The Times of India

India and Cyprus elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, aiming to boost bilateral investments in sectors like defense and tourism. This move strengthens Cyprus's defense capabilities and positions it as a key European entry point for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, countering regional geopolitical challenges.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the viral Cockroach Janta Party, announced their website was taken down, accusing the BJP-led Centre of dictatorial behavior. Dipke claimed nearly 10 lakh people had joined the satirical platform, with 6 lakh signing a petition for the Education Minister's resignation over the NEET-UG controversy.

Actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan clarified a viral home-from-work slip-up, explaining he meant work from home while discussing PM Modi's appeal amid rising fuel costs. He expressed bewilderment at his statements becoming internet sensations, stating he's just a human who makes mistakes like anyone else.

Following Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's Delhi visit, the Centre has approved Rs 39,000 crore for West Bengal's water resources ministry schemes. Prime Minister Modi pledged support for central projects and economic development, aiming to boost welfare initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and rural employment. Discussions also covered border security with Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Delhi High Court strongly criticized the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for its stance on Vinesh Phogat's Olympic 2024 disqualification, calling it a ational shame. The court vowed to ensure Phogat's participation in upcoming Asian Games trials, deeming WFI's selection policy absolutely retrograde and potentially discriminatory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced sharp criticism from Congress for a third fuel price hike in ten days, with the party labeling him Mehengai Man Modi. Accusations claim the government prioritizes oil companies over citizens, raising petrol and diesel prices again. This move, impacting ordinary people, contrasts with global relief efforts, sparking concerns about benefiting capitalists.

Congress MP Vivek Tankha has alerted the government to soaring airfares impacting Indian workers in the Gulf. He urged ministers to make travel affordable for the summer vacation period, citing that current fixed travel allowances are insufficient. Millions of families are now unable to reunite annually due to the doubled costs, creating a significant economic burden.

Global powers are now vying for India's attention, recognizing its growing influence. While the US seeks to bolster trade, India has been actively forging significant trade agreements, positioning itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Nivesh Karki, executive director and co-founder of Pioneer Adventure, the expedition agency handling the dead climbers, said, They fell ill while descending at high altitude. We are working out how to retrieve the bodies.

The Supreme Court on Friday chose not to comment on observations questioning its earlier bail denial to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. While hearing bail pleas for other riot accused, the bench indicated it might grant interim bail, but will consider Delhi Police's plea for a larger bench review on UAPA bail norms.

India is set to revolutionize its private space manufacturing landscape with new Common Technical Facilities launching in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. These innovative shared spaces will harness cutting-edge testing and integration infrastructure, paving the way for startups and companies to craft advanced spacecraft and launch vehicles more efficiently.

Founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, Abhijeet Dipke, has reported receiving death threats on WhatsApp, urging him to shut down the viral social media outfit or join the BJP. His parents have also voiced concerns about his safety and potential arrest due to the party's rapid online popularity.

A jhalmuri vendor from Jhargram, who served Prime Minister Modi, claims to be receiving threatening calls from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The vendor, Vikram Sao, has informed the police, who have provided security. Sao, the sole breadwinner, fears for his safety while cycling and has appealed to the PM for protection after his interaction went viral.

Mount Everest, often a site of triumph, turned somber as two Indian climbers, Arun Kumar Tiwari and Sandeep Are, tragically lost their lives while descending from its peak. Reports confirmed their deaths on Friday, with experts suggesting extreme fatigue was to blame.

The Supreme Court has assured three academics that harsh remarks against them in a previous order will be deleted. These remarks stemmed from a Class 8 NCERT chapter on judicial corruption. The court clarified its concern was the chapter's content, not the individuals, emphasizing the need for balanced academic discussions on the judiciary while respecting constitutional frameworks.

Polling for the Rajya Sabha elections will take between 9 am and 4 pm, with counting scheduled to begin at 5 pm the same day. The Election Commission said the entire poll process will conclude by June 20. The Commission clarified that voters will be allowed to use only the integrated violet sketch pens supplied by the Returning Officer for marking preferences on ballot papers. Use of any other pen during voting will not be permitted.

India is grappling with a severe shortage of bitumen, threatening the pace of road construction and upkeep amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. Prices for key VG-40 bitumen have skyrocketed, nearly doubling, while available supplies have plummeted.