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The Times of India

Politics / The Times of India

First Amendment at 75: The bargain that still shapes Indias rights

India's First Constitutional Amendment in 1951 profoundly reshaped the nation's democracy. It balanced fundamental rights like free speech and property with state needs for public order and social reform. This pivotal change, enacted before the first elections, introduced mechanisms to protect reform laws and expanded grounds for speech restrictions, setting a precedent for ongoing debates.

18 Jun 2026 10:01 am
'I call it deemocracy': Agnimitra Paul's swipe after series of egg attacks on TMC leaders

West Bengal witnesses a surge in egg-throwing incidents targeting Trinamool Congress leaders. BJP leader Agnimitra Paul calls this 'deemocracy', citing public anger over alleged corruption and misgovernance. Recent events include attacks on Kunal Ghosh and Soumitra Banerjee. Residents also targeted a vehicle linked to Madan Mitra. These protests highlight growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

18 Jun 2026 9:45 am
Voting begins for election to two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand

Jharkhand is witnessing a keenly contested Rajya Sabha election for two seats today. With three candidates in the fray, including BJP-backed Parimal Nathwani, JMM's Baidyanath Ram, and Congress' Pranav Jha, the focus is on the battle for the second seat. Both ruling and opposition blocs are employing strategies to prevent cross-voting, with MLAs housed in hotels and mock polls conducted.

18 Jun 2026 9:21 am
Union minister Joshi launches green hydrogen certification portal, urges states to boost mission

India's push for green hydrogen gained momentum with the launch of a new certification portal by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. This initiative aims to streamline regulations and boost domestic manufacturing, evidenced by incentives for electrolyser production and pilot projects in the steel sector. The mission is actively reducing import dependence, with significant agreements for green ammonia supply to fertilizer plants.

18 Jun 2026 6:51 am
Can't ask Global South to bear Iran war brunt alone: PM Modi at G7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the ongoing impact of West Asian crises on the Global South, urging international solidarity. He proposed a global skills partnership and an International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT) to foster shared growth and resilience.

18 Jun 2026 3:48 am
Father arrested for bid to kill girl over 'transgender traits'

A father in Auraiya has been arrested for allegedly attempting to murder his 14-year-old transgender daughter. He reportedly beat her with a stick and threw her into a canal, motivated by her gender identity. The girl survived due to shallow water and was rescued by locals. She is in critical condition.

18 Jun 2026 3:41 am
CPM objects to Telangana CM renaming road after Trump

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly criticized Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's decision to rename a road near the US Consulate after President Donald Trump. CPM General Secretary MA Baby expressed concern that this move, occurring amidst US military actions, undermines India's sovereignty and anti-imperialist ideals. He urged the Congress high command to intervene and withdraw the decision.

18 Jun 2026 3:21 am
Comedy show fallout: Karnataka to issue norms on handling cadavers

Karnataka government will soon issue guidelines for medical students on appropriate behavior and respect towards donated bodies for study. This follows viral clips of students disrespecting cadavers, sparking a debate on ethics. The ethics committee will meet to discuss reinforcing existing guidelines for handling donated bodies.

18 Jun 2026 3:15 am
Rahul Gandhi makes INDIA bloc speech public, allies ask: 'Why not ours?'

Rahul Gandhi's public release of his INDIA bloc speech has irked allies, particularly Left parties, who emphasize mutual trust for effective resistance against the BJP. Concerns were raised about Gandhi's remarks on Pinarayi Vijayan and the unilateral release of internal discussions. DMK also reiterated its stance against Congress due to a state-level alliance issue.

18 Jun 2026 3:11 am
High Court seeks government's reply as Telegram challenges ban over NEET retest

The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre for its response on the ban imposed on Telegram, which is challenging the temporary restriction ahead of the NEET-UG retest. The government claims to have shocking material to share, citing ongoing issues with channels involved in examination-related activities resurfacing after being blocked.

18 Jun 2026 2:46 am
PM Modi seeks 'highest priority' for seafarers in W Asia peace deal in meeting with Trump; US president reiterates he ended 8 wars, mentions G2

PM Modi and President Trump discussed the safety of Indian seafarers amidst a US-Iran peace agreement. Trump acknowledged the risks of the profession while Modi emphasized the importance of maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders also touched upon trade, defense, and geopolitical issues, with Trump expressing confidence in strong US-India ties.

18 Jun 2026 2:21 am
Amit Shah directs enhancement of national cyber crime helpline '1930'; agencies to adopt AI for better reporting

Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered a significant upgrade of the national cyber crime helpline '1930'. The directive emphasizes integrating advanced technology like AI and multilingual support to enhance reporting and redressal. Shah stressed swift action on cyber financial fraud complaints, including prioritizing bank account freezing issues, and called for stronger measures against mule accounts.

17 Jun 2026 11:35 pm
2 seats, 3 candidates: Can INDIA bloc hold its flock together for Rajya Sabha polls in Jharkhand?

The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand are shaping up to be a nail-biter. The INDIA bloc, boasting 56 MLAs, appears to have the upper hand with a potential for two seats, but the BJP, rallying behind an independent candidate, is poised to sow discord through cross-voting, reminiscent of previous electoral surprises in Bihar and Odisha.

17 Jun 2026 9:29 pm
'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