The Times of India
Elections 2026People / The Times of India
A father in Auraiya has been arrested for allegedly attempting to murder his 14-year-old transgender daughter. He reportedly beat her with a stick and threw her into a canal, motivated by her gender identity. The girl survived due to shallow water and was rescued by locals. She is in critical condition.
Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump met at the G7 Summit, prioritizing maritime security and the safety of Indian seafarers. Modi stressed the vital importance of open shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, and commended Trump's efforts in West Asia. The leaders also discussed trade deals, signaling renewed energy in India-US relations after a period of strain.
India's Supreme Court has recognized loss of domestic care as compensable, valuing homemakers' unpaid labor at Rs 30,000 monthly. This acknowledges the significant economic contribution of women's household work, estimated to be a substantial portion of GDP. Time-use surveys reveal a stark gender gap, with women dedicating far more hours to domestic duties, a disparity rooted in societal norms.
US President Trump indicated progress on an Iran deal, suggesting a swift second phase, while PM Modi attended a G7 summit where leaders agreed on tougher Russia sanctions. In India, Mamata Banerjee is challenging her election defeat, and the Shiv Sena UBT faces potential defections. Meanwhile, a Delhi software engineer's death in Dhanaulti is under police investigation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 33-year-old Dalit man was allegedly beaten to death in Uttar Pradesh after refusing to massage the feet of three men during a drunken gathering. The accused reportedly dumped his body on a road to stage a road accident. Police have arrested the trio and registered a murder case under the SC/ST Act.
Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders are criticizing the Centre and EAM Jaishankar over US Secretary Rubio's remarks following a call about the Middle East crisis. They argue the US showed no remorse for the deaths of three Indian sailors, instead issuing orders. Congress demands an unconditional apology and questions New Delhi's response.
CREA said India imported Russian hydrocarbons worth a total of 5.8 billion euros ($6.7 billion) and crude oil constituted 83% of the purchase. China remained biggest importer of Russian energy with purchases totalling nearly 7 billion euros ($8.1 billion), the report said.
Addressing the RSS centenary celebrations, chief Mohan Bhagwat declared the organization the world's largest voluntary body, yet most misunderstood. He explained the outreach aims to clarify misconceptions, noting external views range from paramilitary to gymnasium. Bhagwat emphasized direct engagement as the best way to understand the Sangh's true nature and its century-long mission of national welfare.
Alleging BJP steals elections, Rahul said he had warned friends in TMC, who were confident that they were sweeping Bengal polls, that they were in dreamland stating he had seen it in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Maharashtra. He said BJP cant win the next polls, which is already won, because people are angry, but the hurdle is that elections will not be free and fair.
Speaking at the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) among the Centre, govt of Assam and govt of Nagaland for oil and mineral exploration along the Assam-Nagaland border, Shah said that in PM Narendra Modis efforts to establish lasting peace and push development in the north-east, a dozen peace pacts had been signed since 2019, with violent incidents down 80% and the total area under AFSPA shrinking by 80%.
In a pointed critique, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public expressions of gratitude toward US President Donald Trump. Kejriwal argued that India must safeguard its sovereignty and national interests above all else, referencing recent attacks on Indian vessels and the tragic loss of Indian lives.
India is prioritizing quantum technology over AI for its next major tech advancement, with a new Advanced Quantum Computing and Quantum Communications Lab established at MNIT Jaipur. The lab will focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography, crucial for national security.
Ahead of PM Narendra Modis visit to France next week for the G7 summit, French ambassador Thierry Mathou tells TOI in an exclusive interview that Indias involvement with the group of the worlds most advanced and industrialised nations has become indispensable. Mathou said Indias participation in a defensive mission to secure Strait of Hormuz once the conflict is over would send a powerful signal.
Home minister Amit Shah is set to launch the Land Port Management System (LPMS), a digital platform designed to streamline cargo and passenger processing at all land ports. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and security in cross-border operations, bringing them on par with airport and seaport systems.
At the UNGA, India took a bold stand against Pakistan, critiquing its manipulation of UN discussions for political leverage. The Indian envoy reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir is a core component of India, calling out Pakistan's attempts to distort facts as flimsy and ineffective.
State-run Oil India Limited (OIL) has announced the discovery of natural gas in its third exploratory well, Vijayapuram-3, located off the Andaman Islands. This finding further strengthens the hydrocarbon potential of the region, with gas confirmed through continuous flaring and pressure build-up. OIL has now established hydrocarbon presence in two of its three wells in the Andaman offshore block.
Ladakh's Buddhist women's wing is strongly opposing the Union Territory's new excise policy allowing liquor sales, fearing it will worsen social issues like drug abuse and domestic violence. They advocate for stricter drug control and warn of protests if the policy isn't reconsidered, emphasizing women's role in preserving the region's social fabric.
Throughout his tenure, Annamalai distinguished himself through relentless attacks on Dravidian politics and the leaders who shaped it. His criticism was not restricted to political opponents. Even while the BJP was aligned with the AIADMK, he repeatedly targeted figures from the ally's camp, creating friction within the alliance and widening differences between the two parties.
A 52-year-old Sherpa guide, Dawa 'Hillary' Sherpa, presumed dead on Mount Everest after vanishing on May 29, was miraculously found alive six days later near Base Camp. He survived over 12km of treacherous terrain without supplies, scavenging for sustenance after the climbing season ended and routes were dismantled.
A 42-year-old Delhi University assistant professor, Debosmita Paul, was discovered murdered in her Vasundhara Enclave apartment. Her sister found her with severe head injuries, suggesting an attack with a blunt object and possibly a sharp weapon. While robbery isn't the primary suspect, investigators are exploring her personal and professional life, including ongoing separation proceedings.
India is set to significantly expand its ethanol dispensing stations, with 500 planned by December and 5,000 by 2027, to boost flex-fuel vehicle adoption. This initiative, marked by the launch of Maruti Suzuki's WagonR flex-fuel car, aims to reduce fuel imports. The government is implementing supportive measures including pricing incentives and infrastructure development.
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement with India soon, stating that the previous trade imbalance has now reversed. Both nations have been engaged in constructive negotiations, aiming to finalize an interim trade pact while broader discussions continue. Despite ongoing talks, concerns remain regarding potential US tariffs on imports from several economies, including India.
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.
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.

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