The Times of India

Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in India has been a game changer for countless low-income households seeking cleaner cooking options. Especially prominent in Uttar Pradesh, this initiative has not only boosted women's health but also elevated their status by replacing harmful traditional fuels with LPG, illustrating a powerful movement toward sustainability and gender equality.

A case has been registered by Thane Police against eight suspects, including owners and personnel from a shipping firm, for allegedly conning 75 job applicants out of over Rs 1.73 crore.

Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) faces a potential major split as at least six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly forming a separate group to join Eknath Shinde's faction. This move, dubbed 'Operation Tiger' by Thackeray loyalists who allege MPs are being bribed, could significantly weaken Uddhav Thackeray's party and bolster the NDA in Parliament.

'Tamil Nadu will continue its two-language policy': Governor reiterates stand in inaugural address, reaffirms opposition to NEP'Tamil Nadu will continue its two-language policy': Governor reiterates stand in inaugural address

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to bolster cooperation against terrorism, drug trafficking, and border security. The discussions aimed at strengthening collaborative efforts to protect citizens from narcotics, secure national borders, and ensure criminals face justice in both countries. This meeting signifies a commitment to enhanced bilateral security partnerships.

Shubhanshu Shukla, the nations pioneering astronaut to journey to the ISS, marked his two-decade milestone in the Indian Air Force. Looking back on his remarkable career, he remarked, 'It has been an extraordinary adventure,' transitioning from an elite fighter pilot to the stars.

India successfully tested its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), a stealthy weapon designed for precision strikes hundreds of kilometers away. Developed by DRDO, this missile complements the supersonic BrahMos by focusing on low-altitude, terrain-hugging flight to evade radar and penetrate enemy defenses.

A large-scale TB screening in Northeast India revealed over a third of detected cases in vulnerable groups were asymptomatic, highlighting the challenge of silent infections. This proactive approach, covering millions, is crucial for India's TB elimination goals, with AI tools now aiding early detection and treatment initiation across the region.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has received a legal notice from an RJD MP demanding detailed disclosures on Ram Mandir donations and their expenditure. This follows allegations of financial irregularities, which the Trust has denied. Opposition leaders have called for an investigation and questioned the handling of funds.

India's First Constitutional Amendment in 1951 profoundly reshaped the nation's democracy. It balanced fundamental rights like free speech and property with state needs for public order and social reform. This pivotal change, enacted before the first elections, introduced mechanisms to protect reform laws and expanded grounds for speech restrictions, setting a precedent for ongoing debates.

West Bengal witnesses a surge in egg-throwing incidents targeting Trinamool Congress leaders. BJP leader Agnimitra Paul calls this 'deemocracy', citing public anger over alleged corruption and misgovernance. Recent events include attacks on Kunal Ghosh and Soumitra Banerjee. Residents also targeted a vehicle linked to Madan Mitra. These protests highlight growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

Jharkhand is witnessing a keenly contested Rajya Sabha election for two seats today. With three candidates in the fray, including BJP-backed Parimal Nathwani, JMM's Baidyanath Ram, and Congress' Pranav Jha, the focus is on the battle for the second seat. Both ruling and opposition blocs are employing strategies to prevent cross-voting, with MLAs housed in hotels and mock polls conducted.

India's push for green hydrogen gained momentum with the launch of a new certification portal by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. This initiative aims to streamline regulations and boost domestic manufacturing, evidenced by incentives for electrolyser production and pilot projects in the steel sector. The mission is actively reducing import dependence, with significant agreements for green ammonia supply to fertilizer plants.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the ongoing impact of West Asian crises on the Global South, urging international solidarity. He proposed a global skills partnership and an International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT) to foster shared growth and resilience.

A father in Auraiya has been arrested for allegedly attempting to murder his 14-year-old transgender daughter. He reportedly beat her with a stick and threw her into a canal, motivated by her gender identity. The girl survived due to shallow water and was rescued by locals. She is in critical condition.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly criticized Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's decision to rename a road near the US Consulate after President Donald Trump. CPM General Secretary MA Baby expressed concern that this move, occurring amidst US military actions, undermines India's sovereignty and anti-imperialist ideals. He urged the Congress high command to intervene and withdraw the decision.

Karnataka government will soon issue guidelines for medical students on appropriate behavior and respect towards donated bodies for study. This follows viral clips of students disrespecting cadavers, sparking a debate on ethics. The ethics committee will meet to discuss reinforcing existing guidelines for handling donated bodies.

Rahul Gandhi's public release of his INDIA bloc speech has irked allies, particularly Left parties, who emphasize mutual trust for effective resistance against the BJP. Concerns were raised about Gandhi's remarks on Pinarayi Vijayan and the unilateral release of internal discussions. DMK also reiterated its stance against Congress due to a state-level alliance issue.

The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre for its response on the ban imposed on Telegram, which is challenging the temporary restriction ahead of the NEET-UG retest. The government claims to have shocking material to share, citing ongoing issues with channels involved in examination-related activities resurfacing after being blocked.

PM Modi and President Trump discussed the safety of Indian seafarers amidst a US-Iran peace agreement. Trump acknowledged the risks of the profession while Modi emphasized the importance of maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders also touched upon trade, defense, and geopolitical issues, with Trump expressing confidence in strong US-India ties.

Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered a significant upgrade of the national cyber crime helpline '1930'. The directive emphasizes integrating advanced technology like AI and multilingual support to enhance reporting and redressal. Shah stressed swift action on cyber financial fraud complaints, including prioritizing bank account freezing issues, and called for stronger measures against mule accounts.

The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand are shaping up to be a nail-biter. The INDIA bloc, boasting 56 MLAs, appears to have the upper hand with a potential for two seats, but the BJP, rallying behind an independent candidate, is poised to sow discord through cross-voting, reminiscent of previous electoral surprises in Bihar and Odisha.

The Indian government has temporarily restricted Telegram access. This action follows allegations of misuse by organised networks. The government plans to present evidence of this misuse in court. The restrictions are in place to ensure the integrity of national examinations. Access is limited until June 22. A message editing feature is also disabled until June 30.

Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump met at the G7 Summit, prioritizing maritime security and the safety of Indian seafarers. Modi stressed the vital importance of open shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, and commended Trump's efforts in West Asia. The leaders also discussed trade deals, signaling renewed energy in India-US relations after a period of strain.

The NDA is considering reviving the women's quota bill amidst opposition party shifts. Rahul Gandhi criticizes the Telegram ban, arguing it targets students over exam leak culprits. Akhilesh Yadav denies Samajwadi Party splits, blaming the BJP for engineered defections.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government's temporary ban on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, calling it a diversionary tactic targeting students instead of paper leak networks.

Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan has firmly stated that the Centre will not be permitted to interfere in the state's autonomy regarding school curriculum decisions. Following a cabinet meeting, Satheesan emphasized that shaping educational content is within the state's domain, asserting Kerala's commitment to safeguarding its authority in this matter.

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of orchestrating the withdrawal of his and Rabri Devi's Z-plus security cover. Following the downgrade, RJD workers took over guarding Rabri Devi's residence, asserting their duty to protect her in the absence of Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav.

India's Supreme Court has recognized loss of domestic care as compensable, valuing homemakers' unpaid labor at Rs 30,000 monthly. This acknowledges the significant economic contribution of women's household work, estimated to be a substantial portion of GDP. Time-use surveys reveal a stark gender gap, with women dedicating far more hours to domestic duties, a disparity rooted in societal norms.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde is reportedly in touch with a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs for 'Operation Tiger,' potentially leading to another split. This move, if successful, could significantly weaken Uddhav Thackeray's faction and bolster the NDA's parliamentary strength. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have dismissed the reports, dubbing the alleged move 'Operation Wolf'.

Russian messaging platform Telegram has challenged the Centre's decision to ban the app in the Delhi High Court. The temporary ban was imposed ahead of the NEET-UG re-test due to concerns over exam-related content circulation. Telegram is seeking judicial intervention against the government's restriction.