Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland for a historic two-day visit. He was welcomed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the airport. Discussions will focus on trade, commerce, and defence cooperation between the nations. This visit follows the recent signing of a Free Trade Agreement in April. Modi will also engage with the Indian diaspora and prominent personalities.
Assam's government proposed barring polygamous individuals from state welfare schemes. Government employees practicing polygamy may face dismissal from their service. The state also plans to amend existing rules for disciplinary actions. This initiative aims to promote women's empowerment and gender justice. The government will resume its welfare schemes from August onwards.
The National Investigation Agency filed chargesheet against Shabir Ahmad Shah and five Hurriyat leaders. This case relates to a 1996 incident of mob violence and firing on police. The agency alleged leaders incited violence and raised secessionist slogans during a funeral procession. Evidence collected establishes their roles in the criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly. The investigation into this 1996 incident is continuing.
Sonam Wangchuk stated his hunger stabilized after thirteen days of fasting at Jantar Mantar. He asserted his constitutional right to peaceful protest should not be violated by authorities. Wangchuk supports students demanding accountability for examination irregularities and pending Ladakh issues. He believes the education minister's resignation could restore youth confidence politically. The protest continues with a planned march to Parliament on July 20.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the panel's two-day meeting in Goa, Chaudhary said consultations held across the country had received overwhelming support from civil society stakeholders for the proposal. He also cited estimates suggesting that frequent elections cost the Indian economy nearly Rs 7 lakh crore. The committee held discussions on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, beginning its Goa visit with an interaction involving chief minister Pramod Sawant and members of the state cabinet.
The Delhi High Court upheld actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in multiple cheque bounce cases. The court sentenced the actor to three months imprisonment for these offenses. This judgment dismissed petitions challenging the trial court's earlier decision. Yadav had previously paid approximately Rs 4.25 crore to the complainant company. He is also facing a separate loan dispute case with a large outstanding amount.
The Supreme Court will hear petitions on July 13 concerning alleged Ram temple donation embezzlement. Three petitions seek a court-monitored CBI probe into financial irregularities. Petitioners also demand a forensic audit of the Trust's entire finances. An investigation is underway in Uttar Pradesh, with eight accused arrested. Temple trust members express faith in the ongoing investigation and administration.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused opposition parties of appeasement politics. He alleged they disrespected Hindu faith by allowing prayers at Hanumangarhi temple. Adityanath stated these parties opposed Ayodhya's development and Ram temple construction. He highlighted the current government's role in building the grand Ram temple. The chief minister also mentioned opposition to Ayodhya's transformation and new projects.
The panel examined issues relating to «Internal control and quality assurance in execution of MES contracts» based on Chapter II of CAG Report No. 1 of 2026. It also reviewed findings under «Abandonment of buildings constructed costing Rs. 166.16 crore due to substandard construction and delay in fixing of responsibility» contained in Paragraph 3.3 of CAG Report No. 28 of 2025.
Seventy medical colleges and hospitals have not linked their CCTV systems with the National Medical Commission's control center. Prominent Delhi institutions are among those failing to comply with mandatory regulations. The National Medical Commission has issued repeated directives since 2022 for compliance. These institutions must now immediately connect their surveillance systems for remote monitoring. Failure to comply may result in appropriate regulatory action by the commission.
Over 800 Medical Colleges Issued Conditional Renewal LettersMedical colleges receive conditional renewal letters for MBBS seats from the National Medical Commission. Institutions must rectify deficiencies within forty-five days before follow-up evaluations occur. The regulator replaces routine annual inspections with surprise assessments for continuous oversight. This new mechanism aims to ensure colleges maintain standards throughout the academic year. Non-compliance may lead to reduced student intake or suspended admissions.
India's drug regulator has announced a proposal to limit the use of identical brand names for various medications, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce consumer confusion. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is currently seeking public feedback on this initiative, which may require pharmaceutical companies to rethink their branding approaches for different products, ensuring brand names appropriately reflect the unique characteristics of each medication.
India's food safety regulator has taken action against alcohol manufacturers by issuing notices regarding the use of unauthorized flavors in their drinks. Additionally, misleading age claims on product packaging are being investigated. Companies are required to justify why regulatory action shouldn't be enforced against them. Meetings with industry associations and FSSAI are scheduled for next week to discuss these pressing issues.
«Stepping into the MCG evokes two simultaneous emotions for any Indian. First, the thrill of an India-Australia match and second, the realisation that, in both our nations, cricket is not merely a sport but a shared passion. Yet, today, there is no pressure of a 'last-over finish.' Instead, there is only the joy of the game, the warmth of our friendship, and the energy of future champions,» PM Modi said.
Addressing the Prawaas 5.0 and Bharat Prawaas Awards event in Gandhinagar, Gadkari said the government's hydrogen initiative was part of a broader push towards cleaner mobility. “Our ministry is doing a pilot project on ten routes for hydrogen trials. I am sure the future of the transportation industry is hydrogen, and hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and we are working on that,” Gadkari was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Matthew Aaron VanDyke, arrested by NIA, seeks court permission to prepare his own meals. He claims jail food is too oily and spicy, causing health issues. VanDyke has reportedly lost significant weight since May 6. He requests specific cooking items and food supplies for his dietary needs. The court has issued notices to jail authorities and the NIA for their response.
J&K authorities are reviewing books in educational institutions for objectionable content. This action follows the withdrawal of books describing Kashmir as occupied territory. Political leaders have criticized the review as an attempt to control historical narratives. Schools must submit compliance reports by July nineteenth confirming book reviews. A legal group has also sought an inquiry into these controversial books.
The government is establishing a robust four-layer security grid to fortify India's borders. This initiative aims to create a modern border security system for the nation. Efforts are underway to combat drug trafficking and achieve victory over the menace. The government is also working to prevent illegal infiltration and demographic changes. This proactive approach strengthens national security and border region prosperity.
A rebel Trinamool Congress MLA will approach the Supreme Court regarding frozen party bank accounts. The Calcutta High Court allowed limited operation of these accounts for routine expenses. Ritabrata Banerjee alleges money laundering in aircraft and helicopter purchases using party funds. He plans to submit a complaint to the Enforcement Directorate in Delhi. The TMC denies all allegations, calling the probe politically motivated.
Congress ramps up its campaign regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds for the Ram temple donation and dubious land acquisitions. While Prime Minister Modi opts for silence, accusations arise that the BJP-RSS is shielding the true culprits. Furthermore, Congress claims that the establishment targets low-level employees to divert attention from high-profile figures. They also criticize the trust's lack of transparency concerning its composition and exclude it from the RTI Act.
Three former Trinamool Congress leaders have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. They were immediately nominated as BJP candidates for upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls. These by-elections are for seats that fell vacant after their resignations last month. Their move follows internal turmoil and a significant defeat for the TMC. The BJP aims to strengthen its West Bengal presence with their experience.
A man who admired Charles Sobhraj was apprehended after an astonishing 36-year-long hotel scam. Meanwhile, three former TMC Rajya Sabha lawmakers transitioned to the BJP amidst growing internal dissent. In international news, US projectiles were reported to have hit near Iran's Bushehr nuclear facility. In Germany, the summer heatwave led to a staggering toll of over 5,100 heat-related fatalities.
The entire nation of India is now experiencing monsoon conditions, which has helped in mitigating the previous rainfall deficit. Unfortunately, ten states are still grappling with considerable shortages of rain, hampering kharif crop sowing operations. This year, kharif crop acreage is down by twenty-one percent when compared to last year. Moreover, some areas may soon face another reduction in rainfall activity as predictions indicate limited respite ahead.