During his visit, Jaishankar met Qatari prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and «reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with a focus on energy, trade, investments and people to people ties. They also discussed regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest». The technical talks are expected to take place on July 11, although a final decision on the venue has yet to be made.

Indonesia is set to integrate with India's UPI, aiming to build its own digital ecosystem inspired by India's public infrastructure. This collaboration extends beyond cross-border payments, with Indonesia looking to India's models for commerce, digital identity, and public services. The partnership, highlighted during PM Modi's visit, also encompasses food security, healthcare, and defence cooperation, fostering deeper bilateral ties.

India's fertilizer stocks are set to receive a significant boost as 15 out of 20 ships carrying vital cargo have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. This, coupled with three months of exceeding domestic urea production targets, ensures ample supply for farmers during the crucial kharif season. The government's proactive approach in securing alternative routes and fostering international partnerships has strengthened the nation's fertilizer availability.

Motorists with traffic violations will soon face mandatory driving tests for license renewal. The government also plans to empower tribunals to grant interim compensation to accident victims, speeding up relief. These proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, approved by a Group of Ministers, aim to curb errant drivers and enhance road safety. The bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament soon.

A significant majority of NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, are no longer active, with over 72% having their licenses cancelled or expired. Since 2012, out of 52,159 granted licenses, only 14,455 currently hold active status, enabling them to receive foreign funding. This tightening of regulations aims to enhance accountability and transparency among these organizations.

Government has issued a stern directive to Meta, demanding the immediate removal of all paid advertisements and content on Instagram promoting child sexual abuse material. Authorities are demanding a detailed explanation within seven days regarding how such ads were permitted and what safeguards are being implemented to prevent future occurrences. This action follows reports of Instagram ads being used to direct users to illegal content.

OPEC+ has approved an additional 188,000 barrels per day production increase for August, aiming to boost global crude availability and ease price pressures, particularly for importing nations like India. This move, part of a broader unwinding of production cuts, comes as global benchmark Brent crude nears pre-conflict levels. While oil firms anticipate breaking even on petrol and diesel soon, cooking gas sales continue to incur losses.

West Bengal BJP leader Rahul Sinha has accused Mamata Banerjee of treating Trinamool Congress MLAs and MPs as «mere servants.» He cited a rebel leader's claim that elected representatives were forced to stand and applaud Abhishek Banerjee during a review meeting post-election defeat. This comes amid significant internal strife, with a rebel faction claiming substantial MLA support and several MPs merging with another party.

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has formed a four-member panel to probe allegations of irregularities in handling pilgrim offerings and donations. This move follows social media claims and comes amid similar scrutiny at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The committee will examine CCTV footage and employee statements, with strict action promised if guilt is established. Devotees are urged to avoid spreading unverified information until the inquiry concludes.

Uddhav Thackeray has strongly criticized the Centre regarding alleged donation embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, asserting that «those looting Hindus are in power.» He demanded an impartial investigation, warning that Hindus would not tolerate corruption in the name of religion. The controversy has led to arrests and prompted resignations, with wider scrutiny now on temple donation management.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini is confident the BJP will win Punjab's 2027 assembly polls without alliances, asserting their partnership is with the people. He criticized the AAP and Congress for unfulfilled promises, highlighting issues like drug abuse, unemployment, and farmer distress in Punjab. Saini contrasted this with Haryana's procurement and women's financial assistance schemes, aiming to bring a 'double-engine' government to Punjab.

The Congress party has voiced its vigorous objections to the upcoming Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill. This bill proposes the automatic expulsion of ministers—including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers—upon being held in judicial custody for 30 days due to serious criminal charges. Congress believes this proposal is a tactic for political intimidation, anticipating that the BJP-led government will lack the necessary two-thirds majority to push it through.

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.

Security forces are continuing a two-day anti-terror operation in Shopian's Meemandar area, intensifying their search for two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. The duo, identified as local residents Latif and Zakir, were spotted in a dense orchard and engaged security forces in a gunfight. Additional troops have been deployed to seal escape routes, with the operation ongoing despite challenging foliage.

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.