FSSAI wants you to be its eyes on ground

A vacation bench comprising Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice V Lakshminarayanan passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to prevent the slaughter of cows in places other than designated slaughterhouses. "The question that calls for consideration in this PIL is whether cows and calves can be sacrificed in places not designated as slaughterhouses on the occasion of Bakrid?" the bench observed.

A few days ago, in a fresh order, the Suvendu government ordered an inspection of unaided madrasas operating across 12 districts and directed the authorities concerned to submit reports by July 21. The inspection is slated to be completed by July 15, an official said. Barely days after coming of power in West Bengal, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari-led state cabinet Monday scrapped the assistance to the groups based on religious categorisation.

Eyewitnesses blamed crew negligence and delayed medical care for the Vietnam boat disaster. Rough seas and gusty winds caused the speedboat to overturn within seconds. Many tourists drowned while trapped beneath the capsized vessel despite wearing life jackets. Rescue boats arrived nearly three hours later, and emergency treatment was delayed. Authorities have not yet responded to the allegations made by survivors.

Official crop enumeration inspections were completed on time in less than half of the country's villages. Many village maps used for land tracing are over twenty years old and outdated. Crop-cutting experiments are being conducted by untrained personnel in several key states. These data collection issues affect national food security interventions and advance estimates. Policymakers face challenges due to these significant gaps in agricultural statistics.

Vietnamese police arrested the speedboat captain after the vessel capsized near Phu Quoc island. Fifteen Indian tourists tragically died when the boat overturned in rough seas on Saturday. Rescuers recovered twenty-one individuals from the water, and authorities are investigating the incident. The remains of the deceased Indians have reached Ho Chi Minh City for repatriation. Most rescued Indian tourists are returning home, while one remains hospitalized.

Smaller urban centers are leading India's rooftop solar adoption, surpassing major metropolitan areas. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana promotes rooftop solar installations for households. This government scheme has seen rapid progress and aims to benefit many households. Over 36 lakh rooftop solar systems have already been installed across the country. Efforts are now focused on expanding urban reach and assisting low-income households.

Flash floods inundated hotels and huts in Pahalgam after a cloudburst on Saturday evening. The deluge damaged roads, power infrastructure, and agricultural fields along Overa stream. Around eleven villages experienced severe effects, with roads cut off and utilities disrupted. Tourists described sudden water gushing into hotels, leading to swift evacuations. Questions arose regarding hotel constructions within flood channels over recent years.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed frustration over the delayed restoration of statehood. He questioned the central government's stance on protests and assembly discussions regarding this issue. Abdullah announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. He reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his past assurance on the matter. The National Conference will continue its democratic campaign until statehood is reinstated.

Police arrested three publishers in Jammu and Noida over controversial books. These books, which glorified separatists, were supplied to government school libraries. Officials suspended education department staff and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Sub-committees had shortlisted titles, but these two books were flagged later. The investigation aims to determine how the books reached schools despite scrutiny.

The RSS voiced grief over alleged donation irregularities at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. They expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will soon reach a decisive turn. The organization also reviewed its training programs and centenary year initiatives. Discussions included population imbalance, the upcoming census, and drug abuse. Plans were also made to strengthen shakhas and engage volunteers in social work.

India condemned an attack on a commercial vessel off Oman, with one crew member still missing. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health worsened on his fifteenth day of hunger strike. Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated, raising regional security concerns. Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace Hotel received a bomb threat, prompting a security search. Uttarakhand ordered action against officials named in temple financial irregularities.