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The Times of India

Politics / The Times of India

'SBI wanted donation staff removed 3 months back': Congress on Ram Temple fund row

Calling the arrest of eight people in the case only a glimpse, Congress leader Pawan Khera targeted those protecting the people behind the alleged fund embezzlement. Khera tweaked the RSS-BJP's popular Ram Mandir movement slogan in a piercing attack, saying, Ayodhya ki loot jhanki hai, Kashi-Mathura abhi baaki hai (the alleged loot in Ayodhya was only a glimpse, Kashi and Mathura were yet to come).

29 Jun 2026 7:14 pm
Two Indian soldiers put country on world rowing map with 1st-ever World Cup gold

Indian Army Havildars Ujjwal Kumar Singh and Lakshay have etched their names in history, securing India's maiden gold medal at a World Rowing Cup. The duo triumphed in the Lightweight Men's Double Sculls at Lucerne, Switzerland, with a remarkable time of 6 minutes and 26.09 seconds. This historic victory, achieved with a composed 36 strokes per minute, underscores the Indian military's significant contribution to the sport.

29 Jun 2026 7:01 pm
'Polio Free Pakistan' on government-linked pamphlet triggers probe in Jammu and Kashmir

Health officials in Jammu and Kashmir have urgently called for clarification from a Block Medical Officer in Rajouri regarding an unauthorized pamphlet promoting 'Polio Free Pakistan.' This misleading publication, which resembles official polio vaccination materials, poses a risk to public confidence. Authorities are conducting an investigation to track down the individuals responsible for its production and distribution, and have issued firm directives to prevent similar unauthorized content fr

29 Jun 2026 7:00 pm
Ex-SC judge Ranjana Prakash Desai to lead UCC drafting panel in West Bengal: CM Suvendu

CM Adhikari announced that a draft UCC Bill will be placed before the state cabinet on July 2. The bill will be tabled in the assembly later, he said. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a common civil framework governing marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption irrespective of religion. Ahead of the introduction of the Bill, state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya asserted that constitutionally protected tribal communities would remain outside its ambit.

29 Jun 2026 5:51 pm
India distances itself from reports of Track 2 dialogue with Pakistan, says no official involvement

India has clarified its stance on recent reports of a Track 2 dialogue with Pakistan. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri stated that these meetings are private initiatives, devoid of any official Indian government participation or backing. He emphasized that such unofficial interactions are common globally and do not hold significant value or recognition from New Delhi's perspective, urging the public not to view them as official engagements.

29 Jun 2026 3:16 pm
PM Modi leaves Seychelles after three-day visit, seals Rs 1,250 crore credit line and nine agreements

Prime Minister Modi concluded a significant three-day state visit to Seychelles, marked by the signing of nine agreements, including an extradition treaty and the launch of India's UPI. A Rs 1,250 crore line of credit for development projects was also announced. Modi, the Guest of Honour at Seychelles' Golden Jubilee celebrations, emphasized India's commitment as a trusted partner, fostering stronger ties and people-to-people connections.

29 Jun 2026 2:38 pm
Haryana, Rajasthan sign MoU to implement 1994 Upper Yamuna water-sharing pact

Haryana and Rajasthan have inked a crucial Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi to operationalize the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board Agreement. Presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the pact aims to streamline the sharing and management of Yamuna river waters between the two states. This significant step brings a decades-old water-sharing pact closer to full implementation.

29 Jun 2026 12:36 pm
Suhrawardys many afterlives: From Direct Action Day to Jordans royal family

The row over Kolkatas Suhrawardy Avenue opens a wider story of memory, guilt and legacy. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy remains tied to Bengal famine, Direct Action Day and Partition. Yet his familys afterlives stretch across scholarship, diplomacy, human rights, Pakistans politics, Bangladeshs public life and Jordans royalty over two turbulent centuries.

29 Jun 2026 11:50 am
'People are searching for governance': Udhayanidhi, MK Stalin step up attack on Tamil Nadu CM Vijay

DMK leaders MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin have launched a sharp critique against the ruling TVK government, citing administrative failures, a decline in law and order, and the Tamil Nadu Assembly's transformation into a film shooting spot. They allege the government is struggling to address power cuts, water shortages, and rising crime, while accusing the Chief Minister of prioritizing optics over governance.

29 Jun 2026 9:31 am
31-year-old Pakistani national held after crossing LoC in Poonch

Jammu and Kashmir Police apprehended a 31-year-old Pakistani national, Rayees Khan, on Sunday after he allegedly crossed the Line of Control into Indian territory in the Balakote sector. No incriminating material was found. This marks the third such apprehension this month, following the capture of another Pakistani national, Mohd Sajad, on Friday near the LoC in Poonch. Both individuals are currently being questioned to determine their motives and backgrounds.

28 Jun 2026 10:53 pm
CBSE cites 11-mark rise to rebut students re-eval charge; 99.7% Class XII re-eval cases cleared

CBSE has finalized verification and re-evaluation for over 99.7% of Class XII 2026 result applications, refuting a student's social media claims of minimal mark increases as false. The Board detailed a student's actual mark jump of 11 points, including a significant nine-mark rise in Physics. This clarification addresses concerns surrounding the new on-screen marking system, with CBSE assuring that all necessary checks were performed.

28 Jun 2026 10:48 pm
Assam Rifles, Indian Navy band to join Seychelles' Golden Jubilee Independence Day celebrations

India's commitment to Seychelles' security and prosperity was underscored during the island nation's 50th Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Modi, the guest of honour, highlighted the indivisible nature of regional security and gifted a fast patrol vessel, LESPWAR, along with other defence equipment. An Assam Rifles contingent and an Indian Navy band participated, with two naval ships docked at Port Victoria, reinforcing decades of unwavering friendship and solidarity.

28 Jun 2026 10:25 pm
'Disqualify six rebel MPs': Uddhav links defections to 'Operation Devendra'

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded the disqualification of six rebel MPs, calling their defection a larger political conspiracy and part of Operation Devendra. He urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to uphold the rule of law, alleging the BJP is undermining its own leaders. Thackeray, on a tour of rebel MPs' constituencies, asserted that people voted against the Modi wave, not for the defectors.

28 Jun 2026 9:31 pm
Trafficking, rescue, rehabilitation: What NCRB's data hides beneath the decline

A survivor's harrowing journey highlights India's persistent human trafficking crisis, with a stark 40% of cases linked to prostitution. Despite a reported decline in overall numbers, the reality for women and children remains grim, exacerbated by systemic issues in law enforcement and the judiciary. The Supreme Court's new 'Victim Protection Plan' aims to address these critical gaps, offering a glimmer of hope for those seeking safety and rehabilitation.

28 Jun 2026 8:18 pm
'Sentiments hurt': Ayodhya lawyers refuse to defend Ram temple donation case accused

Eight individuals accused in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation case face a significant hurdle as local lawyers have unanimously agreed not to represent them. The Faizabad Bar Association is set to formalize this decision, citing hurt sentiments over the alleged theft of temple offerings. Meanwhile, police conducted raids on the accused's residences, with investigators having recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh.

28 Jun 2026 7:50 pm
Kerala government orders probe after protocol lapse causes Vijayan to miss flight

Kerala's opposition leader, Pinarayi Vijayan, missed his flight from Delhi to Kerala due to a protocol lapse. Officials failed to confirm travel plans with the airline, despite Vijayan reaching the airport well in advance. An inquiry has been ordered, with disciplinary action promised against the responsible protocol staff. Vijayan eventually travelled to Kannur on a later flight.

28 Jun 2026 6:49 pm
How Telegrams NEET controversy reveals a bigger battle over coaching, piracy and access

Telegram's temporary ban, linked to NEET exam leaks, sparks debate on its role in India's shadow education economy. While students utilize its features for affordable learning, the platform also facilitates the free circulation of paid educational content, leading to copyright battles. Critics argue the ban punishes legitimate users and fails to address the root cause of leaks, highlighting a complex challenge for policymakers balancing intellectual property with educational access.

28 Jun 2026 5:14 pm
Bengal braces for UCC battle as BJP government prepares to table Bill in assembly

West Bengal's BJP government is set to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, following similar moves in other BJP-ruled states. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed the legislation will be presented Monday, aiming to replace religion-based personal laws with a common framework. The BJP asserts tribal communities will be exempt, while the Trinamool Congress criticizes the move as political polarization, demanding extensive consultation.

28 Jun 2026 4:35 pm
PM Modi lauds citizens for cutting fuel use, curbing gold purchases amid West Asia crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to citizens for embracing his appeals to navigate the West Asian crisis. He highlighted widespread adoption of measures like carpooling, reduced gold purchases, and postponed foreign travel, with many families opting to recycle old gold for weddings. Market analysts, however, anticipate continued volatility in gold prices due to global economic uncertainties and geopolitical developments.

28 Jun 2026 3:17 pm
'Will send clip, present my side in writing': Bhagwant Mann ahead of AAP ministers' June 29 Akal Takht appearance

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all Sikh AAP MLAs and cabinet ministers will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 to present the government's stance on the anti-sacrilege law. Mann will also submit a video clip and his written explanation regarding a controversial video.

28 Jun 2026 1:56 pm
Isro moves step closer to more powerful LVM-3 with key engine test

Isro has successfully tested a new semi-cryogenic engine, achieving 175 tonnes of thrust. This crucial step towards a more powerful LVM-3 rocket is expected to significantly boost payload capacity for future launches. The engine's advanced turbopumps also performed exceptionally. This development is vital for India's growing ambitions in space exploration and commercial launches.

28 Jun 2026 1:41 pm