The Times of India
Elections 2026Top News / The Times of India
Mizoram's Zoram People's Movement has made history by winning its first Rajya Sabha seat. Senior leader K Laltluangkima secured the lone Upper House seat in the state assembly election. He defeated the Mizo National Front candidate. This victory marks a significant milestone for the ZPM party. Laltluangkima becomes the party's inaugural Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
In a world filled with uncertainty, urban Indians stand out with their hopefulness about the nations trajectory and economic vitality, sharply contrasting with the global outlook. However, beneath this optimism, the specter of unemployment looms large for many.
The ruling Congress secured a significant victory in the Karnataka legislative council elections, winning five out of seven seats. The BJP claimed the remaining two seats, while the JD(S) candidate lost. The elections saw instances of cross-voting, with Congress candidates reportedly exceeding expectations.
At VivaTech 2026, Prime Minister Modi showcased India's technological innovation, proudly articulating the nations role as a frontrunner in AI development, robust digital frameworks, and an exciting startup ecosystem.
The Delhi High Court questioned the government's decision to temporarily block Telegram. This action was taken ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination on June 21. The court asked how the rights of millions of users could be restricted due to concerns about misuse by a few. The government defended its move, citing Telegram's vulnerability to large-scale information dissemination.
In the polls that witnessed cross-voting, Nathwani polled 28 votes, comfortably bypassing Congress's Pranav, who bagged 20 votes. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Baidyanath Ram was elected to the other seat. Ram received 30 votes in the election, while three votes, two from the BJP and one from the Congress, were found invalid, the official told news agency PTI.
Police said preliminary findings indicated that the barrack had been locked from the inside and suggested that the Agniveer had allegedly died by suicide. The body was sent for a post-mortem examination before being handed over to the concerned Army unit. Sources told PTI the autopsy report pointed to death by hanging and indicated that the incident had taken place around two days before the body was found.
In light of the recent NEET-UG paper leak, India's examination infrastructure is under fire, revealing significant systemic weaknesses. The fallout from the CBSE's grading mishaps and Bihar's logistical challenges sheds light on ongoing issues that disrupt the process for countless hopeful candidates. As these scandals emerge, questions regarding equity, responsibility, and confidence in the examination framework become increasingly critical.
Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in India has been a game changer for countless low-income households seeking cleaner cooking options. Especially prominent in Uttar Pradesh, this initiative has not only boosted women's health but also elevated their status by replacing harmful traditional fuels with LPG, illustrating a powerful movement toward sustainability and gender equality.
A case has been registered by Thane Police against eight suspects, including owners and personnel from a shipping firm, for allegedly conning 75 job applicants out of over Rs 1.73 crore.
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) faces a potential major split as at least six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly forming a separate group to join Eknath Shinde's faction. This move, dubbed 'Operation Tiger' by Thackeray loyalists who allege MPs are being bribed, could significantly weaken Uddhav Thackeray's party and bolster the NDA in Parliament.
'Tamil Nadu will continue its two-language policy': Governor reiterates stand in inaugural address, reaffirms opposition to NEP'Tamil Nadu will continue its two-language policy': Governor reiterates stand in inaugural address
US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to bolster cooperation against terrorism, drug trafficking, and border security. The discussions aimed at strengthening collaborative efforts to protect citizens from narcotics, secure national borders, and ensure criminals face justice in both countries. This meeting signifies a commitment to enhanced bilateral security partnerships.
Shubhanshu Shukla, the nations pioneering astronaut to journey to the ISS, marked his two-decade milestone in the Indian Air Force. Looking back on his remarkable career, he remarked, 'It has been an extraordinary adventure,' transitioning from an elite fighter pilot to the stars.
India successfully tested its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), a stealthy weapon designed for precision strikes hundreds of kilometers away. Developed by DRDO, this missile complements the supersonic BrahMos by focusing on low-altitude, terrain-hugging flight to evade radar and penetrate enemy defenses.
A large-scale TB screening in Northeast India revealed over a third of detected cases in vulnerable groups were asymptomatic, highlighting the challenge of silent infections. This proactive approach, covering millions, is crucial for India's TB elimination goals, with AI tools now aiding early detection and treatment initiation across the region.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has received a legal notice from an RJD MP demanding detailed disclosures on Ram Mandir donations and their expenditure. This follows allegations of financial irregularities, which the Trust has denied. Opposition leaders have called for an investigation and questioned the handling of funds.
India's First Constitutional Amendment in 1951 profoundly reshaped the nation's democracy. It balanced fundamental rights like free speech and property with state needs for public order and social reform. This pivotal change, enacted before the first elections, introduced mechanisms to protect reform laws and expanded grounds for speech restrictions, setting a precedent for ongoing debates.
West Bengal witnesses a surge in egg-throwing incidents targeting Trinamool Congress leaders. BJP leader Agnimitra Paul calls this 'deemocracy', citing public anger over alleged corruption and misgovernance. Recent events include attacks on Kunal Ghosh and Soumitra Banerjee. Residents also targeted a vehicle linked to Madan Mitra. These protests highlight growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
Jharkhand is witnessing a keenly contested Rajya Sabha election for two seats today. With three candidates in the fray, including BJP-backed Parimal Nathwani, JMM's Baidyanath Ram, and Congress' Pranav Jha, the focus is on the battle for the second seat. Both ruling and opposition blocs are employing strategies to prevent cross-voting, with MLAs housed in hotels and mock polls conducted.
India's push for green hydrogen gained momentum with the launch of a new certification portal by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. This initiative aims to streamline regulations and boost domestic manufacturing, evidenced by incentives for electrolyser production and pilot projects in the steel sector. The mission is actively reducing import dependence, with significant agreements for green ammonia supply to fertilizer plants.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the ongoing impact of West Asian crises on the Global South, urging international solidarity. He proposed a global skills partnership and an International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT) to foster shared growth and resilience.
A father in Auraiya has been arrested for allegedly attempting to murder his 14-year-old transgender daughter. He reportedly beat her with a stick and threw her into a canal, motivated by her gender identity. The girl survived due to shallow water and was rescued by locals. She is in critical condition.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly criticized Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's decision to rename a road near the US Consulate after President Donald Trump. CPM General Secretary MA Baby expressed concern that this move, occurring amidst US military actions, undermines India's sovereignty and anti-imperialist ideals. He urged the Congress high command to intervene and withdraw the decision.
Karnataka government will soon issue guidelines for medical students on appropriate behavior and respect towards donated bodies for study. This follows viral clips of students disrespecting cadavers, sparking a debate on ethics. The ethics committee will meet to discuss reinforcing existing guidelines for handling donated bodies.
Rahul Gandhi's public release of his INDIA bloc speech has irked allies, particularly Left parties, who emphasize mutual trust for effective resistance against the BJP. Concerns were raised about Gandhi's remarks on Pinarayi Vijayan and the unilateral release of internal discussions. DMK also reiterated its stance against Congress due to a state-level alliance issue.
The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre for its response on the ban imposed on Telegram, which is challenging the temporary restriction ahead of the NEET-UG retest. The government claims to have shocking material to share, citing ongoing issues with channels involved in examination-related activities resurfacing after being blocked.
PM Modi and President Trump discussed the safety of Indian seafarers amidst a US-Iran peace agreement. Trump acknowledged the risks of the profession while Modi emphasized the importance of maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders also touched upon trade, defense, and geopolitical issues, with Trump expressing confidence in strong US-India ties.
Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered a significant upgrade of the national cyber crime helpline '1930'. The directive emphasizes integrating advanced technology like AI and multilingual support to enhance reporting and redressal. Shah stressed swift action on cyber financial fraud complaints, including prioritizing bank account freezing issues, and called for stronger measures against mule accounts.
The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand are shaping up to be a nail-biter. The INDIA bloc, boasting 56 MLAs, appears to have the upper hand with a potential for two seats, but the BJP, rallying behind an independent candidate, is poised to sow discord through cross-voting, reminiscent of previous electoral surprises in Bihar and Odisha.
The Indian government has temporarily restricted Telegram access. This action follows allegations of misuse by organised networks. The government plans to present evidence of this misuse in court. The restrictions are in place to ensure the integrity of national examinations. Access is limited until June 22. A message editing feature is also disabled until June 30.
Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump met at the G7 Summit, prioritizing maritime security and the safety of Indian seafarers. Modi stressed the vital importance of open shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, and commended Trump's efforts in West Asia. The leaders also discussed trade deals, signaling renewed energy in India-US relations after a period of strain.

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