Three former Trinamool Congress MPs have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha. They switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party just days before their election. These leaders resigned from their previous posts last month after election results. Their return to the Upper House on BJP tickets marks a significant political shift. This development follows the Trinamool Congress's defeat in recent assembly elections.
There are strong speculations that the government is planning to reintroduce the Delimitation Bill during upcoming Monsoon Session. The Bill could not pass the numbers test during the Budget session. Opposition parties, which were united in their opposition to the Bill in April, appear to be divided now over the idea of uniform seat increase. Some parties may support the bill if their concerns are addressed. The Congress fears isolation and has requested an all-party meeting for discussions. The proposed 50% seat increase aims to facilitate women's reservation without altering current proportions.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticized the government's silence on Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for twenty days demanding action. He is protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and paper leaks. Doctors have warned of critical health risks if the hunger strike continues. Wangchuk vows to continue his protest until July twentieth for a government response.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge requested an all-party meeting with Prime Minister Modi. He seeks details on the revised Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. Reports suggest the government plans to reintroduce the delimitation bill soon. Congress believes the government lacks the required majority for constitutional amendments. The party remains in touch with opposition parties regarding the bill.
NSA Ajit Doval chaired the Bimstec national security chiefs meeting in New Delhi. The grouping discussed practical solutions to combat terrorism and organized crime. Security chiefs also endorsed principles for maritime law enforcement interactions at sea. Doval stressed closer regional cooperation to tackle evolving security challenges effectively. Bimstec unites dynamic regions with significant global population and economic influence.
Employees Provident Fund Organisation is developing a universal provident fund scheme. This new plan will cover millions in the unorganised sector and self-employed individuals. Subscribers can contribute daily or annually with tax benefits on their savings. The agency is studying global models to finalize the basic framework for this initiative. This self-financing scheme aims to extend retirement savings beyond the current EPFO network.
New WHO guidelines suggest up to 45% of dementia cases are preventable. Tackling risk factors like high blood pressure and air pollution is advised. Healthy lifestyles and managing chronic diseases significantly influence brain health. The guidelines recommend regular physical activity and quitting tobacco use. Routine vitamin and omega-3 supplements are not advised without diagnosed deficiency.
NEET-UG 2026 results revealed higher top scores following a nationwide retest. Aryan Gupta from Punjab secured the top position with a score of 715. Over 93% of candidates scoring above 690 were first-time test-takers. Women accounted for over 58% of the qualified candidates this year. The National Testing Agency declared results to keep medical admissions on track.
The Supreme Court acquitted three surviving accused in a 49-year-old murder case. This decision came after the accused had served life imprisonment sentences. The court found serious infirmities in the prosecution's case and witness testimonies. Inconsistencies in witness accounts led to granting the benefit of doubt. The prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, leading to acquittal.
Throughout history, the quest for immediate gratification has led to spiritual manipulation. Emperor Ashoka stood against those who exploited the fears and hopes of individuals, highlighting the transactional nature of faith. Today, the prosperity gospel and wellness movements reflect this enduring cycle. To escape this repetitive loop, we must recognize that genuine growth transcends simple transactions.
The Supreme Court ordered states and Union Territories to create a policy for releasing elderly and terminally ill prisoners. This directive ensures constitutional values are upheld even within prison walls. The court emphasized that dignity and humane treatment remain paramount for all inmates. Data shows over 5,000 prisoners fall into these vulnerable categories. The policy must be formulated within the next three months.
The Supreme Court will examine if husbands can face charges for sexual acts causing harm. This question arises despite existing exemptions for marital rape under penal laws. The court will begin final hearings on these pending pleas from September ninth. The central issue is whether the court can create a new offense by striking down exceptions. The Centre opposes criminalizing marital rape, citing marriage as a unique relationship.
The Enforcement Directorate clarified Fema's role as civil legislation for voluntary compliance. Reserve Bank of India is the competent authority for compounding eligible contraventions. The ED issues a no-objection certificate to the central bank for compounding offenses. RBI recently closed a Fema case against Apothecon Pharmaceuticals after a penalty. This action follows master directions prescribing a compounding matrix for determining amounts.
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.
