The Times of India

Flashfloods from a cloudburst in Reasi's Bathoi village on Thursday caused significant damage to homes and blocked roads with mudslides. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. This marks the fifth such event in the Jammu region recently. Authorities are providing immediate assistance to affected families, while adverse weather also led to the suspension of pilgrimages in Kishtwar.

Ladakh's Buddhist women's wing is strongly opposing the Union Territory's new excise policy allowing liquor sales, fearing it will worsen social issues like drug abuse and domestic violence. They advocate for stricter drug control and warn of protests if the policy isn't reconsidered, emphasizing women's role in preserving the region's social fabric.

A tree-based farming model by Save SoilCauvery Calling is transforming agriculture, boosting incomes from Rs 30,000 to Rs 2.53 lakh per acre. This ecological solution, accredited by UN bodies, has empowered farmers like Valluvan, enhancing soil health and crop yields. The movement aims to plant 242 crore trees, supporting hundreds of thousands of farmers with extensive training and resources.

NTPC is setting up flexible coal-fired thermal power units to balance intermittent renewable energy generation and ensure grid stability. These sub-critical units, designed for two-shift operation and lower minimum loads, will provide crucial balancing support as renewable energy's share grows, reinforcing India's energy transition.

During a White House press interaction, President Trump questioned an Indian journalist's nationality before taking her question, later stating he was kidding. He then described Indian Prime Minister Modi as a good friend and expressed confidence in a trade agreement, asserting the US now benefits significantly from its economic ties with India.

Explaining the category that has been withdrawn, an official said, The Z-plus security comprises a dedicated team of trained personnel equipped with advanced arms. Despite the downgrade, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi will continue to receive security support. Their present arrangements include between two and eight BSAP house guards, two bodyguards from the Patna District Force, along with a pilot vehicle and a bulletproof car.

Blackstone-backed AirTrunk plans a massive Rs 3 lakh crore investment in India by 2030 to boost digital infrastructure, including data centres and AI capacity. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to strengthen India's global position in cloud computing and AI, create jobs, and drive innovation-led growth.

Expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee expressed confidence that support for his rebel faction will grow, claiming a significant number of MLAs are backing him. He also appealed to CM Suvendu Adhikari to take action against BJP leader Priyanka Tibrewal for protesting outside a fellow rebel's residence.

Announcing his decision in Bengaluru, Reddy said he could not continue in the ministry after chief minister DK Shivakumar allegedly failed to honour an assurance made to him regarding the key portfolio. The resignation comes at a time when Rahul Gandhi is in town. I cannot work against my conscience, so I am resigning as minister, said Reddy.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran dismissed any loss following K. Annamalai's exit, who has launched a new political movement, the APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Ethics and Politics. Annamalai aims to foster systemic change, ending cult and dynastic politics, and encouraging technocrats. His departure follows speculation after the BJP's performance in recent elections.

Addressing the troubling trends in examination management, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh has requested Prime Minister Modi to issue a comprehensive white paper on the National Testing Agency's irregularities spanning eight years. Highlighting the recent NEET-UG 2026 cancellation, Singh expressed the growing anxiety among students stemming from unresolved leak issues.

Throughout his tenure, Annamalai distinguished himself through relentless attacks on Dravidian politics and the leaders who shaped it. His criticism was not restricted to political opponents. Even while the BJP was aligned with the AIADMK, he repeatedly targeted figures from the ally's camp, creating friction within the alliance and widening differences between the two parties.

Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar has assured that there is othing to worry regarding the resignation of minister Ramalinga Reddy. Reddy, a close friend and senior leader, expressed dissatisfaction with his allocated portfolio and sought a different ministerial post. Shivakumar stated he would discuss the matter with Reddy to resolve the issue.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Great Nicobar development project, alleging it prioritizes commercial interests over the island's ecology and local communities. He highlighted concerns about tribal land rights violations, inadequate compensation for settlers, and the potential felling of 1.5 crore trees. Gandhi proposed expanding INS Baaz as a strategic alternative and advocated for sustainable tourism and conservation.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke is en route to India for a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke cites alleged irregularities in national examinations like NEET and CUET, impacting millions of students. He plans a peaceful, lawful demonstration after arriving on June 6.

Responding to criticism from the BJP regarding the lack of women ministers, Shivakumar said, Let them (BJP) wait; there are a lot of vacancies. Last time, too, there were no women in the first round. We are all there, he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Emphasising his partys record on womens welfare, he added, We have set a model in the country.

India's drug regulator has mandated pharmaceutical companies to establish robust systems for tracking and reporting adverse drug reactions. This directive, stemming from Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, reinforces the critical need for post-marketing surveillance to ensure patient safety. The move aligns with a global push for real-world safety data to identify rare or delayed side effects.

The DMK has declared its departure from the INDIA bloc, citing Congress's alleged betrayal after the assembly elections. Despite this, DMK MPs will continue to support other alliance members on matters of public interest. This decision follows Congress's alliance with the TVK-led government in Tamil Nadu, which DMK officials condemned as 'backstabbing'.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlights lessons from Operation Sindoor, emphasizing integrated, technology-enabled warfare and the central role of drones. He stresses preparedness for multi-front conflicts and Pakistan's need to deter terror attacks, while also detailing the stable but sensitive situation along the LAC with China.

A 52-year-old Sherpa guide, Dawa 'Hillary' Sherpa, presumed dead on Mount Everest after vanishing on May 29, was miraculously found alive six days later near Base Camp. He survived over 12km of treacherous terrain without supplies, scavenging for sustenance after the climbing season ended and routes were dismantled.

Renowned constitutional law and parliamentary affairs expert Subhash C Kashyap passed away at 97. Kashyap, a former Lok Sabha secretary general and Padma Bhushan recipient, was a widely consulted authority on parliamentary procedures. His extensive writings on Parliament made him a significant figure in political science and law.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized Gujarat police for a 20-year-old investigation delay, ordering its completion within six weeks. Justices Karol and Masih emphasized constitutional courts cannot ignore such prolonged probes, especially when a complainant faces immense difficulty. The court highlighted the seriousness of lost case records, impacting the justice system and demanding swift action.

A 42-year-old Delhi University assistant professor, Debosmita Paul, was discovered murdered in her Vasundhara Enclave apartment. Her sister found her with severe head injuries, suggesting an attack with a blunt object and possibly a sharp weapon. While robbery isn't the primary suspect, investigators are exploring her personal and professional life, including ongoing separation proceedings.

Cancer patients in India are facing a critical shortage of life-saving chemotherapy drugs, Cisplatin and Carboplatin, disrupting treatment schedules. Hospitals report dwindling stocks, forcing patients to scramble for supplies. Doctors warn that prolonged unavailability of these essential medicines, with limited alternatives, could negatively impact patient outcomes and survival rates.

India is set to significantly expand its ethanol dispensing stations, with 500 planned by December and 5,000 by 2027, to boost flex-fuel vehicle adoption. This initiative, marked by the launch of Maruti Suzuki's WagonR flex-fuel car, aims to reduce fuel imports. The government is implementing supportive measures including pricing incentives and infrastructure development.

India and the UK have launched a Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory and signed an MoU for a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence during UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's visit. The two nations also reviewed progress in trade, technology, and defense, aiming to strengthen their future-oriented partnership.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement with India soon, stating that the previous trade imbalance has now reversed. Both nations have been engaged in constructive negotiations, aiming to finalize an interim trade pact while broader discussions continue. Despite ongoing talks, concerns remain regarding potential US tariffs on imports from several economies, including India.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a husband cannot be convicted of cruelty under Section 498A of the IPC solely for not speaking to his wife for a few days.

The European weather agency has indicated El Nino has set in, with Pacific Ocean temperatures crossing the 0.5C threshold in May. This development is expected to influence global weather patterns, including the Indian monsoon. While official declaration requires persistence, atmospheric changes are already being observed.

India is bolstering its energy security by deepening ties with Venezuela, a top crude oil supplier. Discussions between PM Modi and Venezuela's acting President focused on long-term energy contracts and cooperation in critical minerals, tech, and agriculture. This move diversifies India's oil sources amidst global supply chain challenges.

India's crucial southwest monsoon has officially arrived in Kerala, three days later than anticipated. This marks the start of the four-month rainy season vital for agriculture. While the forecast was slightly off, the India Meteorological Department expects the monsoon to advance further across the country in the coming days, bringing much-needed rainfall.

BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate list omits Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, fueling cabinet reshuffle speculation. Notably, no outgoing MPs were renominated, with organizational functionaries securing berths. The party is yet to announce candidates from Jharkhand and Karnataka, leaving room for potential ministerial retention.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed claims of discrimination against minorities in India as propaganda and a malicious campaign. He highlighted a significant increase in the ministry's budget over the past decade, from Rs 1,949 crore to Rs 4,115 crore, as evidence of the government's commitment.

National Conference plans a New Delhi protest for statehood and constitutional guarantees, believed to refer to Article 370. Rebel MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi expressed willingness to join, urging a broader movement and outreach to opposition parties for sustained public support in the Valley.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged supporters not to gather at Delhi Airport on 6 June, citing public and security concerns. Instead, he will seek permission at Parliament Street Police Station for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar demanding Dharmendra Pradhans resignation over examination controversies. The party also appointed Saurav Das, Vijeta Dahiya and Ashutosh Ranka as spokespersons.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has requested states and Union territories to nominate senior and young IAS officers for a mentorship and knowledge-sharing event at the Statue of Unity on Ekta Diwas. This initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suggestion, aims to foster engagement and share expertise among civil servants.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran has dismissed rumors of K Annamalai's resignation or plans to launch a new political outfit, stating there are no differences between them. This clarification follows intense speculation after Annamalai's meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, fueled by reported disagreements over alliance strategies and Annamalai's desire to build the BJP as an independent force.

IIT-Roorkee's inaugural Data Science and AI BTech batch achieved 100% placements, with students securing roles at leading tech and finance firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. The program, a collaboration with the Mehta Family Foundation, emphasizes practical AI development. This success highlights the growing demand for AI-skilled graduates.

The Supreme Court is examining whether fitness bands are communication devices, a classification disputed by importer GOQii Technologies. The company argues their devices are primarily measuring instruments, not for data transmission, but customs and a tribunal upheld the communication device classification due to Bluetooth connectivity and data sharing with coaches.

Trinamool Congress rebels have voiced dissent against Abhishek Banerjee, citing a post-election meeting where criticism of his leadership was forbidden. Expelled MLA Sandipan Saha stated legislators were instructed to applaud Banerjee despite electoral setbacks, highlighting growing resentment over concentrated power.