The Times of India

Following a significant electoral defeat, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has told unhappy party leaders they are free to leave, vowing to rebuild the Trinamool Congress. She urged loyalists to restore damaged party offices and reconnect with grassroots workers, asserting the party will not bow down despite the perceived looting of the people's mandate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vehemently denied reports suggesting the government was considering a cess or tax on foreign travel. He stated there was no truth to these claims and reiterated the commitment to improving 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living' for citizens, dismissing any notion of imposing such restrictions.

Following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's ruling that the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex is a temple of Goddess Saraswati, caveat pleas were filed in the Supreme Court. These precautionary legal notices were lodged by Hindu litigants anticipating a challenge to the verdict from the Muslim side.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has strongly criticized RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's suggestion for continued dialogue with Pakistan. Sibal labeled the remarks as 'obnoxious' and questioned the RSS leader's standing to make such statements. He highlighted the perceived double standard in political reactions to dialogue proposals.

CBI arrested a Chemistry teacher, identified as the kingpin behind the NEET-2026 paper leak, from Pune. The teacher, PV Kulkarni, allegedly conducted special coaching classes dictating leaked questions and answers to students. The medical entrance exam was subsequently cancelled, with a re-examination scheduled for June 21.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant likened some unemployed youth to cockroaches who become activists attacking institutions. He made these remarks while hearing a lawyer's plea for senior advocate designation, questioning the petitioner's conduct and social media posts. The court emphasized that senior designation is earned, not chased.

The Indian Medical Association has urged the government to decentralize NEET-UG exams and implement online testing to prevent future paper leaks. Expressing deep concern over the NEET-UG 2026 irregularities, the IMA called for a CBI probe, swift arrests, and fast-track courts to restore public trust in the selection process for aspiring doctors.

India's monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala on May 26, eight days earlier than usual. This early onset, however, doesn't guarantee sufficient rainfall for the season, as the India Meteorological Department forecasts 'below normal' precipitation amid El Nio risks. The Met department's prediction uses a sophisticated statistical model.

The National Testing Agency has announced a re-examination for NEET (UG) 2026 on Sunday, June 21, following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to alleged irregularities. Investigators uncovered evidence of a guess paper with numerous questions closely matching the actual exam, prompting a CBI probe into the matter.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged BRICS nations to find practical solutions to geopolitical crises, emphasizing the threat to global energy and economic security from West Asian tensions. He stressed dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for sovereignty, while also highlighting concerns over unilateral sanctions, terrorism, and the need for UN Security Council reform.

Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of striking a deal for Adani's release with the US, rather than a genuine trade agreement. The Congress party echoed these sentiments, labeling the pact one-sided and alleging it aims to close fraud cases against Gautam Adani in America, suggesting Modi is compromised and subservient to US demands.

The Centre argued before the Supreme Court that Article 25(1) on religious freedom doesn't mandate gender equality, as Articles 15 and 16 already prohibit sex discrimination. It urged courts to avoid interfering in religious practices, stating only the legislature can enact social reforms through broad discussions. The bench reserved its verdict.

BRICS foreign ministers are struggling to agree on a joint statement concerning West Asia. Tensions flared between the UAE and Iran during the meeting. Iran accused the UAE of direct involvement in aggression. India's External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of consensus for new members. The outcome of the meeting remains uncertain.

Delhi high court judge Swarana Kanta Sharma announced contempt proceedings against discharged accused in the excise policy case for posting defamatory material. The judge stated she cannot remain silent against vilifying content targeting her and the court. This action follows Arvind Kejriwal and others boycotting proceedings after the judge declined to recuse herself.

Uttar Pradesh reels from devastating rains and thunderstorms, claiming over 100 lives and causing significant damage to homes and livestock. The state government has pledged Rs 4 lakh compensation for each deceased and is actively monitoring relief efforts. Meanwhile, advanced AI-powered weather forecasting systems have been launched to enhance early warnings for extreme weather events nationwide.

AIADMK faces a potential Shiv Sena-style split in Tamil Nadu after a fractured mandate. Rebel MLAs defied a party whip to support the new government, dividing the party. This move mirrors the Shiv Sena crisis and raises questions about AIADMK's future, its leadership, and control over its symbol.

Following the Congress's announcement of VD Satheesan as Kerala's next chief minister, the BJP launched a sharp attack, alleging the decision was influenced by the Indian Union Muslim League. BJP leaders claimed the Congress leadership surrendered to its alliance partner, accusing them of being remote-controlled and bowing to the IUML's demands due to political dependence in the state.