The Times of India
Elections 2026Top News / The Times of India
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann declared zero paper leaks in the state since 2022, contrasting with 93 national incidents since 2017. He highlighted merit-based recruitment, creating 67,037 government jobs. Mann also emphasized Punjab's rise to number one in school education, citing investments in infrastructure and teacher training, and the success of 'Schools of Eminence'.
Opposition leaders at the INDIA bloc meeting discussed the emerging youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). While some expressed concerns about its intent, others, including Omar Abdullah and Mamata Banerjee, supported engaging with the movement, viewing it as a sign of genuine youth dissent and a healthy space for civil movements.
INDIA bloc allies voiced concerns to Congress during their first post-election meeting. The CPM criticized remarks made during the Kerala polls, while others urged a more accommodating approach. Leaders called for the Congress to be 'large-hearted' towards regional partners, emphasizing unity against the BJP. Rahul Gandhi assured commitment to the alliance.
Tragedy struck in Dubai as a minibus carrying Indian workers collided with a truck, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Authorities revealed the truck had stopped unexpectedly due to a technical issue. Preliminary investigations suggest the bus driver's inattentive driving and failure to maintain a safe distance contributed to the devastating crash.
Trinamool Congress is experiencing a significant political shift. Several party MPs have reportedly written to the Lok Sabha Speaker expressing their support for the BJP-led NDA. This follows recent internal party challenges and a poor performance in the West Bengal elections. The move aims to align with the NDA's political course.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has criticized the INDIA bloc's recent meeting in Delhi. BJP MP Sambit Patra stated the opposition alliance has lost public support and credibility. He mocked the shrinking scale of their gatherings. INDIA bloc leaders discussed issues like the NEET-CBSE row and the economy. They plan to meet every two months.
Two of India's most powerful regional leaders suffered similar electoral setbacks. Yet while Mamata Banerjee is investing more heavily in the INDIA bloc than ever before, MK Stalin is keeping his distance. Their contrasting responses reveal how dramatically the opposition landscape has changed after the 2026 assembly elections.
Donald Trump stated Israel and Iran are seeking an immediate ceasefire, with Iran announcing a halt to military operations. Meanwhile, 20 TMC MPs wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker expressing support for the NDA. Additionally, 24 Indian seafarers require urgent assistance after their vessel was reportedly attacked off Oman's coast.
At least 20 TMC MPs have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressing their support for the BJP-led NDA, following Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Shekhar Ray's resignation. Rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee cited disillusionment with the party's leadership and parliamentary treatment as reasons for the growing dissent.
India has voiced grave concern over escalating Middle East violence, urging immediate de-escalation and diplomatic talks. The ongoing conflict, now over 100 days, is causing immense human suffering and impacting the global economy. Indian missions in Israel and Iran have issued urgent travel and safety advisories for citizens, emphasizing caution and immediate departure where necessary.
INDIA bloc leaders met, agreeing to petition the Chief Justice on electoral integrity and demanding the Education Minister's resignation over exam controversies. They also called for an all-party meeting on the economy and pledged to meet bi-monthly. Parliament coordination will continue daily during the monsoon session.
Twenty-four Indian seafarers are urgently seeking help after their vessel was reportedly attacked off Oman's coast, near the Strait of Hormuz. The Forward Seamen's Union of India has appealed to the Indian Navy and authorities for intervention amidst rising regional tensions. Details regarding the attack and the vessel remain unconfirmed by official sources.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor amused netizens with his witty responses to culinary debates on social media. He humorously critiqued an 'idli pizza' cutting style, attributing it to software engineering logic. Previously, Tharoor also defended the South Indian idli against a comparison to rasgulla, highlighting its unique preparation and culinary significance.
The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Centre and CBSE regarding discrepancies in the board's On-Screen Marking system. This follows student allegations of handwriting mismatches in scanned answer sheets, raising concerns about marking irregularities. The court will hear the case on June 12.
The Jaipur district administration ordered a temporary shutdown of mobile internet services across Jaipur North and Jaipur East police districts from Sunday midnight to Monday midnight ahead of the anti-encroachment drive. The order, issued by Jaipur Divisional Commissioner V Saravana Kumar, suspends 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G mobile internet services, along with bulk SMS, MMS and social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and X. Voice calling services remain unaffected.
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot expressed hurt over Sachin Pilot's alleged failure to publicly acknowledge his role in becoming a Union minister. Gehlot also claimed a ig conspiracy unfairly damaged his reputation during the 2022 Congress presidential race, leading to a revolt by his loyal MLAs.
The Calcutta High Court refused to urgently hear a petition by former minister Aroop Biswas seeking to quash an FIR against him for criminal intimidation. The court directed Biswas to follow the regular legal process, suggesting he seek anticipatory bail instead, as the FIR was filed six months after the alleged incident.
DMK chief MK Stalin questioned the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government's longevity, suggesting recent events have sparked doubts about its stability. He welcomed former VCK MLA Panaiyur Babu into the DMK, highlighting the party's welfare and development achievements. Stalin's remarks join a growing wave of opposition criticism against the new government.
Home minister Amit Shah is set to launch the Land Port Management System (LPMS), a digital platform designed to streamline cargo and passenger processing at all land ports. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and security in cross-border operations, bringing them on par with airport and seaport systems.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again championed the humble idli, this time critiquing a viral post pairing it with chai. While a self-proclaimed chai enthusiast, Tharoor advocates for enjoying both delicacies separately, emphasizing the ideal fluffy texture of an idli. He previously defended idli against comparisons to rasgulla, highlighting its sophisticated fermentation process.
Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has reignited Congress leadership debates, asserting he wouldn't have refused the party presidency if offered by Sonia Gandhi. He claims a ig conspiracy distorted narratives around the 2022 presidential race and the Rajasthan crisis, leading to a wrong perception of his intentions. Gehlot expressed regret over the internal turmoil.
The Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for shootings targeting Indians in Portugal. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc is set to meet amid internal rifts, while the Cockroach Janta Party vows nationwide protests over exam irregularities. In sports, India dominates Afghanistan in a Test match, and a Russian drone struck a Chornobyl fuel storage site.
INDIA bloc leaders convene in Delhi today amidst recent election defeats and internal friction. Twenty-three parties confirmed participation, aiming to present a united front against the BJP. However, key allies like DMK and AAP are reportedly skipping the meeting due to ongoing disputes, testing the coalition's resolve.
Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project has ignited a major interstate dispute with Tamil Nadu, creating a political dilemma for the Congress party. Both states, now under Congress rule, are at odds over water sharing, exposing deep regional tensions and challenging the party's unity.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the removal or resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This follows a large protest at Jantar Mantar, where thousands voiced anger over alleged examination and recruitment irregularities. CJP vows nationwide protests if their demands aren't met.
Domestic LPG cylinder prices have risen by Rs 29, with a 14.2-kg cylinder now costing Rs 942 in Delhi. This marks the second increase in three months, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties who accuse the government of exacerbating inflation and burdening households. The hikes are linked to rising global energy prices amid Middle East conflict.
Hundreds gathered at Jantar Mantar demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over examination and recruitment irregularities. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called the protest a 'trailer' for a larger movement, vowing fresh demonstrations if Pradhan isn't sacked within seven days. Participants wore cockroach masks, highlighting concerns over NEET, CUET, and SSC processes.
India's fertility rate has slipped beneath the 2.1 children per woman threshold, with a majority of states now reflecting this trend. Elon Musk pointed out that educated women have long surpassed this level, indicating a significant demographic transition. This evolving landscape hints at a slower population increase and the looming concerns of an aging society.

37 C