The Times of India

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay desires a unified cabinet, including supporting parties, amidst alliance strains. Cracks appeared as CPM threatened to withdraw support if rebel AIADMK MLAs are inducted, citing a mandate for clean governance. The TVK government, formed with outside support, faces a crucial decision on cabinet expansion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni for dinner and a walk through the Colosseum upon his arrival in Rome. The leaders exchanged perspectives on boosting India-Italy friendship, with their discussions taking on a relaxed tone against the historic backdrop. Modi also received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Italy.

The CPM has warned it will reconsider its support for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government. This comes if the ruling party includes the rebel faction of the AIADMK in its cabinet. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam stated this at a press conference. The party's support was initially to prevent President's Rule and BJP's influence.

India's Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the nation's coexistence-based management approach to tackle human-wildlife conflict amidst growing economies. He emphasized that conservation efforts extend beyond mere numbers, focusing on habitat expansion, connectivity, and multi-species protection, including tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, and cheetahs, with the International Big Cat Alliance poised to foster cross-border cooperation.

Kavery Nambisan is a surgeon and a novelist from Karnataka. She has won the Tata Excellence Award for her work in tea plantations in Tamil Nadu. She has written articles and essays on medical and literary issues. Her novels include The Scent of Pepper, The Story That Must Not Be Told and A Town Like Ours. Her two non-fiction books are A Luxury Called Health and Cherry Red, Cherry Black. Today she discusses her latest novel, Rising Sons.

Amid the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has announced significant institutional and technological reforms, including hiring a CTO and strengthening oversight. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a review meeting, emphasizing secure and foolproof conduct for the upcoming re-examination, with enhanced coordination with state authorities.

Following a water tank collapse in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh authorities have blacklisted construction firm NCC and inspection agency BLG Construction Services. An FIR has been lodged, and several officials, including an executive engineer and junior engineers, have been suspended or terminated. The firms face fines and are ordered to reconstruct the tank, with a statewide safety audit now mandated.

Kerala's new UDF government, led by CM VD Satheesan, has formed a special committee to prepare a White Paper on the state's financial condition, headed by ex-cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar. This move follows allegations of financial mismanagement by the previous government. The cabinet also established an SIT to probe attacks during the Nava Kerala Yatra.

Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew from Falta's re-poll, citing a special package for the area's development. The TMC, however, stated his decision was personal, alleging pressure and intimidation against their workers by the BJP. The Election Commission ordered re-polling due to severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov confirmed his participation in the national capital. This visit marks a significant diplomatic event for India amidst global geopolitical shifts and growing BRICS collaboration. Details on his schedule are anticipated.

In 1985, scientists discovered a new form of carbon, buckminsterfullerene or C60. This molecule, shaped like a soccer ball, revealed carbon's ability to form hollow cages. The discovery opened doors to nanotechnology, influencing fields like electronics and materials science. It marked a significant shift in understanding carbon bonds and nanoparticles.

South East Central Railway (SECR), Nagpur Division and Workshop Motibagh have started the online application process for 1079 Act Apprentice posts for the 2026-27 session. Candidates with Class 10 qualification and ITI certification in relevant trades can apply through the official apprenticeship portal until June 18, 2026. Selection will be based on merit prepared from matriculation and ITI marks. The apprenticeship training period will be one year under the Apprentices Act 1961 and Apprentices