The Election Commission decides on the electoral college and prepares for the vice presidential election.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially finalised the Electoral College list for the forthcoming Vice Presidential election, taking an important procedural step to fill the country’s second-highest constitutional office. In a statement released on Thursday, the Commission confirmed that the updated list comprises all elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha as well as elected members of the Lok Sabha, in line with Article 66(1) of the Constitution and Rule 40 of the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.

Arranged in continuous serial order and alphabetically by State or Union Territory, the finalised list ensures transparency and procedural thoroughness for the election. This move marks the formal commencement of the Vice Presidential poll process and follows the recent resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, which has heightened political anticipation in New Delhi. The ECI is expected to announce the election schedule soon. The election holds particular importance as the Vice President also functions as the ex officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, playing a critical role in parliamentary proceedings.

New curriculum modules featuring Shubhanshu Shukla and Operation Sindoor will be introduced by NCERT.

A senior official revealed that India’s curriculum revamp will include real-world case studies, such as the sensitive Operation Sindoor, to help students understand the importance of strategic decision-making and coordinated government action during national crises. The new modules will also spotlight Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic journey as the first Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, alongside lessons on environmental stewardship through Mission LiFE and a historical perspective on the Partition of India. The move, pending final approval, aims to make education more relevant and rooted in India’s national identity.

Families of the victims of the Ahmedabad accident receive temporary compensation from Air India.

Air India has disbursed interim compensation of Rs. 25 lakh each to the families of 147 passengers and 19 crash site victims in the tragic AI 171 plane crash. Documentation for 52 more victims has been verified, with payments forthcoming. The Tata Group has set up the AI 171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, which has pledged Rs. 1 crore ex gratia compensation per deceased individual and is funding restoration of damaged infrastructure. The Trust will also assist first responders and support long-term recovery efforts. The crash, which claimed 241 lives, is under investigation, with a preliminary probe citing a dual-engine failure due to sudden fuel supply loss.

India is alarmed as China starts building a contentious mega project on the Brahmaputra.

China has commenced construction of the Yarlung Zangbo River Lower Reaches Hydropower Project in Tibet, a massive undertaking on the upper Brahmaputra that has raised fresh concerns in India and Bangladesh. The project, expected to cost $167.8 billion and feature five major power stations, involves straightening river bends and diverting water through tunnels—measures Beijing claims will boost regional energy supply. However, downstream nations worry the dam could disrupt water flow and local ecosystems. India has reiterated its demand for transparency and consultation, highlighting the risk to livelihoods and water security in its northeastern states. Bilateral mechanisms such as the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) continue to facilitate dialogue, with both countries discussing hydrological data sharing and potential impacts. The dam’s construction highlights the intersection of renewable energy ambitions, critical water resources, and ongoing tensions in India-China relations.

On Wednesday, more than 25 crore workers will go on strike nationwide; essential services could be interrupted.

Public services across India are set to face major disruptions on Wednesday as over 25 crore workers from diverse sectors—including banking, insurance, coal mining, construction, and transportation—prepare to join a nationwide general strike. Called by a coalition of 10 central trade unions and supported by farmers’ and rural workers’ organizations, the strike is a protest against what unions describe as the government’s “anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies.” Essential services like banking, postal operations, and public transport are expected to be hit hard. The unions have accused the government of ignoring their 17-point charter of demands, which includes calls for job creation, withdrawal of new labour codes, and protection against privatisation. With mass mobilisations planned in both urban and rural areas, this action marks one of the largest coordinated protests in recent years.

AAIB publishes initial report on crash of Air India AI171.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary report on the Air India flight AI171 crash to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, outlining initial findings from the tragic June 12 accident in Ahmedabad. The report, based on early analysis of flight data, crew actions, weather conditions, and mechanical performance, highlights key observations but stops short of definitive conclusions as the full investigation continues. Preliminary indications point to a possible dual-engine failure shortly after takeoff, a scenario investigators are closely examining. The AAIB’s inquiry, supported by experts from the Indian Air Force, HAL, Boeing, GE, and the US National Transportation Safety Board, relies on data recovered from both black boxes at India’s new AAIB Lab in Delhi. The preliminary findings will also be shared with international aviation bodies, while a comprehensive final report is expected in the coming months.

Death toll from Telangana plant explosion: 36

The death toll from the explosion at Sigachi Pharma Industries in Telangana’s Sangareddy district has climbed to 36, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy confirmed on Tuesday. Addressing the tragedy, the chief minister announced that the state government, in coordination with Sigachi Industries, will ensure Rs 1 crore compensation for the family of each deceased worker. Additional financial support includes Rs 10 lakh for those severely injured, Rs 5 lakh for those with recoverable injuries, and immediate relief of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000 for bereaved families and injured workers, respectively. At the time of the explosion, 143 workers were present; rescue operations are ongoing as several remain missing. The blast, suspected to have been caused by a chemical reaction, has prompted a full investigation, with the chief minister assuring strict action against those responsible. Most victims were migrant workers from various states, and the tragedy has cast a pall over the region as authorities continue rescue and relief efforts.

Indian Railways will now generate reservation charts 8 hours prior to departure.

The Ministry of Railways has announced that reservation charts for confirmed berths or seats will now be prepared eight hours before a train’s scheduled departure, instead of the previous four hours. This move aims to provide passengers, especially those from remote areas, with more time to make alternative arrangements if their waitlist is not confirmed. Additionally, the Railways will revamp its Passenger Reservation System (PRS) by December, increasing booking capacity to 1.5 lakh tickets per minute and introducing a more user-friendly, multilingual interface. From July 1, 2025, only authenticated users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website and app, further enhancing transparency and convenience for travelers.

Four staff are fired by Air India SATS due to criticism of a party video.

“Following public outrage over a viral video showing Air India SATS (AISATS) senior officials celebrating at an office party in Gurugram shortly after the Ahmedabad plane crash that claimed 270 lives, AISATS has terminated four senior executives, including COO Abraham Zachariah. The incident, widely condemned as insensitive and disrespectful to the victims and their families, occurred while many bodies were still unidentified and funeral rites pending. AISATS, a joint venture between Air India Limited and SATS Limited, expressed regret over the emotional distress caused but faced sustained criticism amid ongoing investigations into the crash and scrutiny of its operational role.”