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The Times of India

Politics / The Times of India

India, Kyrgyzstan launch 'Manas and Mahabharata' civilizational studies centre

An Indian delegation visited Kyrgyzstan for the inauguration of a new civilizational studies center. Trilateral cooperation agreements were signed between academic institutions from both nations. The first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas was also presented at the event. This initiative aims to foster scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan. The center will focus on comparative civilizational studies and intercultural dialogue.

8 Jul 2026 10:35 pm
'All funds fully and transparently disclosed': TMC calls ED's freezing of Rs 440 crore bank deposits 'politically motivated', alleges misuse of agencies

The Enforcement Directorate froze Trinamool Congress bank deposits worth Rs 440 crore. This action is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into financial transactions. The Trinamool Congress stated all financial transactions were fully disclosed to authorities. They called the freeze a politically motivated act by the central government. The agency is probing alleged routing of funds through various service companies.

8 Jul 2026 9:39 pm
'Return to dialogue': India urges restraint after ships attacked amid uncertainty over Iran-US deal

India has expressed significant worry regarding the rising tensions in West Asia and the increasing assaults on commercial vessels. The ministry emphasized the importance of all involved parties to practice restraint and engage in dialogue. Recent actions pose risks to regional stability and disrupt global trade. In response, the United States has executed extensive military strikes against Iranian targets, while Iran retaliated with strikes aimed at Bahrain and Kuwait.

8 Jul 2026 9:20 pm
Mamata Banerjee loses cool, slaps TMC worker during protest; BJP shares video

A video showed Mamata Banerjee slapping a party worker during a protest march in Kolkata. The incident occurred during a rally organized by the TMC's youth wing. Clashes erupted between BJP and TMC supporters along the protest route. Mamata Banerjee accused the police of failing to enforce court orders. The protest was held amid outrage over a minor girl's alleged rape and murder.

8 Jul 2026 8:43 pm
Pests, hygiene scare in pantries: Railway Ministry directs zones to follow strict cleaning protocols

The Railway Ministry has mandated a new directive for all zonal railways, emphasizing the urgency of strict cleaning and pest control measures for pantry cars. This decision comes in response to ongoing complaints regarding unsanitary conditions and rodent problems. Additionally, there are serious concerns regarding the waste disposal methods employed by catering staff. Inconsistencies in enforcement have been attributed to lapses by certain railway authorities.

8 Jul 2026 8:23 pm
Railways orders probe into unauthorised decoration of 1AC coupe, suspends chief ticket inspector

Railways ordered a departmental inquiry after an unauthorized decorator entered a First AC coach. The decorator was hired by passengers to decorate a private coupe for a celebration. Preliminary findings show the decorator gained access at Jalna before passengers boarded. The on-duty chief ticket inspector has been suspended pending the inquiry's outcome. The investigation will assess security breaches and prevent future unauthorized access.

8 Jul 2026 7:34 pm
'Don't forgive TMC traitors': Mamata Banerjee's appeal to people after party rebellion

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee attacked a rival faction and the BJP. She urged people not to forgive party leaders who sided with the opposition. The dispute escalates over control of the party's name and symbol. Both factions are engaged in a legal and political battle. Mamata challenged rebel leaders to directly join the BJP.

8 Jul 2026 6:49 pm
Madras HC grants anticipatory bail to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji in Rs 35 crore bribery case

The Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji and his brother. This bail was granted in a case alleging a Rs 35 crore bribe offer. The court directed both petitioners to appear daily before the investigating officer. Arguments presented highlighted the lack of conversation recordings and reliance on call detail records. The court questioned Balaji's specific role in the alleged bribery attempt.

8 Jul 2026 5:36 pm
'Like house arrest': Mamata Banerjee alleges 'police watch'; accuses cops of acting like 'BJP cadres'

Mamata Banerjee alleged police watch as house arrest and accused the administration of failing to ensure a peaceful protest. The Trinamool Congress chief stated that the police acted as BJP cadres, undermining a court order. She claimed participants were attacked despite court permission for the rally over a minor's alleged rape and murder. Banerjee further alleged a complete breakdown of law and order in West Bengal.

8 Jul 2026 5:07 pm
All about Prambanan: The 9th-century Hindu temple PM Modi visited in Indonesia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated a temple restoration project. This initiative highlights India's cultural diplomacy and shared civilizational links between the nations. The project involves restoring smaller temples within the Prambanan complex with Indonesian authorities. Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered damage from natural disasters and upheaval. Restoration work continues using traditional and modern techniques for this ancie

8 Jul 2026 4:30 pm
1 in 14 women hit by early menopause in low, middle-income countries: Study

Early menopause occurs in about one in fourteen women aged thirty to forty-nine, with a troubling statistic of over fifty-one thousand women studied. The prevalence is notably higher in rural settings and less affluent countries. Fortunately, pursuing higher education and postponing motherhood can significantly reduce the likelihood of this condition, which places added strain on healthcare resources.

8 Jul 2026 3:52 pm
'Modi government continues to turn a blind eye': Rahul Gandhi on fresh UGC-NET leak allegations

Rahul Gandhi alleged fresh irregularities in the recent UGC-NET examination. He claimed a PDF circulated before the test matched many Sociology questions. This paper was reportedly sold for 2.25 lakh in several northern states. Gandhi criticized the government for ignoring repeated examination paper leaks. Students are denied justice and accountability due to the administration's inaction.

8 Jul 2026 3:49 pm
Watch: Indonesia rolls out fighter jets to see off PM Modi after three-day visit

Prime Minister Modi concluded his state visit to Indonesia after three days. Indonesian fighter jets escorted his aircraft out of their airspace. He and President Prabowo Subianto agreed to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions covered defence, maritime collaboration, and digital innovation areas. The visit opened new avenues for cooperation between the two nations.

8 Jul 2026 3:11 pm
'Parade them in the streets': Sanjay Raut to Fadnavis after Shinde Sena corporator assaults doctors in Thane hospital

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut condemned an alleged assault on hospital staff by a corporator. He urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action against the accused. CCTV footage purportedly showed Ramesh Mhatre and supporters assaulting medical personnel at a hospital. Mhatre denied assaulting female doctors and nurses, citing camera angles and informal interaction. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde assured that a case was registered and action would follow.

8 Jul 2026 2:32 pm
'Not a minor mistake': Kejriwal writes to 29 automakers over E20 fuel, flags 'contradictory' claims on engine safety

Arvind Kejriwal has written to 29 automobile manufacturers seeking clarification on E20 fuel. He wants written assurance regarding mileage and engine safety impacts on vehicles. This follows conflicting statements from company representatives and owner's manuals. Kejriwal also plans to urge the Prime Minister to make E20 fuel optional. Consumers should have choices for different fuel variants at petrol pumps.

8 Jul 2026 1:35 pm
'Collapse of governance': Congress attacks Centre after environment ministry removes 4 aides of Bhupendra Yadav

Congress has labeled the Environment Ministry a Pravachan Mantralay after four officials were removed. These dismissals occurred in two batches over successive days, sparking controversy. Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Prime Minister's Office vets all key ministerial staff appointments. He also stated the ministry has failed to protect the environment and address climate change. Ecological destruction and air pollution continue unabated across the country.

8 Jul 2026 12:11 pm
'BJP petrol pump': AAP shares 'E20 premium receipt' in dig over ethanol blending

The graphic, styled as a fuel station receipt, described the product as E20 Premium Receipt and claimed the blend contained Petrol 80% and Ethanol 20%. It also carried lines such as Customer Choice 0%, Price Reduction Rs 0.00, Mileage Impact 20-30%, Extra Maintenance Possible and concluded with TOTAL CHARGED Full petrol price and TOTAL VALUE Reduced mileage. Another line read, Terms and conditions not explained.

8 Jul 2026 10:22 am
12 years of civilisational diplomacy: How PM Modi restored India's shared heritage across Asia

One of the earliest initiatives came in Vietnam, where India signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2014 to restore the UNESCO-listed M Sn Sanctuary. Once the spiritual centre of the ancient Champa Kingdom, the Shaivite temple complex is regarded as one of Southeast Asia's most significant Hindu heritage sites. The Archaeological Survey of India led the conservation work under the bilateral agreement.

8 Jul 2026 9:18 am
Govt schools lose 86 lakh students in two years

Private Schools Gain 88 Lakh In Same Period

8 Jul 2026 6:34 am
4 officials from environment minister Bhupender Yadav's office removed

Four officials from Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's office were removed on July 3. Amar Singh, a private secretary, was removed on administrative grounds. Political appointees Siddharth Yadav and Ayush Saran had their appointments terminated. Shailesh Kumar Singh was prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre. The ministry has not provided specific reasons for these abrupt removals.

8 Jul 2026 2:29 am
After govt notice, Meta details child safety steps

Meta revealed new child safety measures after an Indian government notice regarding Instagram ads. The company disabled numerous offending accounts and advertisements using advanced artificial intelligence tools. Meta stated its systems detect suspicious off-platform links and other exploitation signals. Globally, over four million accounts were removed last year for suspicious child-related activity. The company continues to invest in technology and work with law enforcement agencies.

8 Jul 2026 2:05 am
Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Doda, damage houses and roads

Torrential rainfall caused flash floods and mudslides in Thathri town early Tuesday. Several houses were buried under debris, and many vehicles were damaged or washed away. The Doda-Kishtwar highway remains blocked due to landslides, suspending vehicular traffic. Restoration teams are working to clear debris and reopen the arterial road. Authorities are monitoring the situation and assessing the extent of the damage.

8 Jul 2026 12:30 am
'Terror threat plea improbable': HC rejects Cong workers plea to shift trial from Srinagar to Jammu

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh rejected a Congress worker's plea. He sought to shift his cheque bounce trial from Srinagar to Jammu. The court stated terrorism is almost eliminated in the Valley now. It noted the petitioner's claims of threat were improbable and lacked merit. The court found the petition was filed to avoid payment and prolong proceedings.

8 Jul 2026 12:23 am
Before Delhi protest, NC secures Kashmir civil societys resolution for restoration of statehood

The National Conference is rallying support for its upcoming July 20 protest. Party leaders met with Kashmir civil society groups on Tuesday. These groups adopted a resolution demanding the restoration of J&K's statehood. The governing NC announced this one-day protest in Delhi earlier. This demonstration coincides with Parliament's monsoon session opening.

8 Jul 2026 12:14 am
Chennai tops domestic flights punctuality in May, Delhi & Mumbai at bottom of 10 busiest airports: DGCA data

Chennai airport recorded the highest on-time domestic flight performance in May. IndiGo, Akasa, and Air India Group led airline punctuality among major airports. Domestic air travel saw over 1.5 crore passengers fly within the country last month. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous month's travel figures. Overall domestic air travel growth has remained tepid for the year.

8 Jul 2026 12:02 am
Bengaluru daycare horror: Police defend arrest of whistleblower, say she was 'equal party' to abuse

Bengaluru Police defended the arrest of Sujatha, the whistleblower in a daycare abuse case. Investigators claim they found enough evidence to name her as an accused party. The police commissioner stated that procedures were not followed after the incidents surfaced. Evidence suggests one alleged incident may have been stage-managed by caregivers. The case involves disturbing videos of alleged toddler abuse at a Capgemini campus daycare.

7 Jul 2026 11:12 pm
Gujarat-bound Qatari LNG vessel with 4 Indian crew hit in suspected drone attack near Hormuz

A Qatar-bound LNG carrier carrying four Indian crew members was struck near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel sustained damage and its engine room caught fire following the suspected drone attack. All 29 seafarers on board, including the four Indians, were reported safe after the incident. Qatar accused Iran of targeting the vessel, calling it a violation of international law.

7 Jul 2026 10:29 pm
'Like to sing & dance to Indian songs': Indonesian president's 'DNA' remark draws praise from PM Modi

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance. He acknowledged studying and adapting Indian policies for Indonesia's development. Subianto also praised India's democratic system and election process. Indonesia closely studies India's peaceful transfer of power mechanisms. These remarks were made during Prime Minister Modi's recent three-nation visit.

7 Jul 2026 9:20 pm
The mystery of 8: Why PM Modi mentioned this number in his Indonesia speech

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the number eight during his address to the Indian diaspora in Jakarta. He noted numerical connections between India's Republic Day and President Prabowo's birthday. The number eight holds significant cultural meaning in Indonesia, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. This visit saw twenty agreements signed, strengthening bilateral cooperation between the nations. India will also assist in conserving the ancient Prambanan Temple, a shared heritage site.

7 Jul 2026 8:25 pm
'Serviced vehicles not facing difficulty': Hardeep Puri rejects engine damage claims over E20 fuel

Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed social media claims about E20 petrol as misinterpretation. He stated that compatible vehicles and manufacturers report no significant issues. India has used E15 fuel for over three years and E20 since last April. Tests for E25 fuel are ongoing and will involve stakeholder consultations. The government defends the ethanol program for its economic and environmental benefits.

7 Jul 2026 7:14 pm