The Times of India

Assam's government proposed barring polygamous individuals from state welfare schemes. Government employees practicing polygamy may face dismissal from their service. The state also plans to amend existing rules for disciplinary actions. This initiative aims to promote women's empowerment and gender justice. The government will resume its welfare schemes from August onwards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland for a historic two-day visit. He was welcomed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the airport. Discussions will focus on trade, commerce, and defence cooperation between the nations. This visit follows the recent signing of a Free Trade Agreement in April. Modi will also engage with the Indian diaspora and prominent personalities.

The Supreme Court will hear petitions on July 13 concerning alleged Ram temple donation embezzlement. Three petitions seek a court-monitored CBI probe into financial irregularities. Petitioners also demand a forensic audit of the Trust's entire finances. An investigation is underway in Uttar Pradesh, with eight accused arrested. Temple trust members express faith in the ongoing investigation and administration.

The Delhi High Court upheld actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in multiple cheque bounce cases. The court sentenced the actor to three months imprisonment for these offenses. This judgment dismissed petitions challenging the trial court's earlier decision. Yadav had previously paid approximately Rs 4.25 crore to the complainant company. He is also facing a separate loan dispute case with a large outstanding amount.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the panel's two-day meeting in Goa, Chaudhary said consultations held across the country had received overwhelming support from civil society stakeholders for the proposal. He also cited estimates suggesting that frequent elections cost the Indian economy nearly Rs 7 lakh crore. The committee held discussions on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, beginning its Goa visit with an interaction involving chief minister Pramod Sawant and members of

Sonam Wangchuk stated his hunger stabilized after thirteen days of fasting at Jantar Mantar. He asserted his constitutional right to peaceful protest should not be violated by authorities. Wangchuk supports students demanding accountability for examination irregularities and pending Ladakh issues. He believes the education minister's resignation could restore youth confidence politically. The protest continues with a planned march to Parliament on July 20.

The panel examined issues relating to Internal control and quality assurance in execution of MES contracts based on Chapter II of CAG Report No. 1 of 2026. It also reviewed findings under Abandonment of buildings constructed costing Rs. 166.16 crore due to substandard construction and delay in fixing of responsibility contained in Paragraph 3.3 of CAG Report No. 28 of 2025.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused opposition parties of appeasement politics. He alleged they disrespected Hindu faith by allowing prayers at Hanumangarhi temple. Adityanath stated these parties opposed Ayodhya's development and Ram temple construction. He highlighted the current government's role in building the grand Ram temple. The chief minister also mentioned opposition to Ayodhya's transformation and new projects.

India's food safety regulator has taken action against alcohol manufacturers by issuing notices regarding the use of unauthorized flavors in their drinks. Additionally, misleading age claims on product packaging are being investigated. Companies are required to justify why regulatory action shouldn't be enforced against them. Meetings with industry associations and FSSAI are scheduled for next week to discuss these pressing issues.

India's drug regulator has announced a proposal to limit the use of identical brand names for various medications, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce consumer confusion. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is currently seeking public feedback on this initiative, which may require pharmaceutical companies to rethink their branding approaches for different products, ensuring brand names appropriately reflect the unique characteristics of each medication.

Over 800 Medical Colleges Issued Conditional Renewal LettersMedical colleges receive conditional renewal letters for MBBS seats from the National Medical Commission. Institutions must rectify deficiencies within forty-five days before follow-up evaluations occur. The regulator replaces routine annual inspections with surprise assessments for continuous oversight. This new mechanism aims to ensure colleges maintain standards throughout the academic year. Non-compliance may lead to reduced student

Seventy medical colleges and hospitals have not linked their CCTV systems with the National Medical Commission's control center. Prominent Delhi institutions are among those failing to comply with mandatory regulations. The National Medical Commission has issued repeated directives since 2022 for compliance. These institutions must now immediately connect their surveillance systems for remote monitoring. Failure to comply may result in appropriate regulatory action by the commission.

Addressing the Prawaas 5.0 and Bharat Prawaas Awards event in Gandhinagar, Gadkari said the government's hydrogen initiative was part of a broader push towards cleaner mobility. Our ministry is doing a pilot project on ten routes for hydrogen trials. I am sure the future of the transportation industry is hydrogen, and hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and we are working on that, Gadkari was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Stepping into the MCG evokes two simultaneous emotions for any Indian. First, the thrill of an India-Australia match and second, the realisation that, in both our nations, cricket is not merely a sport but a shared passion. Yet, today, there is no pressure of a 'last-over finish.' Instead, there is only the joy of the game, the warmth of our friendship, and the energy of future champions, PM Modi said.

Petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed E25 is currently undergoing testing. No decision has been made regarding the rollout of this fuel blend. Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari noted ethanol's lower calorific value impacts mileage slightly. He also emphasized offering people choices of alternative fuels regionally. Puri added that past engine damage complaints were attributed to other causes.

Indian patients now have access to a new once-weekly insulin alternative. This drug offers a significant reduction in injections from daily to just 52 days annually. Doctors see this as an expansion of treatment options rather than a complete replacement. The weekly insulin is best suited for specific patients requiring basal insulin replacement. While an important advance, other diabetes treatments are also reducing insulin needs.

Allows Headmistress' Prosecution For Not Informing Cops Of Rape Plaint

Intense rainfall caused a landslide near Himkoti on the new pilgrimage track. This incident prompted the temporary suspension of the battery car service on the route. The old yatra route remained unaffected, and devotees continued their journey on the traditional path. Shrine board authorities are working to clear the debris and monitor the area. Yatris are advised to follow official advisories and check travel updates.

The National Conference has invited various political parties for a protest. This demonstration is scheduled for July 20 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protest aims to demand the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Invitations have been extended to leaders from across the political spectrum. The event coincides with the opening day of Parliament's monsoon session.

Army chief General Dhiraj Seth visited forward areas along the Line of Control. He reviewed the region's security situation and counter-infiltration grid. General Seth also assessed operational preparedness and combat readiness of troops. He interacted with soldiers deployed at forward posts to boost morale. The visit occurred amid heightened security for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

J&K authorities are reviewing books in educational institutions for objectionable content. This action follows the withdrawal of books describing Kashmir as occupied territory. Political leaders have criticized the review as an attempt to control historical narratives. Schools must submit compliance reports by July nineteenth confirming book reviews. A legal group has also sought an inquiry into these controversial books.

Matthew Aaron VanDyke, arrested by NIA, seeks court permission to prepare his own meals. He claims jail food is too oily and spicy, causing health issues. VanDyke has reportedly lost significant weight since May 6. He requests specific cooking items and food supplies for his dietary needs. The court has issued notices to jail authorities and the NIA for their response.

The government is establishing a robust four-layer security grid to fortify India's borders. This initiative aims to create a modern border security system for the nation. Efforts are underway to combat drug trafficking and achieve victory over the menace. The government is also working to prevent illegal infiltration and demographic changes. This proactive approach strengthens national security and border region prosperity.

Three former Trinamool Congress leaders have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. They were immediately nominated as BJP candidates for upcoming Rajya Sabha bypolls. These by-elections are for seats that fell vacant after their resignations last month. Their move follows internal turmoil and a significant defeat for the TMC. The BJP aims to strengthen its West Bengal presence with their experience.

Three former Trinamool Congress leaders formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kolkata. Their induction follows weeks of growing rebellion and internal turmoil within the TMC party. Sushmita Dev cited political and personal reasons for her departure from the TMC. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik also resigned from their Rajya Sabha seats. The TMC faces intensified political crisis with reports of more defections fueling speculation.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand has made a landmark announcement regarding tariff-free exports to India, with an impressive 57 percent of exports benefiting from zero tariffs from the outset of the trade agreement. This initiative is poised to enhance the presence of New Zealand businesses in the Indian marketplace.

Arvind Kejriwal criticized the Centre for high fuel prices. He stated petrol prices should drop from Rs 102 to Rs 82. Kejriwal noted global crude oil prices have declined significantly. He also questioned the impact of E20 ethanol-blended petrol. The AAP leader sought clarifications from automobile manufacturers on fuel concerns.

The Telangana high court granted regular bail to Bandi Bhagirath, son of Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar. He was arrested in May under the POCSO Act and later granted interim bail for exams. The case involves allegations of sexual harassment against a minor girl. Bhagirath denied charges and filed a counter-complaint alleging extortion. Both allegations and counter-allegations are currently under investigation.

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy defended Mamata Banerjee after a video showed her slapping a party worker. He stated Banerjee shares a close bond and can do as she wishes. The incident occurred during a protest march over a minor's alleged rape and murder. BJP leaders criticized Banerjee's actions, calling it arrogance and a loss of mental balance. Clashes between TMC and BJP supporters also marked the protest march.