The Times of India
Elections 2026National / The Times of India
India grapples with widespread self-medication, a habit deeply ingrained in its healthcare culture. While responsible self-care for minor ailments is encouraged, the unsupervised use of prescription drugs, especially antibiotics, fuels antimicrobial resistance. Recent government regulations on cough syrups signal a push for safer medicine use, but experts emphasize the need for improved healthcare access and public awareness to break this dangerous dependency.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary has denied allegations of receiving a nearly Rs 1 crore subsidy from his ministry for his own farm, stating he applied years before becoming a minister and that the project is transparent. The claims have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who label it a ew model of corruption and a conflict of interest within the government.
Security agencies have issued a high alert for Delhi and Uttarakhand following intelligence indicating potential attacks by Khalistani terrorists. Temples, government buildings, railway stations, and police installations are identified as possible targets. The threat, reportedly received via email, has prompted heightened vigilance and security reviews across sensitive locations. Investigations are underway to verify the authenticity and origin of the threat.
NCERT has clarified that the Preamble remains in its Class 9 Social Science textbooks, refuting removal claims. Sources indicate a curriculum redesign under the National Curriculum Framework, with topics redistributed. Constitutional values are introduced earlier and will be detailed in Grade 10. The revised textbook, however, introduces a chapter on the 1975-77 Emergency, a significant addition for students.
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot criticizes the BJP, alleging justice is delayed in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case despite a four-year lapse. He claims only 21 of 180 witnesses have testified, suggesting deliberate stalling for electoral advantage. Gehlot points out the absence of the issue in Prime Minister Modi's recent Rajasthan visits, urging voters to recognize the BJP's alleged political maneuvering over genuine justice for the victim's family.
A Patna court has decided to extend the interim protection from arrest for the renowned educator Faisal Khan, widely known as Khan Sir, amidst a dramatic shooting incident linked to his coaching institute. The incident involves claims of vandalism and gunfire allegedly instigated by his security guards under Khan Sir's instructions. Final arguments are set for June 30, and Khan Sir is reported to be fully cooperative with investigators.
Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure has strongly backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, citing New Delhi's significant global stature, population, and contributions to international peace. Faure emphasized the need for reforms in global institutions to reflect current geopolitical realities, advocating for better representation for countries like India and regions such as Africa. He described the India-Seychelles relationship as an excellent, long-standing strate
A shocking lapse has occurred at a Faridabad police station where 32 licensed weapons, including high-value foreign firearms, have vanished from the armoury. The malkhana in-charge has been suspended and a criminal investigation launched after a routine inspection revealed the significant discrepancy. Police suspect the weapons may have been sold in surrounding regions. Authorities have vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
The BJP has accused the Congress of vote bank politics after Sonia Gandhi criticized the government's stance on the Gaza conflict. Gandhi alleged the Modi government remained silent on the humanitarian crisis and shifted India's foreign policy closer to Israel. The BJP countered that India has consistently articulated its position and provided aid, while accusing the Congress of selective outrage.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding donations to the Ram Temple. She highlighted the need for severe consequences for those responsible and raised concerns about whether lower-tier staff could act independently without higher-ups' influence. Gandhi asserted that the inquiry should be transparent and hold all involved parties accountable for their actions.
Speculation arose after Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray were seen on the same flight. Despite political differences, BJP MLC Pratap Lad downplayed the encounter, emphasizing cordial relations and noting Thackeray's attendance at his daughter's wedding. Lad also expressed surprise at Thackeray using a commercial flight, while denying BJP involvement in recent Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP defections.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak downplayed the Ram Mandir donation controversy, questioning why funds for the Babri Masjid aren't scrutinized. He accused opposition parties of appeasement politics and attacking Sanatan culture to win Muslim votes. Pathak also alleged illegal activities and terror funding in madrasas. An FIR has been lodged against eight individuals in the Ram Temple donation case, with an SIT investigating the matter.
Akhilesh claimed the unravelling of the case was only chapter one of the reckoning and that the fallout would only intensify, with the BJP and its affiliates, including the RSS, beginning to expose one another. Along with the PM CARES Fund, even unregistered entities will now have to account for their actions. The 'BJP and the gang' will not escape the God's audit, he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut indicated a larger role for Aaditya Thackeray, citing his capability to lead the party forward amidst its second split. This comes as six party MPs recently joined the rival faction. Uddhav Thackeray is set to tour affected constituencies to connect with voters and party workers. Raut refrained from calling defectors 'rebels', alleging they were motivated by financial gains.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has questioned the FIR in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, alleging it targets only lower-level employees while sparing those responsible for larger wrongdoing. He criticized the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's functioning, claiming it disregarded religious traditions and was politically influenced. The seer also accused the BJP of having fake Hindutva, urging voters to support candidates committed to Sanatan Dharma.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath vowed strict action against those found guilty of embezzling donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, following an FIR against eight individuals. He emphasized the government's swift response after an SIT report, urging against politicizing faith and asserting that evidence will be presented. The accused, involved in counting temple cash, have been arrested and are under questioning.
Six brave Indian soldiers, including five from the Army and one from the Air Force, who sacrificed their lives during Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, have been identified. Their names will be permanently inscribed at the National War Memorial. The operation saw precision strikes against terror launchpads, eliminating over 100 terrorists and showcasing India's resolute stance against extremism.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged a legislative overhaul to make passports and Aadhaar cards conclusive proof of Indian citizenship. He highlighted the public confusion following the MEA's clarification that passports are travel documents, not definitive citizenship proof. Tharoor argued that this creates an absurd legal paradox for citizens and proposed a dual-document policy to resolve the issue.
Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Jyoti Waghmare has lodged a complaint with the National Commission for Women against fellow MP Sanjay Raut. Waghmare accuses Raut of persistent use of abusive language and public insults directed at women representatives. The complaint seeks immediate criminal proceedings, citing Raut's conduct over the past four years as detrimental to Maharashtra's political culture. This action follows Raut's controversial remarks amidst recent party defections.
In a significant regulatory update, fertility clinics and sperm banks are now required to register under the ART and Surrogacy Acts to access necessary IVF laboratory materials. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued this guideline to prevent unregistered entities from gaining access to critical supplies like IVF media and reagents, which could pose risks to patient health.

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