Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan has taken various steps towards strengthening the strategic and global partnership between the two nations. Along with showcasing India as an investment hub, the two leaders have laid the foundation for deeper cooperation in areas such as space exploration, defence, and emerging technologies. Additionally, both countries have condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated their commitment to fighting against all forms of terrorism. The visit also sets the stage for PM Modi's upcoming trip to China, where he will also focus on furthering economic and strategic ties with the country.
US President Donald Trump's recent comments dismissing the Indian and Russian economies as "dead" have sparked a debate about the state of India's economy. His remarks were echoed by Indian politician Rahul Gandhi, who went a step further to criticize the ruling party for supposedly destroying the country's economic, defense, and foreign policies. However, experts argue that these statements are misleading and fail to understand the complexities of India's economy, which is projected to continue growing at a high rate in the upcoming years.
A battle is brewing between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) over the construction of a new heliport inside the prestigious race course. The BMC claims that only a small area of land is required for the project, while the RWITC chairman Vivek Jain vehemently disagrees and vows to oppose the proposal. Accusations and legal action may follow as both sides dig in their heels in this heated political conflict.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress and RJD for using abusive language against PM Modi and his mother during their voter rights rally in Bihar's Darbhanga. He blamed the Gandhi family for continuously attacking PM Modi and sought an apology from Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. BJP chief JP Nadda also condemned the incident and called for an immediate apology. Videos showing the use of offensive language against PM Modi were shared online, although neither Rahul Gandhi nor Priyanka Gandhi were present when it happened.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan has accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of betraying and ridiculing women by restricting free bus travel for women. Jagan criticized Naidu's empty promises and highlighted the discrepancy in the number of buses included in the scheme. He also contrasted his own government's schemes for women empowerment during his tenure, emphasizing that the promises made were kept and benefited a significant number of women.
The Trump administration is doubling down on its efforts to address crime in Washington, DC and potentially expand the deployment of National Guard members to other US cities. Comments from Vice President JD Vance reflect the administration's stance that the National Guard's presence is not intended to be long-term. This comes as Trump signs an executive order to establish specialized units in the National Guard for dealing with public order issues, indicating a desire to utilize the military for domestic law enforcement. Sources also reveal that Dr. Susan Monarez, recently sworn in as director of the CDC, is being ousted along with other top agency officials.
The Election Commission's request for a presidential order to stagger the terms of the four Rajya Sabha seats from J&K has been declined by the Union Law and Justice Ministry. These seats have been vacant for over four and a half years, resulting in no representation for J&K in the Rajya Sabha when important elections are held. The EC had sought this order only for J&K and not for other states in similar situations. The Law Ministry cited lack of provision in the law for such an order, delaying the filling of these crucial RS seats.
The Law Ministry has declined the Election Commission's appeal for a presidential order to stagger the terms of four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir. Citing lack of provision in the law, the Law Ministry denied the EC's request for the terms to be set in a way that one-third of the seats would fall vacant every two years. This has raised concern as J&K will have no representation in Rajya Sabha during the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections in September. Despite a similar situation in Punjab and Delhi, the EC's request was specifically made for J&K, which has been under President's Rule several times in the past 30 years.
The Uttar Pradesh police have ramped up efforts to bring justice in the aftermath of the violent clashes at Sambhal, with seven more accused arrested today, bringing the total to 47. The incident, which left four people dead and many injured, was a result of the protests and clashes during the survey of the disputed site where a temple once stood. The police have registered 11 FIRs and are still on the lookout for 91 more accused. A team of experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory has also been brought in to recreate the scenes of the violence.
Mumbai Congress Chief Sanjay Nirupam claimed that he was placed under "house-arrest" by Mumbai police while organizing a "silent" morcha during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. However, Mumbai Police denied these claims and stated that the deployment of forces was only for the security arrangements during the PM's convoy. AICC General Secretary Mohan Prakash condemned this act and accused the government of restricting citizens' rights and freedom of expression. Despite the obstacles, the Congress morcha will still take place as scheduled.