The Indian Navy proudly commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the latest addition to its fleet as the sixth Project 17A stealth frigate. This remarkable warship embodies India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, enhancing its maritime combat capabilities. With multifaceted roles including anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, INS Mahendragiri bolsters India's strategic foothold in the Indo-Pacific, aligning perfectly with the country's ambitious naval modernisation agenda.

Fifteen Indian nationals perished in a tragic boat accident off Vietnam's coast on Saturday. The speedboat carrying thirty-six people capsized near May Rut Ngoai Islet, prompting a swift rescue effort. Tourist boats arrived quickly, but some passengers remained trapped inside the overturned vessel. The Indian embassy released the names of the deceased, with most hailing from Tamil Nadu.

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party for what he called attempts to destabilize his administration. He revealed that BJP legislators were allegedly offered lucrative financial rewards and government positions to switch loyalties. Abdullah claimed the BJP's promises of statehood to National Conference MLAs were a tactic to sway them.

The Ministry of External Affairs explained Prime Minister Modi's direct engagement style with voters. He prefers connecting with the electorate without intermediaries, which is a political method. This approach has contributed to his electoral success and long tenure as Prime Minister. The visit aimed to strengthen the rule-based Indo-Pacific order with New Zealand.

West Bengal has formed a nine-member committee to review the Uniform Civil Code draft. Retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai will head this expert panel. The proposed legislation aims to create a uniform legal framework for personal civil matters. The draft bill is expected to be introduced during the Assembly's August session.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Madhya Pradesh government for alleged corruption. He highlighted a Rs 1,200 crore rice scam involving diverted grain. This rice was meant for malnourished children and women. An investigation is underway after a complaint about undelivered rice. Kharge also mentioned land scam allegations against the chief minister.

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’.