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Indian Express
Jul 1, 2026, 03:53 PM
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Granted One-Year Extension

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Granted One-Year Extension

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was given a one-year extension on Wednesday. He had earlier got a 19-month extension beyond his superannuation date of November 30, 2024. As per the latest order issued on Wednesday, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension for a period of one year beyond July 14, 2026, that is, up to July 14, 2027. Misri was appointed to the post in June 2024. The 1989-batch IFS officer was working as the Deputy National Security Adviser (Dy NSA) before his appointment as the foreign secretary. He succeeded Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who is now serving as India’s ambassador to the United States. A career diplomat, Misri has served in various capacities at the Ministry of External Affairs, and in various Indian Missions abroad in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Apart from serving as the Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, he has also served as Private Secretary to three Prime Ministers of India, IK Gujral; Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi. In fact, he has served as private secretary to three prime ministers – Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi. He has also served as India’s ambassador to Spain (2014-2016) and Myanmar (2016-2018) besides having stints in many Indian missions including Pakistan, the US, Germany, Belgium and Sri Lanka. Misri was born in Srinagar in 1964 and received his early education in Gwalior. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in history from Delhi University’s Hindu College and an MBA from XLRI.
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Indian Express
Jul 1, 2026, 03:39 PM
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey: New Trailer Reveals Epic Battle Scenes and Technical Ambitions

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey: New Trailer Reveals Epic Battle Scenes and Technical Ambitions

Universal Pictures has released a new countdown trailer for The Odyssey , Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic. With just over a fortnight until the film opens in theatres worldwide on July 17, the latest preview is the most expansive look yet at what promises to be Nolan’s most technically ambitious production to date. The trailer gives audiences a broader view of the world Nolan has built, including Matt Damon’s Odysseus and a glimpse of Charlize Theron’s Calypso, as well as a large-scale practical sequence involving the Trojan Horse, which Universal has described as one of the film’s biggest set pieces, involving thousands of soldiers on location. One of the trailer’s most anticipated moments is a preview of the clash between Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus, a sequence Nolan brought to life not through computer-generated imagery alone but through a combination of animatronics, puppetry and a live on-set performance by Interstellar collaborator Bill Irwin, who physically embodied the creature during filming. The production represents a technical milestone, even by Nolan’s standards. The Odyssey is the first film ever shot entirely using IMAX cameras, a goal the director and his regular cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema achieved by working with manufacturers to develop lighter, quieter versions of the format’s cameras, addressing the size, noise and logistical issues that had previously made shooting entirely on IMAX impractical. The film was shot across multiple international locations including Greece, Morocco, Italy, Iceland, Scotland and Ireland, with the production spending a significant period in the Messinia region of western Greece before moving to Sicily and other locations. Ludwig Göransson, who won an Oscar for his score on Oppenheimer, returns to compose the music. Also Read: Enola Holmes 3 review: Millie Bobby Brown’s detective marries personal with political The cast assembled for the project is among the largest in recent Hollywood history. Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca, whose decade-long journey home after helping defeat Troy forms the spine of the story. Tom Holland plays his son Telemachus, Anne Hathaway plays his wife Penelope, Zendaya plays the goddess Athena, Samantha Morton plays the sorceress Circe, Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, and Lupita Nyong’o plays both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra.
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 03:32 PM
Samajwadi Party Launches Membership Drive, Pledges New Government

Samajwadi Party Launches Membership Drive, Pledges New Government

The membership drive was launched at the state SP headquarters in the presence of Akhilesh Yadav by making Anjali and her family members from the Dalit community members of the SP. Anjali had fed Prasad to Akhilesh Yadav at the Bhandare event in the capital some time ago. The SP president said that Anjali's family had to face the injustice of the government for this reason. He said that today we take a pledge to give the people of the state a new government, which will solve their problems.
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 03:22 PM
BJP Leader Felicitated Ahead of Oath-Taking Ceremony, Eyes Historic Victory in 2027 Elections

BJP Leader Felicitated Ahead of Oath-Taking Ceremony, Eyes Historic Victory in 2027 Elections

Greater Noida: BJP Zonal President Nawab Singh Nagar was felicitated at Gaur Chowk in Bisrakh Mandal on his way to the oath-taking ceremony. MLC Srichand Sharma, District President Abhishek Sharma and other workers were present on the occasion. Nawab Singh Nagar said that with the strength of the organization, solidarity of the workers and the resolve to serve the people, the party will be mobilized for a historic victory in the 2027 Assembly elections in Western UP. Former District President Preneet Bhati, besides workers Gajendra Mavi, Karmveer Arya, Arpit Tiwari and others were present.
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 03:22 PM
Aam Aadmi Party Leader Arvind Kejriwal Accuses Union Home Minister Amit Shah of Politicizing Lord Ram

Aam Aadmi Party Leader Arvind Kejriwal Accuses Union Home Minister Amit Shah of Politicizing Lord Ram

Amar Ujala Bureau Delhi: The political tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP has intensified over the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya. Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah did not visit Ayodhya for darshan of Ram Lalla despite 891 days having passed since the consecration of Shri Ram temple. He asked five questions to Amit Shah and accused the BJP of taking political advantage of the name of Lord Ram. In the press conference at the party headquarters, Kejriwal said that in the last two and a half years, Amit Shah mentioned Lord Ram and Ram temple more than 42 times in his speeches and interviews but did not visit the temple. He alleged that the BJP uses Lord Ram and Sanatan Aastha for electoral politics and to gain power, while his faith is not reflected in practice. Kejriwal asked Amit Shah why he did not visit Ram temple till now, does he not feel like visiting Lord Ram, does he need the blessings of Lord Ram and does he consider Lord Ram as an advertisement?
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The Daily Guardian logo
The Daily Guardian
Jul 1, 2026, 03:18 PM
Congress Announces Organizational Structure for Punjab Elections

Congress Announces Organizational Structure for Punjab Elections

New Delhi, July 1: After holding detailed discussion for almost a month, the Congress on Wednesday decided to retain Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Congress chief and announced former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi as chairman of the campaign committee. The Congress announced that Warring will continue as president of the Punjab Pardesh Congress Committee, while senior leader Partap Bajwa will remain the leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Punjab. The party sources said that decision to appoint Channi as campaign committee chief will place him at the forefront of the party’s electoral outreach and mobilisation efforts in the run-up to the election. The party also named Vijay Inder Singla as chairman of the Election Management and Coordination Committee, which will oversee the party’s organisational and electoral preparations, while senior leader Sukhjinder Randhawa has been entrusted with heading the Core Committee. Channi was eyeing the role of Punjab Congress chief along with former Sangrur MP Singla. The Congress has also named Amar Singh to lead the manifesto committee that will prepare the party’s agenda and guarantees for people ahead of the polls. Besides Channi as head, the campaign committee will have Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Rana Gurjeet Singh and Dharamvira Gandhi as co-chairpersons. The Election Management and Coordination Committee led by Singla will be assisted by OP Soni, Razia Sultana, Kuljit Nagra, Angad Saini and Bharat Bhushan Ashu as co-chairpersons. Similarly, Gurjeet Aujla, Pargat Singh, Hardial Kamboj and Sukhbinder Sarkaria have been appointed co-chairpersons of the manifesto committee headed by Amar Singh. The party also named three working president for Punjab — Sukhwinder Singh Danny, Raj Kumar Verka and Sangat Singh Gilzian. The Congress is eyeing to make a comeback in Punjab where it was routed by the AAP in 2022 assembly polls. Meanwhile, the BJP has also made aggressive plans for Punjab as seven of the AAP MPs earlier this year merged with the saffron party.
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India TV logo
India TV
Jul 1, 2026, 03:05 PM
Congress Prepares for Punjab Assembly Elections with Key Appointments

Congress Prepares for Punjab Assembly Elections with Key Appointments

Congress has started its preparations ahead of the assembly elections in Punjab. Congress has made several appointments in Punjab. Congress has made former CM Charanjit Singh Channi the head of the campaign committee. Vijay Inder Singla has been made the chairman of the election management and coordination committee. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has been made the chairman of the core committee and Dr. Amar Singh has been made the chairman of the Punjab Manifesto Committee by Congress.
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 02:50 PM
Tamil Nadu Horse-Trading Scandal: Chief Minister Calls Emergency Meeting Amid Allegations

Tamil Nadu Horse-Trading Scandal: Chief Minister Calls Emergency Meeting Amid Allegations

Following this, Chief Minister Vijay called a meeting of his coalition partners in Chennai on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the DMK also demanded an investigation into these claims of horse-trading. The controversy began when TVK MLA N Ilaiyaraaja alleged that he was offered Rs 35 crore to influence his stand in a proposed vote of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. A man named Adathiranavukkarasu allegedly approached the MLA. He claimed to be a representative of a political firm called Indian Political Democratic Strategies. He later offered money in exchange for support in the voting process. The MLA declined the offer. The MLA then filed a police complaint. The complaint also alleged that he and his family were threatened. Based on the complaint, the Tamil Nadu Police registered a case. Thirunavukkarasu and two of his aides, Naresh and Thiyagarajan, were arrested. Also Read: ITR Victim: Big Income Tax Case, Supreme Court Directs Nirmal Kumar to Decide When the Opposition Party
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Kalinga TV
Jul 1, 2026, 02:46 PM
Pakistan Warns of 'Nuclear Armageddon' Over India's Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan Warns of 'Nuclear Armageddon' Over India's Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty

New Delhi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has reportedly warned that India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) could trigger a “nuclear armageddon” scenario, sharply escalating rhetoric in the ongoing water dispute between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Speaking at an international seminar in Islamabad on Tuesday, Bilawal invoked Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine, stating that “attempts to strangle the country’s economy or restrict its waterways fall among the rare scenarios that Pakistan has said could trigger a nuclear response”. He described denial of water as an “existential assault” that would require a national response, framing the Indus dispute as a matter of national survival rather than just diplomacy. Bilawal called the Indus River “a lifeline of Pakistan” and said any attempt to turn it “into a noose must be treated as a threat to the survival of our state”. India suspended implementation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. New Delhi has since maintained that “blood and water cannot flow together” and that normal implementation cannot continue until Pakistan takes “verifiable and irreversible steps against cross-border terrorism”. The treaty governs six rivers — Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej — and feeds roughly 80% of Pakistan’s farmland. Pakistani officials say the suspension has increased pressure on Islamabad by halting routine hydrological data sharing and accelerating Indian hydropower projects on western rivers.
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The Daily Guardian logo
The Daily Guardian
Jul 1, 2026, 02:44 PM
Congress and NCP Sharad Pawar Hold Merger Talks to Avoid MLA/MP Poaching

Congress and NCP Sharad Pawar Hold Merger Talks to Avoid MLA/MP Poaching

New Delhi, July 1: With several MPs of the Trinamool Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) merging eith other parties in last one month, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) has initiated talks of merger once again, sources revealed on Wednesday. The aim of the merger is to avoid poaching of the party MLAs and MPs in coming days. Top sources indicated that talks between the two parties have started once again over a possible merger. The source revealed that at present, the discussions are confined to the Maharashtra units of the two parties as there are several layers of party functionaries that need to be taken in confidence for the merger and their future roles. The source revealed that the NCP SP is currently conducting internal consultations within the party to gauge opinion on the proposed merger. The source said that the Congress and the NCP-SP had also held discussions on a merger after the success in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The talks were held between the top leaders of both the parties in 2024 following the Lok Sabha election results. However, ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections for various reasons the talks did not progress. Subsequently, with the Assembly elections approaching in the state in November 2024, no further discussions on the issue took place between the two parties. As part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the NCP SP had contestedon 10 seats in 2024 Lok Sabha polls and won eight seats, while the Congress won 13 and the Shiv Sena UBT won nine seats. Out of the 48 parliamentary seats, the Maha Vikas Aghadi had won 30 seats while the 17 seats were won by Mahayuti comprising of the BJP, Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde and NCP-Ajit Pawar faction and one seat was won by an independent candidate. However, despite a good show in 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the MVA was unable to give similar results as the alliance was decimated by the Mahayuti in the 288 member assembly. The Congress had won 16 out of 101 seats it contested, the Shiv Sena UBT won 20 out of 95 seats and the NCP-SP winning on only 10 out of 86 seats it contested. After May 4 following the election results of West Bengal, 20 of the Trinamool Congress MPs merged with the NCPI. Even Shiv Sena UBT once again witnessed spilt in its party with six of its MPs announced their decision to merge with SS Eknath Shinde faction.
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Indian Express logo
Indian Express
Jul 1, 2026, 02:40 PM
Indian-Origin Leaders Make a Mark in the United States

Indian-Origin Leaders Make a Mark in the United States

Indian-origin personalities have become a consequential force in the United States, from the power corridors in Washington to the boardrooms of Silicon Valley and the bright lights of Hollywood. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Forbes has spotlighted 26 Indian-born and Indian-origin leaders among “America’s Most Successful Immigrants”, recognising their contributions to technology, business, politics, entertainment and public life. The list includes 26 Indian-born and Indian-origin leaders whose achievements have left an indelible mark in America. Among the Indian-origin leaders who made it to the Forbes immigration list that was released as part of America’s 250th anniversary coverage are Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Abhijit Banerjee, Indira Nooyi, Vinod Khosla, among others. Here is a look at some of the most notable Indian-origin politicians, business leaders and celebrities who have made a mark in the US. Born in Chennai , Pichai is among the most influential personalities of Indian origin in the United States. He completed his Bachelor’s in Technology from IIT Kharagpur and later moved to America to pursue a Master of Science in Materials Science from Stanford University. Pichai later did his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined Google in 2004 as Vice President of Product Management and was appointed CEO of the tech giant in 2015. Born in Pune , Khosla is an entrepreneur, investor, and technologist, and the founder of Khosla Ventures, which started in the US in 2004 to support budding entrepreneurs who are building technology-driven companies. Khosla completed his graduate studies in electrical engineering at IIT Delhi and went on to earn a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Carnegie Mellon. It was followed by an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Khosla co-founded Sun Microsystems in 1982, where his “work on open systems and commercial RISC processors reshaped enterprise computing. Born in Oakland, California, Harris became the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be sworn in as Vice President of the United States in January 2021. Her Indian roots can be traced 14,000 kilometres from Washington DC in Thulasendrapuram, a small village in Tamil Nadu where Harris’ maternal grandparents were from, the BBC reported. Harris, who was Democrats presidential candidate for the 2024 election, posted a photo with his mother on X a couple of years earlier and said that her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a breast cancer researcher, belonged to Chennai and moved to the United States from India at the age of 19. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Khanna’s parents immigrated to the United States from India in the 1970s in search of opportunities. His connection to India and commitment to public service emanate from his grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalankar, who was a freedom fighter and worked with Lala Lajpat Rai and spent several years in jail with Mahatma Gandhi during India’s independence movement, USA Today reported. Khanna graduated in Economics from the University of Chicago and received a law degree from Yale University. He has been serving as the US representative from California’s 17th congressional district and is serving his fifth term. Born in Davis, California, Minhaj is a stand-up comedian, writer, and political commentator whose weekly comedy show, Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj on Netflix, received a 2019 Peabody Award and a 2019 Primetime Emmy Award, the Kennedy Center stated. He is a first-generation American of Indian descent, as his parents, Najme and Seema Minhaj, immigrated to the United States from India. Minhaj earned accolades for his performance hosting the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner and for a one-hour Netflix special, Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King, in 2018, which led him to win another Peabody Award.
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 02:37 PM
Trump Unveils New Design for Boeing ID2i Luxury Jet

Trump Unveils New Design for Boeing ID2i Luxury Jet

The Boeing ID2i luxury jet now has a new red, white, and navy blue exterior design, replacing the Robins Egg Blue color of the old plane. The old plane that carried US presidents for nearly 40 years was used since the days of George H.W. Bush. The plane has a design of the American national flag waving on its rear wing. The advertisement, Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, said, "To me, this is the first flight of what I think is probably the best commercial plane ever made. To be honest, I'm excited about its first flight." He was leaving for the inauguration of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota. The advertisement, the US president said, "is tailored to suit the president. It means security and many other state-of-the-art features. They've added very complex technologies to it, but it's a really great plane that should be our year-old Air Force One aircraft," he told reporters.
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Kalinga TV
Jul 1, 2026, 02:35 PM
Odisha Cabinet Approves 12 Proposals Including Free Education for Students

Odisha Cabinet Approves 12 Proposals Including Free Education for Students

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charna Majhi today gave its approval for a total of 12 proposals including free education to students from kindergarten to postgraduate level (KG to PG). Bhubaneswar: Today the State Cabinet was attended by the Honorable Chief Minister Mr. Mohan Pharan. It was held under the chairmanship of Majhi in the conference room of Lokseva Bhavan. After the completion of the Cabinet Meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg briefed the media that a total of 12 proposals of 8 departments were discussed and approved during the Cabinet meeting today. One proposal of Higher Education Department, two proposal of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, two proposal of Electronics and Information Technology (E&IT) Department, one proposal of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department, two proposal of Works Department, 3 proposals of the Water Resources Department, one proposal of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, were approved during the Cabinet meeting today, Garg informed.
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The Financial Express logo
The Financial Express
Jul 1, 2026, 02:31 PM
India: Joint Parliamentary Committee Set to Adopt Report on Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill

India: Joint Parliamentary Committee Set to Adopt Report on Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the contentious Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 is expected to adopt its report on July 17, the Indian Express reported. The adoption marks a routine procedural step before the proposed legislation is tabled in the Parliament. The report is likely to retain the Bill’s most debated provision, which proposes the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and other ministers from office if they are arrested and remain in custody for 30 consecutive days in connection with serious offences, according to the Indian Express. However, the panel is also expected to recommend safeguards to prevent the proposed law from being misused for political vendetta, sources told IE. The Bill will reportedly be taken up during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, expected to begin on July 20, for discussion and passage. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had introduced the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill in August last year. A 31-member JPC, chaired by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, was later constituted to examine the legislation. Under the Bill, the President or Governor can remove a minister on the advice of the Prime Minister or Chief Minister. If no such advice is given, the removal will take place automatically on the 31st consecutive day of detention. The proposed law seeks to remove the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and other ministers if they are arrested and remain in custody for 30 consecutive days in cases involving offences punishable with five years or more in prison. The proposal has drawn strong objections from the Opposition. INDIA bloc parties, including the Congress, had boycotted the JPC. They argued that participating in the panel would serve little purpose as the ruling alliance enjoys a majority. According to The Indian Express, opposition members have described the Bill as undemocratic, anti-federal and contrary to the principle of natural justice. They argued that it allows elected representatives to lose office based on detention rather than conviction. The treasury benches have reportedly rejected these objections. They argued that an accused has sufficient opportunity to seek bail during a 30-day detention period. According to them, the provision does not violate the principles of natural justice, IE reported. Despite political differences, members across party lines reportedly agreed on the need for safeguards against misuse. The recommendation is expected to form part of the committee’s final report. Opposition MPs on the panel are also likely to submit dissent notes. While the NDA holds a majority in the committee, it also includes AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule and YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Niranjan Reddy.
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The Financial Express
Jul 1, 2026, 02:30 PM
Silver Prices in India Fall 0.07% to ₹228,190 per kg Amid Global Market Volatility

Silver Prices in India Fall 0.07% to ₹228,190 per kg Amid Global Market Volatility

On 1 July 2026, the price of 1 gm of silver was ₹228, and the price of 1 kg of silver was ₹228,190, reflecting a loss of 0.07% compared to its previous close. Meanwhile, the 10 gm silver rate is at ₹2,282. Silver prices in India are largely influenced by international spot silver rates, US dollar fluctuations, and import duties on silver among other things. Silver traded under pressure today, easing to $58.46 per ounce (around Rs 2,20,300 per kg). Precious metals continued to weaken as a stronger US dollar and rising Treasury yields reduced the appeal of non-yielding assets, while expectations of further US Federal Reserve policy tightening remained a key headwind. ALSO READ Silver Rate Today 30th June 2026: Silver is up by 2.63%; check prices in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad Investors are also awaiting upcoming U.S. employment data for further direction. Meanwhile, WTI crude oil rebounded to $70.13 per barrel (about Rs 6,635 per barrel) after renewed geopolitical concerns resurfaced following Iran’s refusal to hold direct talks with US officials, raising fears over the stability of the Middle East ceasefire and supporting oil prices. Overall, commodity markets remain volatile as traders closely monitor geopolitical developments and key US macroeconomic data. ALSO READ RBI announces premature redemption price of SGBs redeeming on July 1; investors gain 359% in 5 years
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Indian Express logo
Indian Express
Jul 1, 2026, 02:29 PM
Congress Slams Centre's VB-G RAM G Act, Says It Repeals MGNREGA and Weakens Workers' Rights

Congress Slams Centre's VB-G RAM G Act, Says It Repeals MGNREGA and Weakens Workers' Rights

With the wage rates under the VB-G RAM G getting notified on Tuesday, the Congress hit out at the Centre, saying the Act effectively repealed the MGNREGA by replacing a demand-driven legal entitlement with a centrally controlled, allocation-based programme. Addressing a press conference at the Congress office in New Delhi, Lok Sabha MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Saptagiri Ulaka, said the new framework dismantles the statutory guarantee of work available to rural households and weakens workers’ rights by making employment contingent on pre-approved budgetary allocations rather than actual demand. “Today is the saddest day for the country,” he said. Ulaka, an MP from Koraput in Odisha, said that under MGNREGA, any registered rural household could demand work, and the administration was legally obligated to provide employment within the stipulated time or pay an unemployment allowance. Funding, he said, followed certified demand, making the scheme rights-based. He said the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, fundamentally changes this framework by shifting to a supply-based model in which employment depends on advance budget allocations, approved labour budgets, centrally determined ceilings, state contributions and administrative capacity. He also criticised the proposed funding pattern under VB-G RAM G as part of which, in most cases, Centre’s share has been reduced to 60% while states would now have to contribute 40% of programme expenditure. He demanded withdrawal of the proposed funding structure under VB -G RAM G, restoration of the Centre’s responsibility for guaranteeing employment, protection of job cards from arbitrary deletion, and removal of administrative barriers to employment. Congress’s communications in charge Jairam Ramesh, meanwhile, said that “the injustice of the Modi government’s new law aside, the wages due to workers are also unjustifiably low – largely at Rs 300 per day”. The Rajya Sabha MP said, “In the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign, the Congress, as part of its Shramik Nyay campaign, had guaranteed a Rs 400 national daily minimum wage to all workers – including for MGNREGA. The expert committee headed by Dr Anoop Satpathy, set up by the Modi government, had also recommended a national minimum wage floor at Rs 375 per day, back in 2019.” “Given the widespread minimum wage protests in industrial hubs like Noida, and at a time when the stagnation of rural wages is widely recognised as a key constraint on our economic growth, this notification is both a snub to India’s workers and an unwise economic policy,” added Ramesh in a statement.
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The Financial Express logo
The Financial Express
Jul 1, 2026, 02:21 PM
Addverb Aims to Launch Humanoid Robot by 2026, Expanding into Advanced Robotics

Addverb Aims to Launch Humanoid Robot by 2026, Expanding into Advanced Robotics

Reliance Industries -backed robotics and industrial automation company Addverb plans to launch a fully two-legged humanoid robot by the end of 2026 as it expands beyond warehouse automation into advanced robotics, a segment expected to see rapid growth globally over the next decade. The Noida-based company, which is also looking to raise $100 million, plans to begin customer trials and proof-of-concept deployments of the humanoid next year before scaling commercial deployments, Prateek Jain, co-founder and chief operating officer, told Fe. “Humanoids are not a pivot for us. They are a natural extension of the automation journey we have been on for the last decade,” Jain said. “Earlier this year we launched Dynamoid, which combines a robotic upper body with a mobile robotic base. By the end of 2026, we plan to launch a fully two-legged humanoid.” The company expects factories, warehouses, e-commerce fulfillment centres and quick commerce operations to emerge as the first large commercial applications for humanoid robots, particularly for repetitive and physically demanding tasks. Jain said high employee attrition in warehouses was creating a strong business case for automation, with functions such as picking, sorting and material movement likely to be among the earliest use cases. Addverb is simultaneously raising $100 million, with most of the proceeds earmarked for strengthening its advanced robotics business. Besides expanding research and development capabilities in India and overseas, the company plans to invest in startups developing critical robotics components to build a domestic supply chain. “The software stack is equally important because that’s what makes the hardware intelligent. We will continue investing significantly in R&D and talent,” Jain said. While India will remain an important market over the long term, Jain expects developed markets to adopt humanoids faster. Europe and the US will be the company’s primary overseas markets, with demand emerging not only from manufacturing but also from elderly care and assistive applications. In the longer run, he sees home automation becoming a significant opportunity, with humanoids capable of assisting in household chores such as cleaning, laundry and kitchen work. Jain acknowledged that building a robotics manufacturing ecosystem in India remains challenging because many critical components continue to be imported. While Addverb manufactures most mechanical parts in-house or sources them locally, actuators and advanced sensors are still largely imported. He said government incentives and collaboration between industry and research institutions would be key to developing a domestic ecosystem. “India has already demonstrated its manufacturing capabilities in the automotive sector. Robotics can follow a similar path, although it will take time before 90-95% of a humanoid can be built within the country,” he said.
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India TV logo
India TV
Jul 1, 2026, 02:21 PM
JPC Report May Retain Provision for Officials to Step Down After Arrest

JPC Report May Retain Provision for Officials to Step Down After Arrest

The prime minister, the chief minister and other ministers will have to step down in the event of arrest in serious criminal cases. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the controversial 130th Constitution Amendment Bill, which makes such a provision, is likely to adopt its report on July 17. According to sources, the committee has held detailed discussions on various provisions of the bill. Now preparations are underway to approve the final report. According to information, the committee's report may retain the most talked-about and controversial provision of the bill. Under the proposed arrangement, if the prime minister, the chief minister of a state or a minister of the central or state government is arrested in a serious criminal case and remains in judicial or police custody for 30 days in a row, then a provision can be made to automatically remove him from his post. The aim of this arrangement is to ensure that people's representatives who have been detained for a long time in serious criminal cases do not remain in the highest positions of the executive. Sources say that if the committee approves its report on July 17, it is likely to be tabled in Parliament directly from the monsoon session.
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Dainik Jagran
Jul 1, 2026, 02:15 PM
BJP and JD(U) Gain Strength in Bihar Legislative Council

BJP and JD(U) Gain Strength in Bihar Legislative Council

The BJP and the JD (U) have become stronger in the Bihar Legislative Council. The strength of both parties has increased in the House. The number of BJP members has now increased to 25. All 10 members elected unopposed were administered the oath of office and secrecy on Wednesday in the Legislative Council's auditorium. Chairman of the Legislative Council Awadhesh Narayan Singh administered the oath of office in the presence of Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. Anil Thakur, Power Star Pawan Singh, Sanjay Prakash and Sheela Pandit of the BJP were sworn in. Lalan Prasad, Health Minister Nishant Kumar, Bharti Mehta and Shivrani Devi were also sworn in on behalf of the JD (U). Ashraf Ansari of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). Sunil Kumar Singh of the RJD was administered the oath of office and secrecy. Earlier, the notification was read out by Secretary in charge of the Legislative Council Shankar Kumar. A large number of dignitaries were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Among them, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Chairman of the Legislative Council Prem Kumar Prem Kumar, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council Vijay Kumar, Deputy Chairman of the Council Vijay Kumar, Agriculture Minister
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Dainik Jagran
Jul 1, 2026, 02:05 PM
Eminent Personalities From India And Pakistan Urge Normalization Of Relations

Eminent Personalities From India And Pakistan Urge Normalization Of Relations

Over 100 eminent personalities from India and Pakistan have appealed for normalisation of relations between the two countries. In an open letter dated June 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif have appealed for resumption of dialogue and normalisation of relations between the two neighbours. The open letter has been drafted by OP Shah, Chairman, Centre for Peace and Progress. The letter, signed by 61 Indians and 55 Pakistanis, urges both governments to take meaningful steps towards restoring peace, normalcy, dialogue and cooperation in South Asia and stresses that the only practical way to resolve differences is through continued dialogue and engagement.
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Free Press Journal
Jul 1, 2026, 01:59 PM
Trump Defends Crypto Earnings, Rejects Conflict of Interest Concerns

Trump Defends Crypto Earnings, Rejects Conflict of Interest Concerns

Donald Trump has defended his massive earnings from cryptocurrency-related businesses, rejecting criticism that he used his position as US President for personal financial gain. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said there was nothing wrong with his profits because many people were benefiting from rising financial markets. He said, “Everybody’s profiting.” Trump argued that his wealth has increased mainly because markets have performed well during his time in office. Earnings Cross USD 1.2 Billion According to recent financial disclosures, Trump earned around USD 1.2 billion last year from crypto-linked businesses connected to his family. A major portion of these earnings came from his ties to World Liberty Financial, a crypto startup launched in 2024. Reports show Trump received nearly USD 550 million from the venture in 2025. Another large source of income came from royalties linked to TRUMP, a cryptocurrency launched shortly before his presidential inauguration. This reportedly generated about USD 635 million. Blind Trust Defence Trump dismissed concerns about conflict of interest. He said his financial assets are managed through blind trusts, meaning he does not directly control investment decisions. According to Trump, fund managers handle his investments independently. He said he does not actively manage his personal finances while serving as President. Wealth Rises Sharply Trump’s crypto ventures have played a major role in increasing his overall fortune. According to estimates by Forbes, his net worth has grown sharply from USD 2.3 billion in 2024 to around USD 6.5 billion in 2026. That represents nearly a threefold increase in just two years. Political Debate Intensifies Trump’s growing crypto wealth has triggered debate among critics and political observers. Many have raised concerns over possible conflicts between public policy and private financial interests. Supporters, however, argue his pro-crypto policies have helped strengthen America’s position in digital finance. The White House has said Trump has helped make the US a global hub for cryptocurrency innovation. (With Agency Inputs)
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 01:54 PM
Indian Politician Accuses BJP of Misrepresentation and Conspiracy

Indian Politician Accuses BJP of Misrepresentation and Conspiracy

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Hariprasad accused the BJP of misrepresenting Chief Minister Shivakumar's statement on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. He also alleged a conspiracy to delete voters'names in the name of SIR. He also demanded a probe into alleged irregularities in temple donations and a reduction in petrol-diesel prices in line with the fall in international crude oil prices. AdvertisementHariprasad said, "We are referring to Ram Madhav because he is the BJP's in-charge for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections in August. What was the purpose of going to Colombo and talking to an ISI officer in the context of the GBA elections? Has the Ministry of External Affairs handed over India's foreign policy to Ram Madhav? Has it been outsourced to the RSS?" He also claimed, citing media reports, that Ram Madhav had met a retired Pakistani ISI general in Colombo two months after the London operation.
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Indian Express logo
Indian Express
Jul 1, 2026, 01:48 PM
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Accuses DMK of Inducing Its MLAs to Destabilize Government

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Accuses DMK of Inducing Its MLAs to Destabilize Government

Barely weeks after the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) steadily expanded its strength by inducting a stream of Opposition legislators, the party now finds itself making the very allegation its critics have levelled against it: that rival parties are attempting to induce or buy elected representatives. On Wednesday, the Vijay government alleged that the DMK had orchestrated an attempt to induce TVK MLAs with offers running into crores to destabilise the government. Police arrested three persons, while investigators named former DMK minister V Senthil Balaji and his brother V Ashok Kumar as being allegedly linked to the conspiracy – allegations that the DMK is yet to respond to. The complaint originated with TVK MLA N Elaiyaraja from Uthangarai, who told police that a man identifying himself as Thirunavukkarasu, claiming to represent an opinion polling organisation, contacted him, saying he was acting on behalf of “members of an important political party”. According to the complaint, Thirunavukkarasu allegedly proposed that Elaiyaraja vote against the Speaker if a resolution was moved in the Assembly and offered him Rs 35 crore in return. When the legislator refused, the caller allegedly warned him not to reveal the conversation and threatened consequences for him and his family. Based on the complaint, Triplicane police arrested Thirunavukkarasu along with Naresh of Tiruchirappalli and Thiagarajan of Medavakkam. Police said a preliminary investigation suggested that Naresh allegedly met Senthil Balaji’s brother, Ashok Kumar, in Chennai , and that Thirunavukkarasu contacted the MLA at their behest. The investigation is continuing. Energy and Law Minister R Nirmalkumar escalated the political confrontation, alleging that not just one but “several” TVK MLAs had been approached over the past 40 days with offers of up to Rs 50 crore. “That is why Stalin keeps repeatedly saying this government will not last long,” Nirmalkumar alleged, accusing DMK president M K Stalin and Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin of attempting to engineer the fall of the government through back-channel inducements rather than electoral politics. Since assuming office in May, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has steadily strengthened his numbers in the Assembly. Four AIADMK MLAs have already joined the ruling party after resigning their seats. Two former heavyweight ministers – C Vijayabaskar and M R Vijayabhaskar – have also resigned from the assembly and are about to join the TVK in the coming days, taking the tally of AIADMK legislators quitting the House to six. The exodus has reduced the AIADMK’s effective strength while reinforcing Opposition allegations that the ruling party has benefited from systematic political poaching. The DMK, meanwhile, has launched a counterattack. On Wednesday, DMK organisation secretary R S Bharathi submitted a complaint to Governor R N Ravi alleging that Chief Minister Vijay himself attempted to induce two MDMK legislators – T M Rajendran and Senthil Selvan – to resign from the Assembly. The complaint cited remarks allegedly made by MDMK general secretary Vaiko during his party’s General Council meeting, where he claimed that Vijay had requested him to persuade the two legislators, both elected on the DMK’s Rising Sun symbol, to resign. According to Bharathi, Vaiko alleged that Vijay promised to personally campaign for them if they re-contested the ensuing by-elections. The DMK argued that such an assurance amounted to horse-trading and sought a detailed investigation by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption.
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Siasat News
Jul 1, 2026, 01:46 PM
Syria's Post-Assad Era Sees First Parliament Take Shape

Syria's Post-Assad Era Sees First Parliament Take Shape

: The first Parliament in Syria’s post-Assad era took shape Wednesday with the release of a list of 70 legislators picked up by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The inauguration of the new Parliament shows the country is moving ahead with drafting laws as the nation works on recovering from decades of iron-fist rule under the Assad family and a deadly war that has killed about half a million people. The head of Syria’s electoral committee, Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, told reporters that the new 210-member legislature will hold its first meeting Monday. Members will be sworn in and the Parliament’s presidential council will be elected. The list of 70 legislators picked by al-Sharaa included 15 women, which raised the number of female members in the legislature to 22. Syria held the first phase of its parliamentary elections in October while excluding the southern province of Sweida, which is controlled by Druze gunmen opposed to the central government. The vote at the time also excluded northeast Syria, which was under Kurdish control. A vote in northeast Syria was held in May after government forces took control of the area during deadly clashes early this year. No date has been set yet for a vote in Sweida, but two representatives for the predominantly Druze region were among the names released by al-Sharaa on Wednesday. The Parliament will have a 30-month term and work on a new elections law while preparing the ground for a popular vote in the next elections, according to al-Ahmad. Syria had been without a Parliament since the December 2024 offensive by insurgents, led by al-Sharaa’s now defunct Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, that ended the Assad family’s five-decade dynasty.
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 01:38 PM
Rahul Gandhi Faces Defamation Suit Over Comments on Home Minister Amit Shah

Rahul Gandhi Faces Defamation Suit Over Comments on Home Minister Amit Shah

Vijay Mishra, a resident of Hanumanganj in Kotwali Dehat police station, and former chairman of the cooperative bank, had filed the defamation suit in 2018 after being irked by Rahul Gandhi's remarks against Home Minister Amit Shah. The hearing of the case is pending in the MP-MLA court. Earlier, the court had fixed the proceedings for Rahul Gandhi's personal bond and bail in the case and final arguments. Meanwhile, on March 12, Vijay Mishra had applied for Rahul Gandhi's voice to be examined and matched with the forensic science laboratory. The court had on May 2 dismissed the complainant's plea and issued an order to argue and submit a bail application as per the earlier proceedings, but the complainant BJP leader, instead of arguing in the case, has challenged the magistrate court's order by filing a monitoring petition in the sessions court. After hearing the arguments, the court has reserved the order on the monitoring petition.
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Aaj Tak
Jul 1, 2026, 01:29 PM
Bangladesh Sends Mangoes to India's West Bengal and Tripura as Symbol of Goodwill

Bangladesh Sends Mangoes to India's West Bengal and Tripura as Symbol of Goodwill

Bangladesh has once again taken a step towards strengthening its'friendly'relationship with India by maintaining the'mango-sending tradition '. The neighboring country, which is struggling with political turmoil, has sent a consignment of mangoes to West Bengal and Tripura as a symbol of goodwill. On the one hand, 100 kilograms of mangoes have been sent to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, while on the other hand, 600 kilograms of premium mangoes have been sent as a gift for the Tripura government and the governor. Let us tell you that this exchange of mangoes between India and Bangladesh is not a new tradition, but this time its timing and political context have made it special. 100 kilograms of mangoes sent to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reached India on Tuesday. After this, they were handed over to the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Kolkata. On Wednesday, the Deputy High Commission delivered this consignment of mangoes to the Chief Minister's office. This gift is also being discussed because recently some officials of Bangladesh had raised objections to such political gifts to the government of Bangladesh.
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Indian Express logo
Indian Express
Jul 1, 2026, 01:27 PM
India: Joint Parliamentary Committee Set to Adopt Report on Controversial Constitution Amendment Bill

India: Joint Parliamentary Committee Set to Adopt Report on Controversial Constitution Amendment Bill

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the controversial 130th Constitution Amendment Bill that seeks to remove ministers detained for serious offences for 30 consecutive days is expected to adopt its report on July 17. A House panel adopting a Bill is a routine procedure before it is tabled in Parliament. While the report is likely to retain the contentious clause that proposes the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or other ministers from office if they are arrested and detained in custody for 30 consecutive days for serious offences, there could be notes of caution to ensure that the law is not misused for political vendetta, sources said. The Bill will be taken up in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, likely to begin on July 20, for consideration and passage, sources said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bill in August last year, and a 31-member parliamentary panel chaired by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi was formed to examine it. Most members of the panel from the INDIA opposition bloc , including from the Congress, boycotted the proceedings, arguing that participation was pointless as the ruling party would override the opposition’s concerns and use the panel as a rubber stamp to clear the Bill. Members of the panel belonging to the ruling coalition, it is learnt, rejected the opposition’s argument that the provisions in the proposed law are undemocratic, anti-federal and contradict the bedrock principle of natural justice by punishing public representatives purely based on custody rather than conviction. The treasury benches, it is learnt, argue that 30 days are enough to seek bail at least thrice and, therefore, the legislation does not violate the principle of natural justice. However, the panel’s members – be it from the ruling coalition, the opposition and neutral parties – are convinced that the draft Bill should add provisions to avoid misuse of the law, sources said. This suggestion will be part of the recommendations, they added. The committee is also expected to recommend curbs or a threshold regarding the nature of the crime for provisions of the proposed law to apply. Opposition MPs on the parliamentary panel are likely to give a dissent note on the report, sources said. While the BJP and its allies in the NDA dominate the panel, it also has AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi and NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule as members. YSRCP’s S Niranjan Reddy, a Rajya Sabha MP, is also part of the 31-member committee. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, provides for the removal of a minister if he/she is accused of an offence punishable with five or more years of imprisonment, and has been arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days. The removal, according to the proposed Bill, can be directed by the President or Governor upon the advice of the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister, respectively, or automatically on the 31st day of detention.
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 01:19 PM
BJP State President Emphasizes Good Governance and Development Ahead of 2027 Elections

BJP State President Emphasizes Good Governance and Development Ahead of 2027 Elections

NEW THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt has said that a corruption-free government is continuously working for the public interest by establishing good governance in the state. The people of the state will bless the BJP for the third time in the 2027 elections on the strength of development and good governance. He inspected the closed Ayush Hospital in Lamnidhar. He said that he will talk to the Chief Minister about this. On Wednesday, state president Bhatt was welcomed by the workers on his arrival in Chamba, Jakhnidhar, and Anjani Sain. At the workers'conference held in Anjani Sain, state president Bhatt gave membership of the BJP to Dr. Dhirendra Gupta, मो.साबिर, मो.आसिफ, Haseeb, who retired from the Ayush department. The joining of Dr. Chandrapura, who has served in the Ayush department for a long time, will further strengthen the party in the 2027 elections. Advertisement BJP is an organization-based party. Workers seek blessings from the public by taking the achievements of the government to the people.
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The Financial Express
Jul 1, 2026, 01:18 PM
Microfinance Institutions' Assets Under Management Expected to Grow 20% YoY to Rs 143,000 Crore by FY2026-27: Crisil Ratings

Microfinance Institutions' Assets Under Management Expected to Grow 20% YoY to Rs 143,000 Crore by FY2026-27: Crisil Ratings

The assets under management of the microfinance institutions (MFIs) will accelerate 20% year-on-year growth to Rs 143,000 crore in fiscal year 2026-27 against 4% growth in FY26, according to Crisil Ratings. The growth, according to the rating agency, will primarily be driven by non-microfinance portfolios such as gold loans, lending to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), loans against property and individual loans. The microfinance portfolio is expected to grow 13% reflecting a gradual recovery after last fiscal’s deceleration. The rating agency noted that MFI lending was muted due to asset-quality pressures and limited access to funding till the third quarter of the previous fiscal. “But from the fourth quarter, growth began to pick up as challenges eased and this trend is likely to continue,” Crisil noted Malvika Bhotika, Director, Crisil Ratings said the tighter control over portfolio quality by MFIs reflected in the loans originated after August 2024 due to guardrails imposed by the sector. “Accounting for 80% of MFI AUM, the portfolio at risk over 90 days is low at below 1% of this book,” she said. Crisil also noted that 66% of the MFI AUM as of March 2026 comprised loans to borrowers in their second cycle or more compared to 53% two fiscals back, reflecting the rising share of new loans to existing customers with good repayment history. “The average ticket size of such disbursements has risen by 15% to Rs 59,000 since last fiscal,” the report said. Prashant Mane, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings said MFIs are increasingly focusing on secured offerings including gold loans, secured MSME loans and loans against property, aside from individual loans. “In the last one year itself, the share of such loans in their AUM rose to 14% from 6%. We see this darting to 18% by the end of this fiscal,” Mane said. Despite these improvements in credit quality, Crisil also warned that the microfinance segment is exposed to idiosyncratic risks ranging from localised social political disruptions to weather-related income shocks, which can drive sharp volatility in borrower repayment behavior and credit costs.
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NorthEast Now
Jul 1, 2026, 01:15 PM
Hmar Inpui Withdraws from Kuki-Zo Council Over Lack of Inclusivity

Hmar Inpui Withdraws from Kuki-Zo Council Over Lack of Inclusivity

: The Hmar Inpui, the apex body of the Hmar community, has officially withdrawn from the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), saying the umbrella organisation has failed to evolve into an inclusive platform representing all Zohnathlak tribes. The decision, which came into effect on July 1, marks a significant development in Manipur ‘s tribal political landscape. In a statement signed by Hmar Inpui President Rev. Ros Infimate and General Secretary Immanuel Pulamte, the organisation said it had initially joined the Kuki-Zo Council with the expectation that it would emerge as a broad-based political platform capable of advancing the collective interests of all Zohnathlak communities. However, it maintained that the Council had fallen short of that objective. According to the statement, the Hmar Inpui believes the Council has not developed into the inclusive body originally envisioned and therefore no longer serves as a common political platform for all constituent communities. Despite ending its association with the KZC, the Hmar Inpui clarified that it remains committed to the larger political aspirations of the Zohnathlak people and is open to constructive dialogue and future cooperation on issues of common interest. The organisation also expressed gratitude to the Council for the period of collaboration and wished it success in its future endeavours. The exit of the Hmar Inpui marks a notable shift within the Kuki-Zo Council , an umbrella body formed in 2024 to coordinate the political and social interests of various Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur.
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Siasat News
Jul 1, 2026, 01:11 PM
KT Rama Rao Criticizes Telangana Chief Minister Over State's Financial Condition

KT Rama Rao Criticizes Telangana Chief Minister Over State's Financial Condition

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for describing Telangana as a “bankrupt state”. At a press conference on Wednesday, July 1, KTR alleged that the Chief Minister was damaging Telangana’s image by publicly describing the state’s financial conditions as bankrupt. He rejected Revanth’s claims and asserted that under the government led by former CM K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), Telangana became one of the country’s most prosperous states. “Agricultural production, farmers’ incomes, and irrigation had doubled during the BRS government. Thus, Revanth Reddy’s statements are completely baseless,” he said. The former minister accused the Congress government of failing to fulfil its promises to farmers, including implementation of Rythu Bandhu and complete farm loan waivers. He alleged that farmers were facing distress due to fertiliser shortages, crop failures, power cuts and mounting debt, while the government continued to project an overly optimistic picture. He threw a challenge to the Chief Minister, saying he was prepared to debate on issues like governance, farmers and agriculture and the state’s finances. “If Revanth Reddy has the courage, let him decide the venue, time, and subject of the debate. I will be there,” KTR said.
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Indian Express
Jul 1, 2026, 01:09 PM
Indian Americans: A Growing Force in American Politics

Indian Americans: A Growing Force in American Politics

As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence on July 4, 2026, one of the country’s most remarkable modern success stories is that of the Indian American community. Although Indian Americans make up just over 1 per cent of the US population, they have emerged as one of its most influential demographic groups, leaving an outsized impact on technology, business, medicine, academia and politics. From leading Silicon Valley giants such as Microsoft and Google to serving in the White House, Congress and state governments, Indian Americans have become deeply woven into the fabric of modern America. Their rise reflects not only the success of an immigrant community but also the changing face of the United States over its 250-year history. The growth of the community over the past six decades has transformed Indian Americans into one of the country’s fastest-growing and most economically successful immigrant groups. About 5.2 million people in the US identified themselves as Indian, according to data published by the US Census Bureau in 2023. The Indian American community is the second-largest Asian origin population living in the US, which accounts for 21 per cent of the total Asian population in the country, a Pew Research report stated. As per the curators from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Centre, which is a Washington-based migratory museum, the Indian American community is about the “history and contemporary experiences of Indian Americans as they have grown to be one of the more diverse and well-recognised communities in the United States,” BBC reported. In education and income-related factors, 77 per cent of Indians residing in America have attained a bachelor’s or advanced degree, while the median annual income of households headed by Indians was $151,200 in 2023. In terms of personal income, the annual earnings of Indian Americans aged 16 and above were $85,300 in 2023, which is higher than among other Asians overall in America ($52,400), the Pew Research report stated. Their influence now extends well beyond business. As America approaches its 250th year, Indian Americans occupy some of the highest offices in public life, reflecting their growing role in shaping the country’s political landscape. In the political corridors of Washington, the Indian American community has grown stronger and more influential, with leaders like Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley being state governors of Louisiana and South Carolina, respectively. The community also plays a role in determining the results in several swing states (including North Carolina) during presidential elections. One of the examples illustrating the growing influence of the Indian American community is the election of Democrat Kamal Harris as the (former) Vice President, the first woman of Indian descent elected to the US Senate. Harris, who was born in California, is the daughter of Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who emigrated to the US from Chennai in 1960. Recent presidential milestones and historic candidacies When JD Vance became the Vice President of the current US dispensation, it also marked the first time an Indian American, Usha Vance, stood a chance to become a vice-presidential spouse or the Second Lady. It is considered a major milestone for the community that has emerged as a political powerhouse in the past decade, the New York Times reported. The 2024 presidential elections were the first to have featured two Indian American candidates in Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy . Expanding representation in legislative bodies As per the 2024 AAPI data, an organisation that collects Asian American information, there were five members in Congress and nearly 40 in state legislatures of the Indian American community, notably the highest number of any Asian origin group in the country. Post-1965 migration patterns and tech sector prominence Most Indians migrated to the United States after 1965, when the country passed a new immigration law that removed the restrictions that excluded Africans, Asians, and others from the US. The Indian population in America has grown exponentially in the past few decades, owing to the booming technology sector and demand for software engineers, among others, which has attracted India’s brightest minds, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. “Indian Americans are a growing force in American politics,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of AAPI Data, NYT reported. The journey from a relatively small immigrant community after the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act to one of the country’s most influential demographic groups underscores how immigration, education and entrepreneurship have transformed the United States over the past half-century. It is a story that has become inseparable from America’s own evolution as it enters its next 250 years.
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Aaj Tak
Jul 1, 2026, 01:06 PM
India's Congress Party Invited to Attend Funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

India's Congress Party Invited to Attend Funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress has also received an invitation for the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to sources, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the country's former Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid have been invited to attend the occasion. Khamenei's funeral will be held in several cities of Iran and Iraq from July 4 to July 9. On this occasion, dignitaries from all over the world will come to bid him a final farewell. After this invitation from Iran, discussions have now started in the Congress party. Party sources say that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge himself will decide on this invitation. Mallikarjun Kharge will decide who will go from Congress to Khamenei's funeral and which leaders will be included in the Congress delegation to Iran. According to sources, on behalf of the Government of India, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor General (Retd) Syed Hassan Ata's daughter Damali Ali will go to Iran to bid farewell to him.
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India TV
Jul 1, 2026, 01:00 PM
Tamil Nadu Police Arrest Three in Connection with Alleged Attempt to Destabilize Government

Tamil Nadu Police Arrest Three in Connection with Alleged Attempt to Destabilize Government

A big news has come out of Tamil Nadu today, with the Tamil Nadu Police arresting three people in connection with an alleged attempt to destabilize the Vijay-led government. The action follows allegations by Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) MLA N. Ilaiyaraaja. He claimed that he was offered Rs.35 million to vote in favour of a motion against the Assembly Speaker. Three people have been arrested so far in this connection. The probe may also target former Minister Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar. Tamil Nadu Minister P. Nirmal Kumar claimed that the DMK had been trying to get a ruling party MLA on its side for the past 40 days. The case came to light when TVK MLA from Uthangarai N. Elaiyaraaja filed a complaint with the Chennai Police. He alleged that a person from the IPDS consultancy firm had asked him not to support the no-confidence motion against the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker and TVK leader J.C.D.
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Dainik Jagran
Jul 1, 2026, 01:00 PM
Mehbooba Mufti Calls for Jammu and Kashmir to Become Gateway Between South and Central Asia

Mehbooba Mufti Calls for Jammu and Kashmir to Become Gateway Between South and Central Asia

Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday asked the central government to make Jammu and Kashmir a gateway between South and Central Asia and use its geographical location to strengthen ties with Pakistan and China. Talking to reporters here, she said, Things are changing in the world. You saw a small country like Iran using its strategic location, the Strait of Hormuz, to bend a superpower like the US. Jammu and Kashmir also has a strategic geographical location. The former chief minister stressed that Jammu and Kashmir has been embroiled in a conflict between India and Pakistan that has caused suffering to its people. She said, Instead of making it a battlefield, a bridge of peace between India and Pakistan should be built. Roads should be opened, there should be movement between the two countries. She also welcomed recent RSS statements in favour of dialogue. Quoting former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dictum,'Friends can't be changed,'Mehbooba said,'No matter how powerful the legacy of the prime minister's rule was decided by this year. '
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Dainik Bhaskar
Jul 1, 2026, 12:58 PM
Conspiracy to Topple Tamil Nadu Government Foiled, Three Arrested for Bribery

Conspiracy to Topple Tamil Nadu Government Foiled, Three Arrested for Bribery

In Tamil Nadu, an alleged conspiracy to topple the state government by luring MLAs of actor Vijay's party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) with Rs 35 crore has been claimed. The state intelligence department has said that the plan was foiled in time. According to party sources, the conspiracy was to put the government in trouble by getting 15 TVK MLAs to resign at once. Meanwhile, TVK MLA from Oothangurai, Dr. N. Ilaiyaraaja, alleged that he was offered a bribe of Rs 35 crore in exchange for voting in a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. Following the complaint, police and intelligence agencies launched an investigation and arrested three people (Thirunavukkarasu, Naresh and Thiagarajan) associated with a Chennai-based consultancy firm. Investigations have revealed their links to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji. On 29 June, MLA Ilaiyaraaja filed a complaint with the Chennai police. He said that Thirunavukkarasu's survey agency called him over the phone and asked him to vote for Rs 35 crore.
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NorthEast Now
Jul 1, 2026, 12:43 PM
India Sets Minimum Daily Wage Rate for Unskilled Workers Under VB-GRAMG Scheme

India Sets Minimum Daily Wage Rate for Unskilled Workers Under VB-GRAMG Scheme

: The Centre has notified the daily wage rates for unskilled manual workers under the newly introduced Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG) scheme, fixing the minimum wage at Rs 300 per day for workers in most states. According to the official notification published in the Gazette of India, the daily wage has been set at Rs 300 for several states and Union Territories, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Manipur , Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland , Odisha and Rajasthan. A few states have been assigned higher wage rates. Haryana has the highest notified wage at Rs 409 per day, followed by Goa at Rs 406, Kerala at Rs 401, Karnataka at Rs 382, Himachal Pradesh at Rs 375 for scheduled areas and Rs 300 for non-scheduled areas, Punjab at Rs 360, Maharashtra at Rs 317, and Andhra Pradesh at Rs 312. The notification has drawn criticism from the Opposition, which said the Rs 300 daily wage is inadequate in view of rising living costs and called for a higher national minimum wage. The Opposition also referred to the 2019 recommendations of the Expert Committee headed by economist Dr Anoop Satpathy, which proposed a national minimum wage floor of Rs 375 per day, and noted that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development has repeatedly advocated higher wages for MGNREGA workers. It further urged the Centre to revise the notified wage rates, arguing that they should better reflect inflation and the rising cost of living for workers.
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Siasat News
Jul 1, 2026, 12:43 PM
Iran Invites Indian Leaders to Attend Ayatollah Khamenei's Funeral Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Iran Invites Indian Leaders to Attend Ayatollah Khamenei's Funeral Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Iran has invited senior leaders from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress to attend the state funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Invitations have been extended to BJP National President Nitin Nabin, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress foreign affairs department chairman Salman Khurshid. Iran has also invited People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and Shia Members of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi, Haji Haneefa, Imran Masood and Afzal Ansari to attend the multi-day funeral ceremonies. The Government of India will be represented by an official delegation led by Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. This comes after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the ceremonies, according to diplomatic sources. However, New Delhi has not confirmed whether the Prime Minister will travel to Iran. Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju said he had also been invited to attend the funeral but would not be able to travel because of ill health. In a post on X, Katju shared what he said was his reply to the invitation, expressing gratitude to the Iranian leadership for the gesture and conveying his condolences over Khamenei’s death. Katju said he had wished to visit Iran and attend the funeral but was forced to decline due to health reasons. He also praised the late Iranian leader and extended his sympathies to Khamenei’s family and the Iranian people. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to take place from July 4 to 9 in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad, with additional processions planned in Iraq. Iranian authorities expect millions of mourners to attend and have tightened security following the recent regional conflict. The invitations reflect the longstanding diplomatic and civilisational ties between India and Iran despite continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
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Aaj Tak
Jul 1, 2026, 12:42 PM
Foreign Container Ship Stuck in Strait of Hormuz After Ignoring Official Route

Foreign Container Ship Stuck in Strait of Hormuz After Ignoring Official Route

On Wednesday, a foreign container ship got stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important sea trade routes. According to Iranian state television, the ship did not follow the official sea route set by Iran, which caused it to get stuck in shallow water and unable to proceed. However, Iran did not immediately share any information about the ship's name, its flag, or its destination. State TV only said that the ship was a foreign container ship and the wrong route was the cause of the accident. Iranian media claimed that all ships passing through Hormuz must follow the route of authority set by the IRGC. The report said that the IRGC has previously warned shipowners, captains, and shipping companies around the world that deviating from the designated route could have serious consequences. The incident comes at a time when US President Donald Trump and his special envoy to Qatar have arrived in the Qatari capital of Daman to continue negotiations to create a ceasefire between the two countries following the recent conflict between the US and Iran.
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Dainik Bhaskar
Jul 1, 2026, 12:38 PM
117 Personalities from India and Pakistan Urge Dialogue Over Confrontation for Regional Peace

117 Personalities from India and Pakistan Urge Dialogue Over Confrontation for Regional Peace

To improve India-Pakistan relations, 117 personalities from both countries have written to PM Modi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. It says choose the path of dialogue, not confrontation, so that there is an atmosphere of peace and development in South Asia. These 117 personalities include former officials, social and political figures. The letter has been signed by 61 people, including former Jammu and Kashmir CM Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and RJD MP Manoj Jha, on behalf of India, and 56 people, including former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, on behalf of Pakistan. The initiative comes at a time when relations between India and Pakistan have been strained in recent months. They say that the ever-increasing hostilities are affecting the development of both countries, regional stability, and the interests of civilians. On 25 December 2015, PM Narendra Modi visited Lahore to meet Nawaz Sharif. Thereafter, bilateral talks have stopped after the 2 January 2016 Pathankot terror attack. On 5 August 2019, India and Pakistan agreed to re-engage on the ceasefire agreement.
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Amar Ujala
Jul 1, 2026, 12:36 PM
Delhi Officials Urge Simultaneous Elections to Save Resources and Boost Development

Delhi Officials Urge Simultaneous Elections to Save Resources and Boost Development

Repeated elections have led to wastage of resources and impact on development work, says Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Speaker Vijender Gupta before a delegation of the Joint Committee of Parliament studying the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The delegation led by MP PP Chaudhary, Chairperson of the Committee, held discussions with public representatives and officials during separate meetings at the Delhi Secretariat and Delhi Assembly. The Committee will submit its report to Parliament after taking suggestions from various states and stakeholders across the country. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta told the Committee that simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections across the country will save time, energy and resources. Repeated elections keep the administrative machinery busy for a long period of time and the Model Code of Conduct is applicable to a large number of public servants and employees during elections.
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