The Times of India

Though RTE and RTI were among the main planks on which AAP acquired political salience at national level, the PIL by Jagmohan Singh Raju said RTE Acts mandate for a quota of 25% for children belonging to weaker and disadvantaged sections of society in schools remained largely unimplemented in state.

The image appears in the opening chapter, History of Arts, of Madhurima, NCERTs new class IX arts education textbook. In the version carried in the textbook, the torso of the figurine appears visually altered compared to photographs of the original artefact, with shading used across the upper body that obscures anatomical details visible in the sculpture.

The absence of a dedicated statutory mechanism creates uncertainty over liability, quantum of compensation, timelines for relief, claims procedures and access to justice. It requested govt to establish a statutory Ground Victims Compensation Framework, introduce strict liability provisions so victims only need to establish the injury, death or property damage resulted from an aircraft accident, provide mandatory interim compensation within a prescribed period, prescribe minimum compensation stan

Two-way trade, which first crossed $1 billion in 2024, reached $1.8 billion last year, with Indian exports of roughly $1.52 billion dwarfing imports of $284 million. That Modi chose this moment to visit Slovakia, becoming the first Indian prime minister to do so in 33 years, says as much about New Delhis reading of a fractured Europe as it does about Bratislava.

After a bilateral meeting between Modi and his counterpart Robert Fico, the two sides announced over a dozen outcomes, including a joint working group on counterterrorism, a letter of intent for promoting defence cooperation and an MoU on labour migration. Modi is on a two-day visit to Bratislava and will return to France on Tuesday for the G7 summit.

Nearly four decades ago, Haryana govt had acquired more than 1,500 acres of land at Panchkula for Sectors 24 to 28 and sold the plots to individuals. Later, various authorities one after the other increased the compensation payable to farmers for their land over the next decade. Intimating plot buyers earlier, Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) sent additional demand notices to them for a corresponding increase in plot prices.

Earlier, road transport ministry rolled out the scheme for additional payment for increase in bitumen prices by updating it every month. Prices of bitumen used in highway projects have increased from Rs 49,000 per tonne on Feb 28 to Rs 80,000 a tonne on June 1. The new policy will be out soon. Highway agencies will pay the differential amount between the base rate and prevailing price of bulk diesel, said an official.

Dhaka Monday summoned Indian charge daffaires Pawan Badhe to convey strong displeasure over the alleged treatment meted out to Zahed, a policy and strategy adviser to PM Tarique. Zahed had arrived in Delhi Sunday evening, on a regular Bangladeshi (green) passport with a SAARC visa, leading an official Bangladesh delegation for a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

The latest remarks by a US official sequencing developments that led to the attack seemed aimed at reassuring Indian authorities that US forces had not acted in a reckless manner in launching strikes on Settebello and two other foreign-flagged ships in the past week. However, the US is yet to express any regret for the deaths of Indian mariners.

India had in April too welcomed a temporary ceasefire announced by both sides, notwithstanding the fact that it had been brokered with help from Pakistan. On this occasion, Pakistan said after the announcement by both Trump and Iran that it would host in Geneva this week the signing of the agreement, which is expected to formally mark the end of the conflict that started on Feb 28.

Meanwhile, Union home secretary Govind Mohan reviewed the preparedness of state govts for the NEET(UG) retest with a special focus on student convenience, security arrangements, and the integrity of the process. He directed states and central agencies to ensure that security protocols are strictly followed. NTA said it is working towards resolving all issues, including refunds. Till Monday morning, over four lakh aspirants had downloaded their admit cards.

As someone chasing this mirage since 2006, I excitedly woke up at 3am in the city of nawabs to get ready for the flight. News of the US-Iran peace deal promised to remove the dark clouds over aviation and seemed like a good portent for the new airport. A contingent of around 80 business executives also boarded the flight, raising visions of the now sleepy Agra expressway resembling the Dwarka or Gurgaon expressways in the coming years with both sides of the stretch getting developed.

Better energy supplies may not bring immediate relief because extensive damage to facilities has created uncertainty over when normal operations will resume. India has a long-term gas supply contract with QatarEnergys Ras Laffan facility. UAEs Habshan Gas Plant was also damaged, disrupting operations. Officials said 60% of the plants capacity has been restored. They expect recovery to reach 80% by the end of 2026 and full structural restoration in 2027.

The UPSC has announced the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 results, with 13,343 candidates advancing to the Main Examination. These qualifiers must complete online formalities, including fee payment and cadre preference submission, by June 28 to remain eligible for recruitment into services like IAS, IFS, and IPS.

In an editorial, Murasoli accused Congress of repeatedly undermining its alliance partners in states while seeking their support during parliamentary elections.

After a wave of criticism, NCERT has decided to restore the authentic 'Dancing Girl' artwork in its Class 9 arts textbook. The previous modified version, which covered the figurine's torso, was regarded by many as a form of censorship. Following consultations with experts, the organization has chosen to present the true representation of this 4,500-year-old Indus Valley treasure.

Following a violent incident at a protest in Jaipur, Cockroach Janta Party leader Abhijeet Dipke called for calm among supporters. He condemned the attack as an attempt to instill fear, stressing that it would not weaken their push for Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over issues related to examination disputes and rising unemployment.

In a landmark achievement, India has executed a successful test of its homegrown Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) off the picturesque coast of Odisha. This cutting-edge missile showcases remarkable precision, targeting adversaries up to 1,500 kilometers away, positioning itself as a formidable rival to the renowned US Tomahawk.

Today, June 15, 2026, marks the observance of Somvati Amavasya, a highly auspicious day in Sanatan Dharma dedicated to honoring ancestors. This powerful new moon, falling on a Monday, is ideal for spiritual practices like pitru tarpan, charity, and worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees also engage in feeding cows and crows, believed to connect them with celestial beings and ancestors.

Rahul Gandhi is spearheading a national movement with Congress to tackle exam scandals, declaring that these repeated setbacks are stifling the ambitions of our youth. He encouraged students to band together and raise their voices louder, emphasizing that each incident of leakage or delay is a direct hit to the hopes of countless individuals.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has urged RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to disclose the organization's legal status, finances, and tax compliance. Citing the RSS's extensive presence and public mobilization, Kharge argued for accountability in a constitutional democracy. He called for transparency, suggesting formal registration and adherence to Indian laws, especially following recent remarks on university VCs attending RSS events.

A seven-year-old boy in Kerala's Malappuram district has succumbed to Shigella infection, marking the state's fourth fatality from the disease this year. The child was admitted with fever and diarrhea, later diagnosed with the bacterial illness. Kerala has seen 138 confirmed Shigella cases so far in 2026, with ongoing surveillance and containment efforts in affected areas.

A US trade delegation is set to visit India next week for crucial talks on a proposed trade agreement, following recent negotiations. Discussions are expected to cover goods trade, customs, and economic security. India is pushing for preferential tariffs and protection against future hikes.

AAP national convener credited divine intervention for the party's rise in the state and lauded the performance of the current administration.

Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool joined a special yoga session organized by the Indian High Commission for the 12th International Day of Yoga. The event, themed 'Yoga For Healthy Ageing,' highlighted yoga's benefits for preventive healthcare and holistic well-being, underscoring the shared heritage between India and Mauritius. Discussions also touched upon growing cooperation in AYUSH.

An Indian man, Mohmad Rijwan, was apprehended in Nepal's Lumbini Province after authorities discovered 63.5 grams of brown sugar hidden within his undergarments during a routine check. Police also confiscated his motorcycle. In a separate incident, 104 kilograms of marijuana were found in a crashed jeep in Koshi Province, with the driver having fled the scene.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the US-Iran understanding to end West Asian conflict, expressing hope for regional stability and safeguarded global commerce. The agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump, aims to lift the US blockade on Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a formal signing expected soon.

In an X post, the Chief Minister highlighted the contribution of farmers, describing them as the providers of grain and stating that they are central to the nation's development journey.

Nepal resumed its seasonal 40 MW hydropower supply to Bangladesh via the Indian grid, marking a landmark trilateral partnership. Running from mid-June to mid-November, the subregional trade meets Bangladesh's high-demand season. Both nations have agreed to expand the supply to 60 MW, pending India's final consideration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his European tour in Bratislava, Slovakia. He received a warm cultural welcome with traditional Slovak music and dance. A Slovak folk ensemble sang Vande Mataram. The custom of offering bread and salt symbolized hospitality. Prime Minister Modi also met the Indian community. Discussions with Slovak leaders will focus on strengthening cooperation.

India's food regulator, FSSAI, is cracking down on misleading health claims and brand names. Notices have been issued to numerous food businesses for products marketed as healthy or zero maida without proper substantiation. The authority aims to prevent consumer deception by ensuring accurate labelling and preventing the misuse of terms like organic and rue vitamin without necessary certifications.

Congress said India should put off the upcoming visit of US trade representatives in view of the killings of seafarers and Rubios threatening language with Jaishankar. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the PM for his silence over the killings. And you have the audacity to sugarcoat it with the Vishwaguru narrative.

Congress has planned a national outreach that will seek to unite students beyond political affiliations and provide a platform for the affected youth to share their experiences and demand accountability for repeated examination failures and paper leak scandals. AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said Rahul will also be holding conventions in Allahabad (July 10), Patna (July 11), and Delhi (July 14).

Ahead of TMC rebel MPs meeting the speaker to seek recognition as real TMC, MPs from party chief Mamata Banerjees camp Kirti Azad and Sagarika Ghosh submitted Abhisheks letter dated June 10, sent through email earlier at Birlas residence here, arguing the Constitution does not permit formation of a separate group within an existing political party.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared India's readiness to decisively counter security threats, granting armed forces full autonomy against terrorism. He criticized past governments' soft approach, highlighting current freedom to eliminate terrorists, even across borders. Singh also lauded Maharana Pratap as a symbol of national pride and linked his values to the Modi government's governance philosophy.