The Times of India

Several Jan Suraaj leaders joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday. This development occurs before the Bankipur Assembly bypoll scheduled for July 30. Prashant Kishor is contesting this election against the BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha. New entrants expressed their commitment to Prime Minister Modi's leadership and national development. The bypoll was necessitated after Nitin Nabin resigned from the assembly seat.

The Calcutta high court permitted the Trinamool Congress rally on July 21. The court ordered the venue shifted from Victoria House to near Birla Planetarium. This decision aims to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain public order. The rally attendance will be limited to 2,500 people between noon and 3:30 PM. Police will deploy adequate personnel to manage the law and order situation.

Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra has resigned from Mamata Banerjee's faction. He joined the rebel TMC faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee on Wednesday. Mitra accused Abhishek Banerjee of refusing to step aside during the party's crisis. This development follows summons issued to Mitra's family by the Enforcement Directorate. The ED is investigating a municipal recruitment scam in West Bengal.

Taslima Nasreen's upcoming return to Kolkata after 20 years sparks intense political discussions. The Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party both voiced their strong opinions regarding her visit. Exiled since 2007, Nasreen is set to participate in an anti-fundamentalism literary event this August. Her previous works and the circumstances of her exile have sent shockwaves through conversations about free speech and the intersection with religious beliefs in West Bengal.

Abhijeet Dipke criticized the government's silence regarding Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchuk has been fasting for eighteen days protesting examination irregularities and paper leaks. He questioned why the Prime Minister has not engaged in dialogue. Opposition leaders have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast due to his health. Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since beginning his protest on June 28.

The Congress invited Mamata Banerjee to its Martyrs' Day event in Kolkata. This invitation came with a condition that she acknowledge leaving Congress was a mistake. West Bengal Congress president stated Mamata should not distort the historical significance of the 1993 movement. He added that admitting her past decision was wrong would be a significant gesture. The Congress stage remains open for her to pay respects to the martyrs.

From Shubman Gill and Priyanka Chopra to tennis lifers such as Lara Dutta and Ravi Shastri, Wimbledon now offers sport, style, status, and sentiment

Thailand will now allow thirty-day visa-exempt entries for Indian visitors. This decision follows a recent drop in arrivals from India impacting tourism. The government aims to align with Indian tourist travel behavior and boost visitor numbers. Previously, Indian tourists enjoyed sixty days visa-free entry to the country. This change reverses an earlier proposal to eliminate visa-free access for many nations.

Enforcement Directorate informed the Supreme Court about Reliance ADAG entities siphoning funds. These companies allegedly used fifty-three shell entities to divert bank loans. Assets worth over Rs 5,500 crore have been attached by the agency. Other Reliance group companies also diverted funds for luxury acquisitions. Investigations continue with significant assets attached and officials arrested.

The Supreme Court acquitted seventeen individuals accused in a dowry death case. This decision came after a lengthy twenty-six-year legal battle for the family. The court criticized lower courts for disregarding defense evidence without valid reasons. Substantive testimonies and credible documents presented by the defense remained uncontroverted. The apex court stressed the importance of treating all evidence equally during trials.

Rebel TMC MPs are set to hold their parliamentary party meeting under NCPI. They anticipate representation at the customary pre-session all-party meeting. Speaker Om Birla will decide on merger applications before the monsoon session begins. Recognition of NCPI could make it BJP's largest ally in the Lok Sabha. The rebel group is confident of approval due to their numbers.

The Supreme Court imposed a three lakh rupee cost on Samay Raina and four others. These comedians failed to hold a promised show for disabled individuals. They had previously faced court anger for mocking people with disabilities. The court accused Raina of lying and taking the judiciary for a ride. The bench warned artists against disrespecting people with disabilities and their talents.

The Supreme Court will create a procedure for urgent petitions. This new system will address life and liberty concerns after court hours. The court agreed to explore this after a lawyer's plea for immediate access. Only cases involving life and liberty infringements will be considered. This aims to provide prompt constitutional protection to citizens.

Madhya Pradesh's draft uniform civil code requires live-in relationship registration. Couples must formally cancel registrations when relationships end, facing penalties for non-compliance. Parents will be informed of their children's live-in relationship status. Inheritance laws will change, including fathers as heirs to deceased sons' property. The proposed code will initially exclude the state's tribal population.

India summoned Iran's deputy chief of mission to protest recent attacks on commercial ships. One Indian seafarer tragically lost his life and two others were critically injured. These attacks on vessels like MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa have intensified recently. India strongly condemned the violence and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities. The government seeks the restoration of free and safe navigation through international waterways.

India supports freedom of navigation and lawful sea uses in the South China Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs responded to a joint statement by several nations. This statement rejected China's expansive South China Sea claim as lacking legal basis. It also reaffirmed a 2016 tribunal ruling favoring the Philippines. India emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with UNCLOS principles.

The Supreme Court will hear challenges to a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling on the Bhojshala complex. It declined to stay the order which declared the site a temple. Muslim petitioners argued the ruling ignored historical evidence and existing arrangements. The court directed authorities to find an alternative space for Friday prayers. Structural changes to the complex are prohibited without court permission.

The MEA clarified passport issuance follows the Passports Act, 1967. This document regulates departure of Indian citizens from India. Official sources state a passport is not a determinant of citizenship. Less than eight percent of Indians currently hold a passport. This clarification follows recent government official remarks on the travel document.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau informed the Supreme Court about the inquiry timeline. The complex investigation into the Air India crash is expected to conclude soon. Analysis activities will be completed within six weeks, subject to external factors. A draft final report is anticipated by October 2026 for review. This timeline aligns with international practices for accident investigations.

A survivor described the sudden Vietnam boat tragedy where the captain jumped overboard. He explained that only those who followed him into the water managed to escape. The closed boat prevented rear passengers from exiting, leading to their demise. He lost a childhood friend in the unfortunate incident. Improved island medical access could have saved additional lives.

The Supreme Court questioned English's indigenous status while refusing to halt the CBSE's three-language scheme. This policy aims to promote Hindi and regional languages, aligning with constitutional goals. Petitioners argued against the scheme due to teacher and infrastructure challenges. They also noted limited availability of books on the NCERT website. The Centre and CBSE will file their responses within ten days.

The Supreme Court has set August 19 as a deadline for Odisha to decide on Dara Singh's remission plea. Dara Singh, jailed since 2000, is seeking release after serving over 26 years. The state sentence review board is favorably considering his plea due to good conduct. Updated information is required by the board before a final decision can be made.

An expert panel recommended green clearance for the Naying hydro-electric project. This project will be built across the Siyom river in Arunachal Pradesh. It will boost renewable energy generation and cost an estimated Rs 11,835 crore. The project proponent will provide compensation and rehabilitation for displaced families. Further forest clearance is now required for this significant development.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari denied personal gain from the ethanol blending program. He stated that allegations of conflict of interest are politically motivated and lack substance. Gadkari emphasized his long-standing support for alternative fuels to reduce pollution and import dependence. He clarified that his sons' business has a minimal share in the ethanol sector. The minister also highlighted the program's historical backing from previous governments.

A Jammu court has ordered a crime branch officer to appear with case records. This follows objections raised over the agency's handling of a complaint. The case involves alleged fake silver offerings worth Rs 500 crore at Vaishno Devi shrine. Officials discovered the offerings contained minimal actual silver and toxic cadmium. An advocate filed a court complaint after his earlier submission received no action.

India's shipping minister ordered a comprehensive vessel tracking dashboard for ships with Indian seafarers. This dashboard will provide real-time information on vessel position and crew welfare. Liaison officers will be appointed to assist affected seafarers and their families. The ministry also directed close coordination with Indian missions in affected nations. Vessel movements require fresh threat assessments and coordination with maritime authorities.

The Union Cabinet is expected to approve two major elevated road projects in Varanasi. These projects, the Ganga and Varuna Corridors, will cost nearly twenty-five thousand crore rupees. The Ganga Elevated Corridor will be a forty-six-kilometer highway along the riverfront. The Varuna Corridor will be a forty-three-kilometer elevated link connecting two national highways. These initiatives aim to significantly ease traffic congestion and boost tourism in the holy city.

Poland's foreign minister stated Prime Minister Modi influenced President Putin regarding nuclear weapons. He emphasized Modi's unique ability to exert pressure and influence on the Russian leader. India's long-standing relationship with Russia provides a crucial communication channel. India consistently advocates for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. The nation maintains ties with both Russia and Western countries.

The Election Commission of India has approved a one-time honorarium of Rs 6,000 for Booth Level Officers. This payment is for their work during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The additional payment is sanctioned due to the scale and nature of the required revision work. This directive has been sent to chief electoral officers across multiple states and Union Territories.

Rekha Gupta accused the Aam Aadmi Party of political patronage to Tahir Hussain. She demanded answers from the party leadership regarding their association with him. Hussain was convicted for his role in the 2020 Delhi riots and murder. The conviction brought justice to victims and their devastated families. The chief minister stressed accountability and punishment for those responsible.

West Bengal withdrew its Supreme Court appeal challenging the High Court's OBC list judgment. The state cabinet decided not to pursue the appeal, which was previously filed by the Trinamool Congress government. The Calcutta High Court had struck down the inclusion of 77 communities, including 75 Muslim communities. The state assembly has since passed two bills to restructure the OBC reservation framework.

Thirteen Indians have died and three are missing in the Gulf region since late February. Recent attacks on commercial ships have resulted in significant Indian casualties. India is closely monitoring the escalating regional crisis and its impact. The nation calls for safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on shipping must cease to ensure global trade resumes.

India stated Pakistan's exploitation causes protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Islamabad of excessive force against public dissent. India maintains Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. New Delhi also accused Pakistan of human rights violations in the region.

AR Rahman's performance with the National Symphony Orchestra offered a powerful reminder of music's unifying power. He seamlessly blended Eastern and Western musical traditions, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The concert showcased his ability to orchestrate diverse elements into a cohesive artistic vision. This event demonstrated that harmony is a universal human aspiration, not just a musical concept. Rahman conducted connection, reminding audiences of their shared humanity through melody.

The Cockroach Janta Party has invited political leaders to join a protest at Jantar Mantar. This demonstration supports students protesting the alleged NEET UG examination irregularities and paper leak. Leaders from various parties have been urged to stand in solidarity with the protesting youth. The organization seeks accountability and justice for students affected by the education system. Many leaders have already offered support, while others are still being contacted.

The Supreme Court declined to halt the CBSE's three-language policy for 2026-27. It will hear detailed challenges to the policy next week. Petitioners argued against the policy's implementation and lack of resources. The court noted that learning languages is beneficial and agreed to hear arguments. The Union government was directed to file its response within ten days.

Posters targeting Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav appeared across Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadi Party accused the BJP of inciting communal sentiments with these displays. Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar defended the posters as appropriate responses. Samajwadi Party workers removed the controversial hoardings in several locations. Police are examining CCTV footage to identify those responsible for the posters.

The Indian Army marked July 14, 1999, as a decisive turning point in the Kargil War. This date saw India regain control of strategic heights and Pakistan announce troop withdrawal. The Fire and Fury Corps highlighted exceptional courage and coordinated operations during this period. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared Operation Vijay a success on this significant day.