India news Highlights, 30 June 2026—Delhi High Court cancels bail of school staffer in minor rape case

India News Today's LIVE Updates, June 30: Follow the latest developments from across the country, including India's condemnation of Pakistan's strikes in Afghanistan, the rollout of Delhi's new EV policy, heavy rain alerts for Mumbai, a school van fire in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu in which all children escaped safely, the arrest of a Bengaluru PSI under the POCSO Act, and other top updates on politics, business, sports, entertainment and cities.

The Delhi High Court has cancelled the bail of a school staff member accused of assaulting a toddler, ordering him to surrender by July 1, 2026.

The Delhi High Court has cancelled the bail granted to a school staff member accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl, saying the trial court overlooked key facts, including the child’s identification of the accused and the alleged crime scene. The court directed the accused to surrender on July 1, observing that the investigation is still underway.

Pune court awards three death sentences to Rape convict

A special fast-track court in Pune has awarded three death sentences to a 65-year-old man convicted of raping and murdering a three-year-old girl, calling it a “rarest of the rare” case. While pronouncing the sentence, the judge said the court must “perceive with its senses” the child’s suffering, her final screams and the grief of her parents.

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Delhi’s EV Policy 2026 Cleared: No Hybrid Benefits, EV-Only Push Gets Bigger

The Delhi Cabinet has cleared its new EV Policy with no tax breaks for strong hybrids and a ban on petrol bikes from April 2028, doubling down on a pure-EV approach instead of incentivising hybrid vehicles. The policy’s significance runs deeper than headlines suggest — two-wheelers make up two-thirds of Delhi’s vehicle fleet, and the policy aims for at least 30 per cent electrification by the time it lapses in March 2030.

Majority Of India-Bound Ships ‘Go Dark’ In Hormuz Amid Iran Threat

A majority of ships bound for India have reportedly switched off their tracking transponders — effectively “going dark” — while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, amid continuing threats from Iran even as Trump announced a planned meeting in Qatar, which Iran has flatly denied agreeing to, insisting there will be “no talks at any level” for now.

VAR Controversy Behind Germany’s Shock World Cup Exit

Germany’s stunning exit from the World Cup has been overshadowed by a VAR controversy, with Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill — who once sold his own clothes to get by — emerging as the unlikely hero who sealed the shock result.

Live Updates

Jun 30, 2026 05:21 PM IST

After Trent, Noel Tata to step down as Voltas chairman

Almost a week after stepping down as chairman of Trent, Noel Tata announced on Tuesday that he would also relinquish the chairmanship of another Tata group firm, Voltas.

Addressing shareholders of the leading cooling products maker in its 72nd annual general meeting (AGM), Noel Tata, 69, said this would be his last AGM as Chairman of Voltas.

"As you might be aware, this will be my last annual general meeting as Chairman," Noel Tata said in his address to shareholders.

He said the company has developed its next generation of leaders through a combination of internal promotions and lateral hiring and expressed confidence in the management's ability to drive future growth.

"The company has developed our next generation of leaders, from both in-house promotions and lateral hires. I am confident that with the close cooperation of seasoned practitioners and new talent, your company will continue to take big strides in all business segments," he said.

Thanking shareholders, employees and business partners for their support over the years, Tata said he was satisfied with the company's current position and growth trajectory.

"I would like to sincerely thank all our shareholders, colleagues and partners for your trust, understanding and constant support over the years," he said.

PTI

Jun 30, 2026 04:45 PM IST

Vizhinjam port see major share acqusition by MSC Group

Shaju Philip in Thiruvananthapuram reports that global transport and logistic conglomerate MSC Group will acquire 49 per cent share in the Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL), India’s first container transshipment port.

An official release from the AVPPL said MSC Group will invest in the Vizhinjam port through its container terminal operating and investing arm TiL. The total value of the deal between Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and MSC Group is USD 2.85 billion.

The strategic collaboration represents the single largest foreign private investment in Indian port infrastructure and cements Vizhinjam’s emergence as a dominant transshipment gateway in the Indian Ocean region. TiL is one of the world’s largest container terminal operators and part of the MSC Group comprising a portfolio of more than 100 container terminals across five continents and a throughput of more than 70 million TEUs per annum.

Jun 30, 2026 04:24 PM IST

CBI arrests 2 former bank officials in Rs 504-crore IDFC First fraud

Manraj Grewal Sharma in Chandigarh reports that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two former bank officials in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Rs 504 crore belonging to eight Haryana government departments through fraudulent fixed deposits and bank transactions.

Those arrested are Shamim Dar, then Area Head of IDFC First Bank, and Charanjeet Singh Randhawa, then Branch Manager of AU Small Finance Bank’s Mohali branch.

According to the CBI, the two accused played key roles in facilitating the opening of bank accounts and processing fraudulent transactions through which public funds were diverted. The agency said it had collected incriminating evidence against both during the course of the investigation.

Jun 30, 2026 03:31 PM IST

CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal's tenure extended

Government extends CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal's tenure by six months post June 30: Officials.

PTI

Jun 30, 2026 03:27 PM IST

If US and Iran can come to dialogue table, so can India and Pakistan: Mirwaiz

Bashaarat Masood in Srinagar reports that Kashmir’s chief cleric and separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has advocated for dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve longstanding issues, drawing a parallel to recent efforts to revive diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. Speaking in Srinagar, he urged the leadership of India to embrace peaceful negotiations, asserting that wars fail to resolve disputes and that regional prosperity relies on improved mutual relations. Additionally, the Mirwaiz stressed the importance of unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, calling on religious groups to resolve any internal sectarian misunderstandings through dialogue to protect their collective identity and interests.

Jun 30, 2026 03:16 PM IST

Karnataka LoP Ashoka slams CM Shivakumar over Bengaluru infra fund allocation

Senior BJP leader R Ashoka questioned Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, asking whether he is the CM only of Congress-represented constituencies, while accusing the government of "discriminatory allocation" of the Rs 2,000 crore package for Bengaluru's infrastructure and road development.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly also asked whether the lakhs of Bengaluru residents living in constituencies represented by BJP MLAs do not pay taxes. "Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, are you the CM of the entire state, or only of constituencies represented by Congress MLAs?" Ashoka claimed on X.

"In the Rs 2,000 crore special package announced for Bengaluru's infrastructure and road development, the Congress government has adopted an extremely discriminatory approach against constituencies represented by BJP MLAs," he alleged.

"On one hand, constituencies represented by Congress MLAs have received hundreds of crores of rupees in funding," he claimed, adding, "On the other hand, the 16 constituencies in the capital represented by BJP MLAs have been completely neglected and given only token amounts, as though they were receiving charity." According to reports, the allocation list shows that constituencies represented by Congress MLAs, such as Chamarajpet, Gandhi Nagar, Vijayanagar, Shanthinagar, Hebbal, Govindaraja Nagar, Pulakeshi Nagar, Shivajinagar, BTM Layout, Sarvagnanagar and Byatarayanapura, have each been allocated Rs 100 crore, while allocations for BJP-represented constituencies range from Rs 40 crore to Rs 80 crore.

PTI

Jun 30, 2026 02:43 PM IST

Gujarat High Court voids 'marriage' based only on registration certificate

The Gujarat High Court has declared a UK-based man's alleged marriage null and void, ruling that a marriage registration certificate alone cannot establish a valid Hindu marriage without the performance of essential customary rites. The court said registration only records an already solemnised marriage and cannot create the legal status of husband and wife in the absence of mandatory ceremonies.

Jun 30, 2026 02:13 PM IST

General Dhiraj Seth takes charge as new Army Chief

General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday assumed charge as the Chief of the Army Staff, taking command of the 1.3 million-strong Indian Army. He takes over at a time when the force is pursuing modernisation and self-reliance while addressing evolving security challenges along the borders.

Jun 30, 2026 01:40 PM IST

Delhi HC cancels bail of school staffer in minor rape case

The Delhi High Court has cancelled the bail granted to a school staff member accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl, saying the trial court overlooked key facts, including the child's identification of the accused and the alleged crime scene. The court directed the accused to surrender on July 1, observing that the investigation is still underway.

Jun 30, 2026 01:25 PM IST

Bihar woman found dismembered; husband, mother-in-law arrested

Police in Bihar's Banka district have arrested a woman's husband and mother-in-law after recovering her severed head and torso days after she was reported missing. Investigators allege the 26-year-old was murdered and dismembered, while her family claims she was harassed by her in-laws for not giving birth to a son.

Jun 30, 2026 01:20 PM IST

WhatsApp begins rolling out username reservations globally

WhatsApp has started rolling out username reservations worldwide, allowing users to secure a unique handle ahead of the feature's broader launch later this year. The update is aimed at letting people connect without sharing their phone numbers, adding another layer of privacy to the messaging platform.

Read here

Jun 30, 2026 01:05 PM IST

Lohagad murder: Victim had told family he suspected fiancée's affair

Days before he was allegedly pushed off a cliff at Lohagad Fort, Ketan Agarwal had told his family he suspected his fiancée, Siya Goyal, was having an affair, saying she frequently mentioned a man named Chetan and her phone was "always busy", police said.

Investigators allege Siya and her lover, Chetan Chaudhari, planned the murder over multiple visits to the fort, with a pre-arranged signal before Chetan allegedly pushed Ketan off the cliff.

Jun 30, 2026 12:40 PM IST

Victim's brother arrested in Shimla school executive's murder

Shimla Police have arrested the younger brother of school executive Manisha Mittal and another man for allegedly conspiring to have her killed over a property dispute. Police said the murder was allegedly carried out through two hired shooters, who had already been arrested, and the investigation points to a long-running dispute over the management of a private school and financial assets.

Jun 30, 2026 12:36 PM IST

Home-cooked meals give way to canteen food as students grow older: Survey

A year-long Lunchbox survey conducted in Gujarat has found that while schoolchildren largely prefer home-cooked meals, college students and hostel residents increasingly rely on canteens, street food and processed snacks. Researchers warned that the shift towards convenience foods and higher caffeine intake could raise long-term risks of obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

Jun 30, 2026 12:33 PM IST

Woman, sister held for live-in partner's murder in Ghaziabad

A woman and her sister have been arrested for allegedly murdering her live-in partner in Ghaziabad and attempting to stage the death as a suicide. Police said the accused claimed she planned the killing after suspecting the victim had "wrong intentions" towards her 13-year-old daughter.

Read here

Jun 30, 2026 12:31 PM IST

Fresh setback for Uddhav as Sachin Ahir joins Shinde Sena

In a major setback for Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir filed his nomination for the Maharashtra Legislative Council deputy chairman's post as the Mahayuti candidate, signalling his switch to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The move comes days after six MPs left Sena (UBT) to join the ruling faction.

Read here

Jun 30, 2026 12:27 PM IST

Businessman's driver held as mastermind of ₹1.09 crore Bengaluru robbery

Bengaluru Police have arrested five people, including a businessman's driver, for allegedly masterminding the robbery of ₹1.09 crore from his employer after staging a kidnapping. Police said ₹85 lakh has been recovered and the investigation began after call records linked the driver to a known rowdy-sheeter.

Jun 30, 2026 12:20 PM IST

Bengaluru PSI arrested under POCSO for alleged abuse of minors

A Bengaluru Police sub-inspector has been arrested under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually abusing minor boys during an interrogation and recording the acts on his phone. The accused officer and a constable who allegedly assisted him have been suspended, while police continue to investigate the case after videos of the alleged abuse surfaced online.

Jun 30, 2026 12:18 PM IST

Pune court awards triple death sentence in toddler rape-murder case

A special fast-track court in Pune has awarded three death sentences to a 65-year-old man convicted of raping and murdering a three-year-old girl, calling it a "rarest of the rare" case. While pronouncing the sentence, the judge said the court must "perceive with its senses" the child's suffering, her final screams and the grief of her parents.

Read the full story here

Jun 30, 2026 11:34 AM IST

Kolkata Police seeks ex-Telegraph editor's passport file amid renewal row

Kolkata Police's Special Branch has sought details of former The Telegraph editor R Rajagopal's passport application after he alleged his passport renewal was delayed following the deletion of his name from West Bengal's electoral rolls. Police said voter ID is not the sole document for passport verification and expressed hope the matter would be resolved quickly.

Read the full report

Jun 30, 2026 10:43 AM IST

IMD forecasts heavy rain, thunderstorms in Mumbai today

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in Mumbai and its suburbs on Tuesday. The city remains under a yellow alert, with the IMD saying the warning could be updated later depending on weather conditions.

(PTI)

Jun 30, 2026 10:29 AM IST

Ajay Rai's wife alleges UP Congress chief detained in Ayodhya

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai's wife, Reena Rai, has alleged that he was detained by police during his visit to Ayodhya and that the family was not informed of his whereabouts. Rai had travelled to Ayodhya to raise allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple and was also scheduled to offer prayers with other Congress leaders.

(PTI Inputs)

Jun 30, 2026 10:23 AM IST

Delhi EV Policy: Subsidies, scrapping incentives for electric vehicle buyers

The Delhi Cabinet has approved a new Electric Vehicle Policy, offering purchase subsidies for eligible electric two-wheelers, scrapping incentives for older petrol and diesel vehicles, and exemptions from road tax and registration fees. The policy comes into effect on July 1 and will remain in force until March 31, 2030.

Read the full story

Jun 30, 2026 10:11 AM IST

Dharmendra Pradhan, Nara Lokesh to visit PM SHRI school in Andhra today

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh are set to visit the PM SHRI AP Model School in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, on Tuesday. The two leaders are scheduled to interact at the school between 9:30 am and 11 am as part of the visit, according to the official programme.

(ANI Inputs)

Jun 30, 2026 10:08 AM IST

Harmanpreet Kaur retained as India captain for Asian Games despite T20 WC exit

Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead India at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with selectors retaining her as captain despite the team's group-stage exit from the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. India will head into the September 19-October 4 event as the defending champions after winning gold in Hangzhou in 2023.

(PTI Inputs)

Jun 30, 2026 10:06 AM IST

Jhunjhunu school van carrying 10 children catches fire; all safe

A private play school van carrying around 10 children caught fire in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district on Tuesday morning. All the children were evacuated safely before the flames spread, and no injuries were reported. The incident occurred near Kanchaniya Ki Dhani while the van was travelling from the Copper Complex area towards Singhana, police said.

(PTI)