Zeeshan Akhtar, accused of involvement in the murder of NCP politician Baba Siddique, has been detained in Canada based on an Interpol notice. Mumbai police are awaiting official confirmation. Akhtar, a 22-year-old from Punjab, is alleged to have been a key conspirator, managing finances and coordinating with other accused linked to the Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi gang.
Enforcement Directorate officials searched eight locations, including the houses of Ballari MP E Tukaram and four MLAs. The searches related to the alleged Valmiki scam-linked money laundering case. Officials gathered evidence on the alleged misuse of funds during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Following outrage over substandard train coaches provided to BSF personnel en route to Amarnath Yatra duty, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw swiftly suspended four officials. The ministry emphasized the paramount importance of security force dignity, initiating an inquiry to prevent future negligence. An alternative train was arranged for the BSF personnel after the initial coaches sparked criticism.
India and the US are aiming to finalize an initial trade deal by July 9, but a comprehensive agreement may take longer due to the Trump administration’s evolving trade policies. Key issues include tariff implementation, competitiveness for Indian exporters, and protecting sensitive sectors like agriculture.
The Supreme Court has ruled that homebuyers seeking refunds for project delays are not entitled to reimbursement for home loan interest paid. The court clarified that developers are only obligated to refund the principal amount and compensate with interest as per the agreement.
Justice Surya Kant cautioned against judicial overreach, emphasizing the importance of restraint and facilitating democratic dialogue rather than supplanting the legislature. CJI B R Gavai, echoing similar concerns, warned against judicial activism turning into ‘judicial terrorism,’ highlighting the challenges posed by social media’s influence on public perception and the judiciary’s independence.
Sonam Raghuvanshi and four others are in custody in Shillong, suspected of murdering her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, whose body was discovered near Weisawdong Falls. Sonam’s medical tests are underway, while the police’s SIT prepares to interrogate the suspects, cross-referencing their statements with available evidence to reconstruct the crime scene.
The Supreme Court declined to hear a plea from a Goa-born Pakistani Catholic man seeking Indian citizenship under the CAA, as he arrived after the 2014 cutoff date. Citing religious persecution in Pakistan and an expiring passport, he requested visa extension, but the court directed him to the Bombay High Court.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah clarified that the Congress high command, not his government, decided to conduct a fresh caste survey, amidst concerns about potential backlash from his core voter base. He stated that the 2015 report was accepted in principle, addressing complaints about outdated data.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed Rahul Gandhi’s voter fraud claims indirectly, highlighting the transparent electoral roll revision process shared with political parties since 1960. Speaking at an international conference, Kumar emphasized the rigorous annual exercise ensures electoral integrity.
India’s Census 2027 aims for a swift data release by late 2027, leveraging digital technology for the first time. Enumerators will use mobile apps in 16 languages, offering citizens a self-enumeration option. This tech-driven approach, including pre-coded responses and intelligent character recognition, promises to significantly reduce processing time compared to previous censuses, with a dedicated portal for management and monitoring.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the US, irrespective of political leadership, citing it as crucial for India’s interests. He cautioned Europe about the potential repercussions of ignoring terrorism, referencing Osama bin Laden’s presence in Pakistan.