QUICKREADS

Forest bill report likely to be tabled in monsoon session
The Joint Committee of Parliament reviewing the Forest (Conservation) Amendment bill 2023 is set to table its report during the upcoming monsoon session which starts on July 20, according to people familiar with the matter. The final meeting of the Committee was held on June 26 and the bill was taken up, clause by clause. According to some members, opposition MPs within the Parliament Committee which has 31 members have dissented to specific clauses.

UP NEET aspirant trying to catch cattle smugglers beaten to death
A NEET aspirant was abducted and killed while trying to stop cattle smugglers in Gorakhpur, UP. Villagers clashed with police after finding his body, causing injuries to officers. CM Yogi ordered strict action, and the family seeks compensation and justice.

Villagers vs cattle smugglers in UP: NEET aspirant dead, suspect injured
Violence erupted in a Gorakhpur village after a confrontation between villagers and alleged cattle smugglers, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old NEET aspirant, Deepak. Police suspended the local outpost staff due to negligence. Protests ensued, with villagers blaming authorities for failing to protect Deepak. Senior officials promised swift action against the smugglers and police involved.
Education ministry issues directions for screening of film on PM Modi in schools
Education ministry directs CBSE, KVS, and NVS to screen "Chalo Jeete Hain," a film about PM Modi's childhood, in schools from September 16 to October 2, aiming to inspire students with themes of character, service, and responsibility.

Target all drug cartels, extradite smugglers: Amit Shah
Amit Shah urges states to target drug cartels at all levels, from border entries to local sales. He calls for coordinated efforts with CBI to extradite smugglers, develop strategic approaches, and establish specialized units to combat drug trafficking effectively.

In holy city of Varanasi, Modi’s vision fused development, politics, faith
Modi transformed Varanasi from a crumbling pilgrimage town to a development showcase, winning three elections and launching massive infrastructure projects worth ₹52,000 crore, while symbolically merging faith, politics, and progress.

SC seeks states’ replies on anti-conversion law pleas
Supreme Court seeks state responses on anti-conversion laws, challenging their validity across nine states. Petitioners argue laws infringe fundamental rights, are arbitrary, and disproportionately impact women and minorities. Court gives states four weeks to respond.

SC overturns 2022 order on Haryana’s community land
Supreme Court overturns its 2022 order, upholding a 2003 High Court decision that allows land proprietors to retain unutilized land not specifically designated for common purposes, potentially impacting Aravalli conservation efforts.

Narendra Modi: A multi-faceted leader with a common touch
Narendra Modi, rising from humble beginnings to Prime Minister in 2014, has transformed India through digital governance, economic reforms, and inclusive policies. His leadership blends humor, technological innovation, and cultural pride, connecting with citizens through personal touch and effective communication.

AI171 pilot’s father slams crash probe
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal's father demands a formal inquiry into the Air India crash, criticizing preliminary reports that allegedly tarnish his son's reputation through selective leaks and unsubstantiated speculation about his mental state.

6-week interim bail to Elgar Parishad accused
Supreme Court grants 6-week interim bail to Elgar Parishad accused Mahesh Raut on medical grounds, acknowledging his rheumatoid arthritis and previous high court bail, despite NIA's objections about his alleged Maoist fund transfers.

Retd judges made to ‘beg’ for facilities: SC hits out at Centre
Supreme Court criticizes government for poor treatment of retired judges in tribunals, highlighting lack of basic facilities and infrastructure. Judges are made to "beg" for essentials, leading many to decline tribunal assignments, undermining the judicial system's effectiveness.

Auction of gifts to PM Modi set to start from today
PM Modi's 1,300 gifts will be auctioned online from September 17 to October 2, with proceeds going to Namami Gange Mission. Items include sports memorabilia, deity statues, and artwork, with base prices ranging from ₹600 to over ₹10 lakh.

Life-size holobox of Sardar Patel to mark 88th anniv of Operation Polo
A life-size AI-powered Holobox of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will be unveiled at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, allowing visitors to interact with a 3D avatar and ask questions about his life and contributions to India's history.

Negotiators meet in Delhi; India, US to intensify efforts for an early trade deal
India and the US resumed trade negotiations in Delhi, aiming to finalize a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. Talks were positive, with both sides committed to intensifying efforts and resolving previous tensions over market access and Russian oil purchases.

British PM Keir Starmer raised issue of Christian Michel’s jailing directly with Modi
British PM Keir Starmer raised Christian Michel's imprisonment with Modi during their meeting, highlighting Michel's seven-year detention without trial in India, following Italian court findings that absolved him of corruption charges.