Smaller urban centers are leading India's rooftop solar adoption, surpassing major metropolitan areas. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana promotes rooftop solar installations for households. This government scheme has seen rapid progress and aims to benefit many households. Over 36 lakh rooftop solar systems have already been installed across the country. Efforts are now focused on expanding urban reach and assisting low-income households.

Vietnamese police arrested the speedboat captain after the vessel capsized near Phu Quoc island. Fifteen Indian tourists tragically died when the boat overturned in rough seas on Saturday. Rescuers recovered twenty-one individuals from the water, and authorities are investigating the incident. The remains of the deceased Indians have reached Ho Chi Minh City for repatriation. Most rescued Indian tourists are returning home, while one remains hospitalized.

India's monsoon has weakened again after a week of good showers. The nationwide rainfall deficit has widened to eighteen percent on Sunday. Subdued rainfall activity is predicted over several key regions for the next week. This dry spell could undermine recent gains in agricultural sowing activities. Fifteen states are currently reporting significant rainfall deficits of twenty percent or more.

Police arrested three publishers in Jammu and Noida over controversial books. These books, which glorified separatists, were supplied to government school libraries. Officials suspended education department staff and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Sub-committees had shortlisted titles, but these two books were flagged later. The investigation aims to determine how the books reached schools despite scrutiny.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed frustration over the delayed restoration of statehood. He questioned the central government's stance on protests and assembly discussions regarding this issue. Abdullah announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. He reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his past assurance on the matter. The National Conference will continue its democratic campaign until statehood is reinstated.

Flash floods inundated hotels and huts in Pahalgam after a cloudburst on Saturday evening. The deluge damaged roads, power infrastructure, and agricultural fields along Overa stream. Around eleven villages experienced severe effects, with roads cut off and utilities disrupted. Tourists described sudden water gushing into hotels, leading to swift evacuations. Questions arose regarding hotel constructions within flood channels over recent years.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the mega plantation drive, 'Maha Vriksharopan 2026' with a target to plant 35 crore saplings across the state under the central theme «Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam» (One Tree in the Name of Mother), is a grand endeavour to express gratitude to Mother Earth.

India announced one day of national mourning for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, father of current Qatar ruler. The National Flag will fly at half-mast throughout the country tomorrow. Prime Minister Modi remembered him as a visionary leader and true friend. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. He voluntarily abdicated power to his son in 2013.

Regulator steps up 'Be the Eyes of Food Safety' campaign, urges consumers to flag unhygienic kitchens and unsafe food through its Food Safety Connect platform

A landmark study puts a dollar figure on India's forests at national scale — and the number is staggering. Yet these ecosystems remain invisible in official accounts, driving decisions that quietly destroy billions in natural wealth.

Omar Abdullah criticized the BJP for repeatedly promising Jammu and Kashmir statehood. He alleged the party exploits divisions to gain power in various Indian states. Abdullah stated restoring statehood is a commitment, not a favor to the people. He challenged any BJP candidate to deny promising statehood restoration during elections. The National Conference leader highlighted the BJP's selective memory regarding election promises.

Arvind Kejriwal alleged a cover-up in the Ayodhya temple donation theft case. He accused the system of shielding those responsible for the alleged theft. The Aam Aadmi Party organized a Sundarkand recitation program in Delhi. Kejriwal announced a nationwide signature campaign seeking strict punishment for the accused. The BJP criticized the event as a political gimmick to improve Kejriwal's standing.

An all-party meeting is scheduled for July 19 before the Monsoon Session begins. The government will present its legislative agenda, and opposition parties will voice their concerns. The NEET-UG paper leak and defense minister's remarks are key opposition issues. Parliament will convene from July 20 to August 13 for discussions. Several significant bills and a constitutional amendment are expected during the session.

Uttarakhand government ordered action against officials for financial irregularities. An inquiry found advance funds released without proper approval from the temple corpus. Separately, a Special Investigation Team is probing alleged donation theft at Badrinath temple. CCTV footage shows a suspended employee suspiciously collecting cash from the donation room. The investigation continues with witness statements and evidence analysis.

A parliamentary panel noted concerns about the anti-corruption bill's arrest clause. Stakeholders found removing officials after thirty days constitutionally problematic. The draft report suggests a sunset clause for automatic reversal of barring. It also proposes using «suspension» instead of «removal» to avoid stigma. The committee's recommendations will be tabled in Lok Sabha soon.

Enforcement Directorate agents are examining Dharmesh Sangani's recovered mobile phone. This businessman faces probes in the UK and US for alleged gold smuggling. The device was retrieved after Sangani threw it from his apartment as agents approached. Authorities suspect a larger gold smuggling and money laundering operation involving influential people. The ED is investigating violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act against Sangani's company.

A sponsored Vietnam trip became a tragedy for several Indian families. A boat carrying thirty-two Indian tourists capsized off Phu Quoc Island. Several individuals from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala lost their lives. Families are awaiting the repatriation of bodies from Vietnam. The vacation was organized by a private medical company.

Swiggy Instamart received nine FSSAI notices for delivering unsafe and expired food products. Consumers complained about receiving rotten eggs and spoiled parathas from the platform. Expired whey protein and packaged snacks were also among the flagged items by customers. The food regulator seeks a detailed explanation and compliance report from the company. Failure to respond satisfactorily could invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his government's initiatives for the Sikh community. He mentioned FCRA clearance for the Golden Temple and bringing back Guru Granth Sahib copies. Work is ongoing to connect Hemkund Sahib with a ropeway for better pilgrim access. The government also decided on annual commemoration of Guru Gobind Singh's sons' martyrdom. These efforts aim to deepen BJP's acceptance among the Sikh community.

Akash Dhar, a visually impaired Kashmiri Pandit, opened a restaurant in Langate. Local residents and his landlord have offered significant support and encouragement. The eatery has attracted customers from various communities and areas. This initiative hopes to inspire other Kashmiri migrants to return home. The restaurant's success highlights a positive community response and integration.

PM Modi, Luxon vow to double trade to Rs 35k crore in 5 years

Fifteen Indian tourists died and seventeen were injured when a speedboat capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc island. The vessel was carrying mobile phone dealers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on a company trip. Rescue operations were launched immediately by nearby vessels and emergency agencies. Vietnamese authorities have ordered an investigation into the cause of the tragic incident. Indian officials are coordinating relief efforts and providing assistance to affected families.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated Hindu law is not based on Manusmriti. Most of India follows the Mitakshara school, which is based on Yajnavalkya Smriti. This school, prevalent since before 700 AD, grants inheritance rights by birth. The Dayabhaga school, prevalent in Bengal and Assam, was more restrictive. Ancient wisdom devised prohibited degrees of relationships, approved by Parliament.

Leh Apex Body postponed a Delhi trip as Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike. J&K CM Omar Abdullah criticized the Centre's double standards regarding Ladakh and J&K. The Centre agreed to explore Article 371-like safeguards for Ladakh's elected body. Abdullah questioned why Ladakh receives constitutional protections while J&K statehood is denied. He also alleged a BJP offer to an NC MLA for switching sides.

The personnel department cancelled a food ministry order suspending an FCI executive director. This suspension was treated as legally non-existent from the beginning by the DoPT. The officer was ordered for immediate repatriation to his parent cadre by the DoPT. The food ministry had initiated proceedings after a committee found alleged irregularities in rice sales. A review committee was also set up to improve administrative efficiency within the FCI.

A 31-year-old BSF constable allegedly died by suicide in Jammu's Gadigarh camp. Constable Vanita Rani was found hanging from a ceiling fan with a dupatta. Her body was sent for a postmortem examination to establish the cause of death. This incident follows another woman constable's alleged suicide in Jammu on June 29. Both incidents are currently under investigation by authorities.

An Interpol Red Corner Notice has been issued for Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo. This notice targets Kandoo for his alleged involvement in a deadly 2013 attack. The attack resulted in the deaths of four police officers in Sopore, Kashmir. Kandoo, a designated terrorist, is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan. The State Investigation Agency considers this a significant achievement in pursuing fugitives.

Educator Sonam Wangchuk rejects hero labels and urges citizens to take responsibility. He is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for 14 days. Wangchuk is protesting examination irregularities and seeking accountability from the government. He has lost significant weight and feels tired but remains determined. Wangchuk appeals for public support in the ongoing movement and upcoming march.

Arvind Kejriwal visited a Delhi petrol pump and service station. He spoke with vehicle owners about their E20 fuel experiences. Many consumers reported reduced mileage and mechanical issues with the blended petrol. Kejriwal stated the government's claims about E20 fuel are untrue. He emphasized that public grievances should be heard and addressed.

An 18-year-old Hyderabad student's body was recovered from the sea in Helsinki. Finnish authorities confirmed the recovery of Manideep Reddy's body after two months. His family has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. They believe the case has not been properly investigated by Finnish authorities. The family urges the Indian government to facilitate their travel to Finland.