The Times of India

Supreme Court clarified that abusive language is not obscenity under law. Mere swear words and profanities do not constitute an offense. The court set aside a conviction for using abusive slurs during an altercation. Obscenity requires a lascivious element appealing to prurient interests. Such words must also cause annoyance to others in public places.

Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully launched into low Earth orbit on Saturday. This historic mission placed six payloads into their targeted orbit successfully. India now becomes the third nation with private orbital launch capability. The Hyderabad-based startup achieved this significant milestone on its first attempt. This launch signifies a new era for private Indian space industry operations.

Two parliamentary committees have postponed approving their reports on significant legislation. This development occurs as the government seeks opposition support for other political proposals. The anti-graft bill and higher education regulator bills face widespread protest. Both bills may not be presented during the current parliamentary session. Congress criticizes the government's handling of these controversial legislative matters.

Kashmir school holidays have been extended by three days due to adverse weather. The Amarnath yatra is temporarily suspended from both routes as a precautionary measure. An adverse weather spell is expected from July 20 to July 23 across the region. This system may cause landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas. Surface transport disruptions are also anticipated on major roads.

Narcotics Control Bureau seized five kilograms of high-grade heroin in Poonch district. An alleged smuggler was arrested during a raid in Kosalyain village on Saturday. This seizure is considered one of the largest drug hauls in the border district. Investigators are working to identify the intended recipients and handlers. This incident highlights ongoing cross-border narcotics smuggling attempts.

Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1. This historic flight reached low Earth orbit and deployed six payloads for various applications. The launch signifies a major step for India's private space sector and its global market aspirations. Other Indian space startups are expected to accelerate their orbital rocket programs following this success.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's strong defence preparedness and self-reliance. Advanced systems like Akash Teer and BrahMos were effectively used during Operation Sindoor. Defence industrial corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu are fostering indigenous manufacturing and global integration. Positive indigenisation lists and a new Defence Acquisition Procedure are accelerating domestic production. Seventy-five percent of the defence modernisation budget now supports Indian industries.

India has launched a secure, indigenous time signal network for critical infrastructure. This initiative reduces reliance on foreign timing sources for essential services. The system uses White Rabbit technology for highly accurate time synchronization. It aims to enhance reliability in banking, telecom, and power grid operations. This development supports India's technological self-reliance and digital economy.

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor claims the BJP fears his electoral debut. He alleges the ruling party is now campaigning door-to-door for votes. Kishor urges voters to reject money and food distribution practices. The Jan Suraaj Party aims to offer a credible political alternative. The Bankipur bypoll is scheduled for July 30 in Bihar.

Authorities have temporarily suspended the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras due to inclement weather. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. Pilgrims are advised to remain patient and follow official communication channels for updates. The Shri Amarnathji Yatra will remain suspended from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The Yatra will resume once weather conditions are deemed safe for travel.

Political history and military valour dominate the marquee honours, while stories of ageing, caste resistance, womens agency and ecological renewal give the verdict its human core.

Delhi Police increased surveillance and vehicle checks for an upcoming Parliament march. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike. The Cockroach Janta Party plans a march to Parliament on July 20. Authorities are unlikely to grant permission for the unauthorized march. Security has been heightened around Parliament and sensitive protest locations.

Eyewitnesses described Sonam Wangchuk's swift removal from Jantar Mantar by police. White bedsheets shielded the operation, preventing public view of the activist's departure. Police stated Wangchuk was taken to hospital following medical advice and court orders. Protesters alleged the police action was timed to minimize visibility and support. Despite the removal, demonstrators vowed to continue their protest for educational reforms.

Anna Hazare urged the government to hold talks with Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was hospitalized after his hunger strike entered its twenty-first day. Police removed him from Jantar Mantar amid heavy security measures. Opposition leaders condemned the government's actions and suppression of dissent. Wangchuk demanded the education minister's resignation over NEET examination issues.

Abhishek Banerjee challenged former Trinamool Congress colleagues to return to Mamata Banerjee. He stated they would not return as they made a deal with the BJP. Banerjee claimed these individuals received protection from central agencies after switching sides. He mentioned facing multiple summons himself but never running away. This challenge comes amid the Trinamool Congress's significant organizational crisis.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after its historic Vikram-1 rocket launch. A Trinamool Congress office linked to Abhishek Banerjee faced demolition in West Bengal. Rahul Gandhi criticized the removal of Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site. Ukrainian drones struck multiple targets deep inside Russia, causing casualties. Donald Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke affecting air quality.

Mehbooba Mufti will join the National Conference protest for Jammu and Kashmir statehood. She demands the agenda also include Article 370 restoration and prisoner release. Mufti believes protesting solely for statehood legitimizes the revocation of special status. She urged for an all-party meeting to address disempowering issues affecting people. Restoring statehood requires sustained political effort and engagement from leaders.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized former CM Akhilesh Yadav's tenure. He alleged Yadav lacked public engagement and a development vision for the state. Adityanath highlighted the BJP government's welfare schemes and development projects. He contrasted current progress with the previous administration's perceived failures. The chief minister also accused the opposition of betraying farmers and compromising law and order.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Centre's removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk was on an indefinite hunger strike for twenty-one days regarding NEET examination irregularities. Police shifted the climate activist to Safdarjung Hospital for medical observation and treatment. Opposition leaders condemned the Centre's actions, calling it suppression of peaceful dissent. The protest demanded resignation and reforms in the education system.

Kolkata police detained a local broker linked to the BJP regarding a building blast. Investigators suspect crude bomb explosives caused the explosion which damaged a residential building. The prime suspect, Md Shamim alias Salim, remains absconding while police question the detained individual. Remnants of crude bombs and raw materials were recovered from the affected building premises. A National Investigation Agency team may visit the site as the probe continues.

Skyroot Aerospace launched India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1. The vehicle successfully placed four technology demonstration satellites into low-Earth orbit. This launch marks a significant milestone in opening India's space sector to private companies. Vikram-1 utilized advanced carbon-composite structures and a restartable liquid-fuelled module. The mission validates India's capabilities in private orbital launch vehicle development.

Congress MP Manish Tewari addressed speculation regarding his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated his belief in protocol and keeping development above partisan politics. Tewari attended official programs where the Prime Minister inaugurated development projects in his constituency. This interaction follows his recent omission from Punjab Congress appointments. He expressed acceptance of his current political situation with a philosophical outlook.

Political leaders from across the spectrum expressed strong condemnation of the Delhi police's actions at Jantar Mantar. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was transported to Safdarjung Hospital during his ongoing hunger strike, which has drawn attention to the NEET-UG paper leak. Critics have accused the police of using force against peaceful demonstrators and called out the government for its efforts to stifle dissent in this volatile situation.

Skyroot Aerospace prepares for the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1 today. Prime Minister Modi hailed this as a historic new frontier for India. This mission marks the first time a private Indian company attempts an orbital launch. Vikram-1 is a four-stage rocket designed for rapid launch services. The launch showcases India's growing private space sector capabilities.

In a video message shared at the end of the Day 20 of his fast on Friday, Wangchuk urged people to join the CJP Parliament march on July 20 in large numbers, saying public participation was the movement's biggest strength. Yes, I am still alive. Twenty per cent of my body is gone. After fats, muscles are gone. After that, organs will go. Finally, the brain. The time has not come yet, Wangchuk said.

Times Critical Thinking Championship visited a school where students engaged in debate and real-life scenarios to discover how facts and reasoning enable better decision-making

NEET-UG's qualifying cutoff reached a record high of 213 marks this year. Fewer candidates cleared the exam, while attendance also saw a substantial decline. The success rate among those who appeared remained nearly unchanged at 56.1 percent. Reserved category qualifiers for EWS and OBC exceeded sixty percent of their appeared cohort. Unreserved qualifiers now constitute less than fifty percent of the total qualified candidates.

Visa and consular services are severely impacted in four Indian missions abroad. The Delhi High Court had quashed the selection of private service providers for these crucial functions. The Centre informed the Supreme Court that these services are now at a standstill. This cancellation has forced missions to divert staff to meet emergency needs. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the Centre's appeal on Monday.

Defers adoption of report on Contentious bill to oust PM, CMs

NEET-UG 2026 attendance revealed regional disparities across India. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka experienced significant candidate absenteeism this year. Rajasthan, however, saw increased registrations and a strong qualification rate. Other northern states like Uttar Pradesh also reported lower absentee numbers. This shift highlights evolving patterns in medical entrance examination participation.

Medical aspirants demonstrated remarkable resilience after the NEET-UG exam cancellation. Many students faced renewed preparation challenges and anxieties. Top performers like Aryan Gupta and Panshul Bansal achieved exceptional scores. Their success highlights dedication and effective coping mechanisms during adversity. The merit list reflects perseverance and determination among these young individuals.

Seeks bengal's response on ration denial to deleted voters