Families Say Police Side Ignored

At their press meet held at Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, family members of police personnel argued that their pain had somehow escaped public attention.

Seema, wife of an ASI officer said, “There is a narrative that it was the students who were protesting, and that the police personnel resorted to brutality. But this is only one side.”

She added, “There should be talks on how police were injured. Cognisance should be taken. They are the same police personnel who are deployed in protecting Parliament and the country, and we hope this issue is taken up in Parliament.”

Daughter Recalls Brutal Assault At Protest

Kunjal said that her father, who had prior experience of 15 years in the Navy as a marine commando, had repeatedly told them that the student protest was no longer student-driven, as undesirable elements had already joined the protest. Later on July 25, according to her, he was placed on the first barricade in Jantar Mantar, where he was assaulted.

"Whenever my father came home at night, he used to say that the protest no longer seemed like a student protest. Many antisocial elements had become involved in it. The very next day, on the 25th, my father was pulled by a rowdy mob and was almost lynched near the stage at Jantar Mantar. This happened on the 25th at around 2:00pm. He remained unconscious at RML Hospital for about four hours. Around 10:00pm, his colleagues brought him home, and his uniform was completely stained with blood. It was extremely painful for us to see him in that condition, " she said.

ACP's Son Alleges Stone-Pelting Attack

The son of the ACP alleged he received a photograph of his father in which a part of his head was shaved after he was hit by stones while trying to protect officers from the mob. 

He said, “Around 2 pm, a friend called to tell me my father had been injured. I was terrified.”

“My father said rowdy and disruptive elements had exploited the protest and tried to create mayhem. The stone-pelting began suddenly while he was briefing his staff. He tried to shield his seniors but was attacked,” he added.

Opposition Pressure Over Delhi Police Action

The conference comes at a time when Opposition parties have consistently been demanding explanations from the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and the Home Minister, Amit Shah about alleged police agitation on students during the entire student protest which resulted in the resignation of Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. 

Also, the Opposition, along with the CJP, have been urging for withdrawing cases registered against the students, in connection to this incident. The Delhi Police has assured that no legal action would be taken against student protestors; except for those having a criminal past. Based on the Delhi government order, the home department had stated that the review and release procedures for the arrested would be expedited.

The sources said the incident was about circulated false videos on Facebook and Instagram, both Meta owned. The investigators believe that the circulated videos may have manipulated the viewer and are investigating possible violations of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Complaint Cites Threat To Public Order

As noted in the complaints, the posts were also accompanied by remarks that included abusive and offensive terms directed at the Prime Minister and individuals appearing. The complainants claimed that the material seemed to have been manipulated or produced using artificial intelligence, and was broadly disseminated through social media channels.

They argued that such content might have a tendency to circulate false information in the public domain, to create unrest among the people, to outrage public decency, to tarnish the images of public figures, to disturb the public peace, to promote enmity amongst different sections of people, etc.

“The comments contain offensive language, ridicule, and indecent remarks directed at the Hon'ble Prime Minister and other individuals depicted in the manipulated content, thereby amplifying the offensive nature of the posts and encouraging their wider circulation and engagement. The above content appears to have been digitally altered or AI-generated and circulated on social media," the complaints stated.

"Such content has the potential to mislead the public, spread misinformation, incite hatred or public unrest, outrage public decency, defame or insult the dignity of public figures, disturb public order, promote hostility among different sections of society, and otherwise violate the applicable provisions of law," the complainants added.

Cyber Police Probe Misleading AI Video Circulation

The Cyber Crime Police are probing into the source of that AI generated videos, through which way they got proliferated on social media platforms and if the safeguards of META were enough to prevent their further dissemination. Also, the investigation will look into people who are suspected for uploading, distributing or designing those misleading videos.

The case demonstrates how social media companies are increasingly under pressure to regulate and control the dissemination of AI-created false information, highlighting the dilemma faced by intermediaries in controlling the free flow of such content. The police have maintained that the investigation is still at an early stage and no conclusions have been made. They added that future proceedings will depend upon the digital evidence collected in the investigation.

The verdict was announced on Friday by Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh. Four other people were also given life sentences in the same case.

This is one of the biggest developments linked to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.

Court Calls It A "Brutal" Murder

The court called Ankit Sharma’s killing "brutal" and said he was killed by a murderous mob.

However, the judge said the prosecution could not prove that the convicts could not be reformed. So instead of the death penalty, the court gave life imprisonment to Hussain and 4 others.

What Happened To Ankit Sharma In 2020?

As per the prosecution:

1. On February 25, 2020, violence broke out near Chand Bagh Pulia in northeast Delhi.
2. Ankit Sharma was near his home in Khajuri Khas and tried to calm the two groups.
3. He was allegedly kidnapped by a mob of 20-25 people, beaten and stabbed multiple times.
4. His body was found in a nearby drain the next day.

Political Reactions After Verdict

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta targeted AAP after the judgment. She asked Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia to explain their past links with Hussain.

BJP’s Amit Malviya also posted on X, calling Hussain a former "close associate" of Kejriwal.

Arvind Kejriwal replied saying Hussain was expelled from AAP long ago and questioned his later political activities.

Who Is Tahir Hussain?

1. Tahir Hussain was elected as an AAP councillor from northeast Delhi in 2017.
2. He was suspended by AAP after his arrest in multiple riot-related cases.
3. With this new verdict, he will now serve life in prison for Ankit Sharma’s murder.

The court’s decision is being called an important step for justice for families affected by the Delhi riots.

What are your thoughts on the verdict?

Fast-track Courts, Harsher Penalties Proposed

It has come against the backdrop of angry exchanges in Parliament between the government and the Opposition over last few days where the latter supported students protests regarding recent controversies over examinations and questioned the management of demonstrations against students' protests; conversely, the Government stated that paper leaks occurred when different political parties ruled in different times and warned Parliament not to use politics while dealing with the issue, and stated that the bill is a move to enhance integrity of the examination process and to protect the students' future.

This proposed legislation would quicken the pace of probes, establish fast-track courts, and mandate much stricter punishments for those engaged in examination paper leaks.

Jitendra Singh Urges Unity Over Student Interests

Introducing the bill in Parliament, Union Minister Jitendra Singh declared it brought in "honest spirit" by Government so to further tighten the examination process and requested the members not to politicise the issue claiming the paper leaks took place during rule of various parties in past and now the interest of students must be protected.

Defending the bill in Parliament, Union Minister Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s prompt action post the NEET paper leak controversy and commitment to save public examination integrity. He averred that it shows the government's tendency to rectify mistakes through continuous improvement in anti-malpractice law.

Listing official figures Singh stated that 52 FIRs have been registered after the anti-paper leak law was implemented in 2024 and number of suicides due to paper leak in the recent years is decreasing which represents that law has been effective.

CJP-Led Protests After NEET Paper Leak

The anti-paper leak law is enacted post 36 day countrywide protests organized by CJP against NEET paper leak, and started in Delhi at Jantar Mantar on June 20 and gained momentum on June 28 when activist Sonam Wangchuk joined. The situation escalated on July 20 when police blocked student marchers heading towards Parliament, alleging police used harsh measures such as firing pellet guns and tear gas at protestors.

The agitation concluded Saturday as government gave into numerous demands posed by protestors including the dismissal of Dharmendra Pradhan, providing maximum possible compensation to victims' family due to suicides caused by NEET paper leak, and withdrawing all FIRs registered against them by the government.

Addressing a function at the National Law Institute University (NLIU) in Bhopal, Justice Bhuyan said courts are duty bound to protect the fundamental freedoms and pointed out that the space for public protest in India was constricting. 

Justice Bhuyan Cites Biryani Arrest As Alarming Example

Giving the example of 14 Muslim students being lodged in prison for nearly three months for eating chicken biryani at the Ganga while breaking their Ramzan fast on a boat, Justice Bhuyan challenged the very foundation on which criminal actions are initiated.

"I am sure consuming chicken biryani is not an offence. There is no law prohibiting consumption of chicken over the Ganga river; they were arrested for that very reason and they had to remain in jail for three months. Can people be arrested and denied bail for 3 months for such an activity, I ask myself! Citizens are watching, people are watching," he said.

Warns Democratic Space Is Steadily Shrinking

Justice Bhuyan stated the incident was an indication of the increasing trend to launch criminal proceedings for the exercise of fundamental liberties.

"It will not be an exaggeration to say that public space for expressing divergent opinion is shrinking in India. Right to express one's views and right to demonstrate peacefully are fundamental freedoms of citizens. Debate and dissent are the essence of democracy. Unfortunately, even formal activities are criminalised," he said.

Raises Concerns Over Restrictive Bail Conditions

Justice Bhuyan also questioned the restrictiveness of bail conditions, mentioning how a blanket ban from entering into public gatherings and engaging on social media can suppress the right to dissent. He stated he had witnessed cases where the Supreme Court placed a ban order on an accused person who is granted bail to enter into public space and participate or hold meetings.

The SC Judge also noted that strict conditions on grant of bail to youth as passed in Gulfisha judgment under the context of riot cases in the Capital had impacted the fundamental freedoms. 

A press release by Rashtrapati Bhavan said, "The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India. Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, the President has directed that Shri Pralhad Joshi, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Education, in addition to his existing portfolio.”

Joshi Accepts Responsibility With Humility

Joshi has, after being appointed, said that he accepted the additional charge of the Education Ministry ‘with a sense of duty and humility,’ and stressed his readiness to work with PM Modi to improve the country’s education sector.

"I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. In the last 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, many historic achievements have been made. In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and several important initiatives were undertaken. The country has made significant progress in the new education system. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication," Joshi said.

The appointment comes as an extremely crucial time for the ministry as it implements significant changes to address the ongoing examination-related irregularities sparked by the NEET paper leak-changes to restructure the NTA and to come up with new, rigorous anti-paper leak laws for a computer-based NEET from 2027 onwards.

Pradhan Reflects On Four Decades Of Service

The controversy surrounding the NEET paper leak led to numerous nationwide student protests against Pradhan, as many demanded the latter's dismissal, blaming him for the irregularities, a demand the Indian government ultimately conceded to when Pradhan stepped down earlier in the day. 

In his resignation letter, Pradhan said, "For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation."

"I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth. Realising the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership," he added.

CJP Confirms Exam Reform Talks Next Month

According to a CJP official, both parties would meet again in four weeks for a follow-up meeting regarding large-scale exam reform measures. The CJP stated that their agitation will be revoked in good faith with a request that each agreement be fulfilled within the offered time-period.

Cockroach Janta Party’s Ashutosh Ranka said, “We held three rounds of discussions with the government delegation. Our protest at Jantar Mantar, which was going on for several days, had three main demands: Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, all legal cases filed against protesters and organisers, those FIRs should be withdrawn, and no future cases should be filed against protesters or organisers. And our third demand was compensation of ₹1 crore for the families who lost their loved ones after the NEET paper was not held. Just a while ago, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. This means that our first demand has been accepted.”

Compensation Package For Victims

Saurav Das stated that the Centre assured the protestors an adequate compensation package for victims of suicide that had committed suicide after they learned about the nullification of their May 3rd, NEET-UG examination, while adding that the Centre had also committed to nullifying the reports against protest.

CJP official Saurav Das said, “Our second demand was that all the FIRs filed against the protesters, not just in Delhi but in all BJP-ruled and BJP-allied States, should be withdrawn. This was also our second demand. The government has accepted that demand as well.”

“The withdrawal will be done shortly. The government has assured us that it will share copies of all the FIRs filed – as per our last information, 15 to 20 FIRs were filed in Delhi – and we will receive those copies within three to four days in any case. The government has also assured that the withdrawal will be done shortly. Understanding this, we have shared a draft with the government, which is a written guarantee. The government has said it will share this with us by Tuesday. We hope that by Tuesday we will receive the government’s guarantees regarding these FIRs and any future action,” he added.

Centre Agrees To Protesters' Key Demands

Union Minister JP Nadda had said that the government had conceded their demands such that no legal action would be taken against protesters and the appropriate authorities had agreed to give just compensation to the victim's family. 

“We had a long conversation today. They brought a written draft in which they made four points about the ongoing cases in agitation. Along with that, we discussed the other two demands: no retaliatory measures should be taken, compensation should be provided, and their five-point charter should be considered," Nadda said.

"We will provide them with copies of the FIRs, and no action will be taken. The second thing that has been said is that regarding compensation, the government has clearly stated that we also sympathize. We all have said that there will be compensation according to the rules and regulations. Whatever maximum will be possible will be given to them," he added.

Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation Amid Protests

Dharmendra Pradhan announced via X his own resignation from the ministry which was sent to the Prime Minister of India which the BJP stated was out of the concept of personal dignity to prevent those with an anti national agenda from capitalizing on the protesting mood of people.

Pradhan said, "For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation."

"I deeply respect the aspirations, sentiments, and legitimate expectations of the country's youth. Realising the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment in our political and social lives. I express my gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve the nation under his visionary leadership," he added.

In a letter to his "young friends", Pradhan stated that due to the circumstances that have occurred at Jantar Mantar and throughout the country, he has sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, Pradhan also explained that a crucial factor in his resignation was the need to not give any scope to the country’s enemies to capitalize on the situation unfolding at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. 

pic.twitter.com/VSArqS98OJ

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 25, 2026

Pradhan said, "I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform for more than four decades. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and visionary education system is the very foundation of a strong nation. I deeply respect the aspirations, emotions, and just expectations of the country's youth. Realizing the dreams of India's young generation has been a moral commitment of all of us in political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for the opportunity he gave me to serve the nation under his visionary leadership." 

"Considering the situation that has developed at Jantar Mantar and across the country — that anti-national forces should not take advantage of this situation, that the unity of the country should be preserved, that not even a single student's future should get entangled in legal complications, and that our children should devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers — I have sent my resignation to the Hon'ble Prime Minister," he added.

"However, irregularities came to light in the NEET-UG examination held on 3 May 2026. The Government of India took immediate cognizance of this, handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the examination, and announced a new date for the re-examination. Alongside this, it was decided that from next year the examination would be conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode," he added.

"From the very first day, I took responsibility and never turned away from this situation. My resolve was that we would not let any meritorious student's chances be ruined because of an examination mafia, and that no injustice would be done to any student. The NEET-UG results declared on 16 July were satisfactory, with many meritorious students from poor backgrounds also achieving success," he added.

"However, during this time too, certain individuals occupying positions of responsibility tried to mislead students and create obstruction, which caused me deep anguish. I have always been an unwavering believer in the strength of our democracy, and I have always held deep respect for the aspirations, dreams, and expectations of the youth. They are not only India's future, but also the bearers, builders, and architects of a new and developed India," he added.

"Watching the events of the last 10 days has saddened me. This is not a matter of personal reputation for me. The youth power of India is the real strength of this country. My resolve is that we will not let the country's youth get caught in a web of confusion," he also added.

The meeting of nearly two hours, conducted here at the Constitution Club of India, wrapped up without a firm resolution, after the administration requested some time, until the afternoon on Saturday to come to the organization’s proposal on Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

Government Asks For More Time To Respond

Following this discussion, a spokesperson of the Cockroach Janta Party, Ashutosh Ranka said, the government agreed on two main demands. The CJP had also called for compensation of Rs 1 crore to the parents of every NEET applicant who may have ended their life in agony , along with protection to their protestors. 

"The government has asked for time till tomorrow afternoon on our demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. We hope the government will remove him soon," Ranka said.

"The government has expressed in-principle approval on the two demands of compensation (for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide) and withdrawal of FIRs, legal cases on students," he added.

Nadda Says Discussions Were Cordial

The Union Health minister Mr Nadda described the meeting as “cordial” but declined to elaborate further on either this or any agreements it made with the Cockroach Janata Party.

"They had three key demands and five reform suggestions for exams. We have told them that we will meet them again tomorrow afternoon," Nadda said.

CJP Seeks Apology And Safeguards For Students

Another representative for the CJP,Saurav Das expressed that the organization also demanded apologies from the Union government, the rapid action force as well as the Delhi police for actions against their protestors who had gathered to protest against the May 3’rd NEET examination –which had been scheduled as part of the Sansad Chalo march.

In their declaration to the Union Government the group emphasized that since its leaders consulted with national support, they unanimously determined that Mr. Pradhan’s departure from his post, victim compensation, and judicial immunity for those who were protesting would be non-negotiable.

"When Ashutosh and I went there, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh were also present. We clearly conveyed, both verbally and in writing, our three main demands. The first demand, which is non-negotiable, is that either Dharmendra Pradhan should resign or the government should dismiss him from the Cabinet," Das said.

"The government showed a positive response to our second and third demands: compensation, withdrawal of FIRs, and a written sovereign guarantee that such FIRs would not be filed in the future. The government said that, in principle, it accepts these two demands. Therefore, we have been called for another meeting tomorrow," he added.

PM Modi Says Culprits Arrested, Reforms Underway

The Prime Minister spoke via video message to emphasize that the government’s top priority is to keep the academic years of students from being wasted and that holding examinations sooner would be necessary. He clarified that paper leaks were not minor violations but were highly distressing for millions of students and their parents.

PM Modi announced that he had asked relevant departments to expedite the development of proposals for the swift handling of cases through fast-track courts and that these departments finished their work and submitted the draft to him late yesterday. He mentioned that the draft, comprising details about the fast-track courts and stiff penalties, would be deliberated during the Cabinet meeting today, and once the suggestions of the Cabinet colleagues are incorporated, it will be finalized.

In the video, Modi said, “Friends, I know that paper leaks are not an ordinary matter. For lakhs of students and their parents, it is extremely painful. And that is why, in the last two and a half months since the paper leak incidents, several major steps have been taken. The culprits have been caught; they are currently in jail,” he said.

PM added, “Our most important responsibility was to ensure that a whole year for the students is not wasted. It was very important to conduct the exams immediately. The government used its full strength to arrange exams for nearly 22 lakh students in the shortest possible time. And just five or six days ago, on the 19th, the results were also announced. News of the happiness of successful students is coming from all over the country.”

Opposition Protests Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak

These pronouncements come following relentless nationwide protests against alleged paper leaks in the NEET exam, which have resulted in constant interruptions in parliamentary sessions, with opposition members calling for a discussion on the matter and the education minister’s resignation.

The government has asserted that it has taken prompt action against all offenders, and reforms to prevent such leaks are already in progress and will be expanded institutionally.

Wangchuk Ends Fast After Government Assurances

On Friday, activist Sonam Wangchuk, after a 26-day hunger strike, had food at the Medanta Hospital, and Union minister J P Nadda, Jitendra Singh, and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh were present. Wangchuk posted on X that he called off the fast upon the agreement regarding several provisions of his demands and due to concerns about potential violence.

The Cocktail Janta Party (CJP), which organized the protest in Jantar Mantar, acknowledged Wangchuk's decision but indicated that its ongoing protest would continue until Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.

Yes, fasting is popular. But experts say real devotion is about more than just skipping food. It’s about purifying your mind, words, and actions too.

According to Gurudev Vikrant Jain, Founder of Indian Institute of Vedic Science:

“Sawan is not just about avoiding food. When your devotion is true, your prayers become more powerful.”

Here’s your simple guide to observe Sawan the right way:

7 Dos To Follow In Sawan 2026

1. Offer Jal To Shivling Every Morning

Pour clean water on Shivling while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”. It brings peace and positive energy.

2. Keep Monday Fasts

If your health allows, fast on Mondays. Mondays are believed to be the most auspicious day of Sawan for Lord Shiva’s blessings.

3. Chant Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Daily

This mantra gives strength, peace, and protection from negativity.

4. Offer Fresh Bel Patra

Always use fresh, clean Bel leaves for puja. It’s one of Lord Shiva’s favorite offerings.

5. Eat Satvik Food

Choose simple vegetarian meals. Avoid junk and processed food. Keep your body and mind pure.

6. Help The Needy

Donate food, clothes, milk, or essentials. Charity in Sawan is considered very powerful.

7. Meditate For 10 Minutes

Sit quietly and focus. Meditation calms your mind and deepens your connection with Lord Shiva.

6 Don'ts To Avoid In Sawan

1. No Alcohol & Non-Veg

These break the purity and discipline of the month. Avoid them completely.

2. Don’t Get Angry

No fights, harsh words, or arguments. A calm mind is the best offering to Shiva.

3. Don’t Lie Or Cheat

Be honest in your work and relationships. Truth is very important in Sawan.

4. Avoid Negative Thoughts

Let go of jealousy, hatred, and revenge. Keep your thoughts positive.

5. Don’t Waste Water

Be careful during Jal Abhishek. Respect nature — saving water is also devotion.

6. Don’t Do Puja As A Routine

Don’t just “complete” rituals. Pray with faith, focus, and gratitude.

The Real Meaning Of Sawan

Sawan is not just about temple visits and fasting. It’s a time for self-growth, patience, and becoming a better person.

Whether you fast, chant, or just spend 5 quiet minutes in prayer — what matters most is your sincerity.

This Sawan, focus on your behavior along with your rituals. That’s how you get true blessings.

Note: These tips are based on traditional beliefs. Follow them as per your faith and health.

Which Sawan rule will you follow this year? Save this to remember all dos and don'ts!

The shocking CCTV footage is now going viral on social media. It shows a leopard suddenly running inside the store and jumping on a man standing near the counter.

What Happened Inside The Shop

The video shows the leopard sprinting toward an unsuspecting man and attacking him. The big cat then starts mauling him near the counter.

But the man, 25-year-old Sanjay Gurjar, kept his calm. He pushed the leopard away and ran toward the exit.

“As I ran, I pulled the shutter down. Then I lost consciousness,” Sanjay told the Sun.

By shutting the door, he trapped the leopard inside the store. This saved others outside.

Another man, 40-year-old Fateh Lal Koli, was also attacked. Reports say a third person was attacked by the same leopard.

5-Hour Rescue Operation

After the attack, the 5-year-old male leopard was locked inside for nearly 5 hours. 

Wildlife experts reached the spot and finally tranquilized the leopard with a dart and rescued it safely.

Why This Is Going Viral

People online are calling Sanjay’s quick thinking “brave” and “life-saving”. The CCTV clip shows how fast the attack happened and how dangerous wildlife encounters can be.

Officials are now checking why the leopard entered a populated area.

Watch out: Forest department has advised people in nearby areas to stay alert.

Would you have had the courage to lock the door like Sanjay did?

With misty hills, full waterfalls, and green views everywhere, rainy season trips feel like a movie scene. And the best part? Fewer crowds and lower prices.

Travel expert Pranav Dangi, Founder & CEO of Hosteller, says monsoon bookings have gone up by 46%. "Younger travellers now want short, experience-led trips instead of long vacations. This has changed the rainy season completely," he told HT Lifestyle.

Earlier people avoided monsoon travel. Now they actively look for rain-washed places to feel closer to nature.

Here are 6 monsoon destinations you should add to your list:

1. Lonavala, Maharashtra

Lonavala turns magical in rain with foggy valleys and gushing waterfalls.
Visit: Bhushi Dam, Tiger Point, Lion’s Point, Tungarli Lake
Perfect for: Quick weekend trip from Mumbai & Pune

2. Coorg, Karnataka

Known as the ‘Scotland of India’. Coffee plantations look amazing in rain.
Visit: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort, Coffee Estates
Perfect for: Coffee lovers and nature walks

3. Munnar, Kerala

Cool weather + endless tea gardens + misty mountains.
Visit: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Tata Tea Museum, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Perfect for: Peaceful hills and tea plantation views

4. Udaipur, Rajasthan

The ‘City of Lakes’ looks even better when lakes are full after summer.
Visit: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Perfect for: Royal vibes + rainy lake views

5. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

One of the wettest places in the world. Waterfalls are at their best now.
Visit: Living Root Bridges made from rubber tree roots
Perfect for: Cloud-covered hills and dramatic landscapes

Bonus Tip

Pranav calls monsoon travel “slow travel”. It’s about relaxing, enjoying the rain, and connecting with nature instead of rushing.

For the travel industry, monsoon is no longer a “shoulder season”. It’s now a prime season to celebrate.

Pro tip: Carry a raincoat, check weather before hill trips, and book stays early for weekends.Which one are you picking for your monsoon trip - waterfalls or misty hills?

Modi Says 13 Accused Arrested, Jailed

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that once the NEET paper leak issue came to light, the government had taken prompt action, arresting 13 accused persons and sending them to jail. The Minister added that such an unfortunate incident should not be repeated in the future and that the government had taken swift action on the issue to address it. 

Referring to the Prime Minister's comments, Rijiju said that Modi has asked to impose the strictest possible punishment on those responsible for the paper leak and that strict action on such matters would have a deterrent effect.

“The PM said as soon as news of the paper leak came, the government immediately carried out an investigation and 13 people were arrested. To ensure students’ future wasn’t jeopardised, a re-examination of NEET was conducted,” Rijiju said.

“At the same time, to ensure that students’ future was not affected, the NEET re-examination was given priority, conducted successfully, and the results were declared without delay. The Prime Minister also said that strict steps have been taken to prevent such paper leaks in the future. Those found involved in the paper leak racket have been arrested and jailed,” he added.

Students Protest Seeking Pradhan’s Resignation

The statements come a day after the students were on their way to demonstrate outside Parliament, only to be lathicharged and sent home, as security was deployed.

Hundreds of students, led by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which sprang up in May after Chief Justice of India drew a comparison between some unemployed youth and ‘cockroaches’ while holding hearings in an unrelated case, are calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign after allegations of fraud emerged in multiple national competitive exams, including the NEET.

Over 170 Injured During Chalo Sansad Protest

The students marched towards parliament on Monday after an activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed to a hospital on Saturday, effectively ending his 21-day hunger strike to support the movement launched by the CJP. 

At least 170 individuals including Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters and Delhi Police personnel, received medical care on Monday after skirmishes in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest with one young woman treated at Safdarjung Hospital being in serious condition.

The CJP blamed Delhi Police for brutal lathi charge and roughing up students, including Gitanjali J Angmo, the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, during the Sansad Chalo march, as it continued with a protest near Kerala House after the removal of the stage from Jantar Mantar.

Dipke Apologises After Police Action On Protesters

CJP president Abhijeet Dipke expressed regrets to the CJP followers, including students, who were beaten by Delhi police personnel.

“I apologise to all our supporters, especially the girls who were brutally beaten by male police officers. We could have done better. I could have done better to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police,” he posted on social media platform X.

“To protect one Dharmendra Pradhan, who is responsible for the deaths of more than 20 students, the Govt was willing to spill the blood of many more young students,” the post added.

Wangchuk Extends Hunger Strike Over Crackdown

Activist Sonam Wangchuk said on Monday he will carry on with his indefinite hunger strike as police action against protesters during the "Sansad Chalo" march on the same day, pushed him to continue it. 

"I will continue my fast. Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the parliamentarians at Sansad Bhavan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital," he said.

Delhi Police Allege Protesters Turned Violent

The Delhi police said that protesters indulged in rowdy, aggressive, and violent acts, and wilfully defied prohibitive orders that were in place. 

“The protesters attacked police personnel with stones and other objects, attempted to breach police barricades, vandalised police and other government vehicles, damaged public property, and resorted to large-scale violence, posing a serious threat to public order, the security arrangements in place, and the safety of police personnel performing their lawful duties,” the police said.

Nadda Meets CJP Leaders; Talks Inconclusive

CJP spokespersons said that they met Union Minister JP Nadda at his residence after the government offered talks. They raised three demands -- immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk, resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of ₹1 crore for every NEET aspirant who committed suicide.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said, "The Minister assured us he will discuss this at the appropriate level. However, no commitments have been made so far. The peaceful protesters will not rest until the demand is met.”

However, they later said that there was no response from the government. Nadda acknowledged their concerns and mentioned that the CJP leaders had presented a written petition and that discussions began after the group initiated engagement. 

AkinAnalytics, an AI-Augmented Drone Analytics and indigenous drone technology company, has deployed drones for a large-scale seed ball dispersal initiative, bringing speed, scale and technology-led execution to afforestation. The initiative reflects the environmental vision of Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri K. Pawan Kalyan garu and his emphasis on forest conservation, ecological restoration and action-oriented green initiatives.

What began as a successful Proof of Concept on World Environment Day has now evolved into large-scale ground execution. On Day 1, approximately 37,000 seed balls were dispersed across identified forest landscapes. The mission accelerated on Day 2, with 23,400 seed balls dispersed towards Bodunuru village, 18,000 towards Buruguwada village and another 18,000 towards Darapalli village.

Day 2 alone recorded 59,400 seed balls, taking the cumulative achievement to approximately 96,400 seed balls in just two days.

Behind these numbers were continuous drone sorties, payload loading, battery rotations, trained remote pilots and coordinated field teams. The initiative demonstrates how drones can complement conventional afforestation efforts, particularly across large forest terrains where repeated manual access and dispersal at scale can be challenging.

“Nearly one lakh seed balls in two days is not merely an operational achievement for us. Each seed represents a possibility for a greener tomorrow. We are deeply honoured to contribute through our technology to the afforestation vision of Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan garu. Technology becomes meaningful when its impact is visible on the ground,” said Janaki Pulaparthi, Founder & CEO of AkinAnalytics.

Born from Problems Witnessed on the Ground

AkinAnalytics' evolution is rooted in real-world problems witnessed by its founder. A Computer Science Engineer and ISB alumna, Janaki Pulaparthi brings domain exposure across technology and legacy industries. Challenges around large physical assets, fragmented information and limited decision intelligence shaped AkinAnalytics into a company focused on drones, AI and physical-world intelligence.

A Forbes-recognised entrepreneur and Atal Samman Awardee, Janaki sees drones not merely as flying machines, but as tools for measurable impact.

NIKA2: From Seasonal Farming to 365-Day Revenue Potential

This philosophy is reflected in AkinAnalytics' indigenous NIKA2-KDM dual-payload drone. Its 16-litre spraying payload supports precision spraying for seasonal crops such as paddy, maize, corn and other crops, enabling faster and targeted agricultural operations.

But agricultural spraying is seasonal. AkinAnalytics asked a practical question: what happens to the drone and the farmer's investment beyond the spraying season?

The answer was a simple payload change. NIKA2 can shift to a 13-kilogram spreading payload, extending the same drone into spreading applications and aquaculture operations, including feed distribution across fish and shrimp ponds. The vision is to empower farmers, rural entrepreneurs and trained drone pilots with a productive asset capable of creating revenue opportunities throughout the year.

One drone. A simple payload change. Multiple applications. A pathway towards 365-day revenue generation.

Supporting this vision is AkinAnalytics' first-of-its-kind DGCA-authorised RPTO in Tier-2 Amalapuram, bringing professional drone training closer to rural communities and creating a new generation of drone entrepreneurs.

Digital Twins for Enterprises and Intelligence for Growing Towns

AkinAnalytics is equally focused on enterprise Operations and Maintenance across mining, energy and infrastructure. Through drone-acquired data, AI-Augmented Analytics and Digital Twins, it converts complex physical environments into measurable intelligence for improved visibility and data-driven decisions.

The same philosophy extends to Smart Urban Intelligence. By digitally understanding roads, houses, water bodies, dump yards, encroachments and changing infrastructure, AkinAnalytics aims to give growing towns stronger digital foundations for planning and upgrades. It is about helping a town understand itself and upgrade intelligently.

Extending Indigenous Innovation to Defence

AkinAnalytics has also extended its wings into defence innovation, developing compact and nano reconnaissance drones for surveillance and situational awareness in complex operational environments. From forests and farms to mines, towns and strategic defence applications, its philosophy remains consistent: understand the physical world through technology and enable better action.

Make in India. Go Global.

AkinAnalytics' journey has been strengthened through IIIT Hyderabad, CDM, iDEX, NIDHI PRAYAS, SISFS, MeitY SAMRIDH and Stanford Seed Spark. It also marks a distinctive milestone as one of the first drone technology companies to have the MeitY ecosystem participate as an equity investor.

With international operations and a presence in Dubai, AkinAnalytics is carrying Indian innovation towards global opportunities. Rooted in the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, its ambition is clear: build technology in India for real-world problems and take those innovations to the world — Make in India. Go Global.

From seeds in the sky to intelligence on the ground, AkinAnalytics is confidently building an Indian technology story — rooted in real problems, powered by indigenous innovation and ready for the world.

Connect with AkinAnalytics

Website: https://www.akinanalytics.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/akin-analytics-solutions?originalSubdomain=in

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/analyticsakin?igsh=ZWliMnY0c3hlaDEy

PM Modi Hails Historic Private Space Mission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Skyroot Aerospace team and its young engineers on a historic achievement for the country’s private space sector. He also mentioned that the success of the mission has brought great pride to India and how it has propelled India’s space ambitions forward and inspired young minds across the country.

PM Modi wrote, "Spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1. This is a defining moment in India’s space journey. The growing participation of our private sector is opening new frontiers and accelerating innovation. This achievement will encourage countless youngsters to dream bigger and innovate fearlessly" on social media platform X.

PM Modi’s congratulatory message was printed on a postcard to be sent into space as part of the launch. The Prime Minister’s succinct message on a postcard for the Skyroot team was "Vande Mataram."

Minor Technical Hold Before Successful Launch 

The rocket launch initially encountered a slight hiccup. Several minutes before the scheduled lift-off time of 11:30 AM IST, the mission control team initiated a “planned hold”. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) reported that “minor anomalies” in the navigation alignment parameters were identified by the Automated Launch Sequence (ALS).

In order to ensure the integrity of the first flight of an entirely new vehicle architecture, Skyroot engineers prioritised a meticulous approach. 

During this time, the crew paused the launch to check that the sensors were correctly synced with ground tracking systems, and it reset the path error algorithms. This pause was an indication of the technical strength of this startup based in Hyderabad. Within 30 minutes, the navigation systems were cleared for launch and T-zero reset. The countdown proceeded as scheduled, with the new window of launch set at 12:05 PM IST.

Mission Aagaman Marks Historic Private Breakthrough

Vikram-1 is a 7-storey high, fully-carbon composite, multi-stage orbital launch vehicle capable of placing up to 350 kilograms of payload into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Its design incorporates entirely in-house developed propulsion systems, including advanced 3D-printed rocket engines and high-performance solid rocket motors.

The historic mission, codenamed Mission 'Aagaman,' signifies the entry of Indian private industry into the business of orbital launching, joining a handful of countries with commercial companies developing their own orbital rockets. The Vikram-1 is carrying postcards signed by its engineers, technicians and team members who made the launch possible.

As per sources, the summoning was in relation to the attacks on the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah which were reportedly targeted by the Iranian cruise missiles while sailing through Omani waters in the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz. 

India Condemns Attacks On Commercial Shipping

Following the incident, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had asked for an immediate de-escalation, calling the repeated incidents as 'deeply worrisome'.

MEA stated, “We strongly condemn these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz.

The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned this morning by the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest against these attacks was lodged with him.”

"We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region.

The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest," it added.

Iran Says Omani Route Was Security Threat

The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, Mohammad Javed Hosseini, was called to MEA. His summoning lasted a little over ten minutes as Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, is currently abroad. 

In the wake of the recent strikes, the IRGC again blamed the United States for its support to what they called an illegal route which closely follows the Omani side of the Strait. They also labeled the path as risky due to the mines planted in the area. 

UAE Blames Iranian Missile Strikes On Tankers

The UAE Ministry of Defence had issued a statement saying that two Emirati-flagged oil tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were attacked by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting through Omani waters in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker and the injury of eight others, including four who sustained serious injuries. The injured comprise six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian nationals,” the Emirati Ministry of Defence said.

It added, “The UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents, in a manner that safeguards its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protects its national interests.”

West Asia Conflict Fuels Fresh Shipping Crisis

Since the conflict in West Asia broke out at the end of February, at least 13 Indians, primarily seafarers, have died. A joint operation by the United States and Israel resulted in the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

In April, a temporary ceasefire was reached between the US and Iran, which was followed by an interim agreement that provided for a 60-day halt in hostilities. The interim deal, announced last month with mediation from Pakistan, has seemingly collapsed in recent days, with President Trump announcing over the weekend that the ceasefire is over and reinstating a blockade against Iran on Monday. Additionally, the US President announced new tolls for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Strategic Partnership Elevated With 2030 Roadmap

PM Modi highlighted the evolving partnership between the two countries from space exploration to rugby. The visit by the Indian PM to New Zealand is for the first time in 40 years after both countries upgraded their relations to a Strategic Partnership and signed an enhanced Roadmap to 2030 to boost cooperation in defence, trade, security, technology and regional matters.

The upgrading of New Zealand's relations with India places the island country on an expanding list of nations that have signed formal Strategic Partnerships with New Delhi and are key components of the latter's Indo-Pacific strategy.

Modi Celebrates Century Of Hockey Relations

Commemorating 100 years of sports ties between India and New Zealand, the PM remembered the visit of the Indian hockey team to the country 100 years ago, and Major Dhyan Chand's contributions. 

"This year marks the completion of 100 years of sporting relations between India and New Zealand. A hundred years ago, our hockey team came to New Zealand to play, and Major Dhyan Chand's magnificent performance during that tour was the talk of the town. His hockey skills won the hearts of the people of New Zealand as well. This is the era of collaboration. New Zealand and India can achieve great things through collaboration in sports as well," he said.

MEA Explains Modi's Public Outreach Style

In response to a question from a Kiwi journalist about why PM Modi does not hold press conferences even during the interaction with the Indian diplomats, a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended Modi’s communication style.

MEA official Rudrendra Tandon described Modi as a leader who communicates directly with the voters rather than going through any middlemen. 

“Prime Minister Modi is a quintessential Indian politician. By and large, Indian politicians favor direct contact with their electorate. They want direct contact. They don't like being spoken down to. They don't like being spoken to through intermediaries,” he said.

“And Modi has perfected the art of direct contact with his electorate. And he seems to be doing a rather good job of it since, you know, he's been elected. He's in his third term. He's one of the longest serving prime ministers in our country,” he added.

The boat capsized and the reason behind the mishap was not clear. Vietnam authorities were probing the accident and suspects sea rough and potential mechanical issues. The cause behind the incident is being investigated.

Rescue Efforts Underway At Boat Accident Site 

During the search and rescue operations that started immediately, images show rescuers pulling bodies out of the water. Nearby boats started to pick up passengers immediately when the news broke out. VN Express also cited eyewitnesses as saying that local boats quickly went to the scene to pull passengers out before the arrival of the Vietnam Border Guards, Navy, and Coast Guard.

Video broadcast by Vietnam shows large waves and wind buffeting the water as rescue workers searched for passengers. Life preservers were tossed into the sea and jet skis ferried survivors back to shore where medical teams and the public treated the injured.

Indian Embassy Sets Up Control Rooms

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam stated it would establish control rooms to handle the ongoing search and rescue operation. These rooms would be set up at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and the embassy in Hanoi.

"In a tragic incident, a boat carrying several Indian tourists has capsized near Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam a few hours ago. Exact details of the incident are being ascertained as search and rescue operations by local authorities are ongoing," the embassy said on social media platform X.

It added, "In order to provide information and assistance to affected families, a Control Room at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City has been set up which can be reached at : +84 36 281 7930, +84 91 552 37 14 and +84 33 452 0414. A Control room has been established in Hanoi and can be reached at +84 91 308 9165. We are available for any assistance and queries.”

PM Modi Offers Condolences And Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the accident and said that the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Vietnam were in close touch with Vietnamese authorities and were providing all possible assistance.

“Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic news of a boat accident involving Indian nationals near Phu Quoc, Vietnam. My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. My prayers for the early recovery of the injured survivors. Our Embassy and Consulate are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with the Vietnamese authorities,” he said.

Lava Extends Support To Affected Families

The tourists had been on an incentive trip organised by handset maker Lava. 

Lava said, "We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragic incident in Vietnam involving our channel partners and team members. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.”

It added, "We are in constant touch with the Embassy of India in Vietnam and the local authorities, and are closely monitoring the situation. Our immediate priority is to extend all possible support to those affected and their families. Our teams in both India and Vietnam are in regular contact with the families and are providing all possible assistance.”

CJP urged students, parents and all concerned citizens to come together and support the Parliament march to secure justice for students who died by suicide following the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam for irregularities.

Wangchuk Urges Citizens To Join Protest

Wangchuk urged all the people to join the march as Parliament is the suitable platform to raise this issue. 

He said, "Thanks for all your messages to break my hunger strike, but that wouldn't help the 20 students who committed suicide, nor will that help protect the mountains of Ladakh or the rivers of India." 

He added, "If you really want to help, then do a little more than messages from comfy couches; come to Delhi and to Jantar Mantar on July 20, when the monsoon session of Indian Parliament starts. Together, we'll start a very peaceful march to the Sansad and appeal to our honourable MPs to take the issue up and find a lasting solution."

Police Accused Of Blocking Rain Protection

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke posted a video on his official handle ‘X’, where he can be seen questioning the police personnel for not allowing to bring the tarpaulin at the protest site amid rains. In the clip, he is shown questioning why police personnel who are protected under a waterproof tent were in a dry state, while others who are in the open were enduring the rains and questioning why the tarpaulin was denied.

"Delhi Police is not allowing us to bring in tarpaulins. It rained all night, and we need them to protect the students who have been on a hunger strike for the past 12 days. For the last three days, we have been struggling to get the tarpaulins inside the protest site," he said

AISA Member Hospitalised After Health Worsens

All India Students Association (AISA) member Hrishikesh, who had also gone on indefinite hunger strike, has been hospitalised due to health complications after falling unconscious at RML Hospital. The organization claimed Hrishikesh has not been able to move for over 24 hours and is also unable to talk.

In a statement the AISA claimed the central government ignores the legitimate demands of students, parents and activists even though the health of hunger strikers has deteriorated and the situation is dire. The body reiterated the demand for the resignation of Pradhan.

NEET Exam Irregularities Fuel CJP Protests

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) is demanding the resignation of the Union Minister of Education over allegations of frequent and repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks impacting students’ futures.

The protest that began on June 20 comes amid reports of widespread irregularities in major national entrance exams including the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG). The medical entrance exam, which was held on May 3, was cancelled following alleged paper leaks and was subsequently re-tested on June 21.

BBC Probe Exposes Child Abuse Advertisements

The development comes after an investigation by the BBC had claimed that Meta's recommendation algorithm had been promoting videos containing CSEAM. It had found serious gaps in the safeguards put in place. The investigation had also found that advertisements of CSEAM appeared on Facebook and Instagram, even though advertisements featuring nudity or sexual content are explicitly banned under its advertising policies.

It is alleged that paid ads on Instagram featured phrases like rape video and child video, directing users to Telegram channels selling such material. In its notice, the government has asked as to how such ads got approved, what steps Meta has taken since the allegations, and what precautions it plans to implement in the future to curb the issue.

Instagram Allegedly Promoted Harmful Explicit Content

In the course of its investigation, the BBC set up an alias Instagram account in India, as it noticed that the platform’s algorithm pushed sexually suggestive content even when users were not searching for it. To study Instagram’s recommendation engine, the BBC’s alias account followed ten profiles sharing sexually explicit content and received ads over a week promising video calls and sexually explicit content. 

Days later, the account also displayed ads that featured children with adults engaged in sexually suggestive ways with links to channels on Telegram. About 30 distinct ads promoting CSEAM were discovered, with some being published from various advertiser accounts, besides roughly 20 ads selling adult pornography.

Meta Cites Automated Detection And Blocked Accounts

In its response to BBC, Meta stated that it had already taken down many advertisements and blocked accounts associated with them. The company said it later removed more ads, suspended accounts and blocked URLs sharing violating content. Meta conceded that no system is perfect and assured that its process could miss some policy violations.

It noted that its automated content detection mechanisms monitor the ads even after they go live and it gives users the ability to report policy-violating content. It also said that it immediately reports child sexual abuse material that comes to its attention to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) - the global center for reporting online CSEAM, in compliance with all applicable laws.

WhatsApp Username Feature Also Faces Government Scrutiny

This is the second instance this week that Meta has drawn the ire of the government. The Indian government had earlier asked Meta-owned WhatsApp not to go ahead with its upcoming username feature on account of potential impersonation and fraud. In a notice to the tech giant, the ministry gave it three days to submit a detailed explanation about the username feature.

It is understood that the government advised WhatsApp that the new username feature might escalate online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attempts, by enabling wrongdoers to reach out to unsuspecting individuals. The government also pointed out that the feature could make it easier for individuals, government agencies, financial institutions, and public authorities to impersonate others through usernames closely resembling official ones. 

Shah Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Against Terrorism

The government has committed itself to the goal of completely eliminating terrorism, Home Minister Amit Shah said.

Shah said, “Pursuing Modi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance against terror, the MHA today declared 23 dreaded terror functionaries as terrorists under the provisions of the UA(P)A. They are involved in anti-India activities, carrying out terror attacks, inciting terror, trafficking arms, infiltrating through the border, facilitating terrorist organisations, raising funds and recruiting terrorists,” in a post on social media platform X.

JeM, LeT, TRF Among Linked Terrorist Organisations

Out of the 23 individuals, 17 are Pakistanis while six are Indians and all are from Pakistan and from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the home ministry says.

These individuals have been engaged in planning and executing terror attacks, provoking violence, recruiting youth for terror, arm trafficking, orchestrating cross-border infiltration, financing and aiding terror networks, the home ministry stated. 

According to the home ministry, the individuals are affiliated with terror organizations that include, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), The Resistance Front (TRF) and Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF).

Bengaluru Engineer Linked To Major Terror Case

Of the six Indians, a Bengaluru engineer is among the others. Mohammed Shaheed Faisal (40), residing in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, is also associated with Pakistan-based terrorist organizations LeT and JeM and is believed to have connections with Al-Qaeda and ISIS modules, the home ministry stated.

He was named by the NIA as an alleged operator of the terror attack that carried out an IED explosion at the Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru. Wanted by the National Investigation Agency since 2012 with a bounty of ₹10 lakh, Faisal is accused of operating terror modules in Karnataka. 

NIA Empowered To Freeze Terror-Linked Assets

The government’s decision, taken with the view of protecting India's internal and territorial integrity, will now broaden the scope of Fourth Schedule of the UAPA, allowing effective measures to tighten the legal and financial screws on such individuals orchestrating anti-India terror activities from Pakistan and PoK.

The decision has armed the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the country's premier anti-terror agency, along with other agencies, to take steps like freezing assets, blocking financing, imposing embargoes on arms and seizing property linked to these terrorists. 

India Keeps Water Treaty In Abeyance

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India's position on the Indus Water Treaty is consistent. The IWT stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan's continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism.”

This follows another round of rhetoric exchanged between India and Pakistan on the suspension of the water-sharing pact in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam killing 26 civilians.

Bilawal Warns Against Weaponising River Waters

Earlier this week, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had threatened India by claiming that New Delhi uses water as a strategic weapon. 

"Pakistan must speak clearly. The Indus is not a pressure point. The Indus is not a bargaining chip. The Indus is not a weapon to be placed in India's hands. The Indus is a lifeline of Pakistan. And any attempt to turn that lifeline into a noose must be treated as a threat to the survival of our state. This is the message that Pakistan must deliver to India," he said

Pahalgam Attack Triggered Treaty Suspension

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India had put the Indus Waters Treaty on hold citing continued backing of cross-border terrorism by Islamabad. Earlier, last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a strong statement, saying blood and water cannot flow together. The Indus Water Treaty would be held in abeyance till the time Pakistan takes creditable and verifiable action against terrorists from its soil, he had declared.

Pakistan Challenges Treaty Suspension On Global Forums

Pakistan had decried India’s move as ‘illegal’ and akin to a declaration of war, vowing to retaliate in the event of any interruption to the water flow. The country has intensified diplomatic efforts with the United Nations and initiated legal proceedings in the Permanent Court of Arbitration besides engaging in a global campaign to accuse New Delhi of weaponising water. 

India Condemns Pakistan Airstrikes In Afghanistan

Meanwhile, the MEA on Friday strongly condemned the Pakistani military airstrikes in Afghan territory, which caused civilian deaths. Jaiswal also emphasized India’s respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaffirmed that New Delhi continues to engage with Afghanistan via its humanitarian and development programs.

"We had strongly condemned the airstrikes that happened from Pakistan into Afghanistan, in which several civilian lives, including women and children, were lost. We had offered our condolences on the passing away of precious lives, and we had also, at the same time, reiterated our strong support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan," Jaiswal said.

India's Strong Stance on Terrorism

The appeal came despite India asserting that its stance on dialogue with Pakistan has not changed, stating clearly that terror and talks cannot go hand in hand. In its reiteration on the ongoing ties with Pakistan, India stated that the resolution of bilateral issues is directly linked to Pakistan ceasing to patronize cross-border terrorism.

Signatories Stress Peace for Future Generations

A total of 117 citizens - 61 from India and 56 from Pakistan - have put forth their views to bring to an end the current prolonged spell of animosity between the two countries. The signatories claimed that prolonged animosity had denied opportunities to millions of young people and future generations. 

“India and Pakistan together are home to nearly one-fifth of humanity. A large proportion of our population is young. The people of both countries deserve a future defined by peace, development, connectivity and cooperation, rather than perpetual mistrust and confrontation,” the letter said.

“Decades of estrangement has hindered our collective potential and imposed significant social, economic and human costs. We believe that sustained engagement and dialogue remain the only viable path to resolving differences and building a stable and prosperous region,” it added.

Diplomatic Ties And Visas in Focus

The letter has asked for immediate resumption of full diplomatic ties, with relaxation of visa regimes and activation of exchanges among families, students, journalists, business professionals, artistes, academics and civil society members. 

“We respectfully request you to listen to the aspirations of common people and choose engagement over isolation, dialogue over hostility and cooperation over confrontation. The future of South Asia should be shaped not by division and conflict, but by peace, prosperity and shared progress,” the letter stated.

Letter Backs Reopening Key Travel Routes

Further, it advocated opening the Attari-Wagah land border, restarting the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and the Delhi-Lahore bus services and establishing connectivity between Kargil in Ladakh and Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan.

The letter has urged the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, seeking easy access to the Sharada Peeth and ease of movement to visit religious sites on both sides of the border.

The remarks followed a political storm that had brewed after the MEA stated that an Indian passport is a travel document and not the citizenship certificate of the country. 

Government Cites Law And Court Ruling

Citing the Passports Act, 1967 and a Bombay High Court judgement in 2013, the government said to the people that citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and mere possession of any one document is not sufficient proof of citizenship.

In section 20 of the Passports Act, 1967, a non-citizen can get a passport if they meet certain conditions.

Congress Targets Centre Over Passport Remarks

The opposition has escalated their attack on the centre over the MEA’s clarification that Indian passports are primarily travel documents, not conclusive proof of citizenship and has asked what document could Indians rely on to prove their citizenship.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate posted, “The Modi government says that a passport is not proof of citizenship. Is India's passport also issued to non-Indians? Does the police come to conduct what verification before issuing a passport?

Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship; Passport is not proof of citizenship; PAN is not proof of citizenship; Voter ID is not proof of citizenship. So, what is proof of citizenship? Modi's foot-kissing? BJP's ID? RSS's cap?” on social media platform X.

BJP Dismisses Criticism Over Passport

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya attacked the opposition for turning a settled legal principle into a manufactured controversy. A citizenship is derived from birth records, parents’ citizenship status if needed, school records, Electoral rolls, government service records, land and property records, the passport, and other contemporaneous government documents, Malviya said. 

Referring to the Passports Act, he further pointed out that the Act itself empowers the Central government to issue a passport or travel document even to a non-citizen in specific circumstances.

“The law itself therefore recognises that possession of a passport cannot, by definition, be treated as conclusive proof of citizenship,” he said.

“This distinction is neither unusual nor controversial. A passport is an important identity and travel document. It is evidence that may support a claim of citizenship. But citizenship itself flows from the Constitution and the Citizenship Act, not from the possession of any single government-issued document,” he added.

SC Upholds Pedestrians’ Fundamental Right

A bench comprising justices PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar said, in its judgment, that the right to walk was encompassed by freedom guaranteed under article 19(1)(d) (which guarantees to all citizens the right to move freely throughout the territory of India).

“If a road exists, there must then be a duty to ensure that a footpath is demarcated and maintained for the walkers. This is an enforceable duty. The fundamental right to walk on demarcated footpaths shall override the privilege of a motorised vehicle,” Justice P.S. Narasimha said.

Judgment Follows Child Accident Case

The apex court’s ruling came in a motor accident claim case, which resulted in the death of a five year old child. The father of the boy had taken him to school in the morning, around 9 am when a tanker lorry ran him over from behind. The child suffered multiple serious injuries and died due to the injuries. 

He had been run over by the lorry on the road and there was no footpath or crossing at the accident site. Setting aside a High Court order which had slashed the awarded compensation amount, the Supreme Court raised the compensation in favour of the child’s father to 11,44,628 and directed it to be paid within two months.

Citizens Can Seek Constitutional Remedies

It said that the violation of the right to walk, which is a fundamental right under the constitution of India, citizens would have the right to resort to writ petitions to the Supreme Court and high courts.

“The violation of the right to walk on demarcated footpaths will entitle the citizens to invoke constitutional and legal remedies against duty bearers for restitution and compensation. This remedy is independent of the remedies that are available under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988," the bench said.

Government Tasked With Pedestrian Safety

The Supreme Court also imposed constitutional duty on the government and administration in the states.

The court said, "The duty bearers are the urban development authorities, municipal corporations, municipalities and even panchayats, who must endeavour to demarcate, construct, maintain and safeguard footpaths and other necessary pedestrian infrastructure, as walking is integral to life.”

The Center has made the permitted uses and sale regulations on syrups (which included cough syrups) stricter through new amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945.

Government Amends Drug Regulations

Under Sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the Central Government, with the assistance of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, has published an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945. 

According to the new Drugs Rules, a medicine has to be used only upon prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner for the word "Syrups" has been taken out from a list of drugs mentioned in Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, which lists drugs sold over the counter without a doctor's prescription.

Doctor's Prescription Needed for Cough Syrups

Customers would now be required to obtain a prescription from a registered medical practitioner to buy cough syrup, which has been available in the Indian markets in retail stores for many years. This amendment will have a direct impact on purchases like cough syrups. 

This is after months after contaminated cough syrups were responsible for the deaths of numerous children in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Advisory Board Reviewed Changes

The amendment follows a draft notification issued on December 29, 2025, which invited comments and objections from all and it has now taken those into account to notify the final Drugs rules 1945. The health ministry says all comments that have been received in the regard have been carefully examined. 

The amendment has been made after obtaining advice from the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, which is the highest technical committee for drugs regulation in the country. 

"Physical relationship between two consenting unmarried adults cannot and should not by itself be a ground to draw an adverse impression about the character of the person in that relationship. There is no law which prohibits two consenting unmarried adults to have a relationship of their choice," the court said.

Police Recruit Selection Cancelled Over Case

A bench comprising Justices Manmohan and Manoj Misra was hearing the plea of candidate who was found to have a criminal case registered against him in 2014 which resulted in the cancellation of his provisional selection as a Stipendiary Cadet Trainee Police Constable by the Telangana State Level Police Recruitment Board. 

The candidate faced the charge under IPC sections of offences related to sex on the false promise of marriage in which the complainant was a woman known to the candidate and was later settled before a Lok Adalat. The case was disclosed by him in his application form itself. 

Rejection Based on Moral Grounds

The court said that just because one relationship did not mature to matrimony did not mean that authorities could form a cynical attitude and not be sensitive to changing social ethos, especially of young individuals. The selection of candidate was initially cancelled on the ground of moral turpitude in which the case registered against him was relevant to form such a conclusion. 

Later on, it was set aside by a single judge of the Telangana High Court who directed the concerned authorities to reconsider the matter but the selection was again cancelled and the single judge again directed to appoint the candidate and was reversed by a division bench and was thus compelled to approach the apex court. 

No Evidence of Force Found: Supreme Court 

The top court had noted that relationships of a physical nature are no longer uncommon among young adults, and that when two adult individuals are involved in a relationship for a prolonged period, a legitimate assumption that the same was consensual must arise. 

The top court found that both the complainant and the candidate were neighbors and had acquainted with each other since a good period of time, and found that there was no material on record to suggest any use of coercion or force to obtain the compromise.

The victim, identified as Ketan, reportedly lost his life after being brutally assaulted by members of the girl's family. Another youth, who accompanied him, was also injured in the attack and is currently receiving treatment.

Teen Allegedly Lured to Village Before Attack

According to reports, Ketan received a call from the girl around 11 PM on Sunday. He then went to Kholgarh village along with his friend, Diwakar Dimri.

Police said that after reaching the village, both youths were allegedly locked inside a room by members of the girl's family and beaten with sticks.

The next morning, Ketan's father, Dhanpal Lal, reportedly received a call from the girl's father asking him to take his son home.

When he reached the location, he found Ketan seriously injured and covered in blood. The teenager was immediately rushed to a hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.

Murder Case Registered, One Detained

Following the incident, police registered a case of murder along with provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Tehri Garhwal Senior Superintendent of Police Shweta Choubey confirmed that a case has been filed under murder charges and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act.

Police have also detained one accused, identified as Yashveer Singh Panwar, for questioning. Further investigation is currently underway.

Meanwhile, Ketan's friend Diwakar Dimri, who was injured during the assault, has been admitted to the district hospital in Baurari.

Incident Triggers Public Outrage

The tragic death has triggered anger among local residents and renewed discussions around caste-based violence and discrimination in society.

Authorities are recording statements from witnesses and family members as part of the ongoing investigation.

Similar Incidents Reported Earlier

The incident comes amid several recent cases involving violence against Dalits.

In October 2025, a Dalit teenager in Greater Noida allegedly died after being attacked by upper-caste men on his birthday.

In another case from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, a 38-year-old Dalit man was beaten to death after being mistakenly suspected of theft.

More recently, in May 2026, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and gang-raped by three accused in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district.

The latest case from Uttarakhand has once again raised serious concerns about caste-related violence and the need for stronger protection of vulnerable communities.

The shocking incident was not an accident in the Khushboo Marriage Hall at Islamnagar place where the wedding was held. The wedding procession had come from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, and then, the event started off smoothly. Tensions boiled over at the nikah ceremony, however, when differences of opinion between the bride’s and groom’s families occurred over the mehr amount, and the amount of dowry demanded for a matrimonial arrangement.

Heated Argument Triggered by Dowry Demand

The bride’s family said that since the marriage was fixed, the groom’s side had repeatedly raised their dowry demands. The demands allegedly evolved according to allegations from a scooter to a motorbike and then ₹1 lakh in cash.

The disagreement reportedly escalated over the mehr amount. To the bride's family, the mehr fixed at ₹5 lakh was acceptable, whereas to the groom's family an amount above ₹21,000 was not acceptable. But after multiple attempts by family members and community elders to resolve issues and come to a deal, no agreement was reached.

Bride’s Father Suffers Fatal Heart Attack

The quarrel went on for a while but eventually the bride’s father, who was identified as Sadiq, reportedly became unwell. Family members rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors there declared him dead.

Relatives accused family members of the heated argument and the stress and pressure from the conflict caused the fatal heart attack.

Chaos Erupts After Death

It all took a turn-out with the news of Sadiq's death being passed on in the wedding venue. Furious family members and locals reportedly threw themselves into a roundabout rage over the groom and people at the wedding party.

The groom, Mohammad Arif reportedly, plus a number of relatives and guests, were detained inside the marriage hall and were apparently detained as a result of hearsay. At least a few members of the wedding procession were reportedly assaulted, too.

In the ensuing panic, a number of guests tried to break through the roof of another house nearby. A piece of the roof reportedly fell during the rush, injuring a few people.

Heavy Police Intervention at Wedding Site

Police arrived immediately in a scene which brought things under control. Security troops came in to contain more violence. They also took care of keeping the law in the corner of the area that remains calm and orderly.

Statements from both families are being recorded, authorities said and a comprehensive investigation is being carried out.

The death has once more initiated discussions regarding the damage dowry controversies will produce and also the cost these disputes will have emotionally on families.

The storm is caused by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun, which has sent charged particles towards Earth. These particles can interact with Earth’s magnetic field and create beautiful light displays known as auroras or Northern Lights.

NOAA Issues G3 Solar Storm Alert

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch.

According to NOAA, the storm is expected to:

• Start on June 7 (low activity)
• Peak on June 8 (G3 strong storm)
• Reduce on June 9 (G2 moderate level)

Experts say the storm may create bright auroras, especially in high-latitude regions near the poles.

What Are Auroras?

Auroras are colourful natural lights seen in the night sky when solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. They usually appear in countries near the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Will India See Northern Lights Again?

The big question is whether India will witness the Northern Lights this time.

According to experts, the chances are very low. The current G3 storm is weaker compared to the extreme G5 solar storm in May 2024, which allowed rare auroras to be seen in Ladakh (Leh and Hanle).

Back in 2024, red auroras surprised scientists and were captured by observatories in Ladakh, making it one of the rarest sky events in India.

Why India Is Unlikely to See It

Although solar activity is strong, India is too far from the polar region. Only extremely powerful storms can push auroras as far south as India.

Scientists say only high-latitude regions are likely to see clear aurora activity during this event.

Skywatchers Still Excited

Even though the chances are low, astronomers in India will continue monitoring the sky closely in case of unexpected strong solar activity.

Speaking in an interview with CNN-News18, the minister revealed that India currently has oil reserves worth 76 to 80 days of consumption, including strategic petroleum reserves, refinery stocks, and commercial fuel storage.

No Fuel Crisis in India, Says Government

Puri clearly stated that despite global tensions in the oil market, India is safe and stable. He also emphasized that there are no fuel shortages in any part of the country, and supply remains smooth even during disruptions.

He further added that India is not only meeting its domestic demand but also continuing fuel exports.

Oil Prices Expected to Stabilize

The minister expressed confidence that global crude oil prices will not remain high for long. According to him, market conditions are expected to improve, helping bring prices down in the coming period.

India Ready Even If Key Oil Route is Closed

Puri also addressed concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil shipping route. He said India can still manage supply for 30–60 days even in extreme situations, thanks to strong reserves and diversified imports.

Diversified Oil Sources Strengthen India

The government is also expanding its oil import sources beyond the Gulf region. India is increasing energy partnerships with countries like Mozambique and the UAE to ensure long-term energy security.

Officials also confirmed discussions with global suppliers to secure additional LPG and crude oil shipments whenever needed.

Worst-Case Scenario Still Under Control

Even in extreme global conflict situations, the minister said India remains prepared. However, he warned that a long-lasting global disruption could impact the world economy significantly.

Second LPG Price Hike in Three Months

The current price hike would be effective across the country but the final retail price for one cylinder would differ from city to city depending upon local taxes and transportation costs. 

It follows a ₹ 60 hike a cylinder on March 7 after the conflict in West Asia resulted in a shock in energy supplies and drove international fuel prices. This increase was only a "partial compensation" for the losses that the country suffered on domestic sale of LPG. 

This hike comes at a time when various other fuels also increased prices. Petrol and diesel price was raised by cumulatively ₹ 7.50 a litre since mid-May whereas CNG prices were raised by about ₹ 6 a kg.

Political Row Over Rising Prices 

The development has led to a prominent political issue with Congress accusing the Narendra Modi government of being in a sinister conspiracy to tax the people with already spiraling cost of living and the Center arguing that consumers are "protected" from a complete impact of global energy shock.

The Congress again attacked the government. The party said, "'Inflation Man Modi' has cracked the whip again. Now the domestic gas cylinder has been made 29 rupees more expensive. Modi's formula is clear, extort from the public, fill the coffers of rich friends.”

Global Market Pressures Impact LPG Rates

It is said that a domestic LPG cylinder supply cost has now crossed ₹ 1,600 in view of skyrocketing international prices as a result of the war in West Asia and the disruption in transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major route for energy supplies from the Gulf.

The price of LPG in India is linked to Saudi Contract Price the global benchmark set by Saudi Aramco-which, the government claims, has increased by 46 per cent since February. 

Aparna Dahiya’s Inspiring Journey  

Being from Kharkhoda, Aparna started practicing Wushu in school when she was 11 years old. What started as self-defence training led to a successful sporting career. Aparna was supported by her parents throughout her journey as Wushu was not a mainstream sport in India. At 19 years old and through the sports quota, she obtained a job as an Income Tax Officer due to that commitment. Aparna took revenge by defeating reigning world champion Thi Phuong Nga Ngo in straight sets at the World Cup. Among her notable successes are:  
Gold in the Wushu Stars Championship 2022  
Gold at the BRICS Games 2024  
Silver at the Asian Championships 2024  
Gold at the Sanda World Cup 2025  

Shivani Overcomes Challenges to Reach the Top  

Shivani, who hails from Dadri, earned the second gold medal. She began Wushu during her school days because it was the only type of combat sport available. But her path was not a smooth one. Her family said that many people discouraged her from the sport, believing combat sports weren’t suitable for girls. Shivani stuck with it no matter how bad it got and the social pressures to keep up with her goal. Finally, through the sports quota, she earned a position in the Border Security Force, proving her critics wrong about her success.  

Eyes Set on Asian Games Success  

Having had outstanding results in Macao, both Aparna and Shivani are now aiming for a successful performance at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. While China has dominated Wushu for decades, India continues to make steady advances. Although the country has won 10 medals in earlier editions of the Asian Games in Wushu, it is still looking for its first-ever gold medal. Aparna and Shivani will be the face of India's ever-increasing elite in Wushu and will provide hope for this new cultural and national event to establish a national legacy in Wushu.

Why Is the Monsoon Important?

Monsoon is one of the major factors that contributes to India’s economy and agriculture. Almost half of India’s population depends on farming for their livelihoods, whereas over 50% of agricultural land receives rain. A good monsoon will tend to improve crop production and improve rural growth.

Heavy Rainfall Alert for Southern States

The IMD said that favorable weather is allowing the monsoon to advance into Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep and region around June 4. Heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next weekly period is expected to hit Kerala. Extreme heavy rain may occur in some parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as well. Thunderstorms with gusty winds of up to 50 kmph are expected to hit many areas of north, central, eastern and southern India.

What's Causing the Delay?

Weather scholars say an approaching typhoon across the western Pacific Ocean and an approaching cyclonic circulation around Lakshadweep are modifying moisture flow from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. This has slowed the monsoon’s advance to Kerala.

El Niño Raises Concern about Monsoon in 2026

This another major factor is El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates that there is an 80% chance of El Niño developing between June and August 2026 and a 90% chance that it will continue until November. El Niño is most often associated with weaker monsoon rain and hotter temperatures in India. As a result, weather agencies are watching the situation closely.

Rainfall Forecast Revised

The IMD has slightly reduced its forecast for 2026 for the seasonal rainfall. Recent estimates indicate rain could be equal to around 90% of the long-term average, compared to 92% forecast for the year before. If rainfall is maintained below normal, India may experience its weakest monsoon season in over a decade.

Millions are waiting for relief from the summer heat, and all eyes are now on June 4, when the monsoon shall finally hit Kerala.

Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos in their private India trip. Tiffany Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter, is on a private pilgrimage to India with her husband, Michael Boulos, and some close friends. They are exploring some of India’s most famous cultural and historical sites. As part of their visit, they visited the iconic Taj Mahal complex in Agra and the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Delhi; both drew the attention of fans and officials. Taj Mahal Visit in Agra Tiffany Trump and Michael Boulos visited the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The couple took pictures at the monument and had the tour of its historic beauty. According to reports, they will be travelling to Jaisalmer after Agra as part of their India tour. - Spiritual Visit: Akshardham Temple, Delhi. Tiffany Trump showed photos from her visit to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi on social media earlier on into the trip. It was also acknowledged as a “beautiful day of exploring culture and heritage,” the temple said. The post stated it was a privilege to welcome Tiffany Trump, Michael Boulos and their friends at the temple. Welcome from US Ambassador. Sergio Gor, US ambassador to India, also welcomed the couple and posting on social media, saying, “Welcome to India!” along with a picture of them. The visit reportedly was handled as private trip, but authorities made security arrangements tight in advance, officials told PTI. Who is Tiffany Trump? Tiffany Trump is the daughter of US President Donald Trump and Marla Maples. She has four half-siblings: Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Barron Trump. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2020. Tiffany married the American-Lebanese businessman Michael Boulos on November 12, 2022.

Government Tries to Convince Jarange-Patil  

Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil visited Antarwali Sarati to persuade Jarange-Patil to lift his agitation. Yet the initial stage of discussions produced no concrete action, since the government asked for more time to handle several significant requirements. The minister assured the citizens that the government will take steps to support claims raised by the Maratha community and submitted the draft paper which contained action items to be taken by the state administration.  

Why Is Jarange-Patil Protesting?  

Jarange-Patil complained about delays in the implementation of commitments made during his hunger strike in Mumbai's Azad Maidan last year. His major demands include:  

Implementation of Hyderabad Gazetteer (1909) and Satara Gazetteer.  
Issue of Kunbi certificates to eligible Marathas of the OBC category.  
Establishment of another ministry to address Maratha welfare.  
Granting caste validity certificates as Kunbi to eligible members of the Maratha community.  
Strict action for officials who refuse to issue certificates to eligible applicants.  

Government Seeks More Time  

Vikhe-Patil indicated at the gathering the government is committed to settling the Maratha issues. But he warned against a Government Resolution (GR) to implement the Satara Gazetteer at once because of the threat of lawsuits. The GR related to the Hyderabad Gazetteer has already been challenged in court, and there was advice from legal experts to "take caution," said the minister.  

Protest Continues Amid Ongoing Talks  

It was the second round of meetings between Jarange-Patil and the state since Friday. Despite officials asking to withdraw from the situation many times, the Maratha chief firmly insists on holding onto his hunger strike for an indefinite period of time before he will see any change in the community's demands. When Maratha protests spread across Maharashtra, all eyes were on the government's next move and whether a breakthrough might be achieved in the Maratha reservation dispute.

Former Competition Commission of India (CCI) chairman Dhanendra Kumar dies in a fire, Delhi House Fire. Former Competition Commission of India (CCI) chairman Dhanendra Kumar dies among victims of fire at Hauz Khas home, the emergency and services sector had received serious scrutiny after deadly fire accident in Delhi. The 79-year-old retired bureaucrat died on Thursday after reportedly inhaling heavy smoke from a fire that began late Wednesday night. The blaze is thought to have started when an air-conditioner exploded in a room in the house, police said. Family, staff and neighbours said fire brigade teams arrived around 50 minutes after the fire broke out, prompting anger and frustration among local residents. Neighbours Attempted to Manage the Fire. Hauz Khas Enclave residents said they desperately tried to extinguish the blaze before firefighters arrived. To put out the fire they used water pipes, buckets and anything accessible. One neighbor said no fire extinguishers were in close proximity at the time and the situation got worse. “We were doing everything and there was no fire extinguisher. We had also messaged the local RWA group to request help.” She also challenged the limited emergency facilities even though this was a well-established colony. “If such delays,” which could happen for someone who served in such a senior government position, “will happen to the average citizen?” she added. How the Fire Started. Police investigators said they believe the fire started with an explosion inside the indoor unit of an AC installed in the room of Kumar’s son, Gourav. Kumar was at home with his wife, son and two domestic helpers when the incident occurred. The fire spread very quickly after the AC blast, the family manager said. Kumar was said to have got trapped in a washroom and then had been found unconscious due to smoke inhalation. He had no burn injuries. First, his son Gourav helped his wheelchair-bound mother escape safely. Then he returned inside the burning house accompanied by domestic staff to find his father. Ultimately, the group pulled Kumar out but by then, Kumar was unconscious. Kumar and Gourav were also brought to AIIMS Trauma Centre. Gourav was reported to have been in no danger, but Kumar died the following morning. Questions Raised Over Delay by Fire Brigade. Delhi has seen serious criticisms once more of its emergency response system and its preparedness in case of fire incidents. Local residents claimed that the firefighters turned up a long time after numerous calls to reach out to them. Officers and emergency services rushed to the scene right at once, Delhi Police officials said, after the PCR call. No foul play is suspected, authorities said. A further electrical inspection will then identify the actual cause of the fire and the alleged AC explosion. Since this shocking incident has occurred, residents have called for better emergency response infrastructure, quicker fire management times, and improved fire warning in household buildings. But many more residents did not want the incident to happen again: and it still is.

Elephant Calf Stuck, Dies in Marsh

The latest incident occurred on Sunday in the Pureda-Amjhar forest area, where an elephant calf reportedly became trapped in a marshy zone near a pond. The calf could not be rescued despite attempts by forest officials to rescue it. The calf’s mother, officials said, remained by its side for hours before scrambling to rescue it by knocking over nearby trees. The emotion has sent shock waves through the internet since details of the incident surfaced.

Eight Elephant Calves Dead in Five Months

But the scene at the scene went viral. Forest officials reported that eight elephant calves died in the Dharamjaigarh forest division in the last five months. The deaths were reportedly due to drowning, being trapped in marshland and falling into wells, among other unexplained circumstances. An elephant also died earlier this year after slipping into a well in January. Multiple additional calf deaths were reported from March to May.

Experts in Habitat Condition Research

The expert team will study the forest setting, determine the reasons for the deaths and train local staff in postmortem examination, wildlife response, and sampling, said Divisional Forest officer Kishore Kumar Upadhyay. Officials are also looking at whether shrinking forest cover, lack of food and water and increasing human activity are driving elephant herds to move closer to villages and water bodies close to human settlements. Members of the team and experts should spend time in the forests to closely evaluate the conditions of their habitats and recommend action to avoid more elephants dying in the future.

Elephant calf deaths in recent years again raised concerns about the safety of wildlife, habitat destruction and increasing human-animal conflict in forest areas of India.

He posted this update on X. Said that ChatGPT Images 2.0 loves India because people in India have already made over one billion pictures with it. This is really cool to see.

This shows that people in India are getting more interested in intelligence and tools that use artificial intelligence to make things.

What People Are Creating With ChatGPT Images 2.0

People in India are using ChatGPT Images 2.0 to make pictures.

They are making portraits of people.

They are making posts for media.

They are making artwork that's creative.

They are making pictures that look professional.

They are making edits that look like anime.

They are making concepts for designs using ChatGPT Images 2.0.

OpenAI’s New Picture Tool

The new picture tool from OpenAI is getting a lot of attention online.

It can make pictures that look real from a few words that you type.

OpenAI said that ChatGPT Images 2.0 is an improvement in technology for making pictures with artificial intelligence.

They said it is a way of making pictures.

The company showed a video that demonstrated what ChatGPT Images 2.0 can do.

The pictures in the video looked very real. Surprised a lot of people.

How To Use ChatGPT Images 2.0

If you want to try ChatGPT Images 2.0 you can use it if you have a ChatGPT or Codex account.

You can get to it through ChatGPT. Try out different styles like headshots or comics or anime or 3D pictures.

You can. Upload a picture and change it or type some words and get a completely new picture made by ChatGPT Images 2.0.

What Makes ChatGPT Images 2.0 Special

What makes ChatGPT Images 2.0 special is that it can think.

This means ChatGPT Images 2.0 can do complicated tasks like looking on the internet for information that is up to date or making many different pictures from just one set of words or checking its own work to make sure it is accurate.

OpenAI says that ChatGPT Images 2.0 is designed to make pictures that're consistent and creative and look good.

It is also designed to make it easier to make pictures that look polished and nice.

OpenAI made ChatGPT Images 2.0 to help people make pictures with less work.

ChatGPT Images 2.0 is a tool that can help people make pictures that look real and nice.

People, in India are using ChatGPT Images 2.0 to make a lot of pictures.

A video from Delhi Metro has become very popular after a woman confronted a man for allegedly urinating inside a lift at Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station. This incident has caused a lot of reaction online with many people on media expressing concern about how clean and well behaved people are inside metro premises.

The video was shared on Instagram by Deepshika Mehta. In the video she is seen asking the passenger questions while recording what happened inside the station lift.

Deepshika Mehta said she got into the elevator with the man and two other passengers when she saw what was happening. When she confronted him the man said "Haan toh sorry jo karna hai karlo".

Viral Video Triggers Online Debate

The video spread quickly across media platforms with people demanding stricter rules and penalties for this kind of behaviour in public transport areas.

Many people did not like what the man did. Were worried about how clean and safe it is for people to travel on the metro. Some people think that tougher action should be taken to stop things like this from happening in the future.

Delhi Police Issues Official Clarification

Then Delhi Police explained what really happened. They replied to the post and said that the incident was because of a medical emergency.

The police said that the elderly passenger was travelling from Jamia Metro Station to Faridabad Metro Station on May 15 2026. When he got to Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station to change trains he had a medical issue and could not find a toilet in time.

The police said that the situation was very bad and the man had to urinate into a bottle while he was inside the lift.

DMRC Takes Action Against Passenger

The people who were at the station told the CISF and DMRC staff what happened.

The police said that the passenger was punished under Section 59 of the DMRC Act for causing trouble inside metro premises. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation also fined him.

Social Media Users Divided Over Incident

This incident has divided people on media. Some people did not like what the man did. Think that tough action should be taken. Others think that people should be kind to passengers who have health emergencies in crowded public spaces. Delhi Metro and the people who use it are still talking about what happened to the man, at Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.

Travel influencers Hazel Lindsey and Martin Bailey shared their journey on Instagram through a video titled “Sharing thoughts about travelling in India with a 2-month-old baby.” Along with their newborn son Alexander, the couple explored different parts of India and documented their experiences.

Indian Railways Made Their Journey Comfortable

The couple praised Indian Railways for being comfortable, affordable, and easy to use. According to them, trains in India are mostly on time and tickets can be booked easily through mobile apps. They said travelling by train became one of the smoothest parts of their India trip.

Although they admitted that some railway stations were crowded, they appreciated the availability of elevators and porters, which made travelling with heavy luggage and a baby much easier.

Baby Alexander Enjoyed the ‘Hustle and Bustle’

One surprising thing for the couple was how well their baby adapted to India’s busy environment. They shared that their son enjoyed the “hustle and bustle” and slept peacefully during train rides, auto-rickshaw journeys, and even while they had dinner outside.

The couple also highlighted the warm and loving nature of Indian people. They said many locals came forward to greet and cuddle their baby, making them feel welcomed everywhere they went.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hazel Lindsey (@hazel.lindsey_)

Despite these small issues, the couple said India is “incredibly welcoming to infants.” They were touched by how restaurants often arranged cute cribs for their baby during dinner outings.

However, they also mentioned a few challenges during the trip. The February heat in South India was difficult at times, and they were extra careful about tap water hygiene while bathing their baby.

Social Media Users React

“Landed in Amsterdam. This visit to the Netherlands comes at a time when the India-E.U. Free Trade Agreement has given a major impetus to trade and investment linkages,” Modi said in a social media post.

Dutch Leaders Welcome PM Modi At Airport

PM Modi was received by Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar, Adjutant-General and Chief of the Military Household of His Majesty the King, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Kumar Tuhin among others on his arrival at the airport.

The Prime Minister's visit to the European country, from May 15-17, is his second trip there after his 2017 visit and comes at what officials noted is an important juncture in India-Netherlands relations.

Modi Praises Democracy While Addressing Diaspora

Addressing the Indian community in The Hague, Netherlands, the PM said that India’s democracy is getting stronger day-by-day and development work is enabling large participation in voting.

He said that during the recently concluded elections, highest ever voter turnouts in multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and Assam, demonstrate that people are placing trust in the Modi government's developmental agenda and the government's work in the country. He also lauded the high number of women's participation in the elections.

MEA Highlights Warm Welcome By Indian Community

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said that it was very special that Indians living in the Netherlands showering their love and warmth upon PM Modi during his visit.

"PM Narendra Modi received a heartwarming welcome from the Indian community in the Netherlands upon his arrival yesterday. The warmth, energy and affection of the diaspora were truly special," he said on social media platform X.

Ties Expand In Technology And Defence

Both the countries' partnership has deepened in recent years beyond its traditional elements like trade and investment, and priority areas like water, agriculture, and health. MEA stated that the two nations' engagement now includes areas such as technology, defense, security, semiconductors, renewable energy, education and the maritime sector.

SPG Asked to Increase Use of EVs

The Prime Minister has also asked the Special Protection Group (SPG) to increase the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in his convoys but not by buying any new cars. According to recent reports, the SPG has started following this directive and has kept intact the mandatory safety protocols outlined in the 'Blue Book'.

Yogi Adityanath Follows PM’s Austerity Call

During a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, he reportedly asked his ministers that they must be thrifty and cut down spending of resources consciously due to the West Asia crisis.

Sources said the Prime Minister had appealed to the ministers to cut down the number of vehicles accompanying them as well as their trips abroad and some ministers did respond to the appeal.

Following in the footsteps of the Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also asked for the fleet of vehicles in his entourage as well as ministers to be cut by 50 percent immediately.

BJP-led States Begin Cost-Cutting Measures

The cost-cutting drive is being followed by the BJP-led states. Ministers like Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav are among others who have also decided to cut down the number of vehicles used in their convoys.

The trend is seen to be a step towards fuel conservation and administrative austerity following a recent appeal made by the Prime Minister for the people to minimise unnecessary travel and national spending.

Modi Appeals to Save Fuel and Forex Reserves

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked the people on Sunday to participate collectively to navigate global economic challenges and supply chain problems, inflation among other things.

Modi also appealed to the people not to buy gold for one year, so that they do not put pressure on foreign exchange out flows, and advised them not to travel abroad.

He said that maintaining forex reserves was a part of patriotism, and appealed to people not to plan foreign holidays and international weddings and instead promote tourism within the country. 

PM Asks People to Save Petrol and Diesel

Addressing a large public gathering in Hyderabad, Modi highlighted that India lacks oil wells to a large extent, which also becomes a reason for saving of petrol and diesel by the citizens.

He said, "When the supply chain continues to be in crisis, no matter what measures we take, the difficulties only increase. Therefore, now we must fight unitedly, keeping the country and Mother India first. We must remember that patriotism is not just about dying for the country. Living for the country and fulfilling our duties to the country is also patriotism.”

Car-pooling and Work From Home Encouraged

The Prime Minister requested the citizens to try car-pooling and travel through metro trains where available and even promoted electric vehicles (EV). Sending the couriers should be done through the rail networks, he requested.

"During COVID-19 pandemic, facilities like work from home, online meetings, video conferencing were used. Today, we should start using them again. Work from home, online meetings, video conferencing must be prioritised again," Modi said.

Citizens Urged to Avoid Foreign Vacations

The PM urged the contry's people to shun overseas holidays, abroad wedding parties, among others in order to save foreign exchange. 

“The growing culture of weddings abroad, travelling abroad and vacationing abroad is becoming prevalent among the middle class. We must decide that during this time of crisis, we should postpone travelling abroad for at least a year,” he said.

PM Advises Against Buying Gold Items

Modi asked to forego the luxury of buying non-essential gold products for a year, whereas in case of families, to avoid usage of edible oils which also aids both nation as well as the citizen in terms of their health and money.

The citizen should instead try to support made-in-India and local products from daily items such as footwear, bags and other accessories to locally manufactured and supported business establishments.

IAF Shares Powerful Anniversary Video

This 88-second video gives us a gripping visual of the magnitude, precision and the level of coordinated operations undertaken by the Indian forces during one of India's recent counter-terror strikes.

The video demonstrates the impeccable Tri-Services co-ordination and technological prowess displayed during operation Sindoor, a response that was initiated by India following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack of April 2025.

Showcasing visuals of fighter jets and naval vessels used in the operation, the video highlights the tri-services nature of the offensive. It also included visuals of destroyed terror infrastructure following the strikes, and a list of the nine places where targets were located across both Pakistan and POK.

PM Modi Pays Tribute To Armed Forces

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also changed his social media display pictures to commemorate the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor and asked all other citizens to do the same as a tribute to India's armed forces and their successful undertaking.

Modi's profile pictures on all his social media accounts-X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channel-were changed to an image bearing the name 'Operation Sindoor' against a black background. The display picture included the Indian tricolour, and one of the 'O's within the word 'SINDOOR' had been filled with vermilion -a traditional symbol of married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor Launched After Pahalgam Attack

Launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was initiated after an April 22 terror attack occurred in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, claiming the lives of 26 civilians, predominantly tourists, as attackers opened fire on a group of unsuspecting visitors. 

India launched pinpoint strikes targeting terror-related infrastructure. The Indian government clarified that the strikes were carefully planned as focused, measured and non-escalatory, and no Pakistani military installations were attacked.

The resultant days saw intensified border tensions, including cross-border firings and aerial confrontations between both nations, until military activity was called off by both sides on May 10, following dialogue between their Directors General of Military Operations.

DoT, MHA and NDMA launch initiative

Operated utilizing the SACHET framework produced by the C-DOT, the service is being rolled out throughout each of the states and Union Territories of India to produce a reliable communication framework which is more conscious and resilient with all of its people. This service has been launched by the Dept of Telecommunications along with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as well as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). 

Scindia Calls it Proactive Disaster Step

The service, which was introduced by the Union Communications Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, indicates a new age for Indian disaster administration procedures because authorities now suggest they are able to deliver very fast, up-to-date warnings that are not obstructed by community congestion or delays. 

"The launch of the Cell Broadcast System marks a transformative step in India’s disaster management framework, reflecting our shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in safeguarding citizens,” Scindia said.

Phones Received ‘Extremely Serious Alert’

An ‘Extremely Serious Alert’ warning sound went off on telephones around the nation on Saturday, as the Centre unveiled a broadcast system for timely communication throughout times of emergencies and disasters. 

It said, “India, launches Cell Broadcast using indigenous technology, for instant disaster alerting service for its citizens. Alert citizens, safe nation. No action is required by the public upon receipt of this message. This is a test message. - Government of India.”

System to Warn During Natural Disasters

Cell broadcast notifications are a significant update to sms-based alerts. They have been made to obtain quick attention and would certainly overtake some other telephone options if utilized, to trigger loud alarms with on-screen notifications whether a person has their smartphone turned off. The system can be utilized for delivering necessary info throughout normal and man-made catastrophes, for example earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, chemical leakages, among others. 

Nationwide Trials Underway Before Official Launch

The advancement followed a declaration in the earlier days that the govt would be carrying out tests around the new mobile alerts as well as cautioned the general public to not pay attention to alerts produced throughout those trials. 

"As part of the pan-India rollout and the launch of the Cell Broadcast (CB) facility, nationwide testing and trials are currently being conducted to assess the system's performance and reliability prior to its formal inauguration and dedication to the nation. During this period, members of the public may receive test messages in English, Hindi and regional languages on their mobile devices," the statement said.

A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi while hearing the plea by AIIMS to set aside its earlier order, directing it to allow medical termination of pregnancy by a 15-year-old at 30 weeks of gestation, held that time limit is non-existent when the pregnancy is a result of rape.

Court Highlights Trauma in Child Rape Case

The bench further directed that this was a case of child rape and said that the survivor will be dealing with lifelong scars and trauma if termination is refused. It also directed that termination must be carried out if the mother has no permanent physical disability and directed AIIMS to counsel the parents about the issue, emphasizing that the final decision must rest with the victim. 

“Please amend your law so that when there is pregnancy due to rape etc, then time limitation will not be there. The law needs to be organic and in sync with evolving times. Also amend the law so that such trials are completed within a week. Why should the child suffer the pending trauma of the trial also,” the Supreme Court said.

Bench Stresses Victim’s Reproductive Freedom

The court stressed the importance of reproductive autonomy. It observed that if the victim does not have a physical disability, termination should be permitted, especially in child rape cases. 

“This is a curative petition. Unwanted pregnancy cannot be thrust on a person. Imagine. She is a child. She should be studying now. But we want to make her a mother. Imagine the pain, the humiliation the child has suffered in this,” the court said.

ASG Opposes Termination Citing Risks

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati had opposed the medical termination, submitting a curative petition and said that it was not possible to terminate the pregnancy. 

Bhati said, “It will be a live baby with severe deformities. Minor mother will have lifelong health issues and cannot reproduce. This child can be given for adoption. It has been 30 weeks now. It is a viable life now.” 

SC Upholds Right to Terminate 30-week Pregnancy

A Bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan had last week allowed a 15-year-old girl to terminate a 30-week pregnancy on the grounds that her reproductive autonomy should be given the highest importance. The court had also rejected AIIMS's plea to review its order, holding that a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks and normality of the foetus are not reasons to deny medical termination of an unwanted pregnancy.