The Times of India

PM Modi, Luxon vow to double trade to Rs 35k crore in 5 years

Akash Dhar, a visually impaired Kashmiri Pandit, opened a restaurant in Langate. Local residents and his landlord have offered significant support and encouragement. The eatery has attracted customers from various communities and areas. This initiative hopes to inspire other Kashmiri migrants to return home. The restaurant's success highlights a positive community response and integration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his government's initiatives for the Sikh community. He mentioned FCRA clearance for the Golden Temple and bringing back Guru Granth Sahib copies. Work is ongoing to connect Hemkund Sahib with a ropeway for better pilgrim access. The government also decided on annual commemoration of Guru Gobind Singh's sons' martyrdom. These efforts aim to deepen BJP's acceptance among the Sikh community.

UN rapporteurs raised concerns about India's voter list revision process and alleged exclusion of minorities. Election Commission officials strongly refuted these allegations, calling them unfounded and unwarranted. The poll panel asserted that the special intensive revision process was transparent and constitutionally sound. They stated ample opportunities were given to electors to challenge any exclusions. The Supreme Court has upheld both the intent and process of this revision exercise.

'Part of the problem solved by setting up special courts'

An Interpol Red Corner Notice has been issued for Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo. This notice targets Kandoo for his alleged involvement in a deadly 2013 attack. The attack resulted in the deaths of four police officers in Sopore, Kashmir. Kandoo, a designated terrorist, is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan. The State Investigation Agency considers this a significant achievement in pursuing fugitives.

A 31-year-old BSF constable allegedly died by suicide in Jammu's Gadigarh camp. Constable Vanita Rani was found hanging from a ceiling fan with a dupatta. Her body was sent for a postmortem examination to establish the cause of death. This incident follows another woman constable's alleged suicide in Jammu on June 29. Both incidents are currently under investigation by authorities.

Arvind Kejriwal visited a Delhi petrol pump and service station. He spoke with vehicle owners about their E20 fuel experiences. Many consumers reported reduced mileage and mechanical issues with the blended petrol. Kejriwal stated the government's claims about E20 fuel are untrue. He emphasized that public grievances should be heard and addressed.

Educator Sonam Wangchuk rejects hero labels and urges citizens to take responsibility. He is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for 14 days. Wangchuk is protesting examination irregularities and seeking accountability from the government. He has lost significant weight and feels tired but remains determined. Wangchuk appeals for public support in the ongoing movement and upcoming march.

An 18-year-old Hyderabad student's body was recovered from the sea in Helsinki. Finnish authorities confirmed the recovery of Manideep Reddy's body after two months. His family has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. They believe the case has not been properly investigated by Finnish authorities. The family urges the Indian government to facilitate their travel to Finland.

The Indian Navy proudly commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the latest addition to its fleet as the sixth Project 17A stealth frigate. This remarkable warship embodies India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, enhancing its maritime combat capabilities. With multifaceted roles including anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, INS Mahendragiri bolsters India's strategic foothold in the Indo-Pacific, aligning perfectly with the country's ambitious naval modernisation agenda.

Fifteen Indian tourists died in a tragic speedboat accident near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. Several other tourists sustained injuries during the unfortunate maritime incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to affected families. The government is providing full support and coordinating with Vietnamese authorities. Search and rescue operations were conducted by local authorities after the boat capsized.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Navy's crucial role in safeguarding national interests. Recent operations in West Asia demonstrated the Navy's commitment to protecting vital economic interests. The Indo-Pacific region is now a global focus, with India playing a key role. India aims to be a net security provider and trusted partner across the Indo-Pacific. The nation is developing its shipbuilding capacity to become a global maritime defence hub.

'We Got The Sociology Paper Before The Exam': UGC-NET Whistleblower Details Sting Operation

BJP's Abhishek Kumar Sinha withdrew from the Bankipur bypoll citing family reasons. The party then fielded Neeraj Kumar Sinha as its new candidate for the contest. Opposition parties claimed the BJP was nervous about a potential defeat in the upcoming election. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor is campaigning against the ruling party. Polling for the Bankipur bypoll is scheduled for July 30.

India and New Zealand elevated their ties to a strategic partnership. Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon signed eighteen agreements for cooperation. This roadmap guides future collaboration across multiple key sectors. Bilateral trade aims to reach seven billion New Zealand dollars by 2030. Both nations will enhance maritime security and disaster management efforts.

Defence & Security Cooperation, Talent Mobility Also On Agenda

Rules Out Parallel Fuel Supply System

Regulated entities and government communications from 1600 numbers cannot be blocked by any application. Promotional calls from the 140 series can be blocked using the DND registry. Trai mandates 1600 numbers for trustworthy service and transaction calls to existing customers. Registered telemarketers use the 140 number series for promotional communications. Customers can register preferences on the DND registry to allow or block these promotional calls.

Supreme Court criticizes states for delaying trials while opposing bail pleas. The court noted a negligent attitude that dents the right to a speedy trial. One accused has been in jail for four years with few witnesses examined. Maharashtra was found remiss in producing the accused before the trial court. The apex court stressed the need for states to expedite trials.

India's breast cancer survival rate stands at sixty-five point seven percent. This figure is lower than the global median survival rate. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for improving survival outcomes. Disparities exist in access to quality cancer care across regions. Strengthening detection and treatment access is essential for better results.

The Supreme Court criticized a commercial suit's slow progress since 2015. Plaintiff's evidence is still ongoing, prompting a strong judicial observation. The court rejected Levitate Mobile Technologies' plea for additional documents. This plea was similar to a previous one that was also denied. The court noted the significant delay in the judicial process.

India is considering stricter age limits for social media access. Prime Minister Modi praised Australia's ban on platforms for children under sixteen. This move follows growing government focus on online safety for minors. Several Indian states have also proposed similar restrictions on social media use. Nationwide implementation faces significant challenges due to India's vast internet user population.

Women's groups demand immediate 33% reservation in legislatures and Parliament. They seek a constitutional amendment to delink reservation from census and delimitation. Activists are urging MPs to support this crucial demand for political representation. Joint demonstrations are planned across the country on July 20-21. This push aims to fulfill long-standing calls for women's empowerment.

Food Corporation of India has strengthened rules for subsidized rice distribution. Distilleries are now directly accountable for any misuse of this grain. The Food Corporation of India will file criminal cases for diversion or misuse. This move aims to prevent diversion and improve oversight of the ethanol supply chain. New operational guidelines ensure strict utilization of rice for ethanol production.

Anil Menon, an Indian-American astronaut, begins his first space mission. He will spend eight months aboard the International Space Station. Menon will research microgravity's physiological impacts and test new medical technologies. His Indian heritage stems from his father who emigrated from India. He previously supported polio immunisation programmes in India.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has come to the defense of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway project, while also taking aim at critics with disdainful comments. In the assembly, he referred to Raj Thackeray as nothing more than a mimicry artist, cautioning that spreading misinformation tarnishes the reputation of Maharashtra as a whole. His remarks have sparked backlash from opposition leaders, who are quick to challenge his statements.

The Home Affairs Ministry issued fresh directions to all state governments. These directions reiterate existing rules for singing the National Anthem and National Song. Authorities must ensure strict compliance with the correct script and pronunciation. The National Song is to be sung before the National Anthem when both are performed. This ensures adherence to protocols established for national symbols.

Prashant Kishor stated the BJP faces challenges in the Bankipur bypoll. The original candidate withdrew citing family reasons, and a new one was named. Kishor believes this shows no constituency is a permanent stronghold. He also suggested BJP supporters desire a different leader for Bihar. The Bankipur by-election is scheduled for July 30.

In a surprising turn of events, a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate has stepped down from the Bankipur bypoll, citing family reasons. The party has swiftly chosen Neeraj Kumar Sinha as the new candidate. This change paves the way for Prashant Kishor's highly anticipated first appearance in the electoral arena, as he prepares to contest against the BJP's stronghold in this area.

Assa Doron is a professor of Anthropology and South Asia at Australian National University. He is the author and co-author of several books, including Life on the Ganga, The Great Indian Phone Book, and Waste of a Nation. Alex Broom is academic director at Australian Research Council, professor of Sociology, and director of the Sydney Centre for Healthy Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Sydney. He is the author of several books on the social dynamics of health, illness

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