India
India, Bangladesh reiterate commitment to free, open, inclusive, secure and rules-based Indo-Pacific
India and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. They will co-lead the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The joint statement from Prime Ministers Modi and Hasina emphasized cooperation on disaster resilience, climate impact mitigation, and regional integration under BIMSTEC, SAARC, and IORA. They plan to enhance trade, investment, and connectivity, negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and strengthen defense ties.
Anantnag district administration begins preparations ahead of Amarnath Yatra
The Anantnag District Administration is preparing for the Amarnath Yatra starting June 29. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the 'Pratham Puja' virtually, emphasizing the importance of faith and unity. He assured that all necessary facilities and security arrangements are in place. ADGP Anand Jain confirmed that police are reviewing and enhancing security measures. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is taking significant steps to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for the expected hundreds of thousands of devotees.
Use of black money law retrospectively unconstitutional: High Court
In a landmark ruling, the Karnataka High Court has struck down the retrospective application of the Black Money Act, 2015, protecting individuals from prosecution for foreign assets closed before the law's enactment. This decision, invoking Article 20 of the Constitution, emphasizes that one cannot be punished for actions that were not illegal at the time. The ruling sets a crucial precedent, offering significant relief to many wealthy Indians and business families targeted by the law.
Modi-Hasina talks: India, Bangladesh ink 10 MoUs; defence ties get a boost
India and Bangladesh signed 10 MoUs during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. The leaders endorsed a vision statement on peace and prosperity, renewing longstanding ties. The talks focused on defence ties, management of Mongla port, and cross-border power trade. India plans to send a technical team for the Teesta river conservation project, countering Chinese interest in funding the $1 billion project and constructing a special economic zone in the area.
Devgad's mango farmers save Aam & Janata with tech
Devgad mango growers in Maharashtra's Konkan region have faced challenges with maintaining the authenticity of their premium hapus (alphonso) mangoes due to adulteration by cheaper varieties. To combat this, they have adopted a new technology-driven solution involving unique stickers on each mango. These stickers reveal a code when partially peeled, which consumers can verify for authenticity by sending a photo to the farmer's cooperative.
Modi-Hasina talks: India offers humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh for Rohingyas
India and Bangladesh have discussed the Rohingya issue periodically at different levels of interaction, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Saturday, adding that humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas is something that was offered to them in the past. He said that India continues to work closely with Bangladesh on the issue of Rohingyas. Kwatra further noted that there are several aspects of the Rohingyas' challenge that Bangladesh faces.
Education ministry to initiate talks with health ministry over reforming format, structure of NEET
The move comes with the NEET-UG 2024 exam, which saw nearly 2.4 million participants, facing allegations of question paper leaks and grace marks being awarded to over 1,500 students. The results, announced on June 4, triggered protests and legal actions. Senior officials confirmed to ET that learning from the experience, such an effort is being initiated to minimise any vulnerabilities in the exam process.
Defer implementation of 3 new criminal laws: Congress to Govt
The Opposition party sought to justify its latest demand ahead of the first session of the new Lok Sabha next week by arguing that the legislations - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 - were passed in the Parliament without proper debate when a lot of opposition members were under suspension.
Manipur: 55 sensitive zones identified in the state
Union home minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting last Monday to review the security situation in Manipur and sought to increase the strategic deployment of central forces to restore peace in the state. Meanwhile, rearrangement of security forces is being opposed in some places. The Hill Tribal Council in a statement said the proposal to deploy BSF at the Tengnoupal district should be condemned and withdrawn immediately for the sake of peace and harmony in the area.
NTA panel likely to focus on lack of cadre, in-house expertise
The Centre has formed a high-level committee to overhaul the National Testing Agency (NTA), focusing on critical deficiencies such as the lack of dedicated cadre, in-house technical expertise, and robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for conducting exams. Concerns also include the NTA's deviation from its original mandate of transparent online testing, issues with multi-tier leadership, and inadequate facilities at exam centers.
Must Watch
Darkness to death in minutes: Spurious liquor claims 53 lives, leaves community reeling
In Karunapuram, Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu, the tragic toll of spurious liquor has reached 53 deaths. The incident has devastated families like that of M Radha, whose husband succumbed after consuming the toxic brew. The community, largely comprising daily wage laborers, often turns to illicit arrack for relief from physical strain. The addition of methanol, a lethal chemical, to the arrack exacerbated the crisis, causing symptoms like blindness and organ failure.
Home Minister Amit Shah assures Mizoram CM of providing aid for refugees
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma of providing humanitarian assistance to refugees in the state. The Chief Minister highlighted the impact of Cyclone Remal and received assurance of a Central team visit for verification and financial aid. Mizoram is hosting refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Kuki-Zomi-Hmar tribals displaced due to ethnic strife in Manipur. Additionally, the Chief Minister met with key Union Ministers during his visit to Delhi.
NEET-PG exam postponed, fresh date to be announced soon
NEET-PG exam: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has postponed the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, originally scheduled for tomorrow, citing recent allegations questioning the integrity of certain competitive exams. The ministry stated that this decision was made to conduct a thorough assessment of the examination processes conducted by the National Board of Examination for medical students.
NEET-UG Scam: Accused Sikandar Yadavendu’s family refutes allegations, alleges conspiracy
One of the main accused in the NEET-UG scam, Sikandar Yadavendu’s family has come out in support, refuting allegations levelled against him. Basant Kumar, Sikandar’s nephew, Basant Kumar, and Sister-in-law Sushila Devi, went on to say that Sikandar Yadavendu’s not the kind of man who would do something like that, and he has been trapped in a conspiracy.
Renukaswamy murder case: Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and other accused taken to court for hearing
Actor Darshan and other accused were taken to court in relation to the Renukaswamy murder case. The murder of a 33-year-old from Chitradurga, Renukaswamy, whose body was found in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, on June 9 has political implications with demands for justice from the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. The case has been registered at the Kamakshipalya police station. Around 10 people have been detained in this case.
Bhojshala survey: Sanatan Dharma idols found, says Hindu leader; Muslim side disputes claim
Idols related to Sanatan Dharma found during court-mandated survey in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. Dispute over inclusion of idols in findings. ASI directed to survey Bhojshala complex, believed to be temple of Goddess Vagdevi by Hindus and Kamal Maula Mosque by Muslims.
