A Srinagar court granted a no-objection certificate for Farooq Abdullah's passport. The court noted that pending criminal proceedings do not automatically bar travel. CBI had objected, fearing he might flee the country and evade justice. The passport was issued for one year, subject to conditions. Abdullah must seek permission before traveling outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over Sonam Wangchuk's health. He urged the central government to adopt a humanitarian approach to the issue. Wangchuk has been fasting for nineteen days and has lost significant weight. Abdullah drew parallels with the UPA government's engagement with Anna Hazare. He stated Wangchuk's demand for NEET examination accountability was justified.
Home Minister Amit Shah will visit West Bengal for three days starting Friday. He will review border security and governance matters during his important trip. Shah will interact with BSF personnel and inaugurate development projects near the border. Later, he will chair meetings on law and order and new criminal laws. The minister will also inaugurate a museum and lay a foundation stone for Amul Dairy.
Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its nineteenth day with significant health concerns. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait joined the protest, strengthening the ongoing agitation. Opposition leaders and parties offered their support, urging the minister's removal. Congress leaders appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast while assuring continued demands. Doctors warned of serious health complications if the hunger strike continues.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh dismissed reports of sensitive Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant files being leaked. He asserted that no nuclear safety or security data had been compromised in the incident. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited clarified leaked documents related only to the plant's conventional Balance of Plant package. This clarification followed claims by a ransomware group about accessing thousands of project-related files.
Central government hospitals will now conduct twice-daily health checks for hunger strikers. Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital is designated as the nodal facility for any emergencies. Advanced life support ambulances will remain stationed at the protest site. Medical teams will submit daily health status reports to the ministry. This action follows Delhi Police's request due to health concerns.
Karnataka cabinet expansion is expected to occur very soon. Senior Congress leaders met in Delhi to discuss the long-pending cabinet appointments. Consultations are underway to fill twenty vacant ministerial positions and the Speaker's post. The party aims to balance regional and caste equations for the selections. This expansion is anticipated before the upcoming assembly session begins in August.
Urban regions are increasingly battling monsoon flooding, exacerbated by extensive concretisation. With impermeable surfaces dominating, rainwater struggles to seep in, leading to heightened runoff. Meanwhile, the decline of natural water reservoirs like wetlands further complicates the situation. In response, authorities are encouraging the use of permeable materials and green spaces. While initiatives for de-concretisation are on the rise, the swift pace of construction poses significant hurdles.
A Baramulla MP has requested court permission to attend the upcoming Parliament session. He is currently in judicial custody for a terror funding case investigation. The National Investigation Agency stated it has no objection to his attendance. The court heard arguments from the MP's counsel and the NIA. An order on this petition is expected later today.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches across four states in a money laundering investigation. This probe targets a syndicate facilitating illegal infiltration of foreign nationals into India. Public charitable trusts registered under FCRA are suspected of receiving foreign funds. These funds were allegedly diverted through multiple accounts to aid illegal immigrants. The investigation stems from an FIR registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call an all-party meeting. He requested adequate time for opposition parties to study the revised delimitation proposals. The Congress party plans to strongly oppose the proposed delimitation bill if reintroduced. They will also work to maintain unity among all opposition parties. The party supports women's reservation but opposes linking it to delimitation.
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah supports Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchuk is protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, demanding accountability. His health has significantly deteriorated after nineteen days of fasting. Doctors warn of serious health complications if the hunger strike continues. The Delhi High Court has ordered daily medical examinations for Wangchuk.
Hearing the a PIL over fasting activist's dwindling health, the high court noted that «life is precious» and asked both the governments to provide, if needed, medical aid, to the Ladakh native. Doctors have warned that Wangchuk may soon enter a potentially «alarming» phase involving organ damage. Wangchuk has reportedly lost more than 9kgs since beginning his indefinite hunger strike.
«No that is very bad. 9th standard is stressful. Why do you introduce a new language in 9th? You introduce it in 6th. When we were there in our school we had both ICSE and SSLC. We were taught both syllabus. Only at the end of 9th standard we had to select,» Justice BV Nagarathna, who was hearing plea challenging Madras high court direction to establish Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in each district, said according to Live Law.
Addressing a public gathering in Mukerian, he said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had fulfilled its promises through initiatives in education, healthcare, power and social welfare, and urged people to give the party another mandate so that «opportunist» opposition leaders, especially the Congress, do not get a chance to come to power.
India’s urban centers hold the key to its economic progress, demanding smart planning and investment to thrive. Three pivotal reforms — targeting regional hubs and essential infrastructure — can ignite urban potential for overall national development. By addressing housing regulations, cities can welcome private investment, while refined governance and finance structures will empower urban areas to offer outstanding public services.
Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike for nineteen days, stating his health is not critical. He urged supporters to join a Parliament march on July 20 instead of asking him to break his fast. Wangchuk believes his protest sends a message about government accountability and the need for action. His health has been monitored, and medical tests show stable results for his condition.
The Supreme Court declined to hear a petition regarding ration card cancellations. These cancellations followed voter list deletions due to doubtful citizenship status. The court directed the petitioner to pursue his appeal before the relevant tribunal. A favorable tribunal outcome would reinstate his name on the electoral roll. The issue of linking deletions to ration card cancellations must be challenged in the High Court.
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over a Patna High Court order. This order stated that removing a woman's salwar did not constitute attempted rape. The apex court emphasized judges must research and follow its previous rulings. It directed all courts to adhere to judicial sensitivity guidelines. States will issue instructions to police stations regarding FIR registration and chargesheets.
Habiban Khatoon, aged 103, finally received justice after a 35-year legal battle. Her eldest son purchased land in her name, but a cousin took possession. She filed a title suit in 1994, facing appeals up to the High Court. After years of proceedings and delays, she regained possession of her land. The long legal fight incurred significant financial costs for Habiban.
Economic momentum sustains as oil prices moderate and trade deals offer new opportunities. Corporate sector performance shows robust demand, with automotive and banking sectors leading growth. Manufacturing faces margin stress due to inventory, while IT remains under pressure. Industry is preparing for increased demand, with capacity additions planned after reaching utilization levels. Concerns about Chinese dumping necessitate a stronger trade defense mechanism for fair competition.
Home Credit India will acquire Varthana Finance in an all-cash deal valued at Rs 967 crore. This transaction will make Varthana a wholly owned subsidiary of Home Credit India. The acquisition aims to diversify portfolios and improve business mix for the company. It is expected to create synergies in distribution, technology, and risk management. Regulatory approvals are required, with completion anticipated within nine months.
Top BJP leaders met at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Wednesday. This meeting occurred just before the Parliament's upcoming session begins next week. The gathering included Home Minister Amit Shah and party president Nitin Nabin. Speculation is rife about potential reshuffles in the national office bearers team and Union cabinet. An NDA constituents meeting is also likely on July 21 to discuss floor strategy.