The Times of India

The BJP cited Manmohan Singh's remarks to accuse Congress of attacking institutions. Congress countered by referencing Quraishi's book to criticize Prime Minister Modi. The BJP alleged ministers targeted the poll body when the UPA was in power. Salman Khurshid was censured for promising an enhanced Muslim quota during a campaign. Singh viewed the EC as democracy's soul, while Modi sees it as a political tool.

The home ministry has rejected opposition claims regarding anti-corruption bills. These proposed laws aim to remove arrested officials after thirty days in custody. Legislative membership remains intact, ensuring government stability is unaffected. The ministry asserts the mandate is protected by ensuring effective and trustworthy governance. Parliamentary committees are scrutinizing these proposed anti-corruption measures.

The Supreme Court is now overseeing the Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation embezzlement probe. It has directed the UP government's Special Investigation Team to submit a status report. The court is considering multiple public interest litigations seeking independent investigations. The probe has already led to the arrest of eight individuals involved in suspicious activities. Further hearings on this matter are scheduled for July 20.

India officially launched its campaign for a United Nations Security Council seat. External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlighted the country's peacekeeping and development partnerships. India presented its SHANTI vision for global governance and cooperation among nations. The nation seeks support for its candidature amid a changing global landscape. India previously served eight terms as a non-permanent Security Council member.

The Supreme Court stressed fair procedures for declaring individuals foreign nationals. It found fault with tribunals and the Guwahati High Court's actions. Many orders were quashed as they lacked hearings for affected people. The court directed tribunals to provide fresh hearings and reconsider cases. This ensures lawful adjudication and protects constitutional rights for all.

Eighteen pilgrims sustained injuries in a multi-vehicle collision involving several buses and a car. The accident occurred on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district early Monday. All injured pilgrims were promptly taken to the Ramban district hospital for treatment. They had sustained only minor injuries and were reported to be in stable condition. Police have initiated an investigation into the cause of the unfortunate pile-up.

The BJP has issued a Rs 100-crore defamation notice to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This action follows Abdullah's allegations that a BJP functionary attempted to poach his party MLA. The notice demands an unconditional public apology from Abdullah within seven days. Abdullah dismissed the notice, viewing it as a sign of his political significance. He also warned of legal counter-notices against BJP functionaries for their past statements.

Ladakh will establish hill development councils in all seven districts to strengthen grassroots governance. This move aims to decentralize power and improve administrative reach across the vast territory. Currently, only Leh and Kargil districts have these autonomous district councils. Discussions are ongoing for a unique UT-level legislative body with broad powers. A draft framework for this new arrangement will be prepared soon.

Three publishers were remanded to police custody for ten days in Jammu. This case involves books with separatist content supplied to government school libraries. Sub-committees selected titles, but two books were later flagged for objectionable material. Over one hundred copies of each book had already reached schools before withdrawal. An inquiry was ordered, and eight education officials were suspended.

Authorities restricted access to Srinagar's Martyrs' Graveyard on Monday. Political leaders paid homage at their respective party offices instead. Last year, Omar Abdullah bypassed barricades to reach the graveyard. The administration removed July 13 and December 5 from public holidays. This action followed the abrogation of Article 370 in January 2020.

BJP criticized Omar Abdullah for invoking Donald Trump regarding Jammu and Kashmir statehood. Abdullah sarcastically suggested approaching Trump for statehood after BJP remarks. He also responded to a false tweet attributed to President Trump. BJP stated Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. They emphasized the central government's commitment to restoring statehood.

The bodies of fifteen Indian nationals killed in Vietnam's boat tragedy have arrived in Mumbai. Ten victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. One Indian national remains hospitalized in Phu Quoc after a medical procedure. The speedboat carrying thirty-two Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc Island on Friday. Vietnamese authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident and detained the operator.

The BJP is raising eyebrows over Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi's absence from Wayanad following a landslide, labeling them as part-time politicians and political tourists. Wayanad is crucial for the Gandhis, as it has been a significant political stronghold for Rahul. Meanwhile, Rahul has not been seen publicly for almost three weeks. In response, Congress defends their leaders, stating their absence helps maintain the focus on relief operations.

The Indian Army has requested organic pulses for its personnel, initiating a pilot program. Government cooperatives Nafed and NCCF will identify sources and manage the supply chain. This move aims to encourage farmers to produce organic pulses with assured demand. Organic pulses offer health benefits and require careful handling and certification. The pilot program will establish an institutional requirement for sustainable nutrition within the force.

A Delhi court convicted former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and others for murder. The court found Hussain guilty of murder and rioting charges related to the 2020 riots. Nazim, Kashim, Anas, and Javed were also convicted for murder and other offenses. The court acquitted six other individuals accused in the case. Arguments on the quantum of sentence will be heard later.

Strikes in Yemen and Iran have heightened regional tensions and caused casualties. Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission of favoring a rival Trinamool Congress faction. India is seeking better terms in US trade talks, though the government denies stalled negotiations. A Kerala man convicted in a double murder case showed no remorse in court. China's reported chipmaking breakthrough could reshape the global semiconductor race.

Mamata Banerjee asked the Election Commission to stop granting more time to the Ritabrata Banerjee faction. She alleged the poll body's silence gave the rebel group additional leeway. The rival faction claimed to be the real Trinamool Congress party. Mamata's camp argued its organizational committees remain valid until 2027. The Election Commission had previously set deadlines for both groups.

The Ram Temple Trust is actively seeking a chief executive officer to oversee temple management. Interested candidates must submit their applications by July 18 for this key leadership position. This recruitment initiative unfolds under the Supreme Courts investigation into alleged misappropriation of donations. The appointed CEO will be responsible for daily operations and will be based in Ayodhya, with the selection process anticipated to wrap up in the coming month.

The Act empowers the BJP government with sweeping powers including preventive detention, property confiscation and the removal of suspected troublemakers from specific areas. The government says the law is aimed at tackling organised crime and anti-social activities, while the Opposition has criticised it as draconian and vulnerable to misuse. The government says the legislation is designed to strengthen public safety.

A vacation bench comprising Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice V Lakshminarayanan passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to prevent the slaughter of cows in places other than designated slaughterhouses. The question that calls for consideration in this PIL is whether cows and calves can be sacrificed in places not designated as slaughterhouses on the occasion of Bakrid? the bench observed.

The Supreme Court has overturned the Gauhati High Court's rulings on foreigner status, with Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta calling for a re-examination of cases by tribunals. They highlighted that citizenship matters hold significant constitutional weight and must be approached with procedural fairness, stressing the state's duty to safeguard against misuse of citizenship assertions.

The action comes a day after the Uttarakhand government directed the chief executive officer of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) to initiate action against officials and employees found responsible for alleged financial irregularities, following an inquiry into payments made for the accommodation, food and other expenses of VIP guests at the Kedarnath establishment.

Integrated science lab coverage in secondary schools fell to 54.6% in 2025-26. The number of schools with these labs increased by 10,000 over three years. However, the total number of secondary schools expanded at a faster rate. Government schools saw a slight increase, while aided and private schools experienced declines. State-level data reveals significant disparities in lab availability across India.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case concerning alleged encroachment of three historic water bodies. Petitioners accuse the Bihar government of threatening these lakes through a beautification project. Locals argue the government's plan constitutes encroachment disguised as development. The case highlights a broader decline in Bihar's water bodies over decades. Experts emphasize the need for ecosystem preservation and community involvement.

A Bengaluru food vlogger reported a frightening incident involving a delivery agent. The agent allegedly forced his way into her washroom and exposed himself. Police arrested the 22-year-old delivery agent, Vijay Mallikarjun Kamat, following the complaint. Kamat claimed he only needed to use the washroom and denied exposing himself. Flipkart confirmed the termination of the delivery partner's engagement after the incident.

Three alleged liquor smugglers died in Samastipur district over four days. One incident involved the murder of Prabhat Choudhary and his associate Sunny Kumar. Another victim, Ishant Kumar, was kidnapped and murdered, his body later found buried. Police suspect financial disputes and prior working relationships led to these killings. Authorities are intensifying their crackdown on liquor smuggling networks in the region.

A SIT probe found nine critical lapses in donation handling procedures. These security and procedural failures allowed for alleged large-scale embezzlement of funds. Counting personnel were not frisked and pocketless uniforms were not enforced. Cash from various boxes was mixed, and no denomination inventory was prepared. Biometric attendance was also not effectively implemented, undermining accountability.

Eyewitnesses blamed crew negligence and delayed medical care for the Vietnam boat disaster. Rough seas and gusty winds caused the speedboat to overturn within seconds. Many tourists drowned while trapped beneath the capsized vessel despite wearing life jackets. Rescue boats arrived nearly three hours later, and emergency treatment was delayed. Authorities have not yet responded to the allegations made by survivors.

Official crop enumeration inspections were completed on time in less than half of the country's villages. Many village maps used for land tracing are over twenty years old and outdated. Crop-cutting experiments are being conducted by untrained personnel in several key states. These data collection issues affect national food security interventions and advance estimates. Policymakers face challenges due to these significant gaps in agricultural statistics.

An Iranian attack on a ship with Indian crew has heightened concerns. This incident raises worries about fuel and fertilizer supply disruptions. Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and seafarer advisories. The flare-up delays any plans for new ship movements from India. India has sufficient crude oil stocks and is monitoring global prices.

Smaller urban centers are leading India's rooftop solar adoption, surpassing major metropolitan areas. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana promotes rooftop solar installations for households. This government scheme has seen rapid progress and aims to benefit many households. Over 36 lakh rooftop solar systems have already been installed across the country. Efforts are now focused on expanding urban reach and assisting low-income households.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed frustration over the delayed restoration of statehood. He questioned the central government's stance on protests and assembly discussions regarding this issue. Abdullah announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. He reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his past assurance on the matter. The National Conference will continue its democratic campaign until statehood is reinstated.

Police arrested three publishers in Jammu and Noida over controversial books. These books, which glorified separatists, were supplied to government school libraries. Officials suspended education department staff and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Sub-committees had shortlisted titles, but these two books were flagged later. The investigation aims to determine how the books reached schools despite scrutiny.

A landmark study puts a dollar figure on India's forests at national scale and the number is staggering. Yet these ecosystems remain invisible in official accounts, driving decisions that quietly destroy billions in natural wealth.

Regulator steps up 'Be the Eyes of Food Safety' campaign, urges consumers to flag unhygienic kitchens and unsafe food through its Food Safety Connect platform

K Annamalai has launched his new movement, We The Leaders, which will focus on governance and public responsibility. This organization explicitly excludes religion from its scope and aims to make Tamil Nadu a leading state. The movement is not built through membership drives but as a collective platform for people. Women and young people form a significant share of the movement's composition.

The RSS voiced grief over alleged donation irregularities at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. They expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will soon reach a decisive turn. The organization also reviewed its training programs and centenary year initiatives. Discussions included population imbalance, the upcoming census, and drug abuse. Plans were also made to strengthen shakhas and engage volunteers in social work.

Arvind Kejriwal escalated his political attack on the BJP, linking opposition to Sundarkand recitation with demonic tendencies. He performed a Sundarkand Path, vowing punishment for those who allegedly looted donations. The BJP dismissed the event as a political gimmick and theatrics by a political Hindu. Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra stated Kejriwal invokes religion only during election periods.