India FTA by year end, says European Commission president

Farmers in Punjab protested the proposed India-US trade agreement, fearing it will harm domestic agriculture, labourers, and small traders. Burning effigies of leaders, they demanded the pact's cancellation, citing concerns over increased imports and unfair competition from subsidized American farmers. This opposition echoes past farm law debates, with calls for MSP guarantees and irrigation reforms.

According to sources, legal and constitutional experts attached to Parliament are currently examining the matter and are expected to provide their recommendations before a final decision is taken. Previous rulings by presiding officers in comparable situations are also being studied to ensure any decision is legally and constitutionally sound. Apart from the rebel factions of the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT), the DMK has also sought a separate seating arrangement following the collapse of its long-st

Political sparring intensifies as the BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of echoing Pakistan's Rafale narrative. Meanwhile, Iran has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi for late Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral ceremonies. In Kolkata, a warehouse collapse tragically claimed three lives, though 21 were rescued. Indian markets saw a significant surge, driven by global cues and trade optimism. On a brighter note, young cricketer Ashirvad Sooryavanshi impressed with a remarkable 168-run century.

In a wide-ranging interview with news agency PTI, Ramesh also launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling its members "fraudulent nationalists", and labelled Prime Minister Narendra Modi "the master of falsehoods". During a rapid-fire segment, the Rajya Sabha MP was asked to give one-word responses to a series of questions. When asked to identify India's best prime minister, he replied, "undoubtedly Jawaharlal Nehru".

Bangladesh has officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), bringing the total membership to 27 nations. This treaty-based global initiative, spearheaded by India, aims to conserve seven major big cat species worldwide. The alliance fosters collaboration and shares expertise to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats for the future. Bangladesh's inclusion marks a significant step in strengthening international conservation efforts.

The BJP has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of echoing Pakistan's propaganda regarding the Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor. The party highlighted a recent IAF tender for support for all 36 Rafale jets as proof that Pakistan's claims of shooting them down were false. BJP leaders argue Gandhi questioned the Indian government instead of demanding evidence from Islamabad, thereby legitimizing an adversary's disinformation campaign.

The BJP has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of echoing Pakistan's propaganda regarding the Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor. The party highlighted a recent IAF tender for support for all 36 Rafale jets as proof that Pakistan's claims of shooting them down were false. BJP leaders argue Gandhi questioned the Indian government instead of demanding evidence from Islamabad, thereby legitimizing an adversary's disinformation campaign.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has vehemently denied allegations of "sacrilegious conduct," calling them a "dirty politics" campaign by rivals. He stated that a viral video controversy, linked to an alleged Rs 10 lakh deal for a forensic report, is being exploited to tarnish his image. Mann insists the person in the video is an actor, not him, and accuses opposition parties of using religion for political gain.

A fire erupted in labour slums near Delhi's Udyog Bhawan on Wednesday, originating from an electric panel and spreading to temporary structures. Around 20 fire tenders battled the blaze, bringing it under control by 5:30 am. No casualties have been reported. This incident follows a major slum fire behind Maulana Azad Medical College days earlier, which involved residential areas and storage facilities, including plywood, leading to rapid fire spread.

Union Minister Amit Shah has directed Nafed and NCCF to procure all pulses and oilseeds directly from farmers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring payments within 48 hours. This initiative aims to guarantee fair prices, boost pulse cultivation, and achieve self-reliance.Shah also announced a two-year deadline for this direct farmer-to-organization sales model and highlighted Nafed's new digital auction platform, scholarship program, and inventory management tools.

Maharashtra's political scene is rapidly changing, as the recent defection of six Uddhav Sena MPs to Eknath Shinde's faction under 'Operation Tiger' highlights. This trend reflects a broader pattern seen in Trinamool Congress and AAP, where the anti-defection law is being sidestepped, and parties blatantly promote shifts in loyalty. The fear of the Samajwadi Party and the NCP being the next targets in this game of defections shows the vulnerability of regional parties in this political maneuveri

Maharashtra's political scene is rapidly changing, as the recent defection of six Uddhav Sena MPs to Eknath Shinde's faction under 'Operation Tiger' highlights. This trend reflects a broader pattern seen in Trinamool Congress and AAP, where the anti-defection law is being sidestepped, and parties blatantly promote shifts in loyalty. The fear of the Samajwadi Party and the NCP being the next targets in this game of defections shows the vulnerability of regional parties in this political maneuveri

Speculation is rife about a Union Cabinet reshuffle following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. Recent appointments of Union ministers to key BJP organizational roles, coupled with the resignation of George Kurian and the non-renomination of Ravneet Singh to the Rajya Sabha, have intensified these discussions. These developments suggest potential changes within the government's ministerial ranks.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also spoke on the ongoing protest in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying the agitation was a"direct consequence" of "systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation".​​ Earlier, Khawaja Asif had issued a warning to India, saying Islamabad could resort to military action if its water security comes under threat.

President Murmu honored 65 Padma Award recipients, including Mammootty and Alka Yagnik. A Pune trekking incident has tragically escalated into a murder investigation with two arrests. Meanwhile, a government report highlights Telegram's role in child abuse and fraud. The stock market experienced a significant downturn, with the Sensex dropping nearly 900 points. Sunil Gavaskar is advocating for a mandatory month-long annual break for cricketers.

President Droupadi Murmu presented Padma Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan, honouring 65 distinguished individuals. The ceremony recognized achievements across various fields, including arts, sports, and medicine. Notable recipients included actor Mammootty, singer Alka Yagnik, and cricketer Rohit Sharma. Dr. Padma Gurmet, awarded for his work in preserving Himalayan medical traditions, expressed immense pride for his community.

President Droupadi Murmu presented Padma Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan, honouring 65 distinguished individuals. The ceremony recognized achievements across various fields, including arts, sports, and medicine. Notable recipients included actor Mammootty, singer Alka Yagnik, and cricketer Rohit Sharma. Dr. Padma Gurmet, awarded for his work in preserving Himalayan medical traditions, expressed immense pride for his community.

President Droupadi Murmu presented Padma Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan, honouring 65 distinguished individuals. The ceremony recognized achievements across various fields, including arts, sports, and medicine. Notable recipients included actor Mammootty, singer Alka Yagnik, and cricketer Rohit Sharma. Dr. Padma Gurmet, awarded for his work in preserving Himalayan medical traditions, expressed immense pride for his community.