The Times of India

India is bolstering its energy security by deepening ties with Venezuela, a top crude oil supplier. Discussions between PM Modi and Venezuela's acting President focused on long-term energy contracts and cooperation in critical minerals, tech, and agriculture. This move diversifies India's oil sources amidst global supply chain challenges.

India's crucial southwest monsoon has officially arrived in Kerala, three days later than anticipated. This marks the start of the four-month rainy season vital for agriculture. While the forecast was slightly off, the India Meteorological Department expects the monsoon to advance further across the country in the coming days, bringing much-needed rainfall.

BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate list omits Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, fueling cabinet reshuffle speculation. Notably, no outgoing MPs were renominated, with organizational functionaries securing berths. The party is yet to announce candidates from Jharkhand and Karnataka, leaving room for potential ministerial retention.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed claims of discrimination against minorities in India as propaganda and a malicious campaign. He highlighted a significant increase in the ministry's budget over the past decade, from Rs 1,949 crore to Rs 4,115 crore, as evidence of the government's commitment.

National Conference plans a New Delhi protest for statehood and constitutional guarantees, believed to refer to Article 370. Rebel MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi expressed willingness to join, urging a broader movement and outreach to opposition parties for sustained public support in the Valley.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged supporters not to gather at Delhi Airport on 6 June, citing public and security concerns. Instead, he will seek permission at Parliament Street Police Station for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar demanding Dharmendra Pradhans resignation over examination controversies. The party also appointed Saurav Das, Vijeta Dahiya and Ashutosh Ranka as spokespersons.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has requested states and Union territories to nominate senior and young IAS officers for a mentorship and knowledge-sharing event at the Statue of Unity on Ekta Diwas. This initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suggestion, aims to foster engagement and share expertise among civil servants.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran has dismissed rumors of K Annamalai's resignation or plans to launch a new political outfit, stating there are no differences between them. This clarification follows intense speculation after Annamalai's meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, fueled by reported disagreements over alliance strategies and Annamalai's desire to build the BJP as an independent force.

IIT-Roorkee's inaugural Data Science and AI BTech batch achieved 100% placements, with students securing roles at leading tech and finance firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. The program, a collaboration with the Mehta Family Foundation, emphasizes practical AI development. This success highlights the growing demand for AI-skilled graduates.

The Supreme Court is examining whether fitness bands are communication devices, a classification disputed by importer GOQii Technologies. The company argues their devices are primarily measuring instruments, not for data transmission, but customs and a tribunal upheld the communication device classification due to Bluetooth connectivity and data sharing with coaches.

Trinamool Congress rebels have voiced dissent against Abhishek Banerjee, citing a post-election meeting where criticism of his leadership was forbidden. Expelled MLA Sandipan Saha stated legislators were instructed to applaud Banerjee despite electoral setbacks, highlighting growing resentment over concentrated power.

A viral social media post ignited a debate on housing society rules, highlighting suspicions towards bachelors and young couples. While societies need regulations for smooth functioning, many residents feel unfairly scrutinized and stereotyped, leading to a clash between community order and personal autonomy.

The BJP has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's economic tsunami warning, calling it fear-mongering. Party leader Amit Malviya highlighted India's economic resilience with strong indicators like rising E-way bills and FDI, asserting the government has implemented measures to protect citizens and businesses from global shocks, contrasting it with the UPA era's economic vulnerabilities.

On Wednesday, a group of 58 rebel MLAs led by expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee claimed control of the TMC legislature party after securing recognition from Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose. The dramatic development capped nearly two weeks of mounting tensions fuelled by allegations of forged signatures, resentment over the growing influence of Abhishek Banerjee and an increasingly visible succession struggle within the organisation.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the Modi government over the NEET-UG paper leak, citing the tragic suicide of aspirant Akanksha. He highlighted the farmer father's sacrifices and blamed the corrupt, broken system for her death. Gandhi also questioned Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's continued tenure and accused PM Modi of damaging India's education.

A proposed All India Medical Service, envisioned to create a national cadre of doctors akin to IAS and IPS, remains under consideration by the Union health ministry. Despite years of consultations, the ministry is still awaiting responses from several states and Union Territories before proceeding with the plan.

The investigation was transferred to the NIA following demands for a central inquiry into the explosion. Since assuming charge of the case, the agency has arrested several people, including TMC leader Wahidul Islam. Officials from a special NIA team arrived at Molla's residence to gather information and examine possible links to the case. During the operation, Molla's wife and daughter were seen entering the premises.

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi vehemently denies being a fugitive, asserting he has never been convicted of any crime and labels the tag as media sensationalism. He argues that his global travel demonstrates he is not evading authorities, questioning the legal basis for any potential arrest after years of investigations.

The Union Cabinet has recommended an ordinance to ease tax rules for foreign investors in certain securities, aiming to strengthen the rupee. This move follows significant foreign portfolio investor withdrawals and addresses concerns raised by FPIs regarding capital gains and securities transaction taxes.

CBSE has clarified that students applying for Class XII answer sheet verification and re-evaluation can use various online payment options, not just specific bank accounts. The board also confirmed its online portal is functioning smoothly despite a significant cyberattack attempt shortly after its launch. Over 43,000 applications have been processed so far.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is in India for her inaugural official visit, aiming to mitigate economic impacts of current conflicts and bolster global stability. She will meet with counterpart S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Modi to advance engagement, building on recent efforts to expedite the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

Congress plans to intensify its agitation on NEET-CBSE controversies over the next fortnight, urging members to focus on student and youth issues. The party is wary of rival political parties using the protests for their own agenda, drawing parallels to past movements. Youth Congress and NSUI are holding nationwide protests, emphasizing NEET as their primary concern.

Several Union ministers carpooled to a cabinet meeting at Seva Teerth. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to reduce vehicle fleets. Ministers like Nitin Gadkari, J P Nadda, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Mansukh Mandaviya shared rides. This initiative emphasizes sustainability and leads by example amid global energy concerns. Earlier, ministers and chief ministers had reduced their convoys.

Narendra Modi is set to become the longest-serving unbroken head of government in India, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru on June 10. Modi's tenure, beginning May 26, 2014, will reach 4,399 days, just ahead of Nehru's 4,398 days. This milestone highlights a significant shift in Indian political leadership and policy direction.

Trinamool Congress faces a significant crisis with a faction claiming majority MLA support. The West Bengal assembly speaker's role is crucial in identifying the original party, a decision guided by the Supreme Court's directives on party constitution and leadership structure outside the assembly, not just legislative numbers.

The Supreme Court sternly stated that police officers abusing their position must face strict consequences, as normal presumptions for accused individuals won't apply. It cancelled anticipatory bail for three Maharashtra police officers accused of harassing a family and extorting money after a search on a train.

The Supreme Court ruled that individuals with qualifications exceeding the maximum prescribed for a job can be disqualified. This decision aims to ensure employment opportunities for those with lower educational attainment, preventing overqualified candidates from displacing genuinely eligible applicants.

The BJP-led NDA sees a smoother legislative path as key opposition rivals TMC and DMK face internal challenges. A split within TMC and DMK's strained ties with Congress create opportunities for the ruling coalition to advance its agenda, including simultaneous elections, with renewed vigor.

The Trinamool Congress faces a significant internal crisis in West Bengal, raising questions about its national parliamentary strength and its role within the INDIA bloc. With a crucial opposition meeting scheduled, Mamata Banerjee's party is strategizing to maintain unity among its MPs and counter the BJP's influence amidst these developments.

A 28-year-old Kolkata woman, Anisha Chakraborty, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident in Birmingham, UK, just after completing her master's degree. She was on her way home from a pub outing when a black Audi RSQ8 struck her. Her family is awaiting the repatriation of her body, while a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the costs.

Ladakh's first model border village is being established at Chumur, a remote settlement at 16,700 feet along the India-China border. This initiative under the Vibrant Village Program will provide climate-resilient housing, enhance livelihoods through goat rearing and greenhouse cultivation, and integrate essential services to foster secure, permanent settlements and strengthen civil-defence cooperation.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a strategy session with National Conference MLAs and MPs at Dachigam National Park. The meeting concluded with a call for a protest in New Delhi during Parliament's monsoon session, demanding the restoration of J&K's statehood. The party also resolved to push for a ban on liquor in the region.

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, is in India for a five-day visit aimed at boosting energy cooperation and exploring trade, investment, and technology partnerships. This visit comes as India seeks to diversify its oil sources amidst West Asian disruptions. Rodriguez will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi, building on existing energy ties, including a joint venture with ONGC Videsh.

Expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee claims Speaker recognized him as opposition leader, signaling a major internal crisis. Fifty-eight rebel MLAs support this move, proposing a new leadership structure. This revolt, the party's biggest challenge, follows a significant election defeat and has prompted a TMC organizational overhaul.

A devastating Delhi hotel fire claimed 21 lives, including 17 foreign nationals, with investigations revealing safety lapses and illegal expansion. In West Bengal, a TMC leader claimed rebel status as opposition leader. Meanwhile, India condemned a Kuwait airport attack that killed an Indian national. DK Shivakumar took oath as Karnataka CM, projecting Congress unity.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led alliance has allocated a Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu to its partner, the Indian National Congress. This decision comes ahead of the biennial elections scheduled for June 18. The Congress had previously requested the seat, which will now be filled by their nominated candidate.

A Trinamool Congress rebellion is deepening, with expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee challenging Abhishek Banerjee's authority rather than Mamata Banerjee's leadership. This internal strife, fueled by disputes over decision-making and the leader of opposition appointment, signals a proxy battle over succession, echoing past regional party struggles. The focus is on Abhishek's growing influence and organizational control.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes the Election Commission's voter list revision, fearing it could disenfranchise Muslims, women, migrants, and the poor, creating excluded Indians. He alleges the exercise, which has already removed millions, is a precursor to identifying illegal immigrants. The Supreme Court, however, has upheld the EC's authority to ensure accurate electoral rolls.

India's birth rate has dropped below replacement levels. However, demographic trends vary significantly across the nation. While cities are seeing fewer births, some states like Bihar show different patterns. Families are having fewer children, impacting social structures. Infant mortality has decreased, but the first week of life remains critical.