Edappadi K Palaniswami welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Trichy, sparking speculation about a potential AIADMK-BJP alliance despite past disagreements. This meeting, the first since their renewed ties, occurs amidst conflicting statements regarding a coalition government in the lead-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with EPS asserting AIADMK's independent victory.
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In response to escalating risks from glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), the Central Water Commission has issued new guidelines for over 100 dams across six Himalayan states. These directives, prompted by climate change-induced glacier melt and increasing glacial lakes, mandate enhanced spillway capacity for new dams and retrofitting measures for existing ones.
India's organised sector experienced unprecedented growth in May, adding over 20 lakh net payrolls, the highest since April 2018. This surge, which is driven by youth and women, reflects the formalisation of the workforce across various sectors and regions. Maharashtra led regional contributions, signalling enhanced job confidence and workforce fluidity, highlighting the need for sustained skill development and social protection.
England captain Ben Stokes has called on the ICC to re-evaluate over-rate penalties, arguing that current rules fail to consider varying playing conditions across continents. His comments follow England's WTC points deduction and fine after their Lord's Test win against India. Stokes believes that seam-dominated overs in countries like England take longer than spin-heavy overs in Asia.
Veteran Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has suggested that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh should step in if Jasprit Bumrah is rested. Arshdeep, who has picked up 99 wickets in 63 T20Is, is still awaiting his Test debut. However, his participation in Manchester has been thrown into doubt due to an injury suffered during a practice session.
In Delhi's Sultanpuri, Kusum, a 52-year-old drug kingpin, operated a sophisticated heroin racket from a covert hub disguised as four houses. She used rope-lowered baskets and window slits for drug deliveries, while juvenile lookouts and CCTV cameras provided security. Police finally breached the fortified structure, arresting her son Amit, who managed the daily operations, after months of surveillance.
Senior advocate Indira Jaising argued in Supreme Court against the government's stance on the age of consent, asserting that criminalizing consensual sexual activity between 16-18 year olds violates their autonomy. She highlighted that the age of consent remained static at 16 for 80 years without rational justification for its increase. Jaising proposed an exception for 'close in age', non-abusive consensual relationships, citing early puberty and sexual awareness among adolescents.
The EU's upcoming ban on Russian-derived fuels, effective January 21, presents a temporary reprieve but poses challenges for Indian exporters due to its narrow classification. The EU requires proof of crude oil origin, potentially impacting fuel exports from India, a major importer of Russian oil.
Authorities rescued fifty-six young women from a train at New Jalpaiguri station, suspecting human trafficking. The women, from West Bengal, were promised jobs in Bengaluru but were being sent to Bihar. Railway personnel noticed inconsistencies in their travel plans, leading to the arrest of two individuals accompanying the group, who failed to provide valid explanations or employment documents.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar asserted that India makes independent decisions, uninfluenced by external powers. He emphasized that Operation Sindoor, India's counter-terror action, is ongoing in various forms, initiated to instill sanity and humanity. Dhankhar cautioned citizens against external narratives, affirming India's sovereignty and its commitment to peaceful coexistence within the global community, guided by mutual respect and diplomatic dialogue.
Jaipur witnessed widespread protests after the brutal murder of Vipin Kumar, allegedly by Mohammad Anas, disrupting traffic on the Jaipur-Agra highway. Accused Anas, a known history-sheeter, was arrested after attempting to seize a police officer's weapon and was shot in the leg.