The Times of India

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

Congress leaders were sternly told to maintain party discipline and avoid public criticism. Dissenting Punjab leaders met with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal regarding their grievances. They were instructed to address internal matters through designated organizational channels. Any open dissent was deemed politically detrimental and unacceptable to the party leadership. The party emphasized focusing on upcoming state elections and maintaining organizational unity.

The Supreme Court has mandated states to construct washrooms for women lawyers. This directive addresses a significant human rights and health issue for advocates. States are given a six-week deadline to complete the construction of these facilities. The court rejected pleas of fund paucity, suggesting alternative revenue sources. This action aims to ensure women lawyers can practice with dignity and health.

SC to take up high cost of lifesaver meds

National Medical Commission regulations have changed regarding medical college establishment. Previously, only Section 8 companies could set up medical colleges. Now, all companies incorporated under the Companies Act can establish medical institutions. This shift follows earlier amendments allowing private companies to enter medical education. The government aims to increase transparency and revenue through this policy.

Political momentum builds for the government's Constitution amendment bill. DMK and NCP (SP) signals suggest support for the upcoming legislation. This comes after recent political realignments and party splits. The government plans to incorporate changes to assure fence-sitters. The bill aims to increase Lok Sabha seats and implement women's reservation.

Jammu and Kashmir politics intensifies as the National Conference plans a protest in New Delhi. The Congress party announced its participation in the proposed sit-in demonstration. Meanwhile, the BJP has scheduled a protest against the current government's alleged corruption. Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone questioned the timing and motives behind the protest. He suggested an assembly session and an all-party delegation instead of street protests.

India's space department faces a growing manpower crunch, with over twenty-five percent of sanctioned posts vacant. This staffing gap has widened significantly since 2019, impacting critical mission development. Recruitment processes were delayed due to Covid-19 and reforms, creating a substantial gap. Efforts are underway to fill over two thousand vacancies by late 2026. The department must rebuild its workforce while retaining experienced scientists.

A man was shot dead in Doda district following an encounter with police personnel. Mobile internet services were suspended across the district as tensions escalated rapidly. Three police officers sustained injuries during the confrontation on Jai valley road. Locals protested the death, and a shutdown was called by a local outfit. Authorities are investigating the incident, and senior officials are present in Bhaderwah.

A Jammu court rejected Kamal Singh Jamwal's bail plea in the Farooq Abdullah assassination attempt case. The judge cited wider implications for public order and democratic stability in the decision. Jamwal's medical plea was also dismissed, with no evidence of mental disorder presented. Charges were formally framed against Jamwal under attempt to murder and arms act provisions. The court directed the prosecution to produce witnesses for the upcoming trial.

Three former Trinamool Congress MPs have been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha. They switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party just days before their election. These leaders resigned from their previous posts last month after election results. Their return to the Upper House on BJP tickets marks a significant political shift. This development follows the Trinamool Congress's defeat in recent assembly elections.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticized the government's silence on Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for twenty days demanding action. He is protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and paper leaks. Doctors have warned of critical health risks if the hunger strike continues. Wangchuk vows to continue his protest until July twentieth for a government response.

There are strong speculations that the government is planning to reintroduce the Delimitation Bill during upcoming Monsoon Session. The Bill could not pass the numbers test during the Budget session. Opposition parties, which were united in their opposition to the Bill in April, appear to be divided now over the idea of uniform seat increase. Some parties may support the bill if their concerns are addressed. The Congress fears isolation and has requested an all-party meeting for discussions. The

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party for corruption allegations. He labeled the party Kattar Beimaan Party during a rally in Jalandhar. The prime minister also highlighted the state's deteriorating law and order situation. He mentioned a former AAP leader's conviction for murder during Delhi riots. Modi urged voters to elect the BJP for a prosperous Punjab.

Two individuals, Ram Shankar Yadav and Manish Yadav, received a 39-hour police remand on Friday. This remand is connected to the alleged embezzlement of Ayodhya Ram temple donations. Custodial interrogation is crucial for uncovering the conspiracy and tracing the money trail. Earlier, two other accused were also taken for custodial interrogation as part of the ongoing probe. The alleged donation scam has triggered significant political backlash against the ruling BJP.

Former Badrinath temple officer Rajendra Chauhan was arrested for alleged donation theft. CCTV footage showed Chauhan collecting cash bundles and putting them into his pocket. The Special Investigation Team received an internal inquiry report from the temple committee. Investigators identified more suspects after examining fresh CCTV footage from recent dates. The investigation into the temple donation theft case is currently ongoing.

A joint parliamentary committee deferred its draft report on removing leaders facing serious charges. The panel decided more consultations were needed before adopting its five recommendations. Members voted on recommendations, with some BJP members also voting against initial proposals. The committee suggested suspending, not permanently removing, leaders detained for thirty days. This bill seeks to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963.

Addressing a function in Shamli district after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for several development projects, CM Yogi said the state government was ensuring full security and all necessary arrangements for Kanwar pilgrims. Today, no one stops the Kanwar Yatra. It is progressing peacefully and with enthusiasm. The government stands with the kanwariyas, and the administration and security forces are serving them, he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.