Taslima Nasreen's upcoming return to Kolkata after 20 years sparks intense political discussions. The Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party both voiced their strong opinions regarding her visit. Exiled since 2007, Nasreen is set to participate in an anti-fundamentalism literary event this August. Her previous works and the circumstances of her exile have sent shockwaves through conversations about free speech and the intersection with religious beliefs in West Bengal.
On Tuesday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Mann said Punjab is playing a significant role at Bharat Tex 2026, with 97 companies from the state participating in the exhibition.
The Congress invited Mamata Banerjee to its Martyrs' Day event in Kolkata. This invitation came with a condition that she acknowledge leaving Congress was a mistake. West Bengal Congress president stated Mamata should not distort the historical significance of the 1993 movement. He added that admitting her past decision was wrong would be a significant gesture. The Congress stage remains open for her to pay respects to the martyrs.
Abhijeet Dipke criticized the government's silence regarding Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchuk has been fasting for eighteen days protesting examination irregularities and paper leaks. He questioned why the Prime Minister has not engaged in dialogue. Opposition leaders have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast due to his health. Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since beginning his protest on June 28.
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The Supreme Court acquitted seventeen individuals accused in a dowry death case. This decision came after a lengthy twenty-six-year legal battle for the family. The court criticized lower courts for disregarding defense evidence without valid reasons. Substantive testimonies and credible documents presented by the defense remained uncontroverted. The apex court stressed the importance of treating all evidence equally during trials.
Enforcement Directorate informed the Supreme Court about Reliance ADAG entities siphoning funds. These companies allegedly used fifty-three shell entities to divert bank loans. Assets worth over Rs 5,500 crore have been attached by the agency. Other Reliance group companies also diverted funds for luxury acquisitions. Investigations continue with significant assets attached and officials arrested.
Thailand will now allow thirty-day visa-exempt entries for Indian visitors. This decision follows a recent drop in arrivals from India impacting tourism. The government aims to align with Indian tourist travel behavior and boost visitor numbers. Previously, Indian tourists enjoyed sixty days visa-free entry to the country. This change reverses an earlier proposal to eliminate visa-free access for many nations.
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India summoned Iran's deputy chief of mission to protest recent attacks on commercial ships. One Indian seafarer tragically lost his life and two others were critically injured. These attacks on vessels like MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa have intensified recently. India strongly condemned the violence and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities. The government seeks the restoration of free and safe navigation through international waterways.
Madhya Pradesh's draft uniform civil code requires live-in relationship registration. Couples must formally cancel registrations when relationships end, facing penalties for non-compliance. Parents will be informed of their children's live-in relationship status. Inheritance laws will change, including fathers as heirs to deceased sons' property. The proposed code will initially exclude the state's tribal population.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau informed the Supreme Court about the inquiry timeline. The complex investigation into the Air India crash is expected to conclude soon. Analysis activities will be completed within six weeks, subject to external factors. A draft final report is anticipated by October 2026 for review. This timeline aligns with international practices for accident investigations.
The MEA clarified passport issuance follows the Passports Act, 1967. This document regulates departure of Indian citizens from India. Official sources state a passport is not a determinant of citizenship. Less than eight percent of Indians currently hold a passport. This clarification follows recent government official remarks on the travel document.
The Supreme Court will hear challenges to a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling on the Bhojshala complex. It declined to stay the order which declared the site a temple. Muslim petitioners argued the ruling ignored historical evidence and existing arrangements. The court directed authorities to find an alternative space for Friday prayers. Structural changes to the complex are prohibited without court permission.
India supports freedom of navigation and lawful sea uses in the South China Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs responded to a joint statement by several nations. This statement rejected China's expansive South China Sea claim as lacking legal basis. It also reaffirmed a 2016 tribunal ruling favoring the Philippines. India emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with UNCLOS principles.
An expert panel recommended green clearance for the Naying hydro-electric project. This project will be built across the Siyom river in Arunachal Pradesh. It will boost renewable energy generation and cost an estimated Rs 11,835 crore. The project proponent will provide compensation and rehabilitation for displaced families. Further forest clearance is now required for this significant development.
The Supreme Court has set August 19 as a deadline for Odisha to decide on Dara Singh's remission plea. Dara Singh, jailed since 2000, is seeking release after serving over 26 years. The state sentence review board is favorably considering his plea due to good conduct. Updated information is required by the board before a final decision can be made.
The Supreme Court questioned English's indigenous status while refusing to halt the CBSE's three-language scheme. This policy aims to promote Hindi and regional languages, aligning with constitutional goals. Petitioners argued against the scheme due to teacher and infrastructure challenges. They also noted limited availability of books on the NCERT website. The Centre and CBSE will file their responses within ten days.
A survivor described the sudden Vietnam boat tragedy where the captain jumped overboard. He explained that only those who followed him into the water managed to escape. The closed boat prevented rear passengers from exiting, leading to their demise. He lost a childhood friend in the unfortunate incident. Improved island medical access could have saved additional lives.
An NIA court has issued a non-bailable warrant for Hafiz Saeed. This action stems from the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack. The attack tragically resulted in the deaths of twenty-six innocent people. Saeed, the Lashkar-e-Taiba founder, is considered the mastermind of this conspiracy. Further legal proceedings will now commence against the accused individual.
Security forces initiated extensive searches in Rajouri's Thanamandi region after CCTV footage showed two terror suspects. These operations are part of an ongoing combing effort in the forested areas for elusive militants. Meanwhile, a drone was discovered by a local resident in Samba district's agricultural fields. The recovered drone was promptly seized by security personnel for forensic examination. Investigations are underway to determine the drone's origin and potential cross-border connections.
Twelve bikers from Gurgaon faced fines totaling Rs 1.2 lakh for off-roading near Tso Moriri. An SUV driver from Uttar Pradesh was also fined Rs 50,000 for a similar violation. These actions follow recent penalties against tourists for illegal incursions into protected areas. Wildlife officials are continuing their crackdown on off-roading in sensitive ecological zones. The administration urges tourists to explore Ladakh responsibly and protect its fragile environment.
A Jammu court has ordered a crime branch officer to appear with case records. This follows objections raised over the agency's handling of a complaint. The case involves alleged fake silver offerings worth Rs 500 crore at Vaishno Devi shrine. Officials discovered the offerings contained minimal actual silver and toxic cadmium. An advocate filed a court complaint after his earlier submission received no action.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari denied personal gain from the ethanol blending program. He stated that allegations of conflict of interest are politically motivated and lack substance. Gadkari emphasized his long-standing support for alternative fuels to reduce pollution and import dependence. He clarified that his sons' business has a minimal share in the ethanol sector. The minister also highlighted the program's historical backing from previous governments.
NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare dismissed a notice questioning Sunetra Pawar's election. They asserted the election was constitutional and the notice held no significance. The notice alleged Sunetra Pawar's election was unconstitutional and should be declared void. Tatkare called the notice illegal and stated the party would examine its legal validity. The party remains united under Sunetra Pawar's leadership, according to leaders.
West Bengal withdrew its Supreme Court appeal challenging the High Court's OBC list judgment. The state cabinet decided not to pursue the appeal, which was previously filed by the Trinamool Congress government. The Calcutta High Court had struck down the inclusion of 77 communities, including 75 Muslim communities. The state assembly has since passed two bills to restructure the OBC reservation framework.
Rekha Gupta accused the Aam Aadmi Party of political patronage to Tahir Hussain. She demanded answers from the party leadership regarding their association with him. Hussain was convicted for his role in the 2020 Delhi riots and murder. The conviction brought justice to victims and their devastated families. The chief minister stressed accountability and punishment for those responsible.
The Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust is seeking applications for its first chief executive officer. This professional role aims to enhance the management of the Ayodhya Ram temple operations. The trust decided to appoint a CEO after recent allegations of donation theft by cash-counting agents. Applications are open for eligible Hindu candidates with extensive managerial experience. The new CEO will report to the trust's general secretary and oversee daily functions.
