Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has mandated a 12% PF contribution on wages up to Rs 15,000 monthly for its eight crore members. Contributions beyond this statutory limit are now voluntary. Employees can choose to contribute more for retirement savings, with employers having the option, but not the obligation, to match these additional amounts. These voluntary contributions can be adjusted or stopped anytime.

The Congress party has finalized its Punjab leadership for the upcoming assembly elections, retaining Amarinder Raja Warring as state president. Dalit leader Charanjit Channi will head the campaign committee, a move aimed at appealing to the community. Partap Singh Bajwa remains the leader of the opposition. These appointments signal a focus on organizational unity and community outreach as the party prepares for the polls.

The Supreme Court has ruled that an accused cannot claim default bail simply because copies of the chargesheet weren't provided within the statutory timeline. Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh clarified that the right to default bail arises only if the chargesheet itself isn't filed within the stipulated 60 or 90 days.

A parliamentary panel is set to finalize its report on an anti-corruption bill that proposes automatic removal of top leaders after 30 days in detention for serious criminal charges. While the government aims to pass the bill, opposition parties are strongly against it, fearing political misuse. The committee is considering amendments to address concerns about arbitrary power and safeguards against destabilizing elected governments.

Over 100 prominent Indian and Pakistani citizens have penned an open letter to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, urging them to restore peace and dialogue. The signatories propose confidence-building measures like reinstating full diplomatic ties and resuming normal visa services. They emphasize that continued hostility hinders the prosperity and secure future of millions of young people in both nations, stressing the need for cooperation over confrontation.

The Supreme Court has mandated distinct methods for calculating road accident compensation, acknowledging the income disparity between salaried individuals and the self-employed. For salaried persons, the previous year's income tax return will be the benchmark. Self-employed individuals' compensation will be based on the average of their last three years' income tax returns, accounting for income fluctuations. This ruling aims to standardize compensation assessments across high courts.

India and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sustainable ship recycling, with both sides expressing confidence over the progress made in facilitating the inclusion of Indian ship recycling facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR).

Sociology students are voicing their discontent with the latest UGC-NET exam, pointing out critical spelling mistakes, incorrect names of well-known theorists, and awkward translations in Hindi. Errors like confusing 'Ritzer' with 'Putzer' and translating 'social' as 'oval' have raised red flags. Many candidates suspect that certain questions seemed AI-generated, straying from the established syllabus and hindering their understanding during the exam.

Flash floods in Doda's Bhalessa area have disrupted road connectivity to several villages, with restoration efforts underway. Meanwhile, heavy rains have forced the suspension of annual pilgrimages to Machhail Mata and Mindhal Mata shrines in Kishtwar for pilgrim safety. Authorities are urging residents to avoid vulnerable areas and media to verify information to prevent panic.

Former J&K CMs Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, alongside nearly 60 Indian signatories, have urged India and Pakistan to resume dialogue for regional peace. Their letter highlights the lost opportunities for millions of young people due to ongoing hostility. Kashmir's chief cleric also supported the call, emphasizing that engagement is the only way to resolve differences and build a prosperous South Asia.

Tehran had also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Khamenei's funeral. However, New Delhi chose Bihar governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) and minister of state for external affairs Pabitra Margherita to represent India at the multi-day funeral, which is set to begin on July 4.

Disturbing videos have led to an FIR against five caregivers in Bengaluru for alleged toddler abuse at a corporate daycare. Meanwhile, Russia is importing Indian gasoline amid Ukrainian strikes impacting its fuel supply. A climate row has ignited between France and the US over air conditioning use. In Tamil Nadu politics, the TVK and DMK are trading MLA poaching allegations.

Among the signatories are former RAW chief A S Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, along with retired diplomats and members of civil society from both countries.

According to the notice, the Club's continued occupation of the land after the government resumed possession for a public purpose amounts to «unauthorized occupation» under Section 2(g) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971. The government has maintained that the President of India exercised powers under Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed, which allows the lessor to resume the property if it is required for a public purpose.

Doctors nationwide have been urged to halt the use of Themis-manufactured bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia. This urgent advisory from the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists follows reports of serious adverse events linked to the drug. Hospitals are instructed to segregate and withdraw existing stocks, switching to alternative brands to ensure patient safety while investigations are ongoing. The precautionary measure aims to protect patients until further clearance is issued.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for the Indian government as public services go digital, though officials warn no system is ever completely secure. Recent concerns, including actions against Telegram during the NEET-UG reexamination, highlight the risks. Messaging platforms will face consequences if new features enable fraud, with the government emphasizing outcomes over assurances. Vigilance remains crucial against evolving cyber threats.