Modi’s Coalition Ministry Set for Swearing-in Today
New Delhi: Narendra Modi prepares for his third term oath-taking, a feat matched only by Nehru. Over 9,000 invitees, including heads of neighboring states and laborers, will attend. BJP and NDA allies, like TDP and JD(U), set to receive ministerial berths. Former CMs, like Chouhan, may join.
Rahul Gandhi Asked to be Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
New Delhi: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) unanimously requested Rahul Gandhi to become the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge urged him to accept, and Rahul Gandhi promised a decision “very soon”. The CWC praised the party’s election performance but formed committees to address underperformance in certain states. Sonia Gandhi was re-elected as Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson.
Modi’s Coalition Ministry to Assume Office Today
New Delhi: Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers will be sworn in for a third term this evening at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This marks Modi’s third consecutive term, a feat only previously achieved by Jawaharlal Nehru. The ceremony will host over 9,000 invitees, including foreign dignitaries and Central Vista laborers.
NTA Sets Up Panel on NEET Allegations; Rules Out Re-Test
New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has formed a high-powered committee to investigate grievances about the NEET 2024 exam, including alleged question paper leaks and concerns over scoring. Despite demands for a re-test, NTA Director-General Subodh Kumar Singh confirmed no re-test would occur. The committee, led by a former UPSC Chairperson, will report in a week, ensuring timely action without affecting the admission process. The issues affect 1,600 out of 23 lakh candidates.
LS Poll Verdict Signifies End of Negative Politics: Akhilesh Yadav
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav stated that the 2024 Lok Sabha poll results mark the end of negative politics, with a focus on the issues of common people. Following a parliamentary party meeting, he emphasized that the victory belongs to marginalized groups (Pichda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak – PDA). Yadav pledged to protect their interests constitutionally. The SP-led INDIA bloc secured 43 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, with SP winning 37. Yadav highlighted the SP’s role in promoting social harmony and strengthening the INDIA alliance.
Haryana to Start Recruitment Process for 50,000 Posts: CM
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the government will soon begin recruiting for 50,000 vacant posts in the state. This initiative aims to provide job opportunities and support the youth’s aspirations. The announcement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of Himmat Singh as the new chairman of the State Staff Selection Commission.
AIADMK Vote Share Up, No Ties with BJP for 2026 Polls: EPS
Salem: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced that his party secured 1% more votes in the 2024 general election compared to 2019. After meeting with party functionaries, he ruled out an alliance with the BJP for the 2026 Assembly election. He noted that despite limited campaigners, AIADMK’s vote share increased, unlike the DMK and BJP-led fronts, which saw reductions. Palaniswami dismissed calls for unity from former AIADMK leaders and addressed misrepresented statements about the party’s potential seat wins.
Blaming V.K. Pandian for BJD’s Loss Unfortunate, Says Patnaik
Bhubaneswar: Outgoing Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik defended V.K. Pandian amid criticism following the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections, calling the blame “unfortunate.” Patnaik praised Pandian’s contributions in disaster management, health, education, and temple restoration. He clarified that Pandian did not run in the elections and is not his successor. Patnaik accepted the electoral defeat gracefully, acknowledging the people’s verdict. The BJP’s campaign on ‘Odia Asmita’ contributed to its victory, securing 78 seats in the State Assembly and 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats, breaking BJD’s 24-year winning streak. Patnaik assured the public of his good health and commitment to serving Odisha.
Fadnavis Rescinds Resignation, Preps for Polls
Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after offering to resign due to BJP’s poor performance in Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha elections, announced he would remain in his position. This decision followed a party meeting where BJP legislators expressed their confidence in him. Senior leader Amit Shah also requested Fadnavis to continue. Fadnavis emphasized his commitment to preparing for the Assembly election and attributed part of the BJP’s electoral loss to a “fake narrative” about the party’s intentions. He stressed his resilience and readiness to fight back in the face of adversity. The MVA won 30 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, while the ruling alliance secured 17.
AIP Moves Delhi Court for Engineer Rashid’s Release
Srinagar: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has petitioned a Delhi court to allow its MP-elect, Engineer Rashid, to participate in the oath-taking ceremony in Parliament. Rashid, currently in Tihar jail under terror-funding charges by the National Investigation Agency, won the Lok Sabha seat from Baramulla by defeating National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. AIP has filed for interim bail in the Patiala House Court, with a hearing set for June 18. The party is hopeful about Rashid’s release and is considering expanding its membership drive to central and south Kashmir.
Pune Car Crash: Resort Owned by Accused Juvenile’s Family Razed
Mumbai: In a decisive action related to the Pune luxury car crash case, the Satara district administration demolished the illegal property of the father of a 17-year-old who fatally ran over two people with his luxury car in May. The property, MPG Club in Mahabaleshwar, had 15 rooms that were illegally constructed. Following orders from Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Satara District Collector confirmed the demolition. The resort was reportedly leased for residential purposes but used commercially, with significant illegal constructions and tree removal alleged by RTI activist Abhaysingh Havaldar.
Jarange-Patil Resumes Hunger Strike for Maratha Quota
Mumbai: Maratha activist Manoj Jarange-Patil launches an indefinite fast demanding recognition of all blood relatives as Kunbis for Maratha quota benefits. Despite authorities denying permission, his protest began in Jalna. Demands include OBC status for Marathas and implementation of draft notification. Threatens to contest all 288 Assembly seats if demands not met.
Four J&K Government Employees Dismissed, Teacher Suspended
Srinagar: Security agencies’ crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir leads to four government employees dismissed, including a police constable and a teacher, allegedly linked to terror activities. A teacher suspended for online criticism of government policies. Militants’ residences sealed, properties attached. Government cites involvement in anti-national activities for dismissals.
Bodies of 4 Maharashtra Students Who Drowned in Russia Recovered
Mumbai: Bodies of four medical students from Maharashtra, who drowned in the Volkhov river in Russia, recovered. They studied at Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University. Deceased identified as Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub. Indian authorities coordinating with Russian counterparts for repatriation.
Bodies of 4 Maharashtra Students Who Drowned in Russia Recovered
Mumbai: Bodies of four medical students from Maharashtra, who drowned in the Volkhov river in Russia, recovered. They studied at Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University. Deceased identified as Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari, and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub. Indian authorities coordinating with Russian counterparts for repatriation.
Kolkata Filmmaker’s Mehroon Triumphs at KASHISH Film Festival
Kolkata: Abu Sohel Khondekar’s short film “Mehroon” wins accolades at KASHISH International Film Festival in Mumbai. Khondekar, a queer filmmaker, clinches Special Jury Mention for the Riyad Wadia Award. The film, funded by KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant, captivates audience despite its silent narrative. Inspired by Mehroon Nissa, wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir, the film explores identity and acceptance within the trans community. Khondekar hopes to continue breaking boundaries with “Mehroon’s” success.
Global Firms Embrace Large AI Models to Slash Expenses
Bengaluru: Adnan Masood, UST’s Chief AI Architect, reveals a trend of enterprises adopting Large Action Models (LAMs) worldwide. Unlike ChatGPT, LAMs comprehend intricate goals communicated in natural language and execute autonomous actions to achieve them. This innovation, facilitating tasks from vacation planning to investment portfolio optimization, proves cost-effective for U.S. insurance firms and beyond.
Former Apollo 8 Astronaut William Anders Dies in Plane Crash at 90
WASHINGTON: William Anders, renowned for capturing the iconic “Earthrise” photo from space, passed away in a small plane crash at 90. The incident occurred off Washington’s coast on Friday morning, as confirmed by his family. Anders, a former U.S. astronaut, left an indelible mark on space exploration history.
28 Dead in Attacks on Russia-Held Kherson, Luhansk
KYIV: Russian-installed officials in Kherson and Luhansk reported at least 28 casualties from Ukrainian attacks, marking a continuation of drone strikes exchanged between Russia and Ukraine. Saturday was declared a day of mourning in Luhansk following the violence.
“Pakistan, China Pact to Enhance CPEC in Islamabad”
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Xi Jinping of China agree to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in its second phase. Discussions held during Sharif’s five-day official visit to Beijing. CPEC, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, connects Gwadar Port to China’s Xinjiang province.