CPI(M) MP John Brittas has urged the Centre to bring the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust under the RTI Act. He argued that the Trust's establishment via government notification and the presence of government officials in its framework necessitate transparency and public accountability, especially amid allegations of donation embezzlement. Brittas drew a parallel with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, asserting that autonomy and accountability can coexist.

​​The latest escalation comes after VHP International President Alok Kumar wrote to the Investigation Officer handling the alleged Ram Temple embezzlement case, urging verification of allegations made by several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Sanjay Singh and Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav.

Speaking at the wedding of the granddaughter of DMK headquarters secretary 'Thuraimugam' Kaja in Thiruverkadu, Chennai, Udhayanidhi said the party's bond with minority communities remained strong despite political attacks and campaigns aimed at creating divisions. Taking an apparent swipe at political rivals without naming anyone, he said, «some people left us as soon as a sofa arrived».

Punjab Congress faces a deep-rooted crisis fueled by persistent infighting and a delayed response from the high command. Despite Rahul Gandhi's call for unity, internal rifts are widening, with senior leaders expressing discontent over leadership decisions. This recurring pattern of internal conflict and inaction has historically led to electoral defeats, raising serious doubts about the party's prospects in the upcoming elections.

The Congress has accused the BJP-RSS of a «scam» involving alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations, demanding a Supreme Court-monitored probe. Party leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Prime Minister and Home Minister's silence, linking the issue to past funding practices. An FIR has been registered, with eight arrests made and cash recovered as the investigation continues into the alleged siphoning of «thousands of crores.»

West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh claimed the Trinamool Congress is facing a «wave of resignations» and is effectively defunct, following Chandrima Bhattacharya's exit from all party posts. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reassumed leadership amidst internal turmoil and alleged BJP intimidation. Ghosh questioned Bhattacharya's tenure and Banerjee's budget preparation methods, while Bhattacharya cited hurt over Banerjee's accusations regarding Trinamool Bhavan's control.

A special Lok Adalat in Mathura aimed for an amicable resolution in the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Mosque dispute, with Hindu plaintiffs attending conciliation proceedings. The Hindu side proposed relocating the mosque structure to an alternative site if the Muslim parties relinquished their claim. This initiative is part of a broader Supreme Court effort to find a settlement, with further proceedings scheduled in August.

A Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust member has endorsed the administration's decisive action in the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, calling for severe penalties for the guilty. The ongoing SIT probe has led to arrests and resignations, with investigators scrutinizing financial irregularities and alleged siphoning of funds. Despite the probe, temple worship continues smoothly, and donation handling is reportedly now fully transparent.

A fishing boat with seven crew members has gone missing in the Bay of Bengal after departing from Vizag fishing harbour on July 1. The vessel, MM-V5-83, was en route back with its catch when it lost contact due to rough seas and strong winds. Families last heard from the fishermen on Saturday afternoon, expecting their return that evening.

India has lifted emergency natural gas supply restrictions imposed in March due to the West Asia conflict. The government's decision follows a ceasefire, easing concerns over crucial LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This move restores normal gas allocation to vital sectors like fertilizer plants and refineries, signaling a return to energy supply stability after a period of disruption.

Renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai has passed away, leaving an irreplaceable void in the world of art and culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai paid glowing tributes, highlighting her immense contribution to popularizing the traditional folk art form globally. Her powerful performances, rooted in the Mahabharata, earned her prestigious national honours and brought immense pride to her state.

India's space agency, ISRO, has successfully tested the solid motor for its new SOLVE launch vehicle, a crucial step for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. This test platform will aid in validating the crew module's parachute system for safe return. SOLVE, adapted from PSLV technology, will offer flexibility in simulating mission conditions, paving the way for upcoming uncrewed Gaganyaan flights.

Authorities have issued a stern notice to Telegram, demanding proactive measures against the rampant circulation of pirated films and shows. The government insists the messaging app must go beyond individual channel takedowns and implement robust systems to detect and remove infringing content. This move follows previous concerns regarding Telegram's use for illegal activities, including fraud and the distribution of harmful material. An action report is expected within fifteen days.

Good news for monsoon-hit India! A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is set to boost rainfall across central and western regions for the next five days, significantly reducing the deficit. While this brings relief for sowing, authorities are on alert for potential extreme weather events, with red alerts issued for several states. Monsoon is also advancing into northwest India, with full country coverage expected soon.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed the report on corruption charges against Justice Yashwant Varma will be presented in the monsoon session, despite his resignation. The House will decide the next steps after the report's tabling, which could happen on the session's first day. Justice Varma faces allegations of financial irregularities following a fire incident at his Delhi residence last year.

India has declared 23 individuals from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as terrorists, targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish operatives. Home Minister Amit Shah stated these individuals are involved in anti-India activities, including terror attacks and recruitment. The designated terrorists are linked to significant attacks like Pathankot and the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, with some also involved in reconnaissance for future strikes. This move underscores the government's firm stance against terrorism.

India's road transport ministry is introducing mandatory cybersecurity and software update rules for advanced vehicles. Starting October, new models with Level-3 automation and above will need to comply, followed by existing models and then vehicles with over-the-air update capabilities. This proactive measure addresses the growing threat of cyberattacks on increasingly connected cars, ensuring safer journeys for all.

Vehicle manufacturers are defending the government's mandatory 20% ethanol blending in petrol, assuring the public that no engine damage has been observed. While acknowledging a slight drop in fuel efficiency for older vehicles due to lower calorific value, industry leaders state field experience has been positive. Discussions are ongoing with the government regarding flex-fuel vehicles as a future pathway.

Amidst global energy turmoil, India, under PM Modi's leadership, bolstered domestic LPG output and secured diverse crude supplies. Strategic diplomacy and policy interventions successfully shielded citizens from potential shortages and price surges. The inauguration of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery marks a significant step in India's expanding refining prowess, positioning it as the world's fourth-largest refining nation.

The government aims to reintroduce its ambitious women's reservation bill in the upcoming monsoon session after a previous defeat. Speaker Om Birla's decision on defecting MPs could bolster the ruling alliance's numbers. Discussions are also expected on potential changes to the bill to address concerns from southern states, alongside a proposal for automatic removal of leaders facing serious criminal charges.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh held a crucial meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address escalating issues in Punjab, including rising lawlessness, cross-border terrorism, and drug trafficking. Chugh is optimistic about the BJP's potential to bring transformative governance, security, and growth to Punjab post-2027 Assembly elections, aiming to restore stability and prosperity in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is embarking on a significant six-nation tour from July 5-15, commencing with a visit to four Gulf countries to bolster bilateral ties and discuss regional matters. He will then head to New York to spearhead India's campaign for a UN Security Council seat. The tour concludes in Brussels for crucial India-EU Trade and Technology Council discussions, underscoring India's proactive diplomatic outreach.

A political uproar has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir following the discovery of books in government school libraries describing the region as «India-occupied Kashmir» and referring to a banned separatist leader as «Shaheed.» The BJP has demanded the education minister's resignation, while the administration has suspended officials, blacklisted publishers, and launched a high-level inquiry into the matter. This incident reignites the ongoing debate over narratives in the region.

A young man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Zeeshan Mir, was repatriated home after crossing the Line of Control to meet his beloved, Iram Bano. Initially detained, Mir was eventually acquitted by an Uri court, which recognized his act as a desperate attempt of love rather than infiltration. The couple, whose families are related across the border, shared a brief meeting before Mir's handover, with both families hoping for their union.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has dismissed rumours of internal party rifts, assuring that senior leaders will soon unite. He addressed speculation about replacing him with Charanjit Singh Channi, stating that Channi remains a respected leader and meetings among party members are normal. Warring emphasized that indiscipline would not be tolerated and that unity would be showcased soon for the upcoming elections.

In India, engineering and medicine have long been the cornerstones of middle-class aspirations, symbolizing security and respect. Yet, the landscape is transforming. With the rise of AI and digital sectors, the job market now prizes flexibility and contemporary skills over old-fashioned degrees. Professions in AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing are emerging as attractive, rewarding alternatives to traditional paths, proving that the definition of success has evolved.

The SKM also expressed its «deepest sympathies» to students and families affected by what it described as the Modi government's «chronic paper leaks and examination mismanagement». «Every student has the right to a transparent, fair and credible system of education and examinations. Ensuring accountability in this regard is the responsibility of the government,» the letter said.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has slated the BJP for alleged financial misconduct involving the Kedarnath and Badrinath temple trusts. He claims instances of donation misappropriation and raises concerns over governance in BJP-ruled regions. Emphasizing the significance of the Ram Temple campaign, he argues that such actions tarnish Ram’s legacy.

A BJP delegation led by state president BY Vijayendra, along with senior MLA and former minister S Suresh Kumar, met the Chief Electoral Officer on Saturday and submitted a formal complaint over the issue. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Vijayendra alleged that the Election Commission had launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls with the right intent, but the state government was attempting to disrupt the exercise.

A video message by Sardar Aman Khan, a core member of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has gone viral on social media. In the video, he calls upon people in Kashmir, Jammu, Ladakh, Poonch and Rajouri to stand in solidarity with residents of PoJK and participate in the July 5 protests, which have been planned across the region.