Congress has planned a national outreach that will seek to unite students beyond political affiliations and provide a platform for the affected youth to share their experiences and demand accountability for “repeated examination failures and paper leak scandals”. AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said Rahul will also be holding conventions in Allahabad (July 10), Patna (July 11), and Delhi (July 14).

Congress said India should put off the upcoming visit of US trade representatives in view of the killings of seafarers and Rubio’s “threatening language” with Jaishankar. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the PM for his “silence” over the killings. “And you have the audacity to sugarcoat it with the ‘Vishwaguru’ narrative.

Industry observers believe it is not just opportunities presented by the infrastructure boom; broader economic shifts may also be influencing student choices. “AI fears are accelerating the move toward core branches like civil for students seeking stability,” said Bhushan Jamsandekar, an IIT Madras alumnus. The broader hierarchy of the IIT system, however, remains largely unchanged.

In a dramatic development, 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs informed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla that their group has merged with NCPI — which is registered in West Bengal’s Howrah and had contested a few seats in the 2023 Tripura assembly elections — and that they will be backing the BJP-led NDA. Incidentally, “to save your rights, reject political turncoats” was one of the slogans of NCPI.

S Naval Forces Central Command/US 5th Fleet reposted a news report about the rescue operation that said “upon receiving a distress call from the stranded sailors, a US Navy P-8 aircraft reached the spot and dropped a search-and-rescue kit that included a life raft, which the 14 mariners boarded”. Official sources said that the US Navy had alerted the shore authorities and Indian Navy that a dhow with Indian sailors was sinking about 80 nautical miles east of Ras AI Hadd off the coast of Oman.

Before the cameras rolled at the conclave, the PM sat down with global venture capitalists and Indian entrepreneurs — OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal, Ronnie Screwvala and a clutch of international investors among them. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal and principal scientific adviser Ajay Kumar Sood were in the room. “India has emerged not as a consumer of solutions but as a contributor to solutions in the world.

The foundation stones will be laid by minister for fisheries and animal husbandry Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary. The aqua park will include carp and catfish hatcheries, Brooder incubation units, biofloc systems, a fish feed mill, water quality and disease diagnostic laboratories, involving a total investment of more than Rs 31 crore.

The AICC’s decision to constitute a committee under Ajay Maken late Thursday night for a report on the Punjab Congress unit is said to be dictated by urgency for quick changes in the state organisation as needed. AAP is preparing for a scenario of Nov polls, and BJP is also active on Punjab front. Further, there is speculation in Congress whether Uttarakhand polls will also be brought forward.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared India's readiness to decisively counter security threats, granting armed forces full autonomy against terrorism. He criticized past governments' soft approach, highlighting current freedom to eliminate terrorists, even across borders. Singh also lauded Maharana Pratap as a symbol of national pride and linked his values to the Modi government's governance philosophy.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) transported the mortal remains of the personnel who lost their lives in the crash of an AN-32 transport aircraft at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on June 13, to their native places for the last rites with full military honours, Defence officials said.

Ahead of TMC rebel MPs’ meeting the speaker to seek recognition as “real TMC”, MPs from party chief Mamata Banerjee’s camp Kirti Azad and Sagarika Ghosh submitted Abhishek’s letter — dated June 10, sent through email earlier — at Birla’s residence here, arguing the Constitution does not permit formation of a separate group within an existing political party.

Trinamool Congress figures Abhishek Banerjee and Kunal Ghosh found themselves under the CID's scrutiny today, facing questions over the alleged forgery of legislative signatures tied to the opposition leader's appointment. With investigators delving into the nuances of the meetings and the related documents, they plan to meticulously verify the statements made.

A dramatic rescue saw all 14 Indian crew members of the vessel Virat 1 saved after it sank off Oman due to mechanical failure. Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to reject any breakaway TMC faction.

Air New Zealand is setting its sights on India with prospective direct flights, tapping into the newly established Free Trade Agreement to strengthen travel connections. Collaborations are underway with Air India and Singapore Airlines, paving the way for a non-stop service between India and New Zealand by 2028, contingent on necessary approvals and aircraft readiness.

An experiment pitting AI against a seasoned travel agent for a Delhi-Manali trip revealed surprising similarities in itinerary planning. While AI excelled in speed and cost transparency, the human agent offered a concrete package, highlighting the irreplaceable value of on-ground execution and negotiation. Pricing emerged as a key differentiator, with the agent securing a lower cost.

Papers not susceptible to cyber breaches, say govt officials

A 33-year-old Dalit man was allegedly beaten to death in Uttar Pradesh after refusing to massage the feet of three men during a drunken gathering. The accused reportedly dumped his body on a road to stage a road accident. Police have arrested the trio and registered a murder case under the SC/ST Act.

Since its inception in March 2025, Punjab's 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign has seen an impressive wave of success, with more than 90,000 individuals benefiting from de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts. Combining rigorous strategies against drug traffickers with in-depth treatment and educational programs, this initiative is redefining recovery.

Pudhucode Ramayyar Krishnamoorthy, a former Executive Director and Company Secretary of The Times of India Group, passed away at 92. Known for his relentless «Why?» approach, PRK, as he was called, navigated India's pre-liberalisation corporate landscape with legal acumen and institutional devotion. He mentored many, leaving a legacy of rigor and integrity.

Uttarakhand is promoting Nainital and Bhimtal for destination weddings. The 'Celebrate in Uttarakhand' initiative aims to boost wedding tourism. Improved connectivity and increased accommodation options are attracting couples. Nainital offers a natural setting with its lake and colonial buildings. Bhimtal provides a quieter, intimate venue. The state's efforts are positioning these Kumaon towns as new wedding spots.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao slammed Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and the Congress government, alleging internal power struggles denied a Rajya Sabha seat to Meenakshi Natarajan. KTR labeled the administration an «utter flop,» citing unfulfilled poll promises and welfare scheme doubts. He also predicted a Khairatabad by-election, accusing Danam Nagender of betrayal.

Congress leader K C Venugopal accused the CPM of having a «political inferiority complex» and failing to introspect on its electoral decline. He stated that the CPM's criticism of Rahul Gandhi is «utterly ridiculous» and stems from their recent defeat in Kerala, urging them to focus on their own downfall instead.

Uttar Pradesh shows a significant decline in key crime indicators like rioting and kidnapping between 2022-2024, outperforming national trends. While murder and attempt to murder also saw positive shifts, rape figures reveal a complex reality where offenders are often known to victims. This data provides the Yogi government with political leverage, though public perception of safety remains a crucial battleground.