The Times of India

WhatsApp is clarifying its upcoming username feature amidst government concerns about potential fraud and impersonation. The company assures users usernames are optional and will not be publicly searchable. Existing popular names are reserved for legitimate owners. However, the Indian government has asked Meta to halt the rollout until consultations are complete, citing risks of scams and identity spoofing.

India is on a trajectory to potentially achieve high-income status by the late 2040s, but requires sustained annual per capita GDP growth of at least 9%. Accelerating this growth hinges on boosting female workforce participation, enhancing capital formation through improved credit access, and prioritizing productivity gains via significant investment in indigenous technology. Fostering a high-trust society and increasing risk appetite are crucial for this ambitious goal.

India and Malaysia have reviewed their military cooperation, noting steady progress in defense engagements. Discussions covered exchanges, exercises, training, and emerging domains. Both nations agreed to boost collaboration in defense industry, cybersecurity, and disaster relief. They also reaffirmed commitment to regional security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening their strategic partnership.

The government has issued an eviction notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, citing its unauthorised occupation of public premises after the land lease expired on May 22. The Land and Development Office is seeking an explanation for why eviction proceedings shouldn't commence, invoking the Public Premises Act. The 27.3-acre land is deemed critically needed for defence, public security, and other public-interest projects.

Following the NEET-UG controversy, the Prime Minister's Office is now overseeing significant exam reforms. The Education Ministry is fast-tracking changes for board exams and entrance tests like NEET and JEE, aiming to reduce the pressure of single-attempt exams. Proposals include incorporating board marks, aligning entrance tests with school syllabi, and exploring multiple attempts and computer-based testing to enhance integrity and minimize risks.

Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has mandated a 12% PF contribution on wages up to Rs 15,000 monthly for its eight crore members. Contributions beyond this statutory limit are now voluntary. Employees can choose to contribute more for retirement savings, with employers having the option, but not the obligation, to match these additional amounts. These voluntary contributions can be adjusted or stopped anytime.

Commercial LPG and aviation fuel prices have seen a significant drop, with state-run companies cutting prices by Rs 183.5 and Rs 5 respectively. This easing follows a decline in global crude prices and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, domestic LPG and petrol/diesel prices remain unchanged, as oil companies continue to absorb losses from earlier elevated crude bookings. Airfare relief is also unlikely due to ongoing airspace issues.

The Congress party has finalized its Punjab leadership for the upcoming assembly elections, retaining Amarinder Raja Warring as state president. Dalit leader Charanjit Channi will head the campaign committee, a move aimed at appealing to the community. Partap Singh Bajwa remains the leader of the opposition. These appointments signal a focus on organizational unity and community outreach as the party prepares for the polls.

The Supreme Court has mandated distinct methods for calculating road accident compensation, acknowledging the income disparity between salaried individuals and the self-employed. For salaried persons, the previous year's income tax return will be the benchmark. Self-employed individuals' compensation will be based on the average of their last three years' income tax returns, accounting for income fluctuations. This ruling aims to standardize compensation assessments across high courts.

Former J&K CMs Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, alongside nearly 60 Indian signatories, have urged India and Pakistan to resume dialogue for regional peace. Their letter highlights the lost opportunities for millions of young people due to ongoing hostility. Kashmir's chief cleric also supported the call, emphasizing that engagement is the only way to resolve differences and build a prosperous South Asia.

Flash floods in Doda's Bhalessa area have disrupted road connectivity to several villages, with restoration efforts underway. Meanwhile, heavy rains have forced the suspension of annual pilgrimages to Machhail Mata and Mindhal Mata shrines in Kishtwar for pilgrim safety. Authorities are urging residents to avoid vulnerable areas and media to verify information to prevent panic.

Sociology students are voicing their discontent with the latest UGC-NET exam, pointing out critical spelling mistakes, incorrect names of well-known theorists, and awkward translations in Hindi. Errors like confusing 'Ritzer' with 'Putzer' and translating 'social' as 'oval' have raised red flags. Many candidates suspect that certain questions seemed AI-generated, straying from the established syllabus and hindering their understanding during the exam.

India and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sustainable ship recycling, with both sides expressing confidence over the progress made in facilitating the inclusion of Indian ship recycling facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR).

Assam's flood crisis has escalated, impacting nearly 48,500 people across four districts, with Dhemaji bearing the brunt. One fatality has been reported this year. Floodwaters have submerged 179 villages, damaging crops and infrastructure, while the Brahmaputra river flows above danger levels. Relief efforts are underway, with authorities distributing essential supplies to affected residents.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is in New Delhi for a three-day visit, aiming to bolster economic security and strengthen supply chains, particularly in semiconductors and critical minerals. Discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also cover regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific, where India is seen as a vital partner. This visit follows PM Modi's trip to Tokyo last year, reaffirming a robust Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

A rare Eurasian lynx has been photographed for only the second time in the eastern Himalayas, captured by a camera trap at 5,250 metres on Sikkim's Tso Lhamo plateau. This significant finding, following a 2025 record in Arunachal Pradesh, confirms the wild cat's broader presence in the region. Experts highlight the ecological importance of these high-altitude rangelands, reinforcing conservation efforts for this fragile ecosystem.

In a significant stride against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), twelve Indian startups and research institutions have received funding and mentorship through a collaborative India-UK initiative. This program is dedicated to spearheading the development of ground-breaking technologies aimed at detecting, preventing, and treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria in environmental resources like soil and water, thereby translating laboratory innovations into viable commercial solutions to tackle a pres

The dispute escalated after the rebel camp announced its own National Working Committee on June 22. The newly constituted body has 30 members and is supported by a 10-member sub-committee. In a significant move, the group removed Mamata Banerjee as the party's national chairperson and appointed senior MLA Arup Roy in her place.

Among the signatories are former RAW chief A S Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, along with retired diplomats and members of civil society from both countries.

According to the notice, the Club's continued occupation of the land after the government resumed possession for a public purpose amounts to unauthorized occupation under Section 2(g) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971. The government has maintained that the President of India exercised powers under Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed, which allows the lessor to resume the property if it is required for a public purpose.

The BJP has strongly criticized the Samajwadi Party, accusing them of disrespecting Hindus after workers depicted Akhilesh Yadav as Lord Krishna during a birthday ritual. This accusation comes amid controversy over alleged Ram Temple donation irregularities. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also attacked Yadav, urging him to visit the Ram Temple and recalling past SP actions against devotees.

Tamil Nadu's government has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Madras high court's order for a complete ban on cow slaughter. The state argues the high court exceeded its jurisdiction by imposing a blanket prohibition, even on authorized slaughterhouses. Existing laws, they contend, regulate rather than prohibit the slaughter of older, unfit cows, and the government seeks an interim stay on the high court's directive.

A shocking discovery has emerged regarding the death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela. His body, returned to India without vital organs and with extensive prior stitching, has raised grave suspicions. The seafarers' union is demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged foul play and a cover-up, urging immediate intervention from the Indian Embassy for justice and compensation for the grieving family.

A special investigation team probing alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple donations in Ayodhya has been granted a 15-day extension. This follows the judicial custody of accused individuals and the resignations of key Trust office-bearers, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, who took moral responsibility. The Uttar Pradesh police are conducting a high-intensity investigation into financial irregularities, with statements from Trust officials being recorded as the probe continues towards a fair conclusion.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced two new heritage conservation schemes under 'Our Monuments, Our Pride', allowing institutions to adopt 75 monuments and receive financial aid up to Rs 2 crore for restoration, aiming to boost preservation and tourism through public participation.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for the Indian government as public services go digital, though officials warn no system is ever completely secure. Recent concerns, including actions against Telegram during the NEET-UG reexamination, highlight the risks. Messaging platforms will face consequences if new features enable fraud, with the government emphasizing outcomes over assurances. Vigilance remains crucial against evolving cyber threats.

Doctors nationwide have been urged to halt the use of Themis-manufactured bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia. This urgent advisory from the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists follows reports of serious adverse events linked to the drug. Hospitals are instructed to segregate and withdraw existing stocks, switching to alternative brands to ensure patient safety while investigations are ongoing. The precautionary measure aims to protect patients until further clearance is issued.

A new rural employment framework, Viksit Bharat- Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), has launched with a significant wage hike. Daily wages now stand at a minimum of Rs 300, with the national average rising to Rs 327.4. This revision, exceeding 10% nationally, prioritizes states with historically lower wages, aiming to boost rural incomes and foster inclusive development.