West Bengal Set to Introduce UCC on June 29, Following Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat
After Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is now set to be implemented in West Bengal as well. The West Bengal government is preparing to table the UCC Bill in the Legislative Assembly on June 29, 2026. Under this law, regulations concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption will be uniform for all citizens. Key aspects of the UCC in West Bengal include the process of establishing legal timelines. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the UCC Bill would be introduced during the Assembly’s current budget session. Notably, the West Bengal government will follow the roadmap adopted by Uttarakhand, Assam, and Gujarat; a committee headed by a retired judge will be constituted for the UCC. It is worth noting that implementing the UCC in West Bengal was a key promise in the BJP’s election manifesto, in which the party pledged to enforce the UCC within six months of forming the state government. While this move is garnering support from Muslim women, it is also facing stiff opposition from the opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and the Congress. They argue that personal laws specific to certain religions are linked to cultural and religious identities, and that the UCC would effectively strip various religions of their distinct cultural identities.
AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava Sentenced to Seven Years in 2023 Assault and Extortion Case; Party Announces Statewide Protests
A Sessions Court in Narmada district has convicted AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava, his wife, and seven others in a case involving the alleged assault of Forest Department officials and extortion in 2023. The court sentenced all the accused to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on each. The verdict was delivered by Additional Sessions Judge A.V. Hirpara. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has opposed the verdict. Gopal Rai, the party’s Gujarat in-charge, stated that AAP would organize support marches across the state starting June 26 to protest the decision. He said that party workers would stage demonstrations in every district to raise their voices in support of Chaitar Vasava. Gopal Rai alleged that the BJP is unsettled by Vasava’s growing popularity and that he has been targeted for political reasons. He claimed that the case is part of a conspiracy and that such politics cannot be accepted in a democracy. Rai added that, ultimately, the public would decide the truth. AAP has also made it clear that it will pursue all available legal avenues in this matter. Earlier, party national convener Arvind Kejriwal had also expressed support for Vasava, stating that the charges against him were false and that he had been politically framed due to his rising influence within the tribal community.
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.
Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi flags off litchi exports…
During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Italy, the gesture of gifting ‘Melody’ toffees to Italian Prime Minister Meloni garnered significant headlines, sparking everything from memes to political and cultural discussions on social media. Now, a new culinary bond is forming between India and Italy; for the first time, lychees are being exported from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, to Italy—a major milestone for the state’s horticulture sector. Dehradun’s lychees are renowned for their sweetness, aroma, and quality, commanding high demand both domestically and internationally. However, their limited shelf life has historically made reaching international markets a challenge. Modern packaging techniques and improved cold chain infrastructure have now significantly mitigated this issue. Consequently, approximately 1,000 kg of lychees are being shipped from Dehradun to Delhi, and onward to Italy. Lychees are delicate fruits that begin to spoil within three days, making long-distance transport—whether domestic or international—a difficult task. However, with the assistance of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), preparations have been made to export the fruit safely. Modern packaging technology plays a crucial role here, keeping the lychees fresh and high-quality for extended periods—enabling them to remain safe for consumption for over ten days. Technical expert N.C. Shah notes that modern packaging technology has facilitated the export of lychees to international markets. Previously, their perishability made overseas transport challenging, but new packaging systems and temperature control technologies now allow them to be preserved for longer durations. Maintaining a temperature of approximately 5°C during transit is essential, and the combination of advanced packaging and cold chain logistics has successfully ensured this consistent temperature control. This same technology has previously been used to export lychees from Muzaffarpur (Bihar) to Dubai and from Pathankot (Punjab) to Qatar. The export from Dehradun to Italy is being hailed as a historic moment. Moreover, the distinctive aroma and balanced sweetness of Dehradun litchis rank them among the finest in the country, ensuring a consistently high demand in the market. In the future, opportunities may open up in markets across Europe and other nations, thereby boosting the income of local farmers and strengthening Uttarakhand’s horticultural economy.Ganesh Joshi, the Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture, states that this is a matter of pride for the state’s farmers and the horticulture sector, noting that the state government is making continuous efforts to secure global recognition for its agricultural and horticultural produce. This initiative represents more than just the export of a fruit; it symbolizes Uttarakhand’s agricultural potential, the adoption of modern technology, and the ambition to access global markets. If this endeavor proves successful, Dehradun litchis could carve out a distinct identity in the international fruit export trade.
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.
Nineteen MPs Rebel Against TMC Leadership..
There’s turmoil within Mamata Banerjee’s party, the TMC. Following the crushing defeat in the assembly elections, MLAs and MPs have launched a campaign against Mamata Banerjee. One by one, MLAs and MPs are defecting and speaking openly against Mamata Banerjee. Now, 19 new members have rebelled against the party and submitted a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker, further exacerbating the problems for the TMC and Mamata Banerjee. The names of Shatrughan Sinha and cricketer Yusuf Pathan have also emerged among those who left the party. Shatrughan Sinha is considered very close to Mamata Banerjee, as Mamata trusted him and fielded Anshul in the elections. Recently, Chitrakoot Singh was seen agreeing with every decision Mamata Banerjee made, but now news of his rebellion is suddenly emerging. According to the helpline of Lok Sabha elections 2024, Trinamool Congress MP from Ansul and Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha is the richest MP of West Bengal. According to the helpline filed during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his total declared assets are around Rs 210 crore. Earlier in 2019, his total assets were around Rs 112 crore, which means his assets have increased rapidly in 5 years.