General news

Regulated entities and government communications from 1600 numbers cannot be blocked by any application. Promotional calls from the 140 series can be blocked using the DND registry. Trai mandates 1600 numbers for trustworthy service and transaction calls to existing customers. Registered telemarketers use the 140 number series for promotional communications. Customers can register preferences on the DND registry to allow or block these promotional calls.

Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister acknowledged rising tourist arrivals and suggested regulation.He emphasized protecting natural assets and ensuring visitor experiences remain serene.The Chief Minister advocated for value-based tourism over a volume-based approach.He stressed the importance of implementing tourism master plans with community input.This approach aims for sustainable economic and environmental benefits for future generations.

Farooq Abdullah invited politicians for a protest demanding Jammu and Kashmir statehood restoration. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq suggested broadening the protest's agenda for political resolution. The BJP rejected the invitation, criticizing the National Conference's past actions. The National Conference is still awaiting permission for the planned protest. Political reactions highlight divisions over the region's future.

The road transport ministry has expanded online services to one hundred from fifty-eight.These new services include driving licence applications and vehicle registration updates.Owners can now apply for driving licences and update their vehicle registration details online.This expansion aims to bring more services under the faceless scheme for citizens.Alternative document submission is available for those not opting for Aadhaar authentication.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has come to the defense of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway project, while also taking aim at critics with disdainful comments. In the assembly, he referred to Raj Thackeray as nothing more than a mimicry artist, cautioning that spreading misinformation tarnishes the reputation of Maharashtra as a whole. His remarks have sparked backlash from opposition leaders, who are quick to challenge his statements.

Assa Doron is a professor of Anthropology and South Asia at Australian National University.He is the author and co-author of several books, including ‘Life on the Ganga’, ‘The Great Indian Phone Book’, and ‘Waste of a Nation’. Alex Broom is academic director at Australian Research Council, professor of Sociology, and director of the Sydney Centre for Healthy Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Sydney. He is the author of several books

Recent reports highlight heightened concerns over the Yarlung Tsangpo mega dam in China, amidst fears of geological faults and potential earthquakes. Meanwhile, in Assam, the government is taking a firm stance against polygamy by planning to terminate the employment of offenders and restrict access to welfare benefits. Additionally, the UK has recognized significant technology companies as essential third parties for cloud services.

The opposition parties are grappling with significant turmoil following vital splits that have diminished their strength in Parliament. Recent shifts have bolstered the ruling NDA coalition's standing. As the Monsoon session approaches, the potential reintroduction of a Constitution Amendment Bill looms. Internal fractures within several regional parties could further compromise the opposition's capacity to impede crucial legislation.

In a heartfelt gesture, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited families affected by the Karur stampede disaster. He distributed job appointment orders to eligible dependants as part of rehabilitation efforts, visibly moved by their immense sorrow. This visit coincided with the High Court's evaluation of the government's permanent job appointment policies. Furthermore, Vijay criticized the opposition DMK for allegedly exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

India's UDAN scheme aims to make flying affordable for all citizens. The initial phase connected many smaller cities but faced sustainability challenges. A modified UDAN scheme now focuses on airport development and broader ecosystem support. This new phase includes increased financial aid and indigenous aircraft integration. The government hopes this will create a self-sustaining regional aviation network.

A Kerala medical student was murdered in Uzbekistan by a fellow student. The victim allegedly faced repeated demands to convert her religion before her death. Uzbek authorities have arrested the accused student in connection with the ongoing investigation. Indian authorities are assisting the victim's family and liaising with Uzbek officials. A second post-mortem was conducted in Kerala after the body's repatriation.

The National Investigation Agency filed chargesheet against Shabir Ahmad Shah and five Hurriyat leaders.This case relates to a 1996 incident of mob violence and firing on police.The agency alleged leaders incited violence and raised secessionist slogans during a funeral procession.Evidence collected establishes their roles in the criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly.The investigation into this 1996 incident is continuing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland for a historic two-day visit. He was welcomed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the airport. Discussions will focus on trade, commerce, and defence cooperation between the nations. This visit follows the recent signing of a Free Trade Agreement in April. Modi will also engage with the Indian diaspora and prominent personalities.

The Delhi High Court upheld actor Rajpal Yadav's conviction in multiple cheque bounce cases.The court sentenced the actor to three months imprisonment for these offenses.This judgment dismissed petitions challenging the trial court's earlier decision.Yadav had previously paid approximately Rs 4.25 crore to the complainant company.He is also facing a separate loan dispute case with a large outstanding amount.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the panel's two-day meeting in Goa, Chaudhary said consultations held across the country had received overwhelming support from civil society stakeholders for the proposal. He also cited estimates suggesting that frequent elections cost the Indian economy nearly Rs 7 lakh crore. The committee held discussions on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, beginning its Goa visit with an interaction involving chief minister Pramod Sawant and members of

Sonam Wangchuk stated his hunger stabilized after thirteen days of fasting at Jantar Mantar. He asserted his constitutional right to peaceful protest should not be violated by authorities. Wangchuk supports students demanding accountability for examination irregularities and pending Ladakh issues. He believes the education minister's resignation could restore youth confidence politically. The protest continues with a planned march to Parliament on July 20.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused opposition parties of appeasement politics. He alleged they disrespected Hindu faith by allowing prayers at Hanumangarhi temple. Adityanath stated these parties opposed Ayodhya's development and Ram temple construction. He highlighted the current government's role in building the grand Ram temple. The chief minister also mentioned opposition to Ayodhya's transformation and new projects.

India's food safety regulator has taken action against alcohol manufacturers by issuing notices regarding the use of unauthorized flavors in their drinks. Additionally, misleading age claims on product packaging are being investigated. Companies are required to justify why regulatory action shouldn't be enforced against them. Meetings with industry associations and FSSAI are scheduled for next week to discuss these pressing issues.

India's drug regulator has announced a proposal to limit the use of identical brand names for various medications, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce consumer confusion. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is currently seeking public feedback on this initiative, which may require pharmaceutical companies to rethink their branding approaches for different products, ensuring brand names appropriately reflect the unique characteristics of each medication.

Over 800 Medical Colleges Issued Conditional Renewal LettersMedical colleges receive conditional renewal letters for MBBS seats from the National Medical Commission. Institutions must rectify deficiencies within forty-five days before follow-up evaluations occur. The regulator replaces routine annual inspections with surprise assessments for continuous oversight. This new mechanism aims to ensure colleges maintain standards throughout the academic year. Non-compliance may lead to reduced student

Seventy medical colleges and hospitals have not linked their CCTV systems with the National Medical Commission's control center. Prominent Delhi institutions are among those failing to comply with mandatory regulations. The National Medical Commission has issued repeated directives since 2022 for compliance. These institutions must now immediately connect their surveillance systems for remote monitoring. Failure to comply may result in appropriate regulatory action by the commission.

Addressing the Prawaas 5.0 and Bharat Prawaas Awards event in Gandhinagar, Gadkari said the government's hydrogen initiative was part of a broader push towards cleaner mobility. “Our ministry is doing a pilot project on ten routes for hydrogen trials. I am sure the future of the transportation industry is hydrogen, and hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and we are working on that,” Gadkari was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

"Stepping into the MCG evokes two simultaneous emotions for any Indian. First, the thrill of an India-Australia match and second, the realisation that, in both our nations, cricket is not merely a sport but a shared passion. Yet, today, there is no pressure of a 'last-over finish.' Instead, there is only the joy of the game, the warmth of our friendship, and the energy of future champions," PM Modi said. ​​