The Times of India

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.

New WHO guidelines suggest up to 45% of dementia cases are preventable. Tackling risk factors like high blood pressure and air pollution is advised. Healthy lifestyles and managing chronic diseases significantly influence brain health. The guidelines recommend regular physical activity and quitting tobacco use. Routine vitamin and omega-3 supplements are not advised without diagnosed deficiency.

Employees Provident Fund Organisation is developing a universal provident fund scheme. This new plan will cover millions in the unorganised sector and self-employed individuals. Subscribers can contribute daily or annually with tax benefits on their savings. The agency is studying global models to finalize the basic framework for this initiative. This self-financing scheme aims to extend retirement savings beyond the current EPFO network.

NSA Ajit Doval chaired the Bimstec national security chiefs meeting in New Delhi. The grouping discussed practical solutions to combat terrorism and organized crime. Security chiefs also endorsed principles for maritime law enforcement interactions at sea. Doval stressed closer regional cooperation to tackle evolving security challenges effectively. Bimstec unites dynamic regions with significant global population and economic influence.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge requested an all-party meeting with Prime Minister Modi. He seeks details on the revised Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. Reports suggest the government plans to reintroduce the delimitation bill soon. Congress believes the government lacks the required majority for constitutional amendments. The party remains in touch with opposition parties regarding the bill.

Delimitation, women's quota bills not on agenda yet

Union minister Jitendra Singh asserted no sensitive data breach occurred at Kudankulam nuclear plant. Nuclear Power Corporation of India confirmed core systems remained untouched by the incident. Reliance Infrastructure's contract involved conventional services, not core nuclear systems. A third-party data center provider reported a partial data breach attempt. Isro sources clarified that scientist and engineer resignations are within normal levels.

India's private space sector is poised for a significant advancement this Saturday. Skyroot Aerospace will launch the Vikram-1, its first orbital-class rocket. This historic mission, named Mission Aagaman, will lift off from Sriharikota. The rocket carries technology demonstration payloads and unique artwork into space. This launch marks a major milestone for India's burgeoning private space industry.

The Supreme Court clarified its prior ruling on demolitions. Bulldozers can remove illegal constructions and encroachments on public land. This action requires strict adherence to municipal laws and procedures. Individual contempt petitions will be handled by jurisdictional High Courts. Fact-finding exercises will ascertain if authorities acted arbitrarily in demolitions.

India's shipping regulator has advised against deploying seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. This directive follows recent attacks on merchant vessels in the West Asia region. Two attacks on Tuesday involved commercial ships carrying thirty Indian seafarers. The directorate cited heightened security and ongoing conflict as reasons for enhanced measures. Fleet owners were previously asked to restrict seafarer deployment in this area.

NEET-UG 2026 results revealed higher top scores following a nationwide retest. Aryan Gupta from Punjab secured the top position with a score of 715. Over 93% of candidates scoring above 690 were first-time test-takers. Women accounted for over 58% of the qualified candidates this year. The National Testing Agency declared results to keep medical admissions on track.

The Enforcement Directorate clarified Fema's role as civil legislation for voluntary compliance. Reserve Bank of India is the competent authority for compounding eligible contraventions. The ED issues a no-objection certificate to the central bank for compounding offenses. RBI recently closed a Fema case against Apothecon Pharmaceuticals after a penalty. This action follows master directions prescribing a compounding matrix for determining amounts.

The Supreme Court will examine if husbands can face charges for sexual acts causing harm. This question arises despite existing exemptions for marital rape under penal laws. The court will begin final hearings on these pending pleas from September ninth. The central issue is whether the court can create a new offense by striking down exceptions. The Centre opposes criminalizing marital rape, citing marriage as a unique relationship.

The Supreme Court ordered states and Union Territories to create a policy for releasing elderly and terminally ill prisoners. This directive ensures constitutional values are upheld even within prison walls. The court emphasized that dignity and humane treatment remain paramount for all inmates. Data shows over 5,000 prisoners fall into these vulnerable categories. The policy must be formulated within the next three months.

Throughout history, the quest for immediate gratification has led to spiritual manipulation. Emperor Ashoka stood against those who exploited the fears and hopes of individuals, highlighting the transactional nature of faith. Today, the prosperity gospel and wellness movements reflect this enduring cycle. To escape this repetitive loop, we must recognize that genuine growth transcends simple transactions.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over Sonam Wangchuk's health. He urged the central government to adopt a humanitarian approach to the issue. Wangchuk has been fasting for nineteen days and has lost significant weight. Abdullah drew parallels with the UPA government's engagement with Anna Hazare. He stated Wangchuk's demand for NEET examination accountability was justified.

A Srinagar court granted a no-objection certificate for Farooq Abdullah's passport. The court noted that pending criminal proceedings do not automatically bar travel. CBI had objected, fearing he might flee the country and evade justice. The passport was issued for one year, subject to conditions. Abdullah must seek permission before traveling outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Central government hospitals will now conduct twice-daily health checks for hunger strikers. Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital is designated as the nodal facility for any emergencies. Advanced life support ambulances will remain stationed at the protest site. Medical teams will submit daily health status reports to the ministry. This action follows Delhi Police's request due to health concerns.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh dismissed reports of sensitive Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant files being leaked. He asserted that no nuclear safety or security data had been compromised in the incident. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited clarified leaked documents related only to the plant's conventional Balance of Plant package. This clarification followed claims by a ransomware group about accessing thousands of project-related files.

Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its nineteenth day with significant health concerns. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait joined the protest, strengthening the ongoing agitation. Opposition leaders and parties offered their support, urging the minister's removal. Congress leaders appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast while assuring continued demands. Doctors warned of serious health complications if the hunger strike continues.

Congress is contacting opposition parties that previously opposed a bill. These discussions include the DMK and Aam Aadmi Party. Parliament's Monsoon session begins July 20 and continues until August 13. Opposition plans to raise issues like the NEET paper leak. The government may also reintroduce a bill on women's reservation.

Congress leadership struggles to unite Punjab leaders amid ongoing internal disputes. New leadership structure has triggered open conflict and fresh rounds of infighting. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is now leading a revolt against the current party president. The party leadership appears firm this time, avoiding past mistakes of succumbing to pressure. Managing these divisions is critical for Congress to regain political ground in Punjab.

The Delhi government plans to convert Arvind Kejriwal's former residence into a state guest house. A private hospitality firm may operate and maintain the bungalow for revenue generation. This repurposed building will accommodate traveling ministers and government officials for a fee. A portion of the camp office will host official events like seminars and meetings. The proposal awaits final approval from higher authorities for implementation.

Arvind Kejriwal joined Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. He demanded the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Kejriwal also endorsed Wangchuk as a potential replacement for the minister. He highlighted recurring exam paper leaks and student suicides. The former Delhi CM urged the government to listen to youth concerns.

Urban regions are increasingly battling monsoon flooding, exacerbated by extensive concretisation. With impermeable surfaces dominating, rainwater struggles to seep in, leading to heightened runoff. Meanwhile, the decline of natural water reservoirs like wetlands further complicates the situation. In response, authorities are encouraging the use of permeable materials and green spaces. While initiatives for de-concretisation are on the rise, the swift pace of construction poses significant hurdl