25 C The Times of India
Elections 2026National / The Times of India
A Pakistani journalist's query about India's alleged Agni-6 ICBM test at the Shangri-La Dialogue was based on misinformation. India confirmed a recent test involved an advanced Agni missile with MIRV technology, not the Agni-6. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth avoided singling out either India or Pakistan as a threat.
Punjab's Cabinet has approved a plan to end contractual employment, paving the way for over 65,000 workers across 51 departments to be regularized. This historic decision aims to provide job security and dignity, transitioning outsourced staff to contractual roles and eventually to permanent positions. The move ensures direct employer-employee relationships and benefits for thousands serving the state.
Delhi experienced a weather paradox in May, facing its hottest month in two years alongside its cleanest air quality in approximately five. Intense heatwaves and unusually warm nights were punctuated by pre-monsoon showers and strong winds, which significantly improved air quality, offering a welcome respite.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi stated that distance from conflict no longer guarantees freedom from consequences, especially with ongoing tensions impacting maritime routes around the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Navy has increased its presence and surveillance in the region to ensure the safe passage of trade and protect national interests amidst rising instability and strategic competition.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked with stones and shoes in West Bengal's Sonarpur while visiting families affected by post-poll violence. Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, condemned the incident, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the attack. The BJP denied involvement, attributing the incident to local anger.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee faced an attack during a visit to families affected by post-poll violence in West Bengal. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar was unanimously chosen as the Karnataka Congress Legislature Party leader. Vinesh Phogat missed a 2026 Asian Games spot after a semifinal loss. CUET-UG faced delays due to technical issues, and Delhi-NCR residents received severe thunderstorm alerts.
A Delhi court has ordered charges to be framed against 17 individuals, including Sukesh Chandrashekhar and Jacqueline Fernandez, in a Rs 200-crore extortion and money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate's probe revealed Chandrashekhar allegedly ran a criminal network from jail, extorting vast sums. Proceeds were used for lavish purchases, leading to this significant legal development.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee faced an attack during a visit to Sonarpur South in West Bengal. Stones and eggs were thrown at his convoy. Banerjee was meeting families affected by post-poll violence. He alleged the BJP was behind the incident. This visit marked his first public appearance after the assembly election results.
DK Shivakumar has been elected as the new leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Bengaluru. This decision follows Siddaramaiah's resignation as Karnataka chief minister. Shivakumar's astrologer has recommended June 3rd at 5:15 PM for his oath-taking ceremony at Lok Bhavan.
Students faced significant disruptions during the CUET-UG 2026 examination due to technical glitches and administrative confusion. Many were left waiting for hours at centers, with some exams not starting at all, leading to protests and questions about the NTA's operational preparedness.
FSSAI has issued a statutory notice to IRCTC after a viral video showed catering staff washing utensils in a train toilet on the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Ernakulam Duronto Express. The food regulator called the act extremely unhygienic and a serious food safety concern, demanding an immediate action taken report and explanation.
The RJD leader reacted sharply when reporters questioned her about a recent order issued by the state's building construction department allotting the 10, Circular Road residence in Patna to Dairy and Fisheries Minister Nand Kishor Ram. Yes, I can see that Samrat Choudhary, who has become the chief minister only recently, is quite excited. Let him get me evicted by force. I am not going to vacate the premises, said the indignant wife of RJD president Lalu Prasad.
A consumer commission in Andhra Pradesh has ordered Ola to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation to a woman passenger. She was left stranded on a highway by a driver while en route to a crucial judicial exam. The commission ruled Ola is liable for the driver's misconduct, emphasizing the company's duty of care to consumers using its platform.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth lauded India's military modernization and strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific. He highlighted New Delhi as a critical anchor for regional balance and praised its growing industrial capacity for high-end military operations. The US is pursuing co-production initiatives with India, including for Javelin munitions, to enhance collective readiness.
A coordinated priority is prepared through which we try to get our ships out. Currently, there are about 13 Indian-flagged vessels there: one LPG tanker, five crude oil tankers, one chemical or product tanker, three container ships, two bulk carriers, and one dredger. Our priority is to get our ships out that are currently inside, said Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized Prime Minister Modi over the NEET UG paper leak, accusing him of personally supervising the exam's integrity. This follows the Centre's assurance to the Supreme Court about the upcoming re-examination. The apex court expressed concern for students, while the NTA detailed extensive security reforms and new safeguards implemented to prevent future irregularities.
RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar downplayed concerns about the satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), stating that open debate and differing views are normal in a democratic society. He emphasized India's aware populace, transparent elections, free media, and active public discourse, asserting that institutions and political parties are capable of handling such discussions independently.
Doval and Patrushev assessed the status of proposals discussed during Patrushev's visit to New Delhi in November 2025. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation in maritime connectivity, shipbuilding, defence collaboration, and the training of sailors for operations in polar waters.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized what he termed a double standard regarding religious practices, stating that if offering namaz on roads is deemed wrong, then restrictions should apply equally to all faiths, citing Article 25 of the Constitution. He questioned why objections are raised against Muslim prayers but not religious processions of other communities.
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