response from TMC cadres. The altercation, involving blows and hurled objects, caused panic among passengers and massive traffic jams. Banerjee left the airport under heavy police escort, avoiding interaction.
Pilots' union FIP alleges the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's report on Air India flight 171 omits crucial cockpit warnings of an electrical failure preceding engine loss. Independent simulator tests commissioned by FIP reportedly contradict the Bureau's timeline for emergency power deployment, raising serious questions about the investigation's findings and the fate of the deceased pilots.
The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk a fundamental right, integral to life and free movement. The apex court urged the government to enact a law ensuring well-demarcated footpaths on all roads, prioritizing pedestrian safety over motorized vehicles. This landmark ruling empowers citizens to seek legal recourse for violations and mandates civic bodies to maintain pedestrian infrastructure, transforming urban and rural living.
Jio Platforms, Reliance Industries' digital arm, is set to launch India's largest-ever IPO, aiming to raise up to $4 billion. The offering will be a primary share sale, with proceeds earmarked for debt reduction and corporate needs, marking a significant value-creation milestone for the company. This move signals a major event for the Indian stock market, with Jio expected to command a valuation exceeding $100 billion.
A former DRDO scientist, Pradeep Kurulkar, faces charges in an espionage case, with trial set to begin next month. Accused of sharing classified defence information with a suspected Pakistani intelligence agent, Kurulkar's plea for discharge was rejected. Proceedings will be held in-camera due to the sensitive nature of the Official Secrets Act violations.
Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Lok Sabha unit appeared on the verge of a formal split on Thursday after six of its nine MPs stayed away from a parliamentary party meeting in Delhi despite the party issuing a whip. Only Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waze attended the meeting, reaffirming their loyalty to party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
Uddhav Thackeray projected confidence amid a fresh party rebellion, assuring Shiv Sainiks are «fired up» despite six Lok Sabha MPs defecting. He apologized to voters for electing lawmakers who switched sides. Thackeray dismissed merger talks with Congress and defended his leadership, highlighting electoral wins. He warned of a threat to democracy with a move towards a «one party, no election» system. This latest crisis follows the 2022 split.
In his first reaction to the crossover of six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs, who constitute two-thirds of the party's strength in the Lower House, Thackeray Junior said: «Maharashtra won't tolerate this». Calling those who are expected to switch to the Eknath Shinde camp «shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt individuals», the ex-Maharashtra minister said the MPs «shamelessly» sold themselves, staking their «reputation and family names».
Elon Musk's wealth surge highlights a future arriving early. China's consumer spending shows a wobble, while Indian tech jobs face a squeeze. However, blue-collar roles are growing, and civil engineering sees a comeback. India's universities are rising, but China leads. Meanwhile, India's subsidy bill has tripled, reflecting a complex economic landscape where the future is here, but not for everyone.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath accused opposition parties of hypocrisy regarding Ram Mandir donations, highlighting their past opposition to the temple's construction. He assured devotees of a thorough SIT probe into alleged misappropriation, urging against inflammatory statements and encouraging evidence submission.
