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The Times of India

Politics / The Times of India

'Something shocking': Centre defends Telegram curbs in HC, says app aided NEET cheating networks

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.

17 Jun 2026 8:39 pm
'Lakhs of Indians working as seafarers': PM Modi raises maritime safety in meeting with Donald Trump

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.

17 Jun 2026 7:57 pm
Evening news wrap: Rahul Gandhi slams Telegram ban ahead of NEET re-test; Trump warns Iran deal could collapse & more

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.

17 Jun 2026 6:50 pm
'Targeting students, not paper leak networks': Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre on Telegram ban ahead of NEET re-test

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.

17 Jun 2026 2:48 pm
Centre won't be allowed to interfere in school curriculum: Kerala CM V D Satheesan

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.

17 Jun 2026 12:25 pm
'Nitish Kumar has got everything done': Lalu Yadav on withdrawal of Z+ security cover

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.

17 Jun 2026 12:13 pm
The Rs 30,000 question: What is a homemakers work worth?

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.

17 Jun 2026 11:21 am
'Rs 50 crore offered per MP': Uddhav Thackeray's Sena on edge as 'Operation Tiger' revives memories of 2022 rebellion

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'.

17 Jun 2026 11:20 am
Telegram moves Delhi high court against Centre's ban ahead of NEET-UG re-test

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.

17 Jun 2026 11:18 am
B&B fire: Future uncertain for worker who saved many

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.

17 Jun 2026 4:40 am
ED raids 17 sites in 2 states in Yes Bank loan fraud case

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.

17 Jun 2026 2:47 am
Government: No cough syrup sale sans prescription

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.

17 Jun 2026 2:10 am
With Trump listening, PM Modi says seafarers must be protected

'Lack Of Trust, Respect For Int'l Law In World'

17 Jun 2026 1:28 am
'Shameless': AAP, Congress target PM Modi for meeting Trump at G7 Summit after US strikes killed 3 Indian sailors

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.

16 Jun 2026 11:05 pm
Can recommendations be ignored? Calcutta high court questions Speaker's role in Bengal LoP dispute

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.

16 Jun 2026 8:30 pm
Watch: PM Modi and Donald Trump exchange greetings at G7 Summit ahead of expected talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a brief interaction at the G7 Summit in France, their first in 16 months. The leaders were seen shaking hands and engaging in conversation, with Trump also patting Modi's arm. They were seated next to each other during a summit session.

16 Jun 2026 7:44 pm
'Govt covering up failures': Kharge targets PM Modi over Telegram ban for re-NEET

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the Centre's move to block Telegram before the NEET re-test, calling it a cover-up for exam failures and paper leaks. He urged PM Modi to seek Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, highlighting the distress of millions of students due to repeated irregularities and alleged suicides.

16 Jun 2026 7:20 pm
Evening news wrap: Donald Trump hints at progress on Iran deal; PM Modi attends G7 summit in Geneva & more

US President Trump indicated progress on an Iran deal, suggesting a swift second phase, while PM Modi attended a G7 summit where leaders agreed on tougher Russia sanctions. In India, Mamata Banerjee is challenging her election defeat, and the Shiv Sena UBT faces potential defections. Meanwhile, a Delhi software engineer's death in Dhanaulti is under police investigation.

16 Jun 2026 6:57 pm
NTA DG defends temporary Telegram ban for re-NEET scheduled for June 21

In a decisive effort to safeguard students from potential scams, the National Testing Agency has put a temporary hold on Telegram. This action comes as a response to rampant misuse of the platform by fraudsters distributing counterfeit NEET exam papers.

16 Jun 2026 3:16 pm
'Operation Tiger' in final stage: Amid TMC's rebellion crisis, 7 MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Sena camp may switch to Shinde faction

Shiv Sena leader Krupal Tumane claims seven Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are in final stages of joining Eknath Shinde's faction under 'Operation Tiger'. This move, expected before the Monsoon Session, would bolster the NDA's Lok Sabha numbers. Thackeray's party, however, dismisses these claims, asserting unity.

16 Jun 2026 12:43 pm
'Increase in crimes involving North Indians': K Annamalai demands stricter checks on migrants

Former BJP leader K Annamalai voiced concerns over alleged increased involvement of North Indian individuals in crimes across Tamil Nadu, following a child's death. He questioned the state government's mechanisms for tracking migrant workers and urged for a comprehensive database to enhance oversight and prevent future incidents.

16 Jun 2026 11:46 am
'Egg of the Sun': Rs 1 lakh-a-piece Miyazaki mango offered to Lord Ram in Ayodhya

The world's most expensive Japanese Miyazaki mango, known as the Egg of the Sun, was offered to Lord Ram at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. Cultivated locally by farmer Omprakash Singh, this rare fruit, valued at up to Rs 3 lakh per kilogram, was presented as the season's first ripe offering to the deity.

16 Jun 2026 11:15 am
'100% with development': Mamata aide Firhad Hakim praises Suvendu Adhikari amid TMC rebellion

Amidst a significant rebellion within the Trinamool Congress, Mamata Banerjee's close aide Firhad Hakim has signaled a potential shift in approach towards the new BJP government. Hakim expressed optimism for 100% development in Bengal under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, emphasizing the need to prioritize progress over party politics and suggesting a willingness to collaborate for the state's advancement.

16 Jun 2026 9:11 am
'Attackers belonged to RSS': CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says 'not scared' after Jaipur protest assault

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, attacked during a Jaipur protest, remains undeterred, alleging RSS links to the assault. He vows to continue peaceful protests demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak, asserting that such attacks won't deter their 'satyagraha' for student justice.

16 Jun 2026 9:10 am
SC notice to Centre, Punjab over failure to implement RTE

Though RTE and RTI were among the main planks on which AAP acquired political salience at national level, the PIL by Jagmohan Singh Raju said RTE Acts mandate for a quota of 25% for children belonging to weaker and disadvantaged sections of society in schools remained largely unimplemented in state.

16 Jun 2026 4:07 am
NCERT to restore original Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro in class IX textbooks

The image appears in the opening chapter, History of Arts, of Madhurima, NCERTs new class IX arts education textbook. In the version carried in the textbook, the torso of the figurine appears visually altered compared to photographs of the original artefact, with shading used across the upper body that obscures anatomical details visible in the sculpture.

16 Jun 2026 3:55 am
Air India flight AI 171 crash exposes payout void for victims on ground

The absence of a dedicated statutory mechanism creates uncertainty over liability, quantum of compensation, timelines for relief, claims procedures and access to justice. It requested govt to establish a statutory Ground Victims Compensation Framework, introduce strict liability provisions so victims only need to establish the injury, death or property damage resulted from an aircraft accident, provide mandatory interim compensation within a prescribed period, prescribe minimum compensation stan

16 Jun 2026 3:54 am
Modi trip a signal about Delhis reading of a fractured Europe as well as Slovakia

Two-way trade, which first crossed $1 billion in 2024, reached $1.8 billion last year, with Indian exports of roughly $1.52 billion dwarfing imports of $284 million. That Modi chose this moment to visit Slovakia, becoming the first Indian prime minister to do so in 33 years, says as much about New Delhis reading of a fractured Europe as it does about Bratislava.

16 Jun 2026 3:49 am