National News

India avoided fuel rationing, LPG disruptions, price surges, with domestic refineries upping their LPG production and public sector OMCs bearing the losses, says PM; promises further expansion of refinery capacity

An investigation into Ram Temple donations in Ayodhya has revealed a stark financial uplift among accused individuals, with some building homes and acquiring SUVs despite modest known incomes. Evidence suggests significant daily siphoning of funds, estimated at Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh, particularly during the Maha Kumbh period. Concerns were raised about the handling of precious metal donations and the lack of proper oversight.

Ministry officials said it has been raining in Mumbai for the past few days, and IMD has issued 'red' and 'orange' alerts for the next couple of days

Tech titans like Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, and Elon Musk joined the nation in celebrating America's 250th Independence Day. Leaders from Apple, Google, SpaceX, and others shared heartfelt messages on social media, reflecting on the country's journey and future. Michael Dell also announced a significant donation to support American children's financial futures, highlighting a blend of patriotic sentiment and forward-looking initiatives within the tech community.

Mohamed Salah has chosen Lionel Messi as his ideal “last dance” partner ahead of Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash with Argentina in Atlanta. The showdown marks their first World Cup meeting, with Messi leading Argentina’s title defence and Salah chasing an upset. Both icons face a potentially defining knockout battle for a quarter-final place.

Sanju Samson's omission from India's T20I against England, despite his World Cup heroics, has sparked debate. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who previously lauded Samson as 'world-class,' was seen in a quiet conversation with the player before the match. Samson's recent low scores on the UK tour led to his replacement by debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting the swift shifts in international cricket fortunes.

Alia Bhatt's exhilarating spy thriller 'Alpha' has made a sensational debut, amassing ₹24 crore in India and ₹37 crore globally by its second day. Co-starring Sharvari, the film showcases impressive box office growth and captivated audiences right from the start. Kareena Kapoor Khan has praised the film's celebration of 'girl power', as it successfully engages viewers with its electrifying storyline.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, making his India debut, confidently advised senior partner Abhishek Sharma on pitch conditions during the second T20I against England. Becoming India's youngest international debutant, Sooryavanshi impressed with a fearless 14 off 10 balls, including two sixes. His historic entry and bold batting display captivated fans, showcasing remarkable composure on the international stage.

France lead Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash played in extreme heat at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, with temperatures near 100°F (37.8°C) and heat index reaching 105–110°F (40.6–43.3°C). The extreme conditions, under an official heat warning, have turned the match into a severe physical test, with Kylian Mbappé’s penalty separating the sides.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed the report on corruption charges against Justice Yashwant Varma will be presented in the monsoon session, despite his resignation. The House will decide the next steps after the report's tabling, which could happen on the session's first day. Justice Varma faces allegations of financial irregularities following a fire incident at his Delhi residence last year.

Good news for monsoon-hit India! A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is set to boost rainfall across central and western regions for the next five days, significantly reducing the deficit. While this brings relief for sowing, authorities are on alert for potential extreme weather events, with red alerts issued for several states. Monsoon is also advancing into northwest India, with full country coverage expected soon.

Authorities have issued a stern notice to Telegram, demanding proactive measures against the rampant circulation of pirated films and shows. The government insists the messaging app must go beyond individual channel takedowns and implement robust systems to detect and remove infringing content. This move follows previous concerns regarding Telegram's use for illegal activities, including fraud and the distribution of harmful material. An action report is expected within fifteen days.

Due to the doctors’ strike, the health service has been crippled across the State

The Chief Minister asserted that the state’s judiciary, police, and administration bear the major responsibility in delivering justice to a population of over 14 crores representing approximately 10% of the country’s total population.

The government aims to reintroduce its ambitious women's reservation bill in the upcoming monsoon session after a previous defeat. Speaker Om Birla's decision on defecting MPs could bolster the ruling alliance's numbers. Discussions are also expected on potential changes to the bill to address concerns from southern states, alongside a proposal for automatic removal of leaders facing serious criminal charges.

Amidst global energy turmoil, India, under PM Modi's leadership, bolstered domestic LPG output and secured diverse crude supplies. Strategic diplomacy and policy interventions successfully shielded citizens from potential shortages and price surges. The inauguration of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery marks a significant step in India's expanding refining prowess, positioning it as the world's fourth-largest refining nation.

Vehicle manufacturers are defending the government's mandatory 20% ethanol blending in petrol, assuring the public that no engine damage has been observed. While acknowledging a slight drop in fuel efficiency for older vehicles due to lower calorific value, industry leaders state field experience has been positive. Discussions are ongoing with the government regarding flex-fuel vehicles as a future pathway.

A 433-member organic farmers’ producer company in Ri-Bhoi district’s Jirang has become a model of successful farm collectivisation