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The Times of India

Politics / The Times of India

Citing former PM Manmohan Singh, BJP says Congress has habit of discrediting Election Commission

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.

14 Jul 2026 3:44 am
Anti-graft bills not aimed at undercutting non-BJP governments, says ministry of home affairs

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.

14 Jul 2026 3:35 am
Supreme Court seeks Ram mandir fund probe status report in a week

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.

14 Jul 2026 3:26 am
India launches UNSC campaign for 2028-29 term, Jaishankar unveils SHANTI vision

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.

14 Jul 2026 2:32 am
Supreme Court quashes Guwahati high court order on 27 'foreigners'

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.

14 Jul 2026 2:12 am
Jammu and Kashmir: 18 Amarnath yatris injured in Ramban multi-vehicle collision

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.

14 Jul 2026 1:51 am
Jammu and Kashmir: BJP slaps Rs 100 crore notice on Omar over MLA poaching charge

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.

14 Jul 2026 1:46 am
Democratic decentralisation: Government announces hill councils for all 7 Ladakh districts

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.

14 Jul 2026 1:40 am
Jammu and Kashmir: Court remands 3 arrested publishers in police custody

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.

14 Jul 2026 12:37 am
Jammu & Kashmir administrtion seals Martyrs Graveyard; Omar, Mehbooba pay homage at party offices

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.

14 Jul 2026 12:34 am
Jammu and Kashmir: CM Omar Abdullahs Trump remarks anger BJP, party says its attempt to internationalise Kashmir

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.

14 Jul 2026 12:28 am
Bodies of 15 Indians killed in Vietnam boat tragedy arrive in Mumbai

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.

13 Jul 2026 10:29 pm
Where are the Gandhi siblings? Why Wayanad has put Rahul, Priyanka in the line of BJP fire

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.

13 Jul 2026 9:36 pm
Army seeks to add organic pulses to troops diet

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.

13 Jul 2026 7:26 pm
2020 Delhi riots: Court convicts former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain in IB officer Ankit Sharma murder case

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.

13 Jul 2026 6:33 pm
Evening news wrap: Strikes in Yemen, Iran; Mamata alleges EC bias & more

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.

13 Jul 2026 5:56 pm
'Real' TMC row: Mamata Banerjee cries foul over EC's 'stoic silence', opposes more time for rebel camp

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.

13 Jul 2026 4:39 pm
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust opens applications for CEO post amid donation row, sets July 18 as deadline

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.

13 Jul 2026 2:51 pm
Bengal's anti-goonda law comes into force: What it allows and why the oppn is worried

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.

13 Jul 2026 1:12 pm
SC stays Madras HC order directing total ban on cow slaughter during Bakrid

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.

13 Jul 2026 12:32 pm
'Citizenship must be decided through fair process': SC sets aside Guahati HC judgment

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.

13 Jul 2026 11:48 am
Badrinath donation theft case: Temple employee Pramod Nautiyal arrested

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.

13 Jul 2026 10:40 am
Lab availability fails to match rise in school numbers

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.

13 Jul 2026 5:54 am
Why apex court's wading into Darbhanga's ponds

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.

13 Jul 2026 5:16 am
Delivery agent barges into woman's Bengaluru flat, flashes her

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.

13 Jul 2026 4:41 am
Liquor gangs go to war in 'dry' Bihar, 3 dead in 4 days

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.

13 Jul 2026 4:35 am
Ayodhya Ram temple donation row: SIT flags near-total breakdown of safeguards

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.

13 Jul 2026 3:26 am
'Victims had life jackets on but were trapped under boat': Vietnam tragedy eyewitnesses claim crew negligence, treatment delays

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.

13 Jul 2026 3:12 am
Statistics ministry flags serious gaps in agriculture data collection

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.

13 Jul 2026 2:31 am
Hormuz crisis: Iran hit triggers fears of fuel supply disruption

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.

13 Jul 2026 2:23 am
Small towns beat big cities in rooftop solar adoption

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.

13 Jul 2026 1:44 am
CM Omar Adullah to BJP: Should I ask Donald Trump for Jammu & Kashmir statehood?

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.

13 Jul 2026 12:39 am
Jammu and Kashmir: 3 publishers held for books in school libraries praising separatists

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.

13 Jul 2026 12:30 am
Worth more standing: Indias forests are a $2.5-trillion asset we keep forgetting to count

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.

12 Jul 2026 10:28 pm
Spot unsafe food? FSSAI wants you to report it

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

12 Jul 2026 10:19 pm
'Religion is outside our scope': Annamalai says 'We The Leaders' will become political party

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.

12 Jul 2026 7:47 pm
RSS voices 'grief' over alleged Ram Mandir donation theft, backs SIT probe

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.

12 Jul 2026 6:38 pm
'Won't rest until they are hanged': Kejriwal counters BJP's 'political Hindu' attack amid Ram Mandir theft row

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.

12 Jul 2026 5:43 pm