The Times of India

The Centre defended its decision to lower NEET-PG qualifying percentiles before the Supreme Court, stating the exam generates a merit list for limited seats, not certify minimum competence. The government argued that licensed MBBS doctors are already qualified and supervised during postgraduate studies, addressing concerns about patient safety due to vacant seats.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah defended Rahul Gandhi's role as Lok Sabha LoP, questioning what more is expected of him in challenging the BJP. Abdullah dismissed veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's suggestion of Mamata Banerjee leading the INDIA bloc as a personal opinion, emphasizing collective decision-making within the alliance.

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of India's first and only Indian Governor General, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing that of British architect Edwin Lutyens. Prime Minister Modi hailed the move as an act of mental decolonisation, highlighting Rajagopalachari's inspiring public life and contributions.

India has launched its first comprehensive anti-terror policy named PRAHAAR. This policy addresses threats from cross-border terrorism, cyber-attacks, and the misuse of drones. It highlights the use of advanced technologies by terror groups for propaganda and funding. PRAHAAR emphasizes coordinated legal, technological, and community-based responses to combat evolving security challenges.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has clarified that a recent incident reports claiming that a Tejas jet crashed was actually a minor technical issue on the ground. The company emphasized the aircraft's strong safety record and is working with the Indian Air Force for resolution. This statement follows reports of significant damage to a Tejas after overshooting a runway.

Amidst escalating Middle East tensions and fears of war, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has urgently advised all Indian nationals, including students and tourists, to depart Iran. This directive follows previous advisories and comes as US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran regarding nuclear deal negotiations. The embassy has provided contact details for assistance.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta attacked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of hindering development and failing to ensure women's safety. Gupta questioned the utilization of central funds, stating that development has not reached the poor in Bengal. She also highlighted concerns over women's safety, citing specific incidents and criticizing the state's conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartbreak over West Bengal's current condition in a letter to voters, accusing the state government of extreme non-cooperation. He highlighted central government schemes that have benefited millions in the state and pledged to build a developed and prosperous West Bengal if the BJP comes to power.

Delhi Police arrested Jitendra Yadav in Gwalior, marking the fifth arrest in connection with the Youth Congress protest at the AI Impact Summit. The protest, described by a court as a latant assault on public order, involved displaying T-shirts with slogans against the government and a trade deal, leading to a scuffle with security.

An Indian team has developed MANAS 1, an AI model trained on extensive brainwave data to detect neurological and psychiatric disorders early. This foundational platform, built on 60,000 hours of recordings, aims to interpret the brain's electrical signals, potentially aiding doctors in remote areas and reducing diagnostic delays for conditions like epilepsy and dementia. A next-generation version is anticipated soon.

Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar asserted Mamata Banerjee is crucial for the INDIA bloc's survival, urging Rahul Gandhi to cede leadership to smaller parties. Aiyar, who expressed admiration for Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, also voiced contempt for Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. The party has since distanced itself from Aiyar's controversial statements.

Veteran politician Mukul Roy, a former railway minister and founding TMC member, passed away from a cardiac arrest at 1:30 am. Roy, who represented Krishnanagar Uttar and served twice in the Rajya Sabha, had a notable political journey, including stints with the BJP before rejoining the TMC. His son confirmed the news.

The Indian Embassy in Mexico has issued an urgent advisory for its citizens to remain indoors due to widespread violence following a major security operation. The operation resulted in the death of a top Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, sparking retaliatory actions across several states and paralyzing transport networks.

Brazil President wraps up India visit, likely to visit US next month

Sam Pitroda, head of Indian Overseas Congress, sparked a row by stating India's IT talent served global firms, not the nation. He questioned why India couldn't build its own tech giants. The BJP swiftly condemned his remarks, accusing him of anti-India rhetoric and highlighting indigenous operating systems as counter-evidence.

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, India showcased its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a lifestyle experience, exemplified by a coffee stall where Google CEO Sundar Pichai sampled GI-tagged coffee and paid via UPI. This DPI-first approach was highlighted in a bilateral partnership with Brazil, aiming to link UPI with Brazil's Pix and establish a DPI Centre of Excellence.

Aviation authorities are finalizing summer flight schedules, with pilot availability a key concern. Airlines' requests for extensions on flight duty time limitations are under review, impacting potential flight numbers. Exemptions are crucial for carriers like Air India and IndiGo to manage longer routes and night operations, but safety concerns over crew fatigue loom large.

Enforcement Directorate chief Rahul Navin urged officers to expedite chargesheets to meet the financial year's target of 500 prosecution complaints. The Guwahati meeting, attended by other central agencies, focused on emerging financial crime trends and cross-border threats. Officials were advised to leverage intelligence platforms and international cooperation to combat illicit activities, particularly in the North-East.

Prime Minister Modi announced the removal of Edwin Lutyens' statue from Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing it with one of C Rajagopalachari. This move signifies a broader effort to shed colonial vestiges and embrace India's heritage. Modi also lauded former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa's contributions to governance and women's empowerment.

Delhi Police special cell has foiled a major terror plot by arresting eight suspects linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The module, comprising mostly Bangladeshi nationals with Indian Aadhaar cards, had targeted a Chandni Chowk temple. The operation began after provocative posters appeared at metro stations, revealing a calculated psychological warfare tactic.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the power of organ donation in his Mann Ki Baat address, sharing the story of a one-year-old from Kerala whose parents donated her organs.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attacked the Centre over the proposed India-US interim trade pact, calling it Abki baar Trump se haar and demanding it be put in cold storage and renegotiated. He warned agri import liberalisation would hurt farmers across states and questioned the deals timing amid US tariff turmoil after a Supreme Court ruling against Donald Trumps earlier measures.

Prime Minister Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, highlighted AI's role in animal healthcare and agriculture, showcasing innovations at the AI Impact Summit. He also remembered Jayalalithaa, urged embracing Indian culture over foreign influences, and cautioned against digital fraud, emphasizing the importance of local products and organ donation.

Eight individuals with alleged links to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh-based extremist groups were apprehended in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Intelligence reports indicated a potential terror plot targeting Delhi's Red Fort and prominent temples. The arrests followed specific inputs about a module planning subversive activities, with digital materials being analyzed to uncover a wider network.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva was touched by India's musical tribute during his state visit, recalling a similar gesture he made for PM Modi in Brazil. The visit saw both leaders aiming to boost bilateral trade to $20 billion in five years and signing agreements on rare earth minerals, digital partnership, and mining cooperation.

Nine states in Phase 2 of the special intensive revision (SIR) have seen their combined electorate drop by 7.9% to 19.7 crore. Over 1.7 crore electors were removed, with Andaman & Nicobar and Gujarat experiencing the steepest declines. Three states are yet to publish their final rolls.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to remove infiltrators from Assam's electoral rolls and deport them within five years if the BJP returns to power. He accused the opposition of turning infiltrators into a vote bank, claiming they encroached on vast tracts of land.

India and Brazil inked a critical minerals agreement and set a $30 billion trade target by 2030, aiming to build resilient supply chains and reduce dependence on China. Leaders also discussed UN reforms and technology cooperation, emphasizing Global South solidarity and shared progress.

Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam emphasized that states must now lead the reform charge for India to achieve developed nation status by 2047, as the Centre has completed most of its crucial tasks. He highlighted that land, labor, electricity, water, and roads are all state subjects, directly impacting growth outcomes.

Opposition leaders and Congress allies have criticised the Indian Youth Congress's semi-nude protest at the AI Impact Summit, deeming it inappropriate and shameful on an international stage. Around 10 IYC workers were detained for raising slogans against PM Modi, wearing T-shirts with controversial slogans, sparking widespread condemnation for tarnishing the country's image.

Delhi's chief minister Rekha Gupta has launched an advanced digital initiative, the 'CM Jansunwai Portal' and its accompanying mobile app, empowering citizens to voice their concerns with just a few clicks. This new platform is designed to promote clarity and accelerate the handling of public complaints.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized self-reliance for India's technological future, highlighting the critical role of 'Made in India' chips. A new Rs 3,700 crore joint venture between HCL and Foxconn will establish an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly & Test facility in Greater Noida, aiming to produce display driver chips and boost India's manufacturing prowess.

Clashes erupted between BJP and Congress workers during a BJP protest against an Indian Youth Congress (IYC) demonstration at the India AI Impact Summit. Stone-pelting occurred, leading to police intervention and injuries. Four IYC workers were arrested and sent to police custody for investigation into a potential larger conspiracy.

A special POCSO court in Prayagraj has ordered the police to register an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple over sexual exploitation allegations. This directive follows a complaint filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj. The move occurs amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand, including a recent protest over being prevented from a ritual dip at Sangam.