Ram Temple Trust Resignations, Spain Ousts Portugal, Monsoon Havoc: Top Stories
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday accepted the resignations of its general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra following allegations of embezzlement of temple donations. The trust, chaired by president Gopal Das Maharaj, appointed Krishna Mohan as acting general secretary. The developments come amid heightened scrutiny of the trust's financial management.
In sports, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 match in Arlington, Texas. Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, ending Portugal's campaign and marking what is likely Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance.
Monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across India, with Maharashtra emerging as the epicentre. Three fresh rain-related deaths in Pune brought the state's toll to 13 over the past three to four days. Flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and inundated towns in Odisha disrupted rail, road, and air services. Authorities stepped up emergency measures as more heavy rainfall is predicted.
In other news, the rehearsal for the second phase of the Census, which began in 16 states and Union Territories on Monday, includes an 'open column' for respondents to record their caste. Officials clarified that this is a pre-test and the final methodology will be based on feedback.
A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) warned that India's power system could be strained by the developing El Niño, with weaker wind and hydropower output and rising demand for air conditioning potentially creating a generation gap of nearly 18 TWh over a year.
WhatsApp has been granted more time to respond to a government notice regarding its 'username' feature and has assured that the feature will not be rolled out in India until discussions are complete.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear urgently a plea by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) seeking to bar Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leaders, including Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, from making public statements that could influence witnesses in the Karur stampede case.
In West Bengal, three persons were arrested for the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari assured the family that the government would ensure capital punishment for the accused.
