India News Highlights | BJP leader, two relatives burnt alive in Chhattisgarh; Badal-Mann row — Breaking News Today

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Katgodi village, Sonhat tehsil, Chhattisgarh: A BJP leader and two relatives were killed in an attack. Follow The Indian Express for breaking news and live news updates from India and around the world. | PTI PhotoKatgodi village, Sonhat tehsil, Chhattisgarh: A BJP leader and two relatives were killed in an attack. Follow The Indian Express for breaking news and live news updates from India and around the world. | PTI Photo

A BJP leader and two of his relatives were attacked and murdered while travelling in a car in Chhattisgarh’s Korea district on Tuesday evening, in what police suspect was an attempt to burn the victims alive over a long-standing sand mining rivalry. Forensic experts believe the accused poured fuel on the vehicle, though their report is yet to be submitted. The incident occurred in Katgodi village under Sonhat tehsil when the deceased, Bharat Singh (60), was travelling in a Fortuner with relatives when an accused gang rammed it with a light tipper truck. The car door jammed, and Singh was charred to death; his brother Nagendra Singh (53), who suffered nearly 80 per cent burns, later succumbed at hospital. A fourth relative, Virendra Pratap Singh (32), travelling in a second car, was assaulted and also died. Four men — Vishal Tripathi, Satyakumar Tripathi, Akshay Tripathi and Mahendar Tripathi — have been arrested. Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij alleged the killings stemmed from BJP-linked sand mafias fighting over illegal mining turf, a charge the BJP has denied, saying the Tripathi family held no party posts. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said strict action was being taken and “no accused will be spared.”

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US-Iran Sign 14-Point Deal, Hormuz Reopens

President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have virtually signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding — described as the “Islamabad MoU” — to end hostilities, immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and dismantle the US naval blockade, while Iran facilitates free passage of commercial vessels for an initial 60 days. The pact also mandates a permanent ceasefire extending to Lebanon, a 60-day window to negotiate a final treaty on sanctions and Iran’s nuclear stockpile, and a proposed $300 billion US-backed reconstruction package for Iran in exchange for verified denuclearisation. The White House has confirmed the deal is now in effect, even as Tehran has separately said ships will be charged for using Hormuz once the free-passage window lapses. At the G7 in France, PM Modi raised the safety of Indian seafarers transiting the strait directly with Trump.

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Punjab Boils Over: Badal Challenges Mann To Lie Detector Test

The Punjab political crisis deepened after the Akal Takht’s edict branding Bhagwant Mann “Guru Dokhi” and “Panth Virodhi” over a viral video the CM insists is fake or AI-generated — a claim Sukhbir Singh Badal disputes, saying two forensic labs found the footage genuine. Badal has now challenged Mann to undergo a lie detector test if he maintains his innocence, and has given AAP a one-month ultimatum to remove him as Chief Minister by July 19 or face a Dharam Yudh Morcha. SAD has constituted a committee to build a united front seeking Mann’s removal, while the Akal Takht has separately summoned all Sikh MLAs and the Punjab Cabinet to appear before it on June 29.

Team Thackeray Tussle Revives 2006 Murder Case

The Shiv Sena (UBT) crisis took an unexpected turn as a 2006 murder case with a Sunetra Pawar link came back into focus. MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar said he would clarify his political stand only after the verdict in his father’s murder case, due on June 20, calling the judgment deeply significant for his family — the latest flashpoint in a party already gripped by defection speculation and infighting over loyalty within its ranks.

Telegram Ban Hearing: Centre Warns Of Backdated Papers

The Delhi High Court continued hearing Telegram’s challenge to its India ban, with the Centre warning that question papers could be backdated and students could end up on the streets if the platform is restored before the NEET re-exam on June 21.

G7 Summit: Viral Moments And West Asia Fallout

The G7 summit in France produced its share of unscripted moments — from an awkward kiss to a “Melodi moment” and a missing “bear hug” — even as serious business continued in the background. Separately, Ukraine struck a major Moscow oil refinery, setting it ablaze and grounding flights.

Live Updates
Jun 18, 2026 09:15 PM IST
Amit Shah meets US envoy Gor; discusses counter-terrorism, narcotics control, border security

Deeptiman Tiwary reports that Union Home Minister Amit Shah held talks with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, with both sides focusing on strengthening security cooperation between the two countries. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the discussions covered a range of issues of mutual interest, including counter-terrorism, narcotics control, border security and law-enforcement cooperation.

Jun 18, 2026 08:35 PM IST
Sanjay Raut would have done planning, the way MPs defected, says Nana Patole

On rebellion in Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress leader Nana Patole hits out at Sanjay Raut, who has been publicly calling against defection. Patole says, "Sanjay Raut would have done planning, the way MPs defected, I feel that this is a very bad politics, now they want to finish the opposition... People are seeing, they are murdering democracy."

With PTI input

Jun 18, 2026 07:36 PM IST
Cross voting hits JD(S), BJP as Karnataka Congress gains wins in Legislative Council polls

Akram M in Bengaluru reports that the Congress party secured an easy victory in the Legislative Council biennial polls, winning five of the seven seats. The party benefitted from alleged cross voting by BJP and JD(S) legislators. While Congress received 151 first preference votes—surpassing its assembly strength—both the JD(S) and BJP faced internal challenges as their candidates underperformed compared to expected vote counts. Notable figures like BK Hariprasad were re-elected for the Congress, and while the exact identities of those who cross-voted remain unconfirmed, speculation points to various opposition rebels.

Jun 18, 2026 07:26 PM IST
Odisha NCERT books and errors

Sujit Bisoyi in Bhubaneswar reports that the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in Odisha is facing criticism after 1,678 errors—ranging from factual inaccuracies to grammatical mistakes—were discovered across 55 newly published textbooks for classes 1 to 8. Officials attribute the widespread negligence to a rushed, six-month production timeline that compromised essential proofreading and review processes, compounded by an over-reliance on NCERT content during desktop publishing.

Jun 18, 2026 07:14 PM IST
In Team Uddhav crisis, a hotel enters the picture

A view of The Westin Mumbai Garden City hotel is seen where Shiv Sena-Shinde faction is believed to have booked several rooms to accommodate the rebel MPs from UBT faction ahead of Sena's foundation day anniversary tomorrow, at Goregaon in Mumbai on 18 June 2026.

Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee

Jun 18, 2026 07:03 PM IST
For India, AI means 'All Inclusive', says PM Modi in Paris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently at VivaTech Summit in Paris. Addressing the audience, Modi says, "When it comes to technology along with innovation, what matters is access. Technology can lead to progress only when it is democratized. India believes that in this era of disruption, technology must deliver for all. Let us take the example of AI. AI must improve lives, widen access, drive growth and also help us sustain a healthy planet. Our participation at the AI country partner at VivaTech 2026 reflects this very vision. For India, AI means 'All inclusive'. Friends, India is an open society and the world's largest talent pool. We are simplifying regulations and ensuring ease of doing business. From innovation to commercialization, we are supporting private enterprise through targeted incentives of over 50 billion dollars. We are also providing one of the world's most affordable data and low-cost green energy. Our approach is clear. Our government will enable, and industry will innovate. Startups will disrupt and global partners will scale with us. Together, we will move faster than ever. I call upon everyone in this room to take the lead. Work with India and deliver for all."

With PTI input

Jun 18, 2026 06:59 PM IST
Man climbs tree in protest near Maharashtra secretariat

Police personnel and firefighters appeal to a a supporter of farmer leader Ravikant Tupkar to come down safely after he climbed a tree near Mantralaya during a protest, as authorities worked to defuse the situation and maintain law and order.

Tupkar’s hunger strike entered its fourth day, and his medical condition has become highly critical. He is on an indefinite fast demanding complete loan waivers, crop insurance clearance, and financial compensation for farmers.

Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar

Jun 18, 2026 06:46 PM IST
HDFC Bank chairman Mistry's tenure extended for three more months

George Mathew in New Delhi reports that HDFC Bank has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to extend Keki Mistry’s tenure as interim part-time chairman for an additional three months, effective until September 18, 2026, or until a regular chairman is appointed. This decision pauses market speculation regarding the bank's leadership following the abrupt resignation of former chairman Atanu Chakraborty in March, who cited concerns about practices at the bank.

Jun 18, 2026 06:26 PM IST
Plans for PM Modi’s two-day Bengal visit - Yoga day and West Bengal Day

Atri Mitra in Kolkata reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal for two days - Saturday and Sunday, coinciding with West Bengal Day and International Yoga Day. The celebrations will include a marathon, a yoga carnival on the Ganges, and a yoga session on Red Road attended by the Prime Minister.

Jun 18, 2026 06:08 PM IST
AI for Haj management

Asad Rehman in New Delhi reports that the Ministry of Minority Affairs will use AI for Haj pilgrim management, including a multilingual support system, AI-assisted applications, and real-time grievance tracking. This initiative aims to streamline coordination between relevant ministries and provide a seamless experience for pilgrims. More details will be shared after approval from the Saudi government.

Jun 18, 2026 06:05 PM IST
Congress loses Rajya Sabha poll in Jharkhand

Rajya Sabha election: Congress candidate in Jharkhand loses to independent candidate. The other seat went to JMM.

Jun 18, 2026 06:04 PM IST
AI for Haj 2027

Our reporter Asad Rehman in New Delhi is here with an update on proposed use of Artificial Intelligence for Haj pilgrim management next year.

His report says: The Ministry of Minority Affairs will use artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen end-to-end Haj pilgrim management, including a 24×7 multilingual voice-based support system in Hindi, Urdu and major regional languages, AI-assisted applications and documents verification, demand modelling for flight allocation across embarkation points, and real-time grievance tracking and escalation. 

The announcement was made by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju after the Haj review meeting in Delhi on Thursday where deliberations were done on the conduct of Haj-2026 and on the roadmap for Haj-2027.

“To ensure there are no lapses in information flow, utilizing AI would be beneficial for seamless coordination between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of External Affairs, and our Ministry of Minority Affairs,” Rijiju said after the meeting. 

“From the identification of priorities to the filing of the application… It will be automated — much like having a conversation with a machine. I won't go into the details right now because it requires a demonstration; it will feel just like a real conversation between you and me. We will provide a demonstration later,” the minister said. 

Calling the introduction of AI for benefits of Hajj pilgrims a “revolutionary step”, Rijiju said: “We are bringing in this AI application, and I mention this because we are currently working on ways to explain and demonstrate it.”

Sources in the ministry said that more details regarding the use of AI will be shared after a nod from the Saudi Arabia government. “We have discussed certain aspects of how AI can be used, but it will be given final shape after a conversation and nod from the Saudi government,” said an official in the ministry. 

After the meeting, Rijiju said he was satisfied with the successful conduct of Haj-2026, during which approximately 1.75 lakh Indian Haj pilgrims performed Haj.

The,; Indian Haj Mission was also conferred two Labbaytum Awards by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah under the “Best Haj Coordination and Communication” category, presented at the Khitamahu Misk ceremony marking the conclusion of the Haj season. “The award recognises the seamless facilitation and welfare of Indian pilgrims during Haj-2026 and underscores India’s sustained commitment to excellence in pilgrim service,” said Rijiju.

Jun 18, 2026 05:42 PM IST
Asia warming nearly twice as fast as before, says UN weather body

Our reporters Anjali Marar from Bengaluru and Nikhil Ghanekar from New Delhi are saying Asia's warming rate during 1991-2025 was nearly twice as high as during 1961-1990, with 2025 emerging as one of the region's warmest years on record and witnessing unprecedented ocean heat that triggered widespread marine heatwaves, citing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2025 report, released Wednesday, found that temperatures over the Asian landmass in 2025 were 0.96 degree Celsius above the 1991-2020 average and about 1.9 degree Celsius higher than the 1961-1990 baseline. While temperatures were above average across most of Asia, parts of South Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, experienced relatively cooler conditions due to favourable monsoon rainfall.

"Temperatures were above average across most of the region, except for parts of South Asia. Cooler than average conditions prevailed over South Asia, including the Indian sub-continent, mainly due to good rainfall during the monsoon season," the report said.

Jun 18, 2026 05:28 PM IST
‘Gaddari’: Sanjay Raut slams Y+ security for 6 Sena MPs

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday attacked the Maharashtra government after it moved to provide Y+ security cover to six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, questioning why the ruling alliance was extending protection to leaders of a party it had publicly claimed did not have the strength to create unrest in the state.

“If Shiv Sena (UBT) has no strength, then remove their security and see what happens,” Raut said, amid developments that suggest the Uddhav Thackeray-led party is set to lose six MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Stepping up his attack on minister Girish Mahajan, Raut said BJP leaders survived politically only because of central agencies and government machinery. “Remove ED, CBI, and police. First, we will thrash Girish Mahajan. All these BJP leaders will run away immediately,” he said.

The sharp exchange came a day after Raut had warned that Shiv Sena (UBT) workers would not remain silent over attempts to target party MPs and said there would be “rada (ruckus)” in Maharashtra as workers would teach lessons to those trying to weaken the party.

In response, Mahajan had mocked the Shiv Sena (UBT), saying the party no longer had enough strength left “even to create rada now”.

On Thursday, Raut hit back, saying BJP leaders were publicly claiming that Shiv Sena (UBT) had weakened while the government was moving to protect the party’s MPs.

Vallabh Ozarkar reports from Mumbai

Jun 18, 2026 04:24 PM IST
SAD gives AAP one-month ultimatum to remove Mann, threatens Dharam Yudh Morcha

Raakhi Jagga in Ludhiana reports that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has challenged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to undergo a lie detector test if he believes the controversial videos are fake. SAD has given AAP a one-month ultimatum to remove Mann from the Chief Minister’s post by July 19 or face a 'Dharam Yudh Morcha' seeking his dismissal. SAD has also constituted a committee to build a united front seeking Mann’s removal.

Jun 18, 2026 04:22 PM IST
Call it Operation Bazaar...tiger fights face-to-face, says Rohit Pawar

With the political crisis unfolding within Uddhav Sena, NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar took a dig at Shinde Sena saying, "Don't call it Operation Tiger, because a tiger is an animal that fights face-to-face. You can instead call this Operation Bazaar. In West Bengal, the MP who was poached was reportedly worth around Rs 50 crore. It was said that corruption charges would be dropped and that nothing would happen. In Maharashtra, the rate card is around Rs 85 crore, and along with that, a development fund of Rs 250 crore is provided every year for the constituency..."

Some leaders have dubbed the claim by leaders from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena that multiple Sena (UBT) MPs are in touch with the rival camp, as Operation Tiger and Rohit Pawar was referring to it.

Jun 18, 2026 04:17 PM IST
Bodies of BJP leader, relatives found burned in car in Chhattisgarh

Jayprakash S Naidu in Raipur reports that BJP leader Bharat Singh and two relatives were murdered in Chhattisgarh’s Korea district over a sand mining rivalry. The accused, four men from the Tripathi family, allegedly set the victims’ car on fire after ramming it with a truck. The opposition Congress claims the incident is linked to illegal sand mining and BJP protection.

Jun 18, 2026 04:11 PM IST
Two of inter-state gold fraud gang arrested by Bengaluru police for 1.8 kg heist from gold firm

Our Bengaluru bureau is reporting that two members of an inter-state gold fraud gang were arrested by the police for scamming a gold firm of 1.8 kg of gold worth Rs 3 crore. The gang, involved in 14 similar cases, posed as bulk gold buyers to deceive businessmen. The arrested individuals, along with two associates, allegedly fled with the gold during an inspection.

Jun 18, 2026 04:08 PM IST
As Sena (UBT) plans action against absent MPs, legal experts raise questions over whip validity and anti-defection route

Vallabh Ozarkar in Mumbai reports that Shiv Sena (UBT) plans to issue show cause notices to six MPs who skipped a parliamentary party meeting, potentially facing legal challenges. The enforceability of the whip for internal meetings and the anti-defection law’s applicability to the situation are legally ambiguous. The rebel MPs may have already initiated steps to form a separate group, complicating the matter further.

Jun 18, 2026 04:05 PM IST
Panchkula on alert: SWAT guards Sector 5 as two more club owners receive threats

Hina Rohtaki in Chandigarh reports that two more club owners in Panchkula’s Sector 5 received threat calls after club owner Rattan Lubana was shot. A SWAT team, including armed commandos and an armoured vehicle, has been deployed to guard clubs in the area. The police are investigating the threats and have increased security measures, including intensified patrolling and naka checking.

Jun 18, 2026 04:04 PM IST
Y-plus security for six dissident Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs

Y-plus security accorded to six dissident Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, Maharashtra police told PTI. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) crisis deepened further after only three out of nine Lok Sabha MPs showed up for a parliamentary meeting.

The six who were not present at a meeting of the Sena (UBT)’s parliamentary party in Delhi on Thursday are Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Omraje Nimbalkar. These MPs had helped Uddhav hold the ground against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when many had expected the Sena (UBT) to struggle following the split in the Shiv Sena in 2022 that had left it organisationally depleted.

Jun 18, 2026 03:42 PM IST
ED arrests YSRCP leader Nageswara Rao's son in Andhra Pradesh liquor transport case

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested K Sunil Kumar, son of former minister and YSRCP leader K Nageswara Rao, in Andhra Pradesh liquor transport case, officials told PTI.

Jun 18, 2026 02:09 PM IST
Hours before police questioning, Bengal ex minister moves to freeze Trinamool bank accounts

Sweety Kumari in Kolkata reports that TMC treasurer Aroop Biswas has requested a private bank to freeze the party's bank accounts and suspend transactions due to internal disputes and concerns about unauthorised use of funds. This comes as the former minister is being interrogated by police in connection with the Lionel Messi event case, where he is accused of extortion and misuse of political influence.

Jun 18, 2026 02:07 PM IST
‘Upset since paper leak’: Lucknow NEET aspirant dies by suicide

Bhupendra Pandey in Lucknow reports that a 17-year-old NEET aspirant, Shivani, has died by suicide in Lucknow. Her parents stated that she was depressed after the previous NEET exam was cancelled and she was unable to concentrate on her preparation for the upcoming exam.

Jun 18, 2026 01:42 PM IST
Days after Akal Takht pronouncement, AAP claims forensic reports clear Bhagwant Mann

Kanchan Vasudev in Chandigarh reports that days after the Akal Takht declared Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a “guru dokhi" and “Panth dokhi” over a controversial viral video, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Thursday produced two forensic reports, which it claimed showed that the person in the footage was not Mann.

Jun 18, 2026 01:42 PM IST
Arvind Kejriwal takes dig at centre on paper leak, says 'money being used to buy MLAs'

Taking a dig at the Centre’s decision to temporarily ban Telegram until NEET retest is conducted, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal said that the business of paper leaks is worth billions of rupees and banning a messaging platform will not address the root cause of the problem. In a video message posted on X, Kejriwal said that the whole system has to change. In the post, he wrote: ‘First IAF planes, now Telegram ban. The government is a total comedy circus. Paper leaks will never stop because the money from paper leaks is being used to buy MLAs/MPs.’

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Jun 18, 2026 01:27 PM IST
Express at the scene of a police encounter involving the accused of the Chandigarh chemist shop shootout

Investigators inspect the scene after the encounter of the accused involved in a shooting at a pharmacy in Chandigarh. The accused was injured in the encounter and is in hospital.

Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh

Jun 18, 2026 01:17 PM IST
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader says ‘will seek disqualification for MPs who skipped meeting’

Deeptiman Tiwary and Vikas Pathak report from Delhi that Shiv Sena (UBT) party leader Arvind Sawant said that the party will issue show-cause notices to six MPs who skipped parliamentary party meeting today. As a matter of fact, only three out of nine Lok Sabha MPs showed up for a parliamentary meeting. Sawant further said, “We'll write to LS speaker seeking disqualification of MPs who skipped parliamentary party meeting.”

The rebel MPs include Mumbai North East MP Sanjay Dina Patil, Dharashiv MP Omprakash Bhupalsingh Nimbalkar, Parbhani MP Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav, Yavatmal-Washim MP Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, Shirdi MP Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure and Hingoli MP Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar. Patil, Wakchaure and Ashtikar had been saying that they were not parting away. However, their absence from the 11 am meeting indicated they had joined the rebel camp. The rebel MPs are learnt to have passed a resolution stating that they were leaving because the party had strayed from Balasaheb Thackeray's principles and because of concerns that it could eventually merge with the Congress.

Jun 18, 2026 01:07 PM IST
CPI(M) stages protest after NEET aspirant dies by suicide in

Members of the CPI(M) staged a protest at the ESI Hospital in Coimbatore on Wednesday after a NEET aspirant Anu Keerthana who allegedly died by suicide ahead of a retest. More than 100 CPI(M) workers joined the protest alleging that the government had not announced any support measures or sent ministers to meet the bereaved family. The protesters said they would not accept her body until the government announces compensation and relief for her family, says ANI.

#watch | Tamil Nadu: Members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest at the ESI Hospital premises in Coimbatore demanding justice for Anu Keerthana a student who died allegedly by suicide due to distress related to the NEET examination. The protesters declared… pic.twitter.com/JE20orFpNb
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
Jun 18, 2026 01:03 PM IST
In 1993 blast case, Bengal government challenges release of convict in Supreme Court

Ananthakrishnan G in New Delhi reports that the West Bengal government has challenged the Delhi High Court’s order for the premature release of Mohammed Rashid Khan, convicted in the 1993 Bowbazar blasts. The state argues that Khan, the mastermind of the blasts, should not be released despite his age and ailments, citing the gravity of the offence and the fact that his co-convict was released earlier. The Supreme Court will hear the plea on June 22.

Jun 18, 2026 01:01 PM IST
2006 Pawanraje murder verdict on Saturday looms over Maharashtra's shifting alliances

Sadaf Modak in Mumbai reports that the verdict in the 20-year-old murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar, allegedly orchestrated by his political rival Padamsingh Patil, is expected on Saturday. The case has significant implications for Omraje Nimbalkar, Pawanraje’s son and a Shiv Sena MP, who is facing speculation about defection to the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. Omraje has stated that he will clarify his stance after the verdict, as the judgement is significant for him and his family.

Jun 18, 2026 12:51 PM IST
Savings locked, no home: Ghaziabad buyers’ 15-year struggle ends with Rs 80 lakh refund

Importat story by Nirbhay Thakur in New Delhi coming up: Two Ghaziabad homebuyers have won a 15-year battle against a delayed project by Sanchar Nest. The Delhi Consumer Commission ordered the cooperative society to refund Rs 79.43 lakh to the buyers, plus Rs 5 lakh in compensation for mental agony and litigation costs. The project, initially launched in Noida, faced land disputes and shifted to Ghaziabad, where it remains incomplete with 23 complaints against it.

Jun 18, 2026 12:46 PM IST
Calcutta High Court refuses to pass interim order on appointment of Ritabrata as LoP

The Calcutta High Court refused to pass any interim order on West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose's decision to appoint breakaway TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. The speaker’s decision on the appointment of Ritabrata Banerjee as LoP was challenged by TMC MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay. Justice Krishna Rao declined to stay the Speaker's decision and directed that the matter be heard again on July 28.

Jun 18, 2026 12:37 PM IST
Photo of ‘American friend in Delhi jail’ used to dupe Pune man of Rs 22 lakh

Chandan Haygunde in Pune reports that a 90-year-old Pune man was scammed of Rs 22.4 lakh by cyber fraudsters who convinced him his American friend was arrested and needed money for bail. The fraudsters used a fake passport image, impersonated a customs officer, and later a Delhi jail officer, even sending a photoshopped image of the friend in jail. The victim lodged a second complaint after the police failed to act on his initial complaint.

Jun 18, 2026 12:33 PM IST
Rising shrimp feed prices - worry for Andhra Pradesh farmers

Sreenivas Janyala in Hyderabad reports that aqua feed companies in Andhra Pradesh have increased prices by Rs 12 to Rs 16 per kg, citing rising fuel and transportation costs. This has led to increased investments in shrimp ponds, with farmers facing financial stress due to the price hike and falling shrimp prices. The AP Government has constituted a committee to regulate feed prices and bring transparency to pricing policies.

Jun 18, 2026 12:21 PM IST
Third accused cleric arrested in Nagpur forced conversion, rape and blackmail case

Ankita Deshkar in Nagpur is reporting that a third accused cleric, Hazrat Maulana, was arrested in the Nagpur forced conversion, rape, and blackmail case. He is accused of participating in the alleged forced conversion of a 24-year-old married woman and performing occult rituals on her. All three accused are now in police custody.

Jun 18, 2026 12:15 PM IST
Mumbai’s searing heat leaves a distinct mark on blood and urine tests, study finds

Purnima Sah in Mumbai reports that a study by Plum Health Insurance found that Mumbai’s summer heat affects residents differently than in other Indian cities. Instead of dehydration, Mumbai residents showed increased acidic urine, low iron, and low haematocrit levels during summer. This suggests a different physiological response to heat due to Mumbai’s coastal climate.

Jun 18, 2026 12:03 PM IST
Lanes in Kolkata transform into a vibrant FIFA World Cup hub

Boys in Kolkata play football in a lane decorated with murals and cut-outs of global football stars, reflecting the enduring popularity of the sport in the city. These lovely pictures have been taken by Partha Paul.

Check it out on our social media handles- link

Express Photo by Partha Paul

Jun 18, 2026 11:39 AM IST
Then there were three

Vikas Pathak in Delhi is just breaking - From Team Uddhav, only 3 out of 9 Lok Sabha MPs are present for the parliamentary meeting, revealing extent of crisis

Jun 18, 2026 11:16 AM IST
Bihar man livestreams 2-day encounter with police, dies

Himanshu Harsh from Patna reports that a 28-year-old man in Bihar's Bhojpur district died on Wednesday after being injured in a police encounter. He was at the centre of a two-day standoff with police which was being live-streamed by him on Facebook. He died hours after saying in a Facebook Live video that he was ready to surrender if his demands were met.

(Image credit: Bharat Tiwari via Facebook)

Bharat Bhushan Tiwari, a resident of Bilauti village, suffered two gunshot wounds during the encounter and later died at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). Police said they had received information on Tuesday morning that Bhushan was roaming around with a pistol and firing in the air. Despite repeated appeals by local police and STF personnel to surrender, he allegedly continued firing. Bhojpur Police said Bhushan was mentally unwell and that efforts were being carried to take him to a mental health facility before the encounter took place.

Jun 18, 2026 11:13 AM IST
AAP torn between politics and faith as Akal Takht summons entire Vidhan Sabha

Kanchan Vasdev in Chandigarh is reporting that the AAP is finding itself in a bind - supporting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the religious implications of the Akal Takht’s summons for its 95 MLAs, particularly the baptised Sikhs. The party has not issued a formal stance, leaving the decision to appear or boycott the summons to the individual MLAs.

Jun 18, 2026 11:09 AM IST
Encounter in Chandigarh: Chemist shop murder accused shot while trying to escape

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu in Chandigarh reports that two suspects, Sunny Mehra and Aryan Sharma, arrested for the murder of a cashier in Chandigarh, were injured in a police encounter while being transported from Jammu. The suspects allegedly attempted to escape and fired at the police after a vehicle accident. Both were apprehended and are receiving medical treatment.

Jun 18, 2026 10:08 AM IST
Driver's sacking over remarks against Koli women upheld by Bombay High Court

Omkar Gokhale in Mumbai reports that the Bombay High Court has upheld the sacking of a driver of a cooperative society, Nitin Jaywant Mhatre, ruling that his insulting remarks against Koli fisherwomen demonstrated a mindset inconsistent with his role of serving the community. Justice Sandeep V Marne set aside a 2021 Industrial Court order that had previously reinstated the driver with back wages and compensation, effectively restoring a Labour Court judgment that originally upheld the firing. The High Court emphasised that the driver's abusive conduct, which occurred in the presence of those he was employed to support, was unpardonable.

Jun 18, 2026 09:57 AM IST
MP High Court lifts stay on Abhishek Banerjee’s arrest warrant

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has lifted an interim stay on an arrest warrant issued against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. A special Bhopal court ordered stay on execution of arrest in November 2025 in a defamation case registered against him by former Indore MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. The suit alleged that Abhishek Banerjee had called Akash Vijayvargiya a ‘goon’ during a rally in November 2020. TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee is already facing an investigation in an alleged money laundering case in the West Bengal teachers’ recruitment scam case.

Jun 18, 2026 09:57 AM IST
US-Iran sign deal to end war

US President Donald Trump formally signed an agreement, on Thursday, with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian to end the war and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has agreed to dilute its stock of enriched Uranium while the US committed to waiver sanctions for Iran. Both the countries have committed to reaching a ‘final deal’ within signing of the 14-points Memorandum of Understanding.

Jun 18, 2026 09:56 AM IST
PM Modi arrives in France today

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Paris in France after he attended the G7 Summit in Evian-Les-Bains on June 17, where India was invited as a guest. In Paris, PM Modi will be addressing a VivaTech Summit. The Summit is Europe's largest technology and startup event. In a post on X, PM Modi said that the India-France partnership is essential to the progress of our planet. He received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in Paris.

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