The Times of India

The Supreme Court has ordered Rajasthan to pay one lakh rupees to a government official. This payment is compensation for harassment caused by political interference in a prosecution sanction. The court criticized the joint secretary of the former chief minister for undue influence. Such interference was deemed a blatant display of political dictate by the state. The official was unnecessarily dragged to court, prompting the court's strong observations.

The Cabinet approved a revised shipping ministry policy for captive waterfronts. This aims to accelerate private investment and provide greater operational certainty. Existing captive users can develop additional facilities to meet enhanced requirements. Government entities can obtain waterfronts on a nomination basis without competitive bidding. The policy extends concession periods and strengthens infrastructure development at major ports.

Terrorists shot dead a 24-year-old labourer from Chhattisgarh in Kulgam. Another worker from the same state was critically wounded in the attack. Security forces have launched operations to trace the attackers responsible for this incident. This incident marks the first fatal attack on migrant workers since October 18. Officials condemned the attack and directed security forces to intensify operations.

India condemned Pakistan's admission of training and arming militants who have turned against the state. The Ministry of External Affairs also criticized Pakistan's harsh crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Over forty civilians were reportedly killed during the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations. India stated that Pakistan's actions exposed its disdain for the region's innocent inhabitants.

Varanasi is launching India's first urban public transport ropeway soon. This aerial system will connect the railway station with Godowlia Chowk. It promises to significantly reduce travel times and ease traffic congestion. The project serves as a test case for aerial mobility in heritage cities. This innovative transport model could influence future urban development across India.

Guru Ravidas Temple before flagging off the Kalash Yatra. He later carried the ceremonial Kalash on his head and proceeded to the event venue at CMD Inter College.

India's government has summoned Meta's global team to discuss Prime Minister Modi's post. Officials will question the social media giant on algorithmic bias and content moderation. Meta's global representatives will also appear before a parliamentary panel for scrutiny. Hyderabad police have also registered cases against Meta India's head. This marks an escalation in the government's oversight of the company's practices.

How researchers, naturalists and accidental bat obsessives are changing how India sees an animal long associated with darkness and disease

A Delhi court sentenced Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment. They were convicted for the murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma. The court rejected the death penalty, citing reformation possibilities. The prosecution argued the case was rarest of rare. The conviction occurred after the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.

The petroleum ministry defended India's ethanol blending program on Friday. It stated that blending saved consumers nearly thirty rupees per litre. Food security obligations always take precedence over ethanol production needs. Rice is only one approved feedstock, used when surplus stocks are available. Ethanol blending acts as insurance against global oil price shocks.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi slammed the bill criminalizing insult to Vande Mataram. He stated the bill forces minorities to worship Hindu deities and violates religious freedom. DMK MP A Raja called the legislation a fraud against India's secular fabric. Congress questioned the Home Minister's absence during the bill's passage. Opposition parties argue the government is imposing its views on citizens.

The Supreme Court ordered the MEA to appoint a nodal officer for families. This officer will coordinate with families of Indians who joined the Russian military. The court also asked for DNA matching and assistance with compensation claims. The Centre previously stated 217 Indians joined the Russian military, with 49 deaths reported. Efforts are ongoing to verify deaths and trace missing individuals.

Raghav Chadha spoke in Rajya Sabha supporting the anti-paper leak Bill. He stressed institutional solutions are needed to resolve the crisis. The Bill introduces stricter penalties for paper leaks and exam malpractices. Individuals face jail terms and significant fines for unfair means. Parliament approved the Public Examination Amendment Bill after Lok Sabha clearance.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah for actions against students. He alleged the government is silencing Generation Z through FIRs and account takedowns. Gandhi demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into alleged police brutality at Jantar Mantar. Opposition MPs also protested alleged police action and financial irregularities. The protests occurred before a bill on public examinations was considered.

Rajya Sabha saw a heated debate during the Public Examinations Bill discussion. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge cited Manusmriti, alleging its influence on BJP's curriculum. JP Nadda challenged Kharge to produce the original manuscript for authentication. Kharge quoted alleged discriminatory verses against Shudras from the ancient text. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi countered, referencing Ambedkar's writings on the era.

Government MPs criticized opposition for politicizing the NEET-UG paper leak issue. They highlighted government dialogue with students and a proposed stronger law. Senior ministers held talks with students and activist Sonam Wangchuk. A fast-track court and task force were established to address concerns. The proposed bill aims for stringent punishment and time-bound investigations.

India's July monsoon rainfall exceeded expectations, defying earlier forecasts of below-normal precipitation. This unexpected recovery eased fears of a significant monsoon shortfall for the nation. However, rainfall distribution remained uneven across different regions of the country. Experts now emphasize that El Nino alone cannot explain India's changing rainfall behaviour. Climate change is increasingly altering monsoon patterns, making predictions more complex.

The Supreme Court questioned Parliament's decision to exclude the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel. Justices noted the CJI's inclusion in other key appointment committees. The court heard arguments challenging the 2023 Act's appointment process. The government urged the court not to question legislative wisdom. The bench clarified it was not questioning the Prime Minister's trustworthiness.

Rajya Sabha saw a political storm after Mallikarjun Kharge questioned Amit Shah's absence and silence. He clarified his remarks meant people's power for accountability, not physical force. Opposition MPs questioned the effectiveness of the new anti-paper leak bill. Several parties demanded the government scrap the NEET exam. The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about student protests and exam integrity.

Parliament approved a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law. This legislation introduces stricter punishments for individuals involved in exam malpractices. Prime Minister Modi stated this is a crucial step for a credible exam system. The bill proposes significant jail terms and substantial fines for offenders. It also empowers governments to establish special fast-track courts for these cases.

Sixteen Indian nationals, including ten seafarers, have died in the West Asia conflict. Seventy-five other Indian nationals sustained injuries in the same regional conflict. In a separate incident, twelve Indian nationals perished at Qatar's Ras Laffan Gas Facility. The government is coordinating with host nations to repatriate mortal remains. Injured individuals received medical treatment and necessary assistance from Indian missions.

Parliament passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Bill on Thursday. This amendment extends legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram. The DMK opposed the bill, citing concerns about national division and imposition. The BJP defended the amendment, emphasizing respect for the complete Vande Mataram song. This action places Vande Mataram on par with the national anthem for legal protection.

BJP submitted a privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha. He is accused of demeaning Parliament and insulting citizens with his remarks. BJP seeks an unconditional apology from the Congress leader. The notice cites rules regarding defamatory allegations against individuals. The matter has been sent to the privilege committee for inquiry.

India's External Affairs Minister discussed Black Sea shipping attacks with Ukraine's counterpart. He reiterated India's stance that such attacks are unacceptable and unequivocally condemned. The minister also highlighted the global impact of multiple conflicts on security. Ukraine's representative briefed him on recent developments and peace efforts. India consistently advocates for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

Over two hundred academicians have written an open letter criticizing Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remark. They stated that dismissing scholars with labels undermines the nation's scientific temper. The academicians defended the IIT Madras director's advocacy of cow urine's potential benefits. They emphasized that scientific temper involves objective examination of claims before acceptance. Mockery is not a substitute for reasoned engagement in public debate, they added.

Four hundred fourteen Indians faced deportation from the US by March 2026. Deportations from the US significantly increased from 2023 to 2025. The United Kingdom and Cyprus also deported Indians, with fifty-seven and fifty-three respectively. Government data shows thousands of unregistered agents were notified on the eMigrate portal. Indian truckers arrested in Arizona are also facing deportation proceedings.

Meta has introduced new protocols for handling prominent individuals' accounts. This follows the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video. The company expressed regret and is examining the reasons behind the video's removal. Government officials are scheduled to meet with Meta's global representatives soon. Discussions will cover policy and technical aspects of the incident.

The Supreme Court ordered the Delhi government to treat all injured protesters. It questioned the feasibility of banning pellet guns for crowd control. The court directed the preservation of ammunition logs for effective investigation. It also emphasized the need for police to have adequate safety gear. The bench reiterated that peaceful protests can sometimes be hijacked by miscreants.

Isro and DoS have initiated a significant recruitment drive for 746 positions. These openings include regular posts and apprenticeship opportunities for future talent. The drive aims to address a notable vacancy rate within the space department. Administrative roles and scientist/engineer positions are being filled across various centers. This effort seeks to bolster Isro's workforce and operational capabilities.

The J&K government approved a gas agency for Insha Mushtaq eight years later. This rehabilitation pledge was approved on Thursday, reviving a commitment made in 2016. Insha lost her eyesight at fourteen after a pellet gun incident during protests. She has since learned Braille and is pursuing a bachelor's degree. The approval marks a significant turning point for her future.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena declared twenty-three heritage sites protected monuments. This initiative provides legal protection for Ladakh's rich archaeological and historical heritage. Sites in Leh and Kargil districts were notified as protected monuments under a specific act. The administration will now undertake conservation measures and prevent encroachments on these sites. This move reflects a commitment to preserving Ladakh's unique historical legacy for future generati

Jammu and Kashmir Police attached properties belonging to five Pakistan-based terrorist handlers in Reasi district. This action aims to prevent the misuse of these assets for terror financing activities. The attached land was linked to a case registered under stringent anti-terror laws. Investigations revealed the accused had exfiltrated to Pakistan for terrorist training and now operate as handlers.