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The 24th edition of The Hindu EducationPlus Career Counselling is under way in the State. Organised by The Hindu, this landmark event continues its legacy of guiding students and parents in making well-informed academic and career decisions.

Designed as a one-stop platform for academic and career counselling, the event brings together renowned educationists, career experts, and top institutions to provide personalised guidance on UPSC exam preparation and CET and NEET counselling, conducted by officials from the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Attendees will receive insights into career opportunities across a wide range of fields, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Management, Engineering, Medicine, Chartered Accountancy, Cost Management, Fashion Designing, Animation, Performing Arts, Journalism, Architecture, and more. Whether students are exploring conventional paths or emerging career trends, this forum will offer the clarity, direction, and expert advice they need.

When and where

The event is at Sri Sudhindra Auditorium, Canara High School Main Campus, Kodialbail, Mangaluru.

Registration starts from 9 a.m. The programme is from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entry is free and open to all students and parents. Contact: 9448160126 / 9731400992 for more information or check the link: https://newsth.- live/CET2026ED

The chief guest for the programme is Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Commissioner of Police, Mangaluru city. Specialists will be speaking on career options in various streams.

Platinum Sponsors: The Institute Chartered Accountants of India, Presidency University, Reva University.

Gold Sponsor: CMR University, Chanakya University, East Point Group of Institutions, Hindustan Group of Institutions, Chennai, Ramaiah College of Law.

Silver Sponsorship: ACS College of Engineering, Alliance University, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagar, BLDE Association, Vijayapura, Bheemanna Khandre Institute of Technology (BKIT), Balki, Bidar, Credila, IIBS, IDP, JSS Science & Technology University, Mysuru, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru, Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kammavaari Sangham Group of Institutions, Karnataka Bank, KLE Technological University, Hubballi, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Rajarajeswari College of Engineering, Shri Madhava Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management, Soundarya Institute of Management & Science, SDM Educational Society (R), Ujire, Shanthivana Trust, Dharmasthala, Sharn Basva University, Kalaburagi, Shaheen Group of Institutions, Bidar, Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru, Navkis College of Engineering, Hassan.

Associate Sponsors: Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society, Kalaburagi, Azim Premji University, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Mahindra University, MS College of Engineering, VTU Visveswaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Canara Engineering College, Mangaluru.

Regional Sponsors: Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Royal College of Management Studies.

Published – May 08, 2026 09:48 pm IST

Patalkot, a remote valley located near Tamiya in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, is not only an untouched paradise for nature enthusiasts but also a sacred land steeped in ancient traditions. Home to indigenous tribes, including the Bhariya, Gond, and several other tribal communities, the valley has long been a place where traditions have been passed down generations.

Among these traditions are the vital spiritual and cultural rituals practised by the Bhariya and Gond tribes, the Ganga Pujan and Beedari Puja.

Ganga Pujan is a ceremonial rite performed to honour and elevate deceased family members to the status of deities. After a family member passes away, a special ceremony is conducted where the villagers, alongside the ojha (spiritual healer) and gunia (traditional priest), gather to carve sacred symbols onto stones. These stones are then placed at a sacred site where prayers are offered to the Ganga.

Beedari Puja is a harvest and fertility ritual. During this ceremony, both men and women from the community prepare traditional dishes and bring them to the village temple or designated prayer site, accompanied by bamboo baskets coated with clay.

These baskets contain various seeds from their home grain reserves — maize, millet, finger millet, and sorghum — which are essential for their agricultural practices. The seeds are blessed during the ceremony and then distributed among the villagers in small leaf bundles. Each family mixes the blessed seeds with their own, symbolising the sharing of blessings for a fruitful harvest. The belief is that this ritual ensures prosperity, good health, and a bountiful harvest, with the god’s blessings ensuring the fertility of the land.

Both the Ganga Pujan and the Beedari Puja serve as profound expressions of the tribes’ deep respect for nature, their ancestors, and the divine forces that govern the cycles of life and nature.

These rituals not only preserve the spiritual traditions of the Bhariya and Gond tribes but also reflect their agricultural knowledge and reverence for the environment.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Sacred seeds: Small bundles of leaves with seeds are distributed to the men, who will mix them with the seeds brought by them, for a blessed and bountiful harvest.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Unity in tradition: Tribal women walking together in devotion for the Ganga Pujan ceremony, honouring their ancestral traditions with unity and reverence.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Heads bowed: Gond tribal members perform the final rite of offering soil after the last rituals of the Ganga Pujan ceremony to honour the departed.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Paying tribute: A tribal man carves the figure of a departed person on a stone.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Spiritual hymn: The ojha (spiritual healer) and gunia (traditional priest) perform the sacred Ganga Pujan ceremony.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Down the generations: A tribal child offering ahuti (handful of sacred offerings) during the Ganga Pujan ceremony.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Solemn moment: Tribal men form a long procession as they walk together for the sacred Ganga Pujan ceremony.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Prayer for peace: Ahuti being performed during the Ganga Pujan ceremony.

Photo:
A.M. Faruqui

Coming together: Tribal women gathered for the Ganga Pujan ceremony.

This frame grab from video shows wreckage from a plane that crashed by a home in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP

No survivors in Brazil plane that crashed in Sao Paulo with 61 aboard

A passenger plane crashed into a gated residential community in Brazil’s Sao Paulo state on Friday (August 9, 2024), killing all 61 people aboard and leaving a smoldering wreck, officials and the airline said. Officials gave no immediate word of any casualties at the site of the crash in the city of Vinhedo, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) northwest of Sao Paulo, but witnesses at the scene said there were no victims among residents of the neighborhood.

Aman Sehrawat wins bronze for India in 57kg wrestling

Aman Sehrawat didn’t brood. On Thursday (August 8, 2024) evening, up against former Olympic silver medallist Rei Higuchi in the semifinals he barely lasted a round. In no time he trailed 10-0 and the bout was stopped — the Japanese declared winner by technical superiority.

India-Bangladesh ties not dependent on Awami League, says BNP

Indo-Bangla bilateral ties are not dependent on the Awami League and it is “natural to evoke adverse reactions” in Bangladesh over India giving refuge to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Senior leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Vinesh Phogat appeal: Court of Arbitration for Sport concludes hearing

The hearing into Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Olympic finals concluded at the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Paris with the IOA insisting that it is hopeful of a “positive resolution”.

Opposition parties prepare to move no-confidence motion against Vice-President

As many as 50 Opposition MPs, sources said, have signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67(B) of the Indian Constitution, which states that the Vice-President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by an effective majority and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha with a simple majority.

King Charles III ends silence on U.K. far-right riots

King Charles III on Friday (August 9, 2024) made his first comments about riots that have shaken British cities to praise the work of police in countering the violence. The King praised British police and emergency services “for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder”, according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.

Imane Khelif of Algeria wins women’s welterweight gold amid gender dispute

Algeria’s Imane Khelif, the female boxer thrust into the centre of a a gender dispute at the Paris Games, beat China’s Yang Liu to claim the welterweight Olympic gold medal in crushing fashion, sending her fans into delirium on Friday.

Gazans flee destroyed Khan Yunis as new Israel operation begins

Crowds fleeing Khan Yunis after an Israeli evacuation order gave way to empty streets on Friday as Palestinian residents tried to escape a new Israeli military operation in Gaza’s main southern area. Crowds fleeing Khan Yunis after an Israeli evacuation order gave way to empty streets on Friday as Palestinian residents tried to escape a new Israeli military operation in Gaza’s main southern area.

Three Kuki-Zo village volunteers killed in firing in Manipur’s Tengnoupal

Three village volunteers of the Kuki-Zo community were allegedly killed on Friday (August 9, 2024) morning after district authorities in Manipur’s Tengnoupal confirmed that firing was reported near the Molnoi village area around 9:30 a.m., according to police officials and community members aware of the incident.

Political differences cast aside as thousands bid adieu to Buddhadeb

In a spontaneous outpouring of grief, thousands of people gathered around the Communist Party of India (Marxist) office on 31, Alimuddin Street in the heart of Kolkata on Friday (August 9, 2024) to pay their last respects to former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

Sisodia got bail due to a technicality, what are they celebrating: BJP

Reacting to former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s release from Tihar Jail, the BJP on Friday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had little reason to celebrate as Mr. Sisodia had been granted bail “due to a technical reason”.

Bangladesh’s Yunus tackles ‘law and order’ as interim govt begins work

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and his newly named interim government set out Friday to restore “law and order” after a student-led uprising and deadly mass protests forced predecessor Sheikh Hasina into exile. A day after returning home from Europe and vowing to “uphold, support and protect the constitution” as he was sworn into office, 84-year-old Yunus began the tough challenge of returning the country to democracy.

Vinesh Phogat of India reacts after winning the match against Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Vinesh Phogat announces retirement from wrestling day after Olympic disqualification

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Thursday (August 8, 2024) announced her retirement from wrestling a day after she was disqualified from the 50kg category Paris Olympics finals. The seasoned wrestler was disqualified after weighing 100 grams more than the permissible limit in the morning weigh-in ahead of the final.

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill, amends LTCG tax provision on immovable properties

The Finance Bill 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) with an amendment relaxing the recently introduced new capital gains tax on real estate. It allows tax payers an option to switch to a new lower tax rate or stick to the old regime that had higher rate with indexation benefit.

‘Will you arrest him again?’: Delhi High Court asks ED on Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) questioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about the relevance of its challenge to the bail granted to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, when the Supreme Court had already granted him interim bail in the excise policy-related money laundering case.

Wrestler Antim Panghal and team set to be deported from Paris for disciplinary breach

In a major embarrassment for the country, Antim Panghal and her entire entourage is being deported from Paris for a major disciplinary breach where the young wrestler handed her official accreditation card to her sister who was caught by security while leaving the Games Village.

Tunisian President replaces Prime Minister without any explanation

Tunisian President Kais Saied sacked his Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani without explanation on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) and replaced him with Social Affairs Minister Kamel Madouri, his office said in a statement.

Mirabai Chanu’s bid for 2nd consecutive medal falls short, finishes fourth in Paris Olympics

Mirabai Chanu’s courageous push for a second consecutive Olympic medal ended on a disappointing note with the Tokyo Games silver medallist managing a fourth place finish with an aggregate of 199kg in the weightlifting hall of the South Paris Arena here on Wednesday.

Chaos continues in Bangladesh as authorities scramble to bring law and order under control

Students carried out traffic management as volunteers for the second consecutive day on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) in Bangladesh, as a top police official called on every member of the police force to resume their duties gradually and maintain law and order.

Delhi coaching centre death: Court seeks response from CBI on bail application of basement owners

A Delhi court on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) issued notice to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking the agency’s reply on the bail applications of four co-owners of a basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajender Nagar where three civil services aspirants died due to flooding, last month.

Mumbai sessions court frames charges against former RPF constable with murder of four persons

A Mumbai sessions court on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) charged a dismissed Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary with the murder of four persons and promoting enmity between different religious groups.

Turkiye formally asks to join the genocide case against Israel at the UN court

“Turkiye on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) filed a request with a U.N. court to join South Africa’s lawsuit accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said. Turkiye’s ambassador to the Netherlands, accompanied by a group of Turkish legislators, submitted a declaration of intervention to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Putin accuses Ukraine of a ‘large-scale provocation’ with its raid in southwestern Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) described a Ukrainian incursion into the country’s southwestern Kursk region as a “large-scale provocation” as his officials asserted that they were fighting off cross-border raids for a second day. Ukrainian officials remained silent about the scope of the operation.

Hamas on August 6, 2024, named Yahya Sinwar, its top official in Gaza who masterminded the October 7 attacks in Israel, as its new leader.
| Photo Credit: AP

Vinesh Phogat enters final in 50kg freestyle; assured of historic Olympic medal

Vinesh Phogat made history. With Himalayan determination, the two-time World championships medallist overcame odds galore to succeed in her third Olympics, by reaching the final of the women’s 50kg final. She was the first Indian woman wrestler to do so.

Hamas names Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7 attacks, as its new leader in show of defiance

Hamas on Tuesday (August 6) named Yahya Sinwar, its top official in Gaza who masterminded the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, as its new leader in a dramatic sign of the power of the Palestinian militant group’s hardline wing after his predecessor was killed in a presumed Israeli strike in Iran.

Sheikh Hasina looks at UAE, Saudi for asylum

Twenty-four hours after ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka and landed at Delhi’s Hindon base, it is still unclear where her final destination will be, as sources confirmed that the United Kingdom is “unlikely” to accept her request for asylum. Meanwhile, it is understood that Ms. Hasina, who had to leave Bangladesh at very short notice is discussing options with other countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, apart from those where her immediate family resides: U.S., U.K, Finland and India.

Bangladesh President dissolves Parliament; students want Yunus to head interim government

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday (August 6, 2024) dissolved the 12th Parliament, formed through the January 7 national election, and assured the country that fresh elections will be held as soon as possible. This comes a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down after 15 straight years in power and fled the country, following a crackdown on widespread protests.

Search for missing people in Wayanad disaster to continue, death toll put at 224 so far

The search for bodies of missing people in the Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslides continued on the eighth day on Tuesday. Although no new bodies were retrieved, the search teams retrieved seven body parts from different places.

Government blinks on capital gains tax on real estate

Facing a backlash over changes to the long-term capital gains tax regime announced in the Budget, including critiques from MPs within the NDA coalition, the government has relented to grant some relief for property transactions.

Paris Olympics men’s hockey: Germany enters finals; India to fight for bronze

A relentless Germany dashed the spirited Indian side’s dream of a berth in the final by recording a come-from-behind 3-2 win in the semifinals of the men’s hockey competition in the Paris Olympics at the Yves du Manoir Stadium here on Tuesday.

U.K. government calls on Elon Musk to act responsibly amid provocative posts as unrest grips country

The British government has called on Elon Musk to act responsibly after the tech billionaire used his social media platform X to unleash a barrage of posts that officials say risk inflaming the violent unrest gripping the country. Justice Minister Heidi Alexander made the comments Tuesday morning (August 6) after Mr. Musk posted a comment saying that “Civil war is inevitable” in the U.K. 

Mallikarjun Kharge to hold discussions with Congress-ruled States on judgment on Scheduled Castes sub-categorisation

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and chairperson of the parliamentary party Sonia Gandhi were among the party’s leaders who met on Tuesday to discuss the Supreme Court’s judgment on sub-categorisation of the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Bangladesh ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia freed after arch-rival toppled

Bangladesh‘s uncompromising former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been released from years of house arrest after her bitter enemy Sheikh Hasina was ousted as premier and fled as protesters stormed her palace.

133 Manipur villagers displaced by ethnic conflict in Jiribam return home

In joint efforts led by the district administration of Manipur’s Jiribam, along with the security forces posted in the area, 133 Meitei villagers returned to their homes in Mongbung village, where last month a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable was killed in a gunfight, officials said on Tuesday (August 6) night. 

Citing national security, Defence Ministry declines to share details of staff shortage in armed forces

Citing “national security”, the Defence Ministry has refused to divulge details on the shortage of personnel in the armed forces, which in the past was regularly given out in written responses to questions in Parliament.

Pakistan’s National Assembly passes Bill restricting independent lawmakers from joining other parties

Pakistan’s National Assembly on Tuesday (August 6, 2024) passed a Bill seeking to bar independent lawmakers from joining a party after a stipulated period, with the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party voicing a strong protest against it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K’ programme, in Srinagar, on June 20, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Poll preparations on, J&K to shape its future as a State soon, says PM Modi in Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Srinagar amid tight security, said the day was not far when people will elect a new government and shape Jammu & Kashmir’s future as a State once again. He pledged to “teach a lesson to the enemies of J&K”, while referring to recent terror attacks. The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore. He launched Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project worth ₹1,800 crore and handed over appointment letters to 200 fresh government recruits.

Arvind Kejriwal granted bail in Delhi Excise policy case

A Delhi court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi Excise policy of 2021-22. Vacation judge, Rouse Avenue Court, Niyay Bindu passed the order after hearing Mr. Kejriwal and the ED at length. The bail order was dictated by the judge in an open court on June 20 evening. The detailed court order is awaited. Mr. Kejriwal, earlier this month, had filed two bail applications in the Rouse Avenue Court, one for a seven days bail for treatment which was denied on June 5.

NEET, UGC-NET paper leaks: Government to form panel to improve NTA’s working, says Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the alleged irregularities in the recently held National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET), and the cancelled University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) were “an institutional failure of the National Testing Agency”. Mr. Pradhan has said that a reform committee consisting of technocrats, bureaucrats and scientists would be formulated, which would suggest improvements to the NTA’s working.

French journalist forced to leave India as MHA refuses to renew his work permit 

A second French journalist, working in India since 2011, said he had been forced to leave the country after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) denied the renewal of his work permit without providing any reason. Earlier this year, French journalist Vanessa Dougnac, who had been living in India for 22 years, left the country after the MHA sent a notice citing “malicious reportage” and visa violations, asking why her OCI card should not be cancelled.

ECI receives 11 requests for EVM and VVPAT memory verification post results

The Election Commission of India has received 11 requests for memory verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPAT) from the recently concluded Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. These requests essentially mean rematching the votes polled in 5% of the EVMs in each of these constituencies. This is the first time that such requests have been received since the Supreme Court order of April 24 allowing verification on the request of the runners-up in any election.

UGC-NET exam cancelled to safeguard students’ interest, says Education Ministry official

A day after the UGC-NET was cancelled, Education Ministry officials said no complaints were received about the exam but a suo motu action was taken on the basis of inputs available with them to protect students’ interest. Education Ministry Joint Secretary Govind Jaiswal said the details of the inputs cannot be shared as the matter has been referred to the CBI and is currently under investigation

India shuns China’s calls to resume passenger flights after 4 years, officials say

China is pressing India to restart direct passenger flights after a four-year halt, but New Delhi is resisting as a border dispute continues to weigh on ties between the world’s two most populous countries, officials said. India-China relations have been tense since the biggest military confrontation in decades on their disputed Himalayan border killed 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers in June 2020. Thousands of troops remain mobilised on each side.

IRCTC apologises to Vande Bharat passenger who found cockroach in food

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) apologised to a couple who found a cockroach in their meal while traveling on the Vande Bharat Express from Bhopal to Agra. After an X user Vidit Varshney took to the social media platform about his uncle and aunt finding an insect in their meal on the Vande Bharat Express, IRCTC responded by apologising for the incident and said they are taking it seriously.

Jaishankar reviews India-backed energy, connectivity projects during Colombo visit

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar undertook a day-long visit to Colombo and discussed progress on key energy sector initiatives that India and Sri Lanka have agreed to jointly undertake. Participating in a ceremony with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, he commissioned a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and handed over new homes built with Indian assistance. In his first bilateral visit abroad after being re-appointed to the post in the newly installed coalition government, EAM Jaishankar focused mostly on progress made in the implementation of ongoing India-backed projects across the island nation, sources said

IIT Bombay imposes fine on 8 students for performing play that allegedly mocked Lord Ram

The Indian Institute of India (IIT) Bombay has imposed a fine of up to ₹1.2 lakh on eight students, who performed a play that allegedly mocked Lord Ram and portrayed the ‘Ramayana’ in a bad light, a fellow student said. The students had presented the play named ‘Raahovan’ on March 31 this year, as part of the Performing Arts Festival (PAF).

Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: Madras High Court to hear on June 21 a plea for CBI probe

The Madras High Court on Thursday agreed to hear a public interest litgation petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy that had so far claimed over 30 lives and left many others hospitalised. The petitioner insisted on a CBI probe since there was serious suspicion of the spurious liquor sale having taken place with the connivance of local politicians belonging to the ruling party and the police personnel.

Sanjay Singh seeks INDIA bloc’s support to get Delhi’s share of water from Haryana

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh sought the INDIA bloc’s support in the party’s fight to get Delhi’s share of water from Haryana. Mr. Singh said Delhi Water minister Atishi will be starting an indefinite fast from June 21 to get Delhi’s share of water from Haryana, which is ruled by the BJP.

Rain brings some relief to North India, heatwave conditions ease

Heatwave conditions have abated over large parts of North India, the India Meteorological Department said, but this is expected to be short-lived as dry conditions are expected to resurface over the weekend or early next week. “Heat wave conditions have abated from Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, north Rajasthan and many parts of Uttar Pradesh today the 20th June 2024. Scattered to fairly widespread light/moderate rainfall has been observed over Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, north Haryana-Chandigarh and north Uttar Pradesh during past 24 hours (Thursday). Isolated very heavy rainfall has also been observed over Uttarakhand during this period,” the IMD said on Thursday.

68 Indians among over 600 to die due to heat during Haj pilgrimage

A diplomat in Saudi Arabia said that 68 Indian nationals died during the haj pilgrimage this year marked by searing heath, bringing the overall tally to more than 600. “We have confirmed around 68 dead… Some are because of natural causes and we had many old-age pilgrims. And some are due to the weather conditions, that’s what we assume,” the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.

T20 World Cup, AFG vs IND: After the Suryakumar show, Bumrah takes over

India had no trouble adapting to conditions in the West Indies. The move from USA to Barbados was seamless, as India crushed Afghanistan by 47 runs in its first Super 8 game on Thursday. Led by Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, India passed the pitch test with flying colours to make a commanding 181 for eight. With ball in hand, Jasprit Bumrah (3/7) and the three spinners put the stranglehold on the Afghans.

Education Ministry announces cancellation of UGC-NET; CBI probe ordered

The Education Ministry announced the cancellation of the UGC-NET examination after inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs suggested that the integrity of the examinations had been compromised. The University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test is conducted by the National Testing Agency. The development comes at a time when the NTA is embroiled in a controversy over irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical and allied courses.

At least 9 die after consuming spurious liquor in Tamil Nadu’s Kallakurichi

At least nine persons including a woman died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor at Karunapuram in Kallakurichi district. While six of them died in Kallakurichi, three others succumbed in neighbouring Salem district. It is feared the toll could go up. Only last year, at least 22 persons had died in twin hooch tragedies in nearby Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts.

Official data: more frequent surveys, quicker results on the cards

The Centre is eyeing an increase in the frequency of some critical official Surveys, including the periodic survey to measure employment, and releasing their results faster to facilitate timely and informed policy decisions, a top Statistics Ministry official said on June 19.

Centre raises paddy MSP by ₹117 to ₹2,300 per quintal for 2024-25

The government raised the minimum support price for paddy by 5.35% to ₹2,300 per quintal for the 2024-25 kharif marketing season. The hike in paddy support price comes despite the government sitting on surplus rice stocks, but it is significant ahead of elections in states like Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi.

Canadian Parliament holds moment of silence for Nijjar killing anniversary; India says it will mourn Kanishka victims

Canadian parliamentarians stood for a moment of silence to mark one year since the killing of Khalistani separatist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in a sign that bilateral ties between India and Canada are likely to spiral further downwards, despite a meeting between the two countries’ Prime Ministers, Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau, in Italy on June 14. Khalistani groups were also allowed to take out processions in different Canadian cities, where they shouted anti-India slogans over the killing and called for a trial against Indian officials and Mr. Modi.

The Hindu’s senior photojournalist Nissar Ahmad passes away in Srinagar — an obituary

A camera shutter that captured the multiple phases of Kashmir’s turbulent history shut forever with the demise of senior photojournalist of The Hindu, Nissar Ahmad, in Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar. Mr. Ahmad, 59, started his journalistic career in the late 1980s. He has the distinction of working with reputed Urdu dailies published from Kashmir, which include the Aftaab and the Alsafa. His work brought to light the violent phase of Kashmir’s history in the early 1990s when he started working with the widely-respected Jammu-based newspaper, the Kashmir Times. 

Madhya Pradesh suspends licence of Som Distilleries over child labour row

The Madhya Pradesh Government temporarily suspended the licence of Som Distilleries, a liquor factory in Raisen district. Authorities rescued 59 children from the factory last week amid allegations they were made to toil in the factory. An inspection was conducted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on a complaint by the non-profit Bachpan Bachao Andolan on June 15. The inspectors said, 39 boys and 20 girls were rescued from the liquor manufacturing unit.

Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly polls, Sharad Pawar launches Baramati blitz to challenge nephew Ajit’s hold over constituency 

After trouncing his nephew Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party in the Lok Sabha election, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has begun a whirlwind campaign in the Baramati Assembly segment in a bid to supplant the younger Pawar in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election. On June 19, the 83-year-old Mr. Sharad Pawar, on a three-day tour of drought-affected villages in Baramati, expressed confidence in the NCP (SP) coming to power in Maharashtra after the Assembly election.

CISF yet to get formal orders to take over Parliament security

The Central Industrial Security Force is yet to receive formal orders to take over the security at the Parliament, officials told The Hindu. In the past few months, over 2,500 CISF personnel have been deployed on the premises replacing the Delhi Police and the Central Reserve Police Force. CISF has assumed some key duties earlier assigned to the Parliament Security Service such as issuance of pass and facilitating the entry of MPs.

Demolition drive in Lucknow: More than 1,200 illegal structures razed in Akbarnagar

“The demolition work of illegal buildings on the river bed of Kukrail river in Akbarnagar has been completed,” officials of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) said. “Around 1,169 illegal residential properties and more than 100 commercial properties were demolished using heavy machinery, including bulldozers,” they said.

Renukaswamy died due to shock and haemorrhage, says post-mortem report 

The post-mortem report of Renukaswamy, who was allegedly murdered by actor Darshan and his associates, according to documents obtained by The Hindu, has concluded that “the death is due to shock and haemorrhage as a result of multiple blunt injuries”. Police sources said it was the post-mortem report that threw light on the victim being administered electric shocks, a fact that the police did not know and the accused had tried to suppress.

Restore statues of leaders to their original position in Parliament complex: Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman that the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other national leaders that were relocated and placed at the newly inaugurated Prerna Sthal inside the Parliament complex should be restored to their original place.

Stood against hatred: Congress, INDIA bloc leaders hail Rahul Gandhi on birthday

Birthday wishes poured in for Rahul Gandhi as he turned 54 with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge saying that his qualities of unwavering commitment to the values espoused in the Constitution and his emphatic compassion for the millions of unheard voices set him apart. Rahul Gandhi, a former Congress president and MP from Rae Bareli, has instructed all Congress workers to avoid any grand celebrations and instead celebrate this occasion by engaging in humanitarian efforts and charity.

Sri Lanka needs to connect with India to benefit from its industrial success: President Wickremesinghe

President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday said Sri Lanka needs to connect with neighbouring India to reap the benefits of its massive industrial development. “Our neighbour India is going through a phase of massive industrial development. Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are experiencing it. We must also join in,” said Mr. Wickremesinghe in his address at the Industry 2024 event in Colombo.

Monsoon gathering pace, to strengthen in Maharashtra by June 21-22: IMD

The south-west monsoon, which has slowed down after hitting Mumbai, is gathering pace and is expected to progress further by June 21-22, an official of the India Meteorological Department said. The progress of the monsoon will provide a much-needed relief to north India, which is reeling under an intense heatwave.

Mizoram awaits Centre instruction to initiate biometric enrollment for Myanmar refugees

“The Mizoram government is waiting for instruction from the Centre to initiate biometric enrollment for more than 33,000 Myanmar refugees in the northeastern State,” a Home Department official said. The official said that a new biometric enrollment portal has already been prepared. In April last year, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had directed Mizoram and Manipur, which share borders with Myanmar, to capture the biometric and biographic details of “illegal immigrants” in their States.

AI creating false stories about World War II, Holocaust: UNESCO

AI technology is helping to create false stories about World War II atrocities including Holocaust denial, risking an “explosive spread of anti-Semitism”, the U.N. warned. The U.N.’s education and culture body UNESCO called for governments and tech companies to introduce ethical safeguards around AI technology, and for schools to spread the word about the risks of AI-generated content.

Israel may have violated laws of war in Gaza campaign, UN rights office says

Israeli forces may have repeatedly violated fundamental principles of the laws of war and failed to distinguish between civilians and fighters in their Gaza Strip military campaign, the United Nations human rights office said. In a report assessing six Israeli attacks that caused a high number of casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure, the U.N. human rights office said Israeli forces “may have systematically violated the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack.”

You are one of the greats: Wesley Hall tells Kohli

Legendary West Indies pacer Wesley Hall has seen a lot of great batters over the years and in his opinion, Indian superstar Virat Kohli belongs right at the top with the all-time legends of the game. The 86-year-old from Barbados, who formed a lethal bowling partnership with Charlie Griffith in the 1960s, also feels that the modern day West Indies players can’t be expected to turn down million-dollar contracts in franchise cricket though it does impact the health of Test cricket in the region.