BJP's Abhishek Kumar Sinha withdrew from the Bankipur bypoll citing family reasons. The party then fielded Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its new candidate for the contest. Opposition parties claimed the BJP was nervous about a potential defeat in the upcoming election. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor is campaigning against the ruling party. Polling for the Bankipur bypoll is scheduled for July 30.

'We Got The Sociology Paper Before The Exam': UGC-NET Whistleblower Details Sting Operation

India and New Zealand elevated their ties to a strategic partnership. Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon signed eighteen agreements for cooperation. This roadmap guides future collaboration across multiple key sectors. Bilateral trade aims to reach seven billion New Zealand dollars by 2030. Both nations will enhance maritime security and disaster management efforts.

Defence & Security Cooperation, Talent Mobility Also On Agenda

Regulated entities and government communications from 1600 numbers cannot be blocked by any application. Promotional calls from the 140 series can be blocked using the DND registry. Trai mandates 1600 numbers for trustworthy service and transaction calls to existing customers. Registered telemarketers use the 140 number series for promotional communications. Customers can register preferences on the DND registry to allow or block these promotional calls.

Rules Out Parallel Fuel Supply System

The BMC has taken decisive action by disqualifying two women corporators from AIMIM and NCP, citing invalid caste validity certificates from district verification committees. As a result, AIMIM's representation stands reduced to five members while NCP now comprises just two. With this, a total of four corporators have been disqualified for similar reasons in the past month alone.

In a surprising turn of events, a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate has stepped down from the Bankipur bypoll, citing family reasons. The party has swiftly chosen Neeraj Kumar Sinha as the new candidate. This change paves the way for Prashant Kishor's highly anticipated first appearance in the electoral arena, as he prepares to contest against the BJP's stronghold in this area.

The opposition parties are grappling with significant turmoil following vital splits that have diminished their strength in Parliament. Recent shifts have bolstered the ruling NDA coalition's standing. As the Monsoon session approaches, the potential reintroduction of a Constitution Amendment Bill looms. Internal fractures within several regional parties could further compromise the opposition's capacity to impede crucial legislation.

Recent reports highlight heightened concerns over the Yarlung Tsangpo mega dam in China, amidst fears of geological faults and potential earthquakes. Meanwhile, in Assam, the government is taking a firm stance against polygamy by planning to terminate the employment of offenders and restrict access to welfare benefits. Additionally, the UK has recognized significant technology companies as essential third parties for cloud services.

Assa Doron is a professor of Anthropology and South Asia at Australian National University. He is the author and co-author of several books, including ‘Life on the Ganga’, ‘The Great Indian Phone Book’, and ‘Waste of a Nation’. Alex Broom is academic director at Australian Research Council, professor of Sociology, and director of the Sydney Centre for Healthy Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Sydney. He is the author of several books on the social dynamics of health, illness and care like Survivorship: A Sociology of Cancer in Everyday Life. In this interview, they talk about their latest book, ‘A World of Resistance: India and the Global Antibiotic Crisis’.

TRAI stated that tagging or blocking 1600 series calls is not permitted. These numbers are reserved for banking and government communications. Promotional calls from 1400 series numbers can be blocked via DND. Customers can register preferences on the DND registry for promotional calls. Any tagging of 1400 series calls is disallowed except for DND blocking.

A Kerala medical student was murdered in Uzbekistan by a fellow student. The victim allegedly faced repeated demands to convert her religion before her death. Uzbek authorities have arrested the accused student in connection with the ongoing investigation. Indian authorities are assisting the victim's family and liaising with Uzbek officials. A second post-mortem was conducted in Kerala after the body's repatriation.

India's UDAN scheme aims to make flying affordable for all citizens. The initial phase connected many smaller cities but faced sustainability challenges. A modified UDAN scheme now focuses on airport development and broader ecosystem support. This new phase includes increased financial aid and indigenous aircraft integration. The government hopes this will create a self-sustaining regional aviation network.

In a heartfelt gesture, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited families affected by the Karur stampede disaster. He distributed job appointment orders to eligible dependants as part of rehabilitation efforts, visibly moved by their immense sorrow. This visit coincided with the High Court's evaluation of the government's permanent job appointment policies. Furthermore, Vijay criticized the opposition DMK for allegedly exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

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.