The Times of India

Air New Zealand is setting its sights on India with prospective direct flights, tapping into the newly established Free Trade Agreement to strengthen travel connections. Collaborations are underway with Air India and Singapore Airlines, paving the way for a non-stop service between India and New Zealand by 2028, contingent on necessary approvals and aircraft readiness.

A dramatic rescue saw all 14 Indian crew members of the vessel Virat 1 saved after it sank off Oman due to mechanical failure. Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to reject any breakaway TMC faction.

Trinamool Congress figures Abhishek Banerjee and Kunal Ghosh found themselves under the CID's scrutiny today, facing questions over the alleged forgery of legislative signatures tied to the opposition leader's appointment. With investigators delving into the nuances of the meetings and the related documents, they plan to meticulously verify the statements made.

Papers not susceptible to cyber breaches, say govt officials

An experiment pitting AI against a seasoned travel agent for a Delhi-Manali trip revealed surprising similarities in itinerary planning. While AI excelled in speed and cost transparency, the human agent offered a concrete package, highlighting the irreplaceable value of on-ground execution and negotiation. Pricing emerged as a key differentiator, with the agent securing a lower cost.

Since its inception in March 2025, Punjab's 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign has seen an impressive wave of success, with more than 90,000 individuals benefiting from de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts. Combining rigorous strategies against drug traffickers with in-depth treatment and educational programs, this initiative is redefining recovery.

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.

Sanjay Raut from Shiv Sena (UBT) has stepped into the political fray, denouncing the FIR against Mamata Banerjee as politically motivated. He highlighted the inconsistency in law enforcement, referencing past controversies involving BJP figures. Pledging his allegiance to Banerjee, he hailed her as a tenacious warrior for her constituents.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman strongly defended the Modi government's achievements, countering Rahul Gandhi's criticisms. She highlighted India's robust economic growth amidst global challenges, citing IMF acknowledgments and significant poverty reduction. Sitharaman also detailed the government's welfare initiatives and infrastructure investments, particularly in Karnataka, urging collective effort towards a developed India by 2047.

The Congress party has voiced sharp criticism against the Modi government for its lackadaisical response to the deaths of three Indian crew members in a US military action that targeted a commercial vessel. Party officials are calling for a firm diplomatic stance, perplexed by the absence of remorse from the United States.

TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh arrived in Delhi amid speculation of joining a rebel faction, declining to comment. This follows another TMC MP's arrival as a proposed meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker looms. The party faces internal dissent, with a significant number of MPs and MLAs reportedly backing the dissident camp.

An Indian-flagged vessel, Virat 1, carrying 14 crew members, has been involved in an incident off Oman's coast. Search and rescue operations are actively under way, coordinated with Omani authorities and nearby vessels. This event highlights ongoing concerns for Indian seafarers in the region, following recent incidents involving fatalities and diplomatic discussions.

Congress leader K C Venugopal accused the CPM of having a political inferiority complex and failing to introspect on its electoral decline. He stated that the CPM's criticism of Rahul Gandhi is utterly ridiculous and stems from their recent defeat in Kerala, urging them to focus on their own downfall instead.

Rahul Gandhi will visit Prayagraj on July 10 as part of a nationwide Congress campaign addressing paper leaks, examination irregularities, and unemployment. This visit, part of a series of outreach events, holds political significance ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with Gandhi having maintained a steady presence in the state recently.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a European tour in Nice, France, focusing on high-stakes diplomacy and technology partnerships. The visit includes bilateral meetings with French President Macron, a state visit to Slovakia, and participation in the G7 Summit, where a meeting with US President Trump is anticipated. The tour concludes with an engagement at VivaTech in Paris.

Uttar Pradesh shows a significant decline in key crime indicators like rioting and kidnapping between 2022-2024, outperforming national trends. While murder and attempt to murder also saw positive shifts, rape figures reveal a complex reality where offenders are often known to victims. This data provides the Yogi government with political leverage, though public perception of safety remains a crucial battleground.

TMC, which had been running its Delhi office from Partha Bhowmicks bungalow at 20, Dr Rajendra Prasad Road since last year, moved to 61 South Avenue about a week ago after it learnt that Bhowmick was among the dissidents, according to party sources. It had earlier been operating out of Nadimul Haques residence, to which it has now returned.

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.

Captain Savio Ramos, general secretary of Maritime Union of India (MUI) said a sailor has the option to seek de-boarding from a ship once it enters the restricted zone and as per norms, the company concerned is bound to send them back to town and most firms have done so and changed crew. He added that sailors concerned need to decide and take a call.

After his meeting with Macron on Sunday in Nice, Modi will travel to Slovakia for the first ever visit by an Indian PM to the country since its independence in 1993 before returning to France for the Evian G7 summit on June 16-17. Modi is expected to underscore Indias concerns over the consequences of the West Asia conflict, including the energy crisis, for the Global South in his engagements while stressing the significance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Mishra added while traditional approaches often focus on bouncing back after disruption, the emerging paradigm requires systems that can learn, adapt, and emerge stronger through disruption, moving towards bouncing forward and increasingly becoming antifragile systems. The objective today is not only recovery but building stronger institutions, infrastructure and governance systems capable of managing future shocks and uncertainties, he added.

IAF extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stands firmly with them in this hour of grief, IAF said in a post on X on Saturday. Giving details, IAF said the aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly condemned derogatory social media comments targeting Akhilesh Yadav's daughter, deeming such remarks against any daughter unacceptable. He directed police action and urged the Samajwadi Party chief to ensure his workers also exercise restraint in their language, emphasizing the need for civility in public discourse.

Mumbai police apprehended a Nigerian national, Eze Samuel Nweze, in Worli with 203 grams of cocaine worth over Rs 2 crore. He was allegedly residing illegally and was caught attempting to flee after being spotted by a patrol team. He admitted to supplying drugs. Separately, two other Nigerians were arrested in Delhi with cocaine and other narcotics.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to choose between students and an incompetent minister. Students protested in Amritsar, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged examination irregularities. The CJP plans further demonstrations in Delhi, advocating for justice for NEET and CBSE students.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today conducted an on-site inspection of the preparations for the upcoming International Kayaking and Canoeing Competition to be held in the Gadarpur area of Udham Singh Nagar district, according to a press release.

Rahul Gandhi boldly proclaimed that the INDIA alliance is already the victor of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He stressed the vital importance of uniting the opposition to challenge the BJP's perceived encroachment on democratic institutions and the silencing of dissenting voices.

The Forward Seamen's Union of India is seeking assistance after a 35-year-old officer died on a vessel off Oman's coast. His body has been onboard for over two days without proper refrigeration, leading to a health risk for the crew. The union alleges delayed medical help due to regional tensions and is demanding body preservation, repatriation, and an investigation.

A 29-year-old Russian tourist was discovered deceased in a Kasol homestay on Saturday. Her friend found her unresponsive in the washroom. Authorities were alerted, and a police investigation is underway. The body has been sent for a post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death. The Russian Embassy has been notified.

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.

In a shocking incident, a woman from Birbhum, West Bengal, was freed from a high-security apartment in Gurugram after being reportedly trapped for more than two years under the horrific conditions of forced domestic servitude. Each day, she toiled for 16 hours amidst appalling abuse, her escape thwarted by stringent security measures.

A devastating fire at a Delhi hotel trapped eight members of the Agarwal family in the basement, leading to their tragic deaths. The incident highlights a pattern of basement misuse and safety violations in the capital, with similar tragedies involving students in flooded basements also reported. Despite regulations, enforcement remains a critical issue.

Kozhikode is on high alert as a Nipah virus case is confirmed, triggering immediate action from the Indian Council of Medical Research. Health officials are actively evaluating containment strategies for the deadly zoonotic virus that poses significant risks. Although initial screenings of close contacts returned negative, health authorities are ramping up vigilance throughout the district.

Across Indian cities, adult children are moving out, leaving parents in larger homes. This shift redefines family closeness, moving beyond shared walls. Families are inventing new ways to stay connected, from daily video calls to simple texts, navigating a balance between care and independence. Scheduled visits now carry the weight of condensed family time, highlighting the loss of ordinary moments.