The Times of India

Four Indian nationals were killed after a commercial vessel, MV Golden Leo, came under attack while departing Ukraine's port of Odesa on Sunday, the Indian government confirmed. One more Indian crew member remains in critical condition. According to the government, the vessel had 17 crew members on board, including five Indian nationals, when it was attacked.

The biggest event is being organised by the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress near Birla Planetarium. A rival group led by leader of opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, which claims to be the eal Trinamool Congress, is holding its own rally near the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road. The Congress, which originally spearheaded the 1993 agitation, is also organising a separate programme at Shahid Minar.

Sonam Wangchuk continues his 24th day hunger strike demanding accountability for the NEET paper leak. Protesters resumed their sit-in at Jantar Mantar, pressing for the education minister's resignation. A recent march to Parliament drew significant support from various personalities and MPs. Allegations of police force against protesters were made by the CJP group. However, Delhi Police rejected these claims as false and misleading information.

According to the bulletin, Wangchuk remains under the close supervision of a multidisciplinary team of experts from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS. In view of his ongoing mild to moderate dehydration, persistent laboratory abnormalities and the physiological stress associated with prolonged fasting, sustained medical supervision and continuous clinical monitoring remain essential for his recovery and for the timely identification and management of any potential complications, it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on his new role. He expressed confidence that India-UK ties will deepen across key sectors. The two nations share democratic values and cooperate widely in many areas. With CETA entering into force, the partnership is poised for growth. Modi looks forward to working closely to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Awards 20-year jail term to rickshaw puller in 2016 case

The Supreme Court has taken over the Ayodhya Ram Mandir fund embezzlement investigation. Local police have been removed from the probe, which will now be led by a senior IPS officer. The Shri Ram Teerth Kshetra Trust must preserve all donation receipts and accounts for scrutiny. The court cautioned against politicizing the ongoing investigation into alleged fund pilferage. Eight individuals have already been arrested as the probe progresses impartially.

A protest by the Cockroach Janta Party demanding a minister's resignation turned chaotic. Protesters clashed with police, resulting in numerous injuries on both sides. Police reported detentions and filed charges related to rioting and assault on public servants. The BJP blamed Left-affiliated student groups for instigating the organized violence. Investigations are underway to establish criminal responsibility for the disturbances.

Heavy rainfall inundated Srinagar's Lal Chowk and other city areas on Monday morning. Netizens criticized the government over the drainage system's alleged failure. Officials cited overwhelming rainfall, while critics questioned the Smart City infrastructure project. The Omar Abdullah cabinet previously raised concerns and ordered an external audit. Widespread rain continues across Kashmir, with risks of landslides and flash floods.

National Conference held a protest in Delhi seeking statehood restoration. Other parties criticized the party president and chief minister for their absence. BJP stated the government should have been present to manage flood relief efforts. PDP suggested learning from activist Sonam Wangchuk's mobilization efforts. CPM legislator Tarigami expressed full support for the protest's objective.

The Supreme Court has taken exception to low compensation for retired High Court judges. It asked the Union government to form a committee for uniform guidelines. This committee will consider basic minimum security and services for retired judges. The panel will study issues faced by retired judges and submit recommendations. The goal is to ensure retired judges lead a dignified post-retirement life.

Prime Minister Modi urged opposition parties to use logic and facts in Parliament. He highlighted India's youth aspirations and recent national achievements. The successful launch of a private space rocket showcased young Indian capabilities. Recent inaugurations and a hydrogen train launch also marked progress. India maintained growth despite global energy supply disruptions.

Urea prices fell significantly in June, offering government relief after earlier increases. International urea prices were $572 per tonne, down from May's figures. Other fertilizer prices like diammonium phosphate and potash remained higher than last year. Sulphur prices saw the largest increase, rising 265 percent year-on-year. Domestic urea production exceeded targets, providing comfort for the current season.

Opposition leaders criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his government's actions. They condemned the crackdown on young protesters marching towards Parliament. Rahul Gandhi called Modi the most anti-youth Prime Minister India has seen. Leaders stated that students are not criminals and their demands are legitimate. The protests highlight widespread discontent regarding examination irregularities and education system issues.

The BJP has blamed Left-affiliated student groups for protests and violence. Organised groups were also accused of instigating and mobilising crowds. Similar allegations were made regarding the Delhi riots and ongoing legal proceedings. The party stated that the violence did not appear spontaneous and was orchestrated. Investigations will establish criminal responsibility for the real conspirators.

The first day of Parliament's monsoon session was disrupted by opposition protests. Opposition parties raised concerns over various issues, including temple donations and exam leaks. Frequent adjournments led to the cancellation of proceedings in both houses. A bill to increase the number of Supreme Court judges was introduced in Lok Sabha. The changed seating arrangement for rebel TMC MPs also drew attention.

Torrential rain caused flash floods and landslides, killing twenty-eight people across Jammu division. Poonch reported twenty-three deaths, including several children, after a house collapse. Rescuers dug four bodies from rubble left by raging streams and collapsing hillsides. Amarnath Yatra and pilgrimages to Vaishno Devi shrine remained suspended for a second day. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning of extremely heavy rain.

The Calcutta high court denied interim relief to the Trinamool Congress faction. Three party bank accounts frozen by the Enforcement Directorate will remain inaccessible. The court found no prima facie case for the petitioners' request. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating alleged money laundering and dishonest financial transactions. The matter will be heard again on August 26.

India faces a growing loneliness crisis as its population ages rapidly. Urbanization and changing social structures contribute to this increasing isolation. Young migrants and older adults alike experience profound feelings of not belonging. The emerging silver economy offers market-based solutions for connection and care. This situation highlights the need to address loneliness as a fundamental human requirement.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike after witnessing police actions against protestors. He demands that youth leaders meet parliamentarians or he be allowed to meet them. Wangchuk appeals to the government and police to let students present their grievances. Thousands marched to Parliament demanding the Education Minister's resignation over examination irregularities. Police used tear gas and force, detaining several protestors during the march.

A trainee IPS officer was hospitalized after a suspected suicide attempt following serious allegations. He faces charges of stalking and sexually harassing a fellow trainee at the police academy. The woman trainee accused him of sending abusive messages and physical assault. The officer denied the allegations on social media, calling them baseless. Investigators will issue a notice for him to appear in connection with the case.

The Ram Temple trust has implemented a new cash counting system with two shifts. This new process is now under the supervision of the State Bank of India. A new in-charge has been appointed after the previous one was jailed. This follows an investigation into alleged theft of donation money. Authorities arrested eight individuals and recovered significant cash and valuables.

The Delhi High Court requested comprehensive medical records for Sonam Wangchuk. Authorities must submit all health documents and reports from various hospitals. Doctors treating Wangchuk were directed to appear before the court. This action follows an appeal against a single judge's decision on his hospital transfer. The court is reviewing the government's decision regarding his deteriorating health condition.

Cockroach Janata Party leaders met Union minister JP Nadda regarding the NEET-UG paper leak case. Protesters marched towards Parliament demanding accountability and specific government actions. The Union minister sought time to consult leadership on the party's demands. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met the Education Minister at Parliament. Police used mild force and tear gas as demonstrators attempted to breach barricades.

Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti criticized the National Conference protest for statehood restoration. She deemed the demonstration lacklustre and deliberately understated, lacking a call for Article 370. Mufti argued a Jantar Mantar protest would have demanded special status reinstatement. The PDP stayed away, insisting on Article 370 restoration and prisoner release. This follows the 2019 revocation of Article 370 and state bifurcation.

The National Testing Agency has dismissed allegations regarding discrepancies in OMR sheets presented by five NEET-UG candidates. They emphasized that the images circulating are likely digitally altered, enhanced with AI, or otherwise modified. The agency affirmed the authenticity of the OMR sheets and the accuracy of the candidates' scores. Severe penalties may be imposed for submitting fraudulent records under new regulations.

Carrying the 'NEET hai, ki Cheat hai' placard, Dimple Yadav said we stand with the students, adding that the entire process is corrupt, and it is the country's youth and students who are bearing the brunt of it and suffering immense mental stress. Akhilesh Yadav also accused the BJP-led government of ignoring students' concerns and alleged that repeated paper leaks had taken place in Uttar Pradesh.

Taunting Rahul Gandhi in a veiled attack, PM Modi praised the succcessful mission of Vikram-1 orbital launch vehicle highlighting how the average age of the young Skyroot team is merely 28 years, unlike a 56-year-old youth. India's youth have embarked on a new journey into space. I was told that the average age of the entire team working at the 'Skyroot' startup is merely 28 years. Young people like these have accomplished this feat. I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth, PM Modi said.

Supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar ahead of the proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament on Monday. Addressing the gathering, CJP president Abhijeet Dipke said the march would go ahead despite restrictions. The biggest march in India's history is about to take place. For the past 10-12 years, attempts have been made to destroy democracy in this country. By sitting at Jantar Mantar for a month, you have revived democracy, Abhijeet Dipke said.

In the appeal, Angmo has contended that the Single Judges order effectively deprives Wangchuk and his family of the right to decide his medical treatment and place of treatment. The appeal also argues that the order overlooks the principles of informed consent, bodily autonomy under Article 21, and unlawfully confines Wangchuk to the government hospital despite there being no order of arrest or detention against him, reported news agency ANI.