The Times of India
Elections 2026Politics / The Times of India
India's ship safety certifier, IRClass, will no longer certify vessels owned by Iranian or Russian entities due to Western sanctions. The organization has de-classed 235 ships since 2023 and removed 13 million gross tons of sanctioned tonnage. However, IRClass acknowledges limited control over cargo movements after certification.
In a significant move for regional consistency, the geographical scope of the National Capital Region will remain intact. The NCR Planning Board is poised to dismiss Haryana's request to divest five districts, despite the state's assertions of economic disadvantage.
The Election Commission is set to meet a Congress delegation regarding the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh. Congress alleges the BJP is destroying democracy by rejecting the nomination, citing concealed information about a Telangana case as the reason. Madhya Pradesh CM welcomed the decision, urging Congress introspection.
During the Bonn climate negotiations, India urged advanced economies to amplify their commitments to emission reductions while significantly increasing climate finance. New Delhi emphasized that for developing countries, securing 'carbon space' is crucial to effectively tackle poverty and promote sustainable progress.
Prime Minister Modi held a crucial call with the Emir of Kuwait, addressing the escalating West Asian security situation. India voiced deep concern over rising tensions, emphasizing de-escalation and diplomacy. The discussion also covered the welfare of the large Indian community in Kuwait, with PM Modi thanking the Emir for his attention to their safety and well-being.
Deadly protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have drawn international concern over communication restrictions and arrests. Meanwhile, CID investigators are probing alleged signature forgery at Mamata Banerjee's residence, while Delhi Police reveal a planned murder of a DU professor.
Ayodhya is experiencing an unprecedented surge in visitors, with numbers skyrocketing from 6 million in 2020 to over 164 million in 2024, fueled by the Ram Temple's inauguration and infrastructure upgrades. This boom has revitalized local businesses, boosting shopkeeper earnings fivefold and property values significantly. Projections indicate Ayodhya's tourism economy could reach 10,000 crore annually.
Arvind Kejriwal alleged the Enforcement Directorate is harassing Hindu traders in Punjab during ongoing raids linked to a real estate case. The ED conducted searches at six locations in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-Noida concerning Hampton Sky Realty Ltd. Kejriwal urged traders not to panic, assuring them of the Punjab government's support.
Amidst Rajya Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh, Congress MLAs are being moved to Karnataka, with party leaders alleging BJP poaching attempts. Congress claims BJP offered bribes to its legislators. The move aims to prevent cross-voting and secure their candidate's victory, recalling the 2020 government collapse.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's public gesture of biting apples from a ceremonial garland and tossing them to supporters has sparked a viral debate. While some hail it as an affectionate interaction, others criticize the act of distributing partially eaten food. The incident, captured in Kanakapura, has drawn mixed reactions online, prompting discussions about its appropriateness.
Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee fiercely criticized rebel leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, labeling her faction desperate and accusing them of betraying Mamata Banerjee and colluding with the BJP. Dastidar, however, remained defiant, vowing to fight for Bengal and the nation, asserting her long-standing commitment to the party and its principles. This exchange highlights a deepening internal conflict within the TMC.
A new experimental diabetes jab, retatrutide, has shown promising Phase-3 trial results, helping type 2 diabetes patients lose up to 15% of body weight and significantly improve blood sugar control. The once-weekly injectable targets three hormone receptors, with the highest dose reducing HbA1c by 1.94 percentage points and body weight by 15.3%.
West Bengal has rejoined the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY health insurance scheme, bringing nearly six crore people under its coverage. This move, fulfilling an election promise, marks the state's return after a previous withdrawal. The initiative aims to provide 5 lakh annual health cover to eligible families, including workers and senior citizens, facilitating cashless treatment nationwide.
India has strongly condemned Pakistan's alleged state-sponsored propaganda campaign at the United Nations, accusing Islamabad of labeling militant groups as 'Fitna al Hindustan' to deflect blame. New Delhi highlighted Pakistan's internal challenges and military's influence, while also holding it responsible for civilian casualties in Afghanistan due to cross-border military operations.
Take care of 74-year-old woman or will cancel property gift deed
The Supreme Court aghast, wonders what can be done to unclog HCs justice delivery system
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann declared zero paper leaks in the state since 2022, contrasting with 93 national incidents since 2017. He highlighted merit-based recruitment, creating 67,037 government jobs. Mann also emphasized Punjab's rise to number one in school education, citing investments in infrastructure and teacher training, and the success of 'Schools of Eminence'.
Opposition leaders at the INDIA bloc meeting discussed the emerging youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). While some expressed concerns about its intent, others, including Omar Abdullah and Mamata Banerjee, supported engaging with the movement, viewing it as a sign of genuine youth dissent and a healthy space for civil movements.
INDIA bloc allies voiced concerns to Congress during their first post-election meeting. The CPM criticized remarks made during the Kerala polls, while others urged a more accommodating approach. Leaders called for the Congress to be 'large-hearted' towards regional partners, emphasizing unity against the BJP. Rahul Gandhi assured commitment to the alliance.
Tragedy struck in Dubai as a minibus carrying Indian workers collided with a truck, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Authorities revealed the truck had stopped unexpectedly due to a technical issue. Preliminary investigations suggest the bus driver's inattentive driving and failure to maintain a safe distance contributed to the devastating crash.
Trinamool Congress is experiencing a significant political shift. Several party MPs have reportedly written to the Lok Sabha Speaker expressing their support for the BJP-led NDA. This follows recent internal party challenges and a poor performance in the West Bengal elections. The move aims to align with the NDA's political course.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has criticized the INDIA bloc's recent meeting in Delhi. BJP MP Sambit Patra stated the opposition alliance has lost public support and credibility. He mocked the shrinking scale of their gatherings. INDIA bloc leaders discussed issues like the NEET-CBSE row and the economy. They plan to meet every two months.
Two of India's most powerful regional leaders suffered similar electoral setbacks. Yet while Mamata Banerjee is investing more heavily in the INDIA bloc than ever before, MK Stalin is keeping his distance. Their contrasting responses reveal how dramatically the opposition landscape has changed after the 2026 assembly elections.
Donald Trump stated Israel and Iran are seeking an immediate ceasefire, with Iran announcing a halt to military operations. Meanwhile, 20 TMC MPs wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker expressing support for the NDA. Additionally, 24 Indian seafarers require urgent assistance after their vessel was reportedly attacked off Oman's coast.
At least 20 TMC MPs have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressing their support for the BJP-led NDA, following Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Shekhar Ray's resignation. Rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee cited disillusionment with the party's leadership and parliamentary treatment as reasons for the growing dissent.
India has voiced grave concern over escalating Middle East violence, urging immediate de-escalation and diplomatic talks. The ongoing conflict, now over 100 days, is causing immense human suffering and impacting the global economy. Indian missions in Israel and Iran have issued urgent travel and safety advisories for citizens, emphasizing caution and immediate departure where necessary.
INDIA bloc leaders met, agreeing to petition the Chief Justice on electoral integrity and demanding the Education Minister's resignation over exam controversies. They also called for an all-party meeting on the economy and pledged to meet bi-monthly. Parliament coordination will continue daily during the monsoon session.
Twenty-four Indian seafarers are urgently seeking help after their vessel was reportedly attacked off Oman's coast, near the Strait of Hormuz. The Forward Seamen's Union of India has appealed to the Indian Navy and authorities for intervention amidst rising regional tensions. Details regarding the attack and the vessel remain unconfirmed by official sources.
