India has launched its first hydrogen-powered train, the 'Namo Green Rail', from Jind, Haryana, marking a significant step towards sustainable railway mobility. The 10-coach train, which emits only water vapour, is currently operating on the Jind-Sonipat route and represents a major technological advancement for the country's transport sector.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed government school principals to ensure clean toilets, functional medical rooms, and proper maintenance of sanitary pad vending machines in schools, emphasising the importance of menstrual hygiene and awareness.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the BJP, asserting that Ayodhya will be their "Lanka" due to alleged corruption in Ram Temple donations. He also linked the issue to the NEET controversy, suggesting a wider pattern of malfeasance and predicting internal strife within the ruling party.
Kerala is facing increased inflationary pressure due to recent hikes in petrol and diesel prices, according to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The state's economy is also impacted by the decline in remittances from the Gulf and higher oil prices.
Following alleged thefts at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and other incidents, prominent temples across India, including Baba Balak Nath Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Ambaji temple in Gujarat, are implementing stringent new rules for counting offerings. These measures include mandatory pocketless clothing for staff, extensive CCTV surveillance, metal detector frisking, and promoting digital payments to ensure transparency, honesty, and accountability in donation management.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed officials to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against gangs involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of gutka and other banned tobacco products. This move aims to treat such activities as serious organised crimes affecting public health, rather than mere regulatory violations, due to the sophisticated nature of the illegal trade.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed officials to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against gangs involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of gutka and other banned tobacco products. This move aims to treat such activities as serious organised crimes affecting public health, rather than mere regulatory violations, due to the sophisticated nature of the illegal trade.
An IAF helicopter has been deployed to assist in the search and rescue of four people missing after flash floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh's Keyi Panyor district. Incessant rain has cut off six districts, damaged homes, and injured 17, with one fatality reported. Efforts are also underway to restore crucial road connectivity.
When dialogue fails, protest becomes inevitable.
In a democracy, protest is often the only language left once institutions stop listening, explains Ramesh Menon.
The Nadia district administration has launched an investigation after 173 male names were detected in the beneficiary list of the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme meant for women in Dhubulia area.
Gen Z protesters are using memes, music, and sarcastic humour on social media platforms like Instagram and X to demand Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET question paper leak and other examination irregularities.
Two separate fire incidents occurred in Noida on Friday morning, one in a 12th-floor flat of a high-rise residential society in Sector 75, leading to a full evacuation, and another in a building in Sector 52. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incidents, directing immediate relief and rescue operations. No casualties or injuries have been reported in either incident, and the causes are under investigation.
Voters who exercise their franchise in favour of a particular political dispensation do not do so unconditionally. Their loyalty is subject to maintaining trust and living up to their expectations. It is subject to allowing the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).
Families of the victims who perished in the massive Aliganj fire in Lucknow are mourning their losses, with several alleging that delayed rescue efforts contributed to the high death toll. Many victims, including young animation artists, were trapped, and some attempted to save themselves by jumping from the building.
The Maharashtra cabinet's sub-committee on infrastructure has approved a Rs 1,722.40 crore project for a 3.55-km road connecting the Bandra Fort end of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link with the Savarkar Sea Bridge. This project, implemented by MSRDC, aims to significantly reduce travel time between Worli, Fort, and Versova, handling approximately 3,500 cars per hour. It also includes provisions for rehabilitation and environmental mitigation.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has announced his decision to contest the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar. He frames the bypoll as a "referendum" on the performance of the current BJP-led government under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Kishor, a former poll strategist, aims to challenge the established parties in a seat traditionally held by the BJP.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been called to Delhi by the Congress high command for a meeting, fuelling speculation about a potential leadership change and Cabinet reshuffle as his government completes three years in office.
Veteran BJP leader Hitendra Nath Goswami defeated Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi in Jorhat, securing his sixth term in the assembly. Goswami's grassroots campaign and extensive experience led to his victory.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other key Mumbai offices received email threats warning of explosions, prompting a major security alert and investigation by Mumbai Police. The emails allegedly referenced Khalistan and targeted the Mayor's office, CMO, and BSE building.
An aggregator cab driver in Thane, Maharashtra, has been arrested for brutally assaulting a 70-year-old man who objected to him spitting in public. The incident, captured on video and widely shared, led to public outrage and intervention from state political leaders, resulting in the driver's arrest and charges including attempted murder.
A Lucknow-based jeweller has raised concerns about the untraceable status of a three-kg silver lamp and other silver items he and his association donated to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His claims come amidst allegations of fund embezzlement at the temple, prompting a state-level SIT investigation ordered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid and subsequent arrest of Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, calling it a politically motivated act by the BJP-led central government. AAP leaders allege the BJP is misusing central agencies to suppress opposition voices and destabilise the AAP government in Punjab.
Akali Dal MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia says her husband Bikram Singh Majithia will pursue his case through the courts and has not fled the country, despite allegations and a lookout circular.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has appointed Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, an astrologer and spokesperson for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as his Personal Secretary. The appointment has sparked controversy, with questions raised about the need for an astrologer in such a role.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.
The famed Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is set to begin, with the administration expecting around eight lakh devotees over the next four days. The temple doors will close on Monday night for the 'prabritti' period, symbolising the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, and reopen on June 26.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed officials to ensure the transparent and timely implementation of welfare schemes announced in the budget, warning of potential fund reductions for departments failing to utilise allocated budgets effectively.
The ongoing investigation into the murder of Pune realtor Ketan Agarwal suggests that his fiance, Siya Goyal, was instigated by co-accused Chetan Chaudhary to commit the crime. Goyal and Chaudhary, who were in a relationship, are accused of pushing Agarwal off Lohagad Fort. The probe also addresses reports about Agarwal wearing a wig and details about the planned wedding expenses.
The developments came after an FIR was registered in the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The NDA's parliamentary party meetings will now be known as 'Mangal Milan', with the first under this new name scheduled for July 21. This change was informally discussed in the Union cabinet. Additionally, the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), comprising 20 MPs who defected from the TMC, is seeking formal recognition and parliamentary facilities, including a party office and designated floor leaders.
Union Minister J P Nadda criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of disregarding democratic procedures, the judiciary, and the Election Commission of India. He alleged that the rule of law has been compromised in the state, particularly concerning the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has strongly condemned the social media campaign against national award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar during his illness and after his death. Satheesan criticised the abusive comments and the intrusive behaviour of online media during the actor's cremation, calling for greater responsibility from both individuals and media organisations.
Following a building collapse in Delhi's Saket area that resulted in six fatalities, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has pledged stringent measures against unauthorised constructions and the officials responsible. She has ordered surveys of unsafe buildings and assured support for the affected families.
Inflows into foreign currency non-resident (bank), or FCNR (B), deposits have significantly underperformed market expectations, leading to a more than 1 per cent depreciation of the rupee against the dollar this week. Analysts point to fading RBI support measures, tepid interest due to rising global bond yields, and narrowing interest rate spreads compared to 2013 as key challenges.
A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan faces criticism for using his caste surname 'Menon' during his swearing-in ceremony, igniting a debate on caste identity and political messaging.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched Indore's first district drone unit, equipping the police with advanced aerial systems for law enforcement, crowd management, and surveillance.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala stated that the party will accept the high command's decision regarding the chief ministerial post in Kerala. He emphasised that the delay in the decision-making process is part of a democratic procedure and urged party workers to refrain from protests.
A 23-year-old college student in North Goa died by suicide after facing severe online trolling and legal action over a viral video showing him dumping garbage by the roadside. The Chief Minister has ordered an in-depth investigation into the tragic incident.
The new BJP government also appointed IAS officer Shantanu Bala as the chief minister's private secretary, according to another notification.
