Times of India

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.

India's road transport ministry is introducing mandatory cybersecurity and software update rules for advanced vehicles. Starting October, new models with Level-3 automation and above will need to comply, followed by existing models and then vehicles with over-the-air update capabilities. This proactive measure addresses the growing threat of cyberattacks on increasingly connected cars, ensuring safer journeys for all.

India has declared 23 individuals from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as terrorists, targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish operatives. Home Minister Amit Shah stated these individuals are involved in anti-India activities, including terror attacks and recruitment. The designated terrorists are linked to significant attacks like Pathankot and the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, with some also involved in reconnaissance for future strikes. This move underscores the government's firm stance against terrorism.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the BJP of attempting to split opposition parties ahead of the monsoon session, warning that their true aim is to alter India's Constitution. Despite efforts, Ramesh asserted the ruling party will not achieve the two-thirds majority needed for such a move, citing the 'Ab ki Baar, 400 Paar' slogan's failure. He anticipates bills like delimitation and 'One Nation, One Election' might be introduced.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended Amit Bapna, former CFO of Reliance Capital Ltd, as part of its probe into Reliance ADA Group matters. Authorities allege Bapna, a key financial decision-maker, approved loans to intermediary firms despite knowing it violated RBI guidelines. Funds were reportedly diverted to various Reliance group entities, causing losses to banks and gains for the accused.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's remarkable 12-year journey from shortages to self-reliance and confidence, culminating in the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'. He emphasized the success of 'Make-in-India', particularly in defence, with production soaring and exports reaching record highs. Singh also underscored the media's vital role in national security and the nation's enhanced global standing, citing the abrogation of Article 370 and efforts against Naxalism as key achievements.

Thousands of pilgrims are continuing their journey to the sacred Shri Amarnath cave shrine. On Saturday, the third batch of 4,812 devotees departed from Jammu's Yatri Niwas base camp. This follows a successful opening day where over 12,000 pilgrims offered prayers. The administration has made advance registration compulsory, and helicopter services are unavailable due to the no-fly zone declaration along the pilgrimage route.

Controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker regarding women’s roles and other social issues had sparked widespread debate in 2024. While teammates like Patrick Mahomes expressed disagreement but acknowledged Butker as a person, Travis Kelce defended him as a good teammate, though not endorsing his views back then. Amidst this, a viral rumor suggests Butker was reportedly uninvited to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s royal wedding. Despite most of the team receiving invitations from their star tight end.

Srinagar airport's planned Monday-Tuesday closures and a full shutdown from October 1-16 have been withdrawn by AAI. The Indian Air Force had proposed these closures for runway repairs. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude for the government's prompt response, highlighting the importance of uninterrupted air connectivity for tourism and the region's economy, especially during peak holiday seasons.

A young man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Zeeshan Mir, was repatriated home after crossing the Line of Control to meet his beloved, Iram Bano. Initially detained, Mir was eventually acquitted by an Uri court, which recognized his act as a desperate attempt of love rather than infiltration. The couple, whose families are related across the border, shared a brief meeting before Mir's handover, with both families hoping for their union.

A political uproar has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir following the discovery of books in government school libraries describing the region as "India-occupied Kashmir" and referring to a banned separatist leader as "Shaheed." The BJP has demanded the education minister's resignation, while the administration has suspended officials, blacklisted publishers, and launched a high-level inquiry into the matter. This incident reignites the ongoing debate over narratives in the region.

US President Donald Trump announced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested a White House meeting, potentially next week. Trump highlighted their strong relationship, despite recent reports of differing views on regional issues like Iran and Lebanon. The visit, if confirmed, would be significant for Netanyahu ahead of Israel's upcoming elections. Trump also commented on Iran's eagerness for a deal and the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Bethell's unbeaten 76 off 46 balls helped England chase down 191 with an over to spare, giving the hosts a four-wicket win in the second match of the five-game series on Saturday.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams are more than just tennis legends. They are also smart businesswomen. Both sisters earned millions during their playing careers. But they did not stop there. They turned their success into businesses! They made smart investments, and got huge paydays through brand deals.

A domestic dispute tragically escalated into murder in Chilkanagar, Hyderabad, where a 37-year-old nurse was fatally stabbed by her husband. The accused, reportedly plagued by suspicions of infidelity, allegedly attacked his wife following an argument at their residence. The victim succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Police have apprehended the suspect and are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to US President Donald Trump and the American people on their 250th Independence Day. He emphasized the shared democratic values and the strength of the India-US partnership, expressing optimism for its future growth and prosperity. The US marked this significant milestone with nationwide festivities, celebrating its founding and democratic ideals.