The Times of India
Elections 2026Politics / The Times of India
India's First Constitutional Amendment in 1951 profoundly reshaped the nation's democracy. It balanced fundamental rights like free speech and property with state needs for public order and social reform. This pivotal change, enacted before the first elections, introduced mechanisms to protect reform laws and expanded grounds for speech restrictions, setting a precedent for ongoing debates.
West Bengal witnesses a surge in egg-throwing incidents targeting Trinamool Congress leaders. BJP leader Agnimitra Paul calls this 'deemocracy', citing public anger over alleged corruption and misgovernance. Recent events include attacks on Kunal Ghosh and Soumitra Banerjee. Residents also targeted a vehicle linked to Madan Mitra. These protests highlight growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
Jharkhand is witnessing a keenly contested Rajya Sabha election for two seats today. With three candidates in the fray, including BJP-backed Parimal Nathwani, JMM's Baidyanath Ram, and Congress' Pranav Jha, the focus is on the battle for the second seat. Both ruling and opposition blocs are employing strategies to prevent cross-voting, with MLAs housed in hotels and mock polls conducted.
India's push for green hydrogen gained momentum with the launch of a new certification portal by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. This initiative aims to streamline regulations and boost domestic manufacturing, evidenced by incentives for electrolyser production and pilot projects in the steel sector. The mission is actively reducing import dependence, with significant agreements for green ammonia supply to fertilizer plants.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the ongoing impact of West Asian crises on the Global South, urging international solidarity. He proposed a global skills partnership and an International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT) to foster shared growth and resilience.
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.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly criticized Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's decision to rename a road near the US Consulate after President Donald Trump. CPM General Secretary MA Baby expressed concern that this move, occurring amidst US military actions, undermines India's sovereignty and anti-imperialist ideals. He urged the Congress high command to intervene and withdraw the decision.
Karnataka government will soon issue guidelines for medical students on appropriate behavior and respect towards donated bodies for study. This follows viral clips of students disrespecting cadavers, sparking a debate on ethics. The ethics committee will meet to discuss reinforcing existing guidelines for handling donated bodies.
Rahul Gandhi's public release of his INDIA bloc speech has irked allies, particularly Left parties, who emphasize mutual trust for effective resistance against the BJP. Concerns were raised about Gandhi's remarks on Pinarayi Vijayan and the unilateral release of internal discussions. DMK also reiterated its stance against Congress due to a state-level alliance issue.
The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre for its response on the ban imposed on Telegram, which is challenging the temporary restriction ahead of the NEET-UG retest. The government claims to have shocking material to share, citing ongoing issues with channels involved in examination-related activities resurfacing after being blocked.
PM Modi and President Trump discussed the safety of Indian seafarers amidst a US-Iran peace agreement. Trump acknowledged the risks of the profession while Modi emphasized the importance of maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders also touched upon trade, defense, and geopolitical issues, with Trump expressing confidence in strong US-India ties.
Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered a significant upgrade of the national cyber crime helpline '1930'. The directive emphasizes integrating advanced technology like AI and multilingual support to enhance reporting and redressal. Shah stressed swift action on cyber financial fraud complaints, including prioritizing bank account freezing issues, and called for stronger measures against mule accounts.
The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand are shaping up to be a nail-biter. The INDIA bloc, boasting 56 MLAs, appears to have the upper hand with a potential for two seats, but the BJP, rallying behind an independent candidate, is poised to sow discord through cross-voting, reminiscent of previous electoral surprises in Bihar and Odisha.
The Indian government has temporarily restricted Telegram access. This action follows allegations of misuse by organised networks. The government plans to present evidence of this misuse in court. The restrictions are in place to ensure the integrity of national examinations. Access is limited until June 22. A message editing feature is also disabled until June 30.
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.
The NDA is considering reviving the women's quota bill amidst opposition party shifts. Rahul Gandhi criticizes the Telegram ban, arguing it targets students over exam leak culprits. Akhilesh Yadav denies Samajwadi Party splits, blaming the BJP for engineered defections.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government's temporary ban on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, calling it a diversionary tactic targeting students instead of paper leak networks.
Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan has firmly stated that the Centre will not be permitted to interfere in the state's autonomy regarding school curriculum decisions. Following a cabinet meeting, Satheesan emphasized that shaping educational content is within the state's domain, asserting Kerala's commitment to safeguarding its authority in this matter.
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of orchestrating the withdrawal of his and Rabri Devi's Z-plus security cover. Following the downgrade, RJD workers took over guarding Rabri Devi's residence, asserting their duty to protect her in the absence of Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav.
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.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde is reportedly in touch with a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs for 'Operation Tiger,' potentially leading to another split. This move, if successful, could significantly weaken Uddhav Thackeray's faction and bolster the NDA's parliamentary strength. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have dismissed the reports, dubbing the alleged move 'Operation Wolf'.
Russian messaging platform Telegram has challenged the Centre's decision to ban the app in the Delhi High Court. The temporary ban was imposed ahead of the NEET-UG re-test due to concerns over exam-related content circulation. Telegram is seeking judicial intervention against the government's restriction.
A 26-year-old migrant worker from Bihar, Rohit, is bedridden with multiple fractures after bravely rescuing colleagues from a Delhi building fire. He has received no compensation from the government, leaving his family struggling financially. With Rohit unable to work and his wife and sister caring for him, their children's education has been halted.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has searched 17 locations linked to Suraksha Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (SARCL) promoter Sudhir Valia and senior executives. The searches are part of a money laundering probe into alleged collusion between SARCL and Yes Bank's former co-promoter Rana Kapoor, involving circular transactions and undervaluation of assets.
Cough syrups will now require a doctor's prescription as the Centre has removed them from a decades-old exemption. This move, following concerns over contaminated syrups, brings all formulations under regular regulatory oversight. The change aims to enhance accountability and public health safety in the distribution of these commonly used medicines.
'Lack Of Trust, Respect For Int'l Law In World'
In the wake of Prime Minister Modi's encounter with Donald Trump at the G7, opposition factions have come out strongly against him, highlighting the heartbreaking deaths of three Indians due to a US military strike. The Congress party circulated a video purportedly showing Trump dismissing Modi, and the AAP denounced the cordiality of their interaction as 'embarrassing.
The Calcutta High Court has stepped into a political quagmire, examining the West Bengal Assembly Speaker's role in appointing the Leader of Opposition amidst a contentious dispute. Rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee's unexpected rise over candidate Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, endorsed by Mamata Banerjee, has raised eyebrows.

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