The Times of India

The new VB-G RAM G rural employment scheme prioritizes water security and disaster mitigation. This initiative aims to address potential El Nino-triggered rain deficiency situations. Gram panchayats can undertake projects for disaster preparedness and climate change challenges. States facing rainfall deficits must strengthen water conservation and prepare for employment generation. The scheme also focuses on core rural infrastructure and rural livelihoods.

A new study highlights Gram Sabha participation fatigue, driven by unresolved grievances and lack of visible outcomes. Livelihood and time constraints significantly hinder public engagement in these local meetings. The report suggests launching awareness missions and livelihood-sensitive scheduling for better participation. Strengthening inclusive platforms will improve representation of women and vulnerable groups. The ministry will implement recommendations to make Gram Sabhas more effective.

Former UNLF chairman Rajkumar Meghen is in Delhi seeking a coalition for peace. He urges economic integration between Kuki and Meitei communities to build trust. Meghen suggests external forces are involved in the ongoing violence in the state. He claims the government has failed to build confidence and stop the conflict. The violence has displaced thousands and claimed many lives since May 2023.

Security forces launched a search operation after a Pakistani drone was spotted near the LoC. Blinking lights were observed over Mahadev Menka and Beripattan villages late Sunday. The suspected unmanned aerial vehicle briefly entered Indian airspace before returning towards Pakistan. Forces cordoned off the area and initiated a dawn search for any dropped payloads. No suspicious items were found during the extensive search operation.

Police searched offices in Jammu and Noida as a probe into controversial books widened. Investigators are examining how inappropriate content reached government school libraries. Officials suspended eight education personnel after the books were withdrawn from circulation. The administration registered a case under stringent anti-terror laws. This action ignited a political row and discussions on censorship.

Heavy rainfall caused a major landslide near the Kwar hydroelectric project in Kishtwar. Flash floods and mudslides blocked the Kishtwar-Doda Highway, burying several vehicles under debris. Large volumes of mud and boulders entered the project site, damaging construction equipment and materials. Three gates of the Baglihar dam were opened as the Chenab river water level increased significantly. District administrations in Doda and Kishtwar are monitoring weather conditions and river flow.

India faces significant energy system impact from El Nino's arrival. Renewable electricity generation may decrease while cooling demand rises. This could create an electricity generation gap of nearly eighteen terawatt-hours. Increased coal-fired power generation is the most likely outcome. Expanding solar power and battery storage is critical for grid resilience.

AIADMK leader K B S Raja resigned from the party on Monday. He is a cousin of party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami. Raja claimed he worked for the party for thirty years. He was denied an Assembly election ticket on two occasions. Raja did not announce his future political plans.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust detailed its finances and accepted key resignations. Over Rs 3,264 crore was received, with Rs 2,370 crore spent on temple construction. Devotees can verify their donations by visiting Ayodhya and inspecting records. Silver donations were melted into bars, with records available for inspection. The Trust is implementing reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in its operations.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri defended former general secretary Champat Rai following his resignation over a donation theft case, calling him untainted and his decision voluntary. The trust accepted resignations of Rai and trustee Anil Mishra after a preliminary report. Krishna Mohan takes over as interim general secretary, and a committee will recommend a permanent replacement.

The CBI has apprehended the NHAI Project Director in Shillong, Aanand Singh Chouhan, along with two private individuals, for allegedly demanding a Rs 12 lakh bribe. The bribe was sought to clear a contractor's pending payment of Rs 13.38 crore. An initial Rs 4 lakh advance was caught red-handed during a sting operation, leading to the arrests and ongoing investigations.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized the Modi government, citing India's declining passport rankings and increased passport fees. He questioned the government's claims of enhanced global respect, pointing to a drop in rankings and stagnant foreign tourist arrivals. Kharge alleged that citizens are paying more for subpar services, impacting India's international standing.

The Delhi high court has concluded wrestler Vinesh Phogat's plea challenging her initial exclusion from Asian Games trials, deeming it moot as she participated following court orders. However, the Wrestling Federation of India must now decide on a pending show-cause notice within two weeks, ensuring Phogat receives a personal hearing. This decision addresses immediate participation concerns while disciplinary proceedings continue.

Iran's Embassy in India expressed deep gratitude to New Delhi for its participation in the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The presence of an official delegation, political leaders, and citizens was hailed as a reflection of strong historical, cultural, and human bonds. This gesture of solidarity during Iran's national mourning has been deeply appreciated and will not be forgotten by the Iranian people.

Pakistan-based terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been formally accused by the NIA in the Pahalgam terror attack. The agency filed a supplementary chargesheet, naming Saeed as the orchestrator of the cross-border conspiracy. He faces charges for waging war against India and his leadership roles in Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front. This development follows the NIA's extensive investigation into the April 22 attack.

NDA leaders lodged a formal complaint with Karnataka's Chief Electoral Officer, alleging widespread irregularities in the ongoing electoral roll revision. They claim officials are disregarding approved processes, with Booth Level Officers reportedly not conducting mandatory door-to-door verification and instead using community halls and mosques. The opposition demands a thorough inquiry and strict action against those responsible, accusing the ruling Congress of facilitating illegal inclusions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant six-day tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand to bolster India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Key discussions will focus on defense, critical minerals, digital payments, and strengthening strategic partnerships, with a special emphasis on cultural ties and diaspora engagement across all three nations.

India faces a growing cancer burden, with an estimated 15.33 lakh new cases in 2024 and one in nine individuals at lifetime risk. A Rajya Sabha panel is seeking public and expert opinions on affordable screening, diagnosis, and treatment to address late diagnoses and rising costs. The committee aims to gather suggestions for improving early detection and reducing financial strain on patients, ensuring advanced cancer care reaches more people.

Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued notice to the central government on the applications seeking a stay on the operation of the eviction notice. The court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that the hearing before the Estate Officer, scheduled for July 7, is deferred until after the high court takes up the matter again on July 28.

The rise of AI has made it alarmingly easy for criminals to engage in digital fraud through a thriving 'Fraud-as-a-Service' network. With minimal effort, they can access advanced tools for executing complex schemes like AI-driven phishing, deepfakes, and identity theft. This alarming trend has escalated swiftly, especially in India, where rapid digitization coupled with limited digital awareness has led to massive financial losses across various sectors.

Reacting to the remarks, government sources said Asif's comments reflected ignorance and underscored the state of Pakistan's political leadership. That he could be entrusted with his current responsibility says much about today's Pakistan. Clearly, he has no day job and passes time by making silly comments on matters of which he has little knowledge. Envy is always a bad motivation, particularly so from someone steeped in hate speech, government sources told news agency ANI.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust convenes a critical meeting in Ayodhya amidst an embezzlement probe. Discussions will center on the resignations of key members Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, potential new administrative structures, and a briefing on the ongoing investigations into donation misuse. The trust will also review financial statements and consider appointing a CEO to oversee temple management.

The Madhya Pradesh government has reorganised the 10-member Wakf Board, with chief minister Mohan Yadav appointing Sanwar Patel as its chairman. The newly constituted board includes Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava as Hindu members, making it the first state-level Wakf Board in the country to include non-Muslim members under the amended Act.

Indonesia is set to integrate with India's UPI, aiming to build its own digital ecosystem inspired by India's public infrastructure. This collaboration extends beyond cross-border payments, with Indonesia looking to India's models for commerce, digital identity, and public services. The partnership, highlighted during PM Modi's visit, also encompasses food security, healthcare, and defence cooperation, fostering deeper bilateral ties.

India's fertilizer stocks are set to receive a significant boost as 15 out of 20 ships carrying vital cargo have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. This, coupled with three months of exceeding domestic urea production targets, ensures ample supply for farmers during the crucial kharif season. The government's proactive approach in securing alternative routes and fostering international partnerships has strengthened the nation's fertilizer availability.

A recent National Statistics Office survey reveals that childcare and household duties sideline nearly 69% of women in India's largest cities from the workforce, underscoring a persistent gender bias in caregiving responsibilities. While women earn 23% less than men in these urban centers, the quality of their employment shows improvement compared to smaller towns. The survey also highlights variations in female labor participation across different cities.

OPEC+ has approved an additional 188,000 barrels per day production increase for August, aiming to boost global crude availability and ease price pressures, particularly for importing nations like India. This move, part of a broader unwinding of production cuts, comes as global benchmark Brent crude nears pre-conflict levels. While oil firms anticipate breaking even on petrol and diesel soon, cooking gas sales continue to incur losses.

Government has issued a stern directive to Meta, demanding the immediate removal of all paid advertisements and content on Instagram promoting child sexual abuse material. Authorities are demanding a detailed explanation within seven days regarding how such ads were permitted and what safeguards are being implemented to prevent future occurrences. This action follows reports of Instagram ads being used to direct users to illegal content.

Motorists with traffic violations will soon face mandatory driving tests for license renewal. The government also plans to empower tribunals to grant interim compensation to accident victims, speeding up relief. These proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, approved by a Group of Ministers, aim to curb errant drivers and enhance road safety. The bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament soon.

Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the CISF and coal ministry to establish rapid response teams and implement a zero coal leakage plan to combat rising illegal mining and coal theft in Jharkhand. Multi-layered security will be deployed in vulnerable zones, with agencies now empowered to file cases, conduct searches, and seize illegally mined coal and equipment. Shah stressed rigorous, coordinated action and regular reviews.

India is significantly boosting LPG imports from the US, aiming to double current purchases and reduce reliance on Gulf nations. This strategic shift, spurred by recent West Asian conflicts, ensures a diversified supply chain and aids in building a crucial 30-day strategic reserve. The move also strengthens energy ties with the US, helping to balance trade.

Remembering Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, this tribute highlights his unwavering commitment to India's unity and selfless service. From his early life of privilege to his impactful roles as an educationist, minister, and founder of the Jana Sangh, Mookerjee championed national integrity and democratic values. His sacrifice for Jammu & Kashmir's integration remains a pivotal moment in India's history.

Automobile majors are backing the government's mandatory 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20), despite consumer concerns about mileage drops and potential material degradation in older vehicles. While official studies suggest minimal impact, vehicle owners report noticeable fuel efficiency losses. The controversy intensifies as India achieved its E20 target early, with speculation rising about even higher blending levels, prompting calls for consumer choice regarding fuel options.

A significant political battle is unfolding within the Trinamool Congress as rival factions, led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee, prepare to present their claims to the Election Commission. The dispute centers on control of the party's name, symbol, and assets, escalating after a legislative revolt and the rebel group's takeover of the party headquarters. The EC's decision will determine the 'real' Trinamool Congress.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini is confident the BJP will win Punjab's 2027 assembly polls without alliances, asserting their partnership is with the people. He criticized the AAP and Congress for unfulfilled promises, highlighting issues like drug abuse, unemployment, and farmer distress in Punjab. Saini contrasted this with Haryana's procurement and women's financial assistance schemes, aiming to bring a 'double-engine' government to Punjab.

Uddhav Thackeray has strongly criticized the Centre regarding alleged donation embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, asserting that hose looting Hindus are in power. He demanded an impartial investigation, warning that Hindus would not tolerate corruption in the name of religion. The controversy has led to arrests and prompted resignations, with wider scrutiny now on temple donation management.

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has formed a four-member panel to probe allegations of irregularities in handling pilgrim offerings and donations. This move follows social media claims and comes amid similar scrutiny at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The committee will examine CCTV footage and employee statements, with strict action promised if guilt is established. Devotees are urged to avoid spreading unverified information until the inquiry concludes.

West Bengal BJP leader Rahul Sinha has accused Mamata Banerjee of treating Trinamool Congress MLAs and MPs as mere servants. He cited a rebel leader's claim that elected representatives were forced to stand and applaud Abhishek Banerjee during a review meeting post-election defeat. This comes amid significant internal strife, with a rebel faction claiming substantial MLA support and several MPs merging with another party.

Concerns have arisen regarding significant donation embezzlement at the Ram Temple, with incidents reportedly reaching a climax during the Maha Kumbh, despite earlier warnings. In a separate case, a canal in Haryana revealed a disheartening situation as a newlywed woman and her alleged partner were taken into custody for her husband's murder.