George Kurian Resigns as Union Minister of State in Modi Government..
Union Minister George Kurian, who served as Union Minister of State in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, has resigned from his post. President Draupadi Murmu, on the Prime Minister’s advice, has accepted his resignation with immediate effect. A press release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan stated that, on the Prime Minister’s advice, the President of India has accepted George Kurian’s resignation from the Union Council of Ministers under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution of India with immediate effect. George Kurian also held the charge of Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. He was the only minister in the Modi government who belonged to the Christian community. His term in the Rajya Sabha ended on June 21. George Kurien was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh 65-year-old George Kurian has been associated with the BJP since the 1980s and is considered a senior leader within the party. After the BJP’s formation in 1980, he held several key positions within the organization, particularly working to expand the party in Kerala. After being active in the organization for a long time, he also assumed responsibilities at the national level. George Kurien was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh on August 27, 2024, and was included in the Union Council of Ministers in August 2024 during the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kurien was given the responsibility of Minister of State in the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Ministry of Fisheries. He was born on September 20, 1960, in Kottayam district, Kerala. Apart from politics, he has also practiced as a lawyer in the Supreme Court. He received his early education from Kottayam district and became a Union Minister in the Modi government in June 2024.
Keir Starmer Announces Resignation as UK Prime Minister, Leadership Race Set to Begin
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party. He stated that he no longer commands sufficient support to lead the party into the next general election. Speaking to the media outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer revealed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision. He said he would remain in office until a new leader is chosen and oversee a smooth transition of power. The process to elect a new Labour Party leader will begin on July 9 and conclude before the parliamentary session starts in September. Thanking his colleagues, officials, and supporters, Starmer said that throughout his tenure, he had always prioritized Britain’s interests above all else.
At G7 Summit, Modi Gifts GI-Tagged Indian Treasures – From Kashmir Honey to Banarasi Silk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented special gifts showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and traditional products to global leaders during the 52nd G7 Summit in France. The gifts were brought from various parts of India and included special products with Geographical Indication (GI) tags. PM Modi presented Ramban honey to Global leaders PM Modi presented Ramban honey from Jammu and Kashmir to the leaders. Naturally grown in the Chenab Valley, this natural honey is renowned for its flavor and nutritional value. PM Modi also presented Nagauri Ashwagandha (Rajasthan), a herb known for its high medicinal value and a highly beneficial health benefit, and Lakadong turmeric from the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, a GI-tagged product known for its high curcumin content. Grown using traditional farming methods, it is also used for culinary and ayurvedic purposes. Apart from this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gifted Banarasi silk stoles to global leaders including the GI tags. Banarasi silk stole is a traditional handwoven fabric from Varanasi made from fine silk and is known for its intricate zari work or beautiful texture and detailed designs inspired by nature. Banarasi silk stole has received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag which showcases one of India’s most revered textile traditions.
China Begins Construction on World’s Largest Dam Near Indian Border, Stoking Geopolitical Tensions…
China’s decision to build the massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo is significant because this river does not stay in China. It enters India through Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, becomes the Brahmaputra River in Assam, and eventually flows into Bangladesh. Construction of the project officially began in 2025 and is expected to become the world’s largest hydropower development, generating roughly three times the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam. Why India is worried China sits upstream, giving it physical control over infrastructure that can influence river flows. Even if Beijing does not intend to cut off water, the ability to regulate releases gives it a strategic advantage during crises or periods of tension. Indian analysts worry that water could become another factor in the broader India-China rivalry. A major concern is not only reduced water flow but also sudden releases of water. If large volumes are discharged during heavy rainfall or emergencies, downstream regions in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam could face heightened flood risks. The Brahmaputra basin is already among the most flood-prone regions in the world. Although China says the project is primarily hydropower-oriented rather than a diversion scheme, Indian policymakers worry that dam operations could alter seasonal flows. Reduced water during dry months could affect agriculture, fisheries, river ecosystems, and local communities dependent on the river. The dam is being built in a geologically active part of the eastern Himalayas, an area prone to earthquakes, landslides, and fragile ecosystems. Environmental groups have warned that a project of this scale could affect biodiversity and sediment transport throughout the river basin. Probably not in the simplistic sense often portrayed on social media. The Brahmaputra receives enormous amounts of water from rainfall and tributaries inside India, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bhutan. By the time the river reaches Assam, much of its flow comes from sources beyond Tibet. This limits China’s ability to completely control the river. Some experts therefore argue that fears of China shutting off the Brahmaputra are exaggerated. However, even partial control over timing, storage, and release of water can have important consequences for flood management, drought conditions, and regional security. That is where India’s concern is concentrated. How this could change Brahmaputra geopoliticsWater security becomes a national-security issue Traditionally, border disputes and military deployments dominated India-China tensions. The dam adds a new dimension: control of critical natural resources. Water security may increasingly be discussed alongside territorial security. India is accelerating its own dam projects India has explored large storage and hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, including the proposed Upper Siang project, partly to create a buffer against any upstream manipulation and improve flood control. Bangladesh becomes an important stakeholder Because the Brahmaputra ultimately flows into Bangladesh, Dhaka also has an interest in any changes to river management. This could lead to greater regional diplomacy involving China, India, and Bangladesh over shared water resources. More pressure for data sharing and agreements Unlike some international rivers, the Brahmaputra lacks a comprehensive basin-wide water-sharing treaty among all riparian states. The mega dam may increase demands for transparency, hydrological data sharing, and formal mechanisms to manage disputes. Bottom line India’s concern is less about China literally stopping the Brahmaputra and more about China’s ability to influence the river’s timing, storage, and flow from an upstream position. The project introduces environmental, flood-management, and strategic uncertainties into an already sensitive border region. Whether it becomes a source of cooperation or tension will depend largely on transparency, data sharing, and how the dam is ultimately operated once it comes online in the 2030s.
Former TMC MLA Udayan Guha Arrested; Speaker Om Birla Calls Abhishek Banerjee Over Rebel MPs Row
In a significant development, the police arrested Udayan Guha, the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Dinhata, from the Phoolbagan area of Kolkata on Wednesday. Officials view this arrest as a major development in state politics. Udayan Guha’s arrest comes at a time when several significant events are unfolding within West Bengal’s political and legal spheres. This move has further heated up the state’s political atmosphere. Meanwhile, sources revealed that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has summoned Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee for a discussion on June 19. The meeting will focus on the 20 dissident TMC MPs and the party’s stance on the entire matter. This issue stems from the growing discontent within the TMC following the assembly elections. Twenty dissident MPs from the party had met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on June 14. During that meeting, the MPs submitted a letter informing him about the merger of their group with the Tripura-based Nationalist Congress Party of India (NCPI). They also requested separate seating arrangements in the Lok Sabha. According to sources, the Lok Sabha Speaker is currently reviewing the status of these 20 MPs. It is reported that he will make a final decision only after hearing all parties involved. Sources further indicated that the summons sent to Abhishek Banerjee follows a previously scheduled meeting that he was unable to attend. According to TMC sources, the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office had sent a meeting notification to Abhishek Banerjee via email on June 15 at 2 PM. There is now considerable interest in political circles regarding the upcoming June 19 meeting, as it could impact the ongoing internal dispute within the TMC and the future of the dissident MPs.
‘Guru Dokhi’ Tag on Bhagwant Mann: Congress & BJP Demand Punjab CM’s Resignation
A political controversy has erupted following a decision by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. In a significant development concerning Punjab politics and the Sikh community, the Akal Takht issued a significant verdict regarding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. On Monday, June 15th, the Akal Takht declared Mann “Guru Dokhi” and “anti-Khalsa Panth,” sparking heated exchanges of words within political circles. Following the Akal Takht’s decision, opposition parties Congress and BJP have demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Punjab Pradesh Congress President Raja Wading has urged the Chief Minister to break his silence on these allegations and resign. According to a report by news agency PTI, the Akal Takht has taken this decision in connection with an alleged objectionable video regarding which the Chief Minister has been accused of lying. The Akal Takht is considered the highest religious body of the Sikhs. The Akal Takht has summoned all Sikh MLAs from Punjab, regardless of their political affiliation, and the Punjab Cabinet to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29th. This summons has been issued in connection with the anti-sacrilege law enacted by the state government. Regarding the anti-sacrilege law, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht stated that all Sikh MLAs and the Punjab Cabinet must appear before the Akal Takht on June 29th regarding the “Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.” Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh issued this order from the Akal Takht platform after a meeting of the “5 Singh Sahibans” in Amritsar. Bhagwant Mann is also accused of making objectionable comments about the “Gurudwara donation box” and insulting Sikh Gurus. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj claimed that a video circulating on social media showing a man resembling Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been authenticated by two forensic labs. He stated that the video has not been tampered with or created using artificial intelligence (AI). He stated that in January, the Akal Takht Secretariat had written to the Chief Minister regarding an investigation into the video. At that time, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself stated that he was ready for a forensic examination of the video. Giani Kuldeep Singh stated that Bhagwant Mann lied to the Akal Takht regarding the video. He added that the “five Sikh Sahibans” unanimously declared the Chief Minister to be “Guru Dokhi” and “anti-Khalsa Panth.”
UPI Transaction now in Eiffel Tower…
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Emmanuel Macron in Nice, France, where the two leaders jointly inaugurated the “India Innovates” program, which aims to connect startups from India, France, and other countries. President Macron also welcomed PM Modi. This program will bring together leading innovation startups and venture capital funds from India, France, and other countries. Prime Minister Modi also stated that while different countries in the world trade with each other, there are also policy partnerships between different countries, but some relationships are driven by shared interests as well as shared passions. He described the relationship between India and France as one of strong trust, innovation, inspiration, shared values, and a shared vision. He emphasized the strength of this relationship, highlighting the strong trust, innovation, inspiration, shared values, and shared vision that have been the foundation of these initiatives over the years, and they have striven to find solutions to global challenges. He also expressed his happiness at the collaboration between the two countries and the launch of India Innovates. Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks during which the two leaders discussed key issues. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, startups, trade, infrastructure, mobility, and health. The two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to further strengthen it, discussing innovation, investment, security, culture, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron sealed the deal. Following the meeting, payments using the UPI payment app will now be available in France. Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have already adopted this payment system. France is the first European country to adopt India’s digital payment system, allowing Indian tourists to make payments directly in rupees by scanning a QR code in France. Modi led India’s financial sector to reach global prominence. During his visit to Paris in July 2023, he announced the bilateral agreement. In January 2024, PM Modi hosted the French President in Jaipur, where the President demonstrated the system live by purchasing tea and local handicrafts using UPI. Recently, at the India Innovates 2026 conference in France, PM Modi and the President met, and an agreement was reached to expand UPI to more French transport hubs and cities. Using UPI, Indian tourists can purchase tickets in rupees directly by scanning a QR code at ticket counters online. This world-renowned luxury shopping mall in Paris will also accept merchant UPI payments for Indian tourists. The Ministry of External Affairs also stated that the meeting yielded concrete results in several areas, particularly in the areas of AI, science, space, and startups. Before departing, Prime Minister Modi stated that the relationship holds a special place in the strategic vision of France and India, and during this visit, he will also participate in the G-7 summit and meet with several global leaders, including US President Trump. It is being told that Prime Minister Modi has left France for his visit to Slovakia and during this visit, India-Slovakia relations are expected to become stronger in the field of trade, investment, innovation and strategic cooperation.
Sonam Wangchuk : Man Who Inspired 3 Idiots Fights NEET Paper Leaks..
Sonam Wangchuk, a Ladakhi engineer, education reformer, and environmental activist, is known as the “real-life Phusk Wangdu” and “Rancho.” Aamir Khan’s iconic character in the Bollywood blockbuster film “3 Idiots” was inspired by his life, innovation, and education reforms, making him famous both domestically and internationally. He was born on September 1, 1966, in Uletokpo, Leh district, Ladakh. Due to the lack of a school in his village, he did not receive formal schooling until the age of nine. In 1987, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Srinagar. After completing his B.Tech. in 1988, he founded the Student Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh with his friends and brother. With the support of the government education department and the villagers, he launched Operation New Hope. He founded Ladags Melong, Ladakh’s only print magazine, and served as its editor from 1993 to 2005. In 2025, he was tasked with drafting the Ladakh Education and Tourism Policy for the Vision Document. In 2011, he also pursued advanced studies at the Crater School of Architecture in Grenoble, France. In January 2014, he launched a project called Ice Stupa, which aimed to find a solution to the water crisis for Ladakh’s farmers by arresting the impact of meltwater from the natural Hum River during the months of April and May. In September 2016, he led an expedition to South Lhonak Lake in northwest Sikkim. In 2013, at the repeated request of a student group, he founded the New Ladakh Movement, a Ladakh version of the Green Party, to work for sustainable education, environment, and economy, and to unite local political leaders under one banner for development. During the Galwan Valley clash on the India-China border in June 2020, he appealed to use Indian wallet power and boycott Chinese products. Many celebrities in the country also supported his campaign. In March 2024, he started a fast unto death demanding constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory and protection of Ladakh from the mining lobby and went on a hunger strike for statehood for Ladakh. On 26 September 2025, he started a movement demanding full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and also sat on an indefinite hunger strike in Ladakh to press for his demands. On the 15th day of the hunger strike, protesting youth in Leh suddenly became violent, vandalizing the BJP office and the Ladakh Hill Council complex, and setting police vehicles on fire. Four civilians were killed and over 50 security personnel were injured during the clashes. The Home Ministry and Ladakh administration accused Sonam Wangchuk of inciting youth to protest through his speeches and social media statements, similar to student protests in Nepal and Bangladesh. To maintain peace in Ladakh, security agencies detained him and sent him to Jodhpur Central Jail, Rajasthan. Nearly six months later, on March 14, 2026, the Home Ministry lifted the stringent National Security Act against him and released him from Jodhpur Jail. Upon his release, Wangchuk issued a statement, saying he was against violence and that his statements had been misrepresented. Recently, he joined the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a movement he supported during protests against youth and students and demanded reforms in the country’s education system, and described himself as a loyal member of the movement. And on 6 June 2026, he also participated in the CJP protest in support of students at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Awards 1996 : Governor’s Medal for Educational Reforms in Jammu and Kashmir2001 : Man of the Year by The Week2002 : Ashoka Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurship, by Ashoka USA2004 : Green Teacher Award by Sanctuary Asia2008 : Real Heroes Award by CNN-IBN TV2014 : UNESCO Chair Earthen Architecture, by Craterre France2016 : International Terra Award for Best Earth Building2016 : Rolex Award for Entrepreneurship2017 : State Award for Outstanding Environmentalist by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir2017 : Global Award for Sustainable Architecture2017 : GQ Men of the Year Awards, Social Entrepreneur of the Year2017 : Indians for Collective Action (ICA) Honorary Award, San Francisco, CA2018 : Eminent Technologist of the Himalayan Region by IIT Mandi2018 : Honorary D.Litt. by Symbiosis International2018 : Ramon Macques Award
Modi in France for Bilateral Talks, G7 Summit; Innovation, Defence and Technology Cooperation in Focus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a six-day visit to France, starting today. He will participate in a bilateral visit and the G-7 Leaders’ Summit. He will be in Nice on June 13th and 14th, in Evian for the summit on June 16th and 17th, and in Paris on June 17th and 18th. This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s seventh visit to France since being sworn in as Prime Minister for the first time. This visit follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India on February 17th–19th, when relations between the two countries were elevated to the status of a Special Global Strategic Partnership. France is considered one of India’s most favored partners in Europe, and this relationship, based on strategic support and mutual respect, has reached its peak over the past several decades. PM Modi will inaugurate the India Innovates 2020 program During his visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India Innovates 2020 program, along with Prime Minister Macron. This program will bring together the best innovation startups from India, France, and around the world. Held during the India-France Innovation Year, this program is expected to attract participation from over 120 Indian companies and startups, along with prominent business leaders from France and other countries. During this visit, PM Modi will also attend the WebTech Summit, Europe’s largest technology and startup event, in Paris on June 18. The Indian pavilion will be the largest this year. The G7 summit is also being capitalized on by US President Donald Trump’s participation, during which India will have the opportunity to reflect on issues affecting its security and economic interests. Defense: Defense cooperation between India and France is deep and wide-ranging, ranging from air and naval assets to helicopter engines and missiles. Some prominent examples of cooperation include the Rafale aircraft, Scorpene submarines, and Shakti helicopter engines. Space: In this area, ISRO and France’s national space agency, CNES, have a rich legacy of cooperation spanning six decades. Highlights include joint launches, the development of satellites such as Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, and cooperation on India’s human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The two countries are also considering another satellite mission, TRISHNA. Nuclear: The passage of the Sustainable Use and Development of Nuclear Energy to Transform India (SHANTI) Act has created a major opportunity for cooperation between Indian and French industries. Regarding Small Modular Reactors/Advanced Modular Reactors, India and France signed a Declaration of Intent for cooperation in this area in February 2025.
Jaspal Rana : The legend Shooting Star
India’s legendary shooter Jaspal Rana has passed away. It is reported that he suffered a heart attack some time ago and was undergoing treatment at a Delhi hospital. The news of his death has sent shockwaves across the country, Uttarakhand, and the sports world. Jaspal Rana was born on June 28, 1976, in Nainbag Chilamu, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. His father, Narayan Singh Rana, served as the Sports Minister in the Uttarakhand government. In 1994, he brought glory to India internationally by winning the gold medal in the 25m center-fire pistol event at the Hiroshima Asian Games. At just 18 years old, he brought glory to the country at the Asian Games and became known as the “torchbearer” of the Indian shooting team. His remarkable achievements are extensive. In addition to the Asian Games, he also won numerous gold and other medals for India at the Commonwealth Games. He set a record by winning eight gold medals each at the 1995 SAEIF Games in Chennai and 1999 in Kathmandu. Following his success as an athlete, he entered coaching and became the coach of the junior national team, training and guiding many young athletes, including Saurabh Chaudhary and Anish Banwala. His disciple, Manu Bhaker, won two historic bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over his demise on his social media account, saying that Indian sports have suffered a loss. Jaspal Rana brought recognition to the country with his extraordinary achievements in shooting and served as a mentor and guide to young athletes. He praised his excellence, discipline, and unwavering commitment to sports. He expressed condolences to his family, friends, and the entire nation on this tragic incident. Achievements and Honors Contributions as a Coach