Breaking News, June 27: Opposition To Raise NEET Issue In Parliament; Heavy Rains In North India | Highlights

Here are the top headlines from the day:

• Kashmir, NEET, Emergency: What President Murmu Said In First Address To Parliament

• NEET 'Paper Leak': Multiple Arrests, Lutan Mukhiya Gang's Role, High Drama At NTA Delhi Office | Probe So Far

• Karnataka CID Files Chargesheet In POCSO Case Against BJP Leader BS Yediyurappa

• Iran Is Choosing A New President: All You Need To Know

• China Expels Ex-Defence Ministers Li Shangfu, Wei Fenghe Amid Corruption Row | Here's Why

• SA Vs AFG, T20 World Cup: Markram Hails 'Fearless' South Africa After Reaching Maiden Final

Welcome to Outlook India's Breaking News Live Blog, through which we bring you real-time updates on major events and developments across the globe. Here’s a look at the top events and developments in focus today:

• Weather updates,

• Arvind Kejriwal's bail issue,

• Sam Pitroda appointed as Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress

• Parliament session updates

• and much more

• No Relief For Arvind Kejriwal; Delhi Court Allows 3-Day CBI Custody For Delhi CM

• Sam Pitroda Returns As Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress

• Karnataka: Bengaluru Court Rejects Bail Plea Of Prajwal Revanna In Sexual Assault Case

• IMD Issues Red Alert For Heavy Rainfall In Dakshina Kannada On June 27, Mangalore Schools Closed

• LS Speaker Om Birla’s Resolution On Emergency Makes Opposition Miffed, PM Modi Terms It ‘Wonderful Gesture’

• 'Leaving NATO In Good Hands': Mark Rutte Appointed As NATO Secretary-General | All About The Former Dutch PM

• Kenya President William Ruto Rejects New Tax Bill, Sends It Back To Parliament After Deadly Protests Kill 23

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani was admitted to the AIIMS here late on Wednesday night.

"He is stable and under observation," PTI reported.

The 96-year-old former deputy prime minister has been admitted in the old private ward of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and is learnt to being treated by doctors from the Department of Urology.

However, there was no immediate clarity on his ailment.

The India Meteorological Department announced that light to moderate rain will occur in Delhi on June 29 and issued a yellow alert while moderate to heavy rain to happen on June 30 and issued an orange alert in the city for the day.

Accoridng to Hindustan Times report, the weather agency said monsoon is coming to most of northwest India in the next few days, but they didn't say when it will reach Delhi. This means it won't arrive on its usual date of June 27.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on Wednesday asserted the recent Lok Sabha poll results point to the fact that India is not a ‘Hindu Rashtra’.

Sen, who arrived in Kolkata from the US in the evening, also expressed displeasure over the “continuation” of putting people behind bars “without trial” even under the new dispensation.

"That India is not a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ only has been reflected in the election results," Sen told a Bengali news channel at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport here.

"We always hope to see a change after every election. Some of what happened earlier (during the BJP-led central government) like putting people behind bars without trial, and widening the gap between the rich and poor, are still continuing. That must stop,” he said.

The Opposition on Wednesday said the INDIA bloc constituents did not seek a division of votes in the Lok Sabha speaker's election as they wanted to give a "symbolic fight" and maintain a spirit of consensus and cooperation.

The Opposition had fielded Congress MP K Suresh as a joint candidate against NDA's choice Om Birla, who was eventually elected as Speaker for the second time in a row.

"INDIA parties exercised their democratic right and moved motions in support of Kodikunnil Suresh as Lok Sabha Speaker. Voice Vote was taken. Thereafter, INDIA parties could have insisted on division," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

"They did not do so. This is because they wanted a spirit of consensus and cooperation to prevail, a spirit singularly lacking in the actions of the PM and the NDA," he added.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recognised Rahul Gandhi as the leader of opposition on Wednesday, a day after the Congress communicated its decision to name him for the position to the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

In a notification issued on Wednesday, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, had officially been recognised as the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha with effect from June 9.

This is the first time after a gap of 10 years that there will be a leader of opposition in the Lower House, as the Congress or other opposition parties did not have the 10 per cent members required to claim the post in the 16th and the 17th Lok Sabha.

The BJP on Wednesday shared a clip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, in which he had said the Congress will rehabilitate Sam Pitroda, as it took a swipe at the opposition party for reinstating Pitroda as its overseas wing chairman.

"As PM Modi anticipated, the Congress' sacking of Sam Pitroda was merely an election gimmick. He has now been reinstated as chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, exposing the hypocrisy of the Congress party and its leaders," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on X.

Earlier in the day, the Congress reappointed US-based Pitroda as the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, weeks after he resigned from the post as his racial analogy to highlight India's diversity during the poll campaign put his party on the defensive.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday held a meeting of party MLAs and MLCs here ahead of the monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislature.

An MLA said he asked them to raise the issues of irregularities in NEET and issues of farmers.

The former chief minister also wanted party legislators to take up the issue of rising drug consumption in the state, the MLA told reporters.

Armored vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia's government palace Wednesday in an apparent coup attempt against President Luis Arce, but he vowed to stand firm and named a new army commander who ordered troops to stand down.

The soldiers later pulled back as supporters of Arce waved Bolivian flags and cheered in a central square.

In a video of Arce surrounded by ministers in the palace, the Bolivian leader said: "Here we are, firm in Casa Grande, to confront any coup attempt. We need the Bolivian people to organize.”

Arce confronted the general commander of the army — Juan José Zúñiga, who appeared to be leading the rebellion — in the palace hallway, as shown on video on Bolivian television. “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination,” Arce said.

Delhi saw heavy rain on Thursday morning. PTI shared visuals from across the city amid rainfall.

Parts of Uttar Pradesh including Ghaziabad saw rains on Thursday morning which brought relief to the ongoing heatwave conditions in the state.

The Karnataka police have issued a notice to a woman Sub-Inspector because she let Kannada superstar Darshan's partner, Pavithra Gowda, put on makeup while in police custody, reported NDTV.

On June 15, Pavithra Gowda went to her home in Bengaluru with the police to record details of a crime scene. During that visit, she was seen applying lipstick and makeup and smiling while returning with the police.

This incident sparked a discussion because Pavithra Gowda did not appear remorseful about the murder of Darshan's fan Renukaswamy.

Sensex declined 149.41 points to 78,524.84 after hitting new all-time high in early trade.

Nifty dips 47.45 points to 23,821.35 on Thursday morning.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath flagged off upgraded PRVs under UP-112 second phase in Lucknow.
He also addressed a program organised for the flag off of upgraded PRV and distribution of air-conditioned helmets under UP-112 second phase in Lucknow.

Sensex breached 79,000-mark for first time and Nifty also hit new lifetime high.

The AAP will boycott President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Thursday to protest against the arrest of its convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

AAP general secretary (organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak slammed the BJP over the arrest of Kejriwal and said they will boycott the address.

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated newly elected members of 18th Lok Sabha as she began to address the Parliament.

Speaking further on the Lok sabha elections, Murmu said, "Several records of voting were broken in Kashmir; Valley gave fitting reply to India's enemies."

President Murmu then stated, "In the upcoming session, the government will introduce its first budget for their term. This budget will be an impressive document of the far-reaching policies and futuristic vision of the government. In this budget, along with major economic and social decisions, many historical steps are also to be seen."

"Govt working on storage initiative for agri-products; has increased MSP for farm produce", said President Murmu.

She added, "Demand for organic products increasing globally; Indian farmers capable of fulfilling this demand."

"Government working for lasting peace in North East; several old problems addressed in last 10 years," stated Prez.

Delhi minister Atishi was discharged from LNJP Hospital on Thursday. She was admitted to the hospital earlier this week after her health deteriorated during indefinite fast demanding water for the national capital.

Addressing in the joint session of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu said, "My government is committed to conduct a fair probe and ensure that those guilty of paper leak of a few exams recently get strict punishment. We have seen incidents of paper leak earlier in various states, there is a need to rise up from party politics and take countrywide strong steps. The Parliament has also made a strong law against anomalies in exam."

President Murmu on Thursday stated, "Every attempt to tarnish our democracy should be condemned by all," and added, "Divisive forces conspiring to weaken democracy, create chasm in society from within and outside country."

Referring Indira Gandhi's call for Emergency, Murmu said, "Emergency was biggest and darkest chapter of direct attack on Constitution."

Adding, "Entire country plunged into chaos during Emergency, but nation was victorious against such unconstitutional powers."

A fresh petition was filed in Supreme Court on Thursday on the ongoing allegations of irregularities in NEET UG exam.

RJD MP Misa Bharti was asked about SP MP's 'replace sengol with replica of Constitution' remark, when she said, "Yes, it should definitely be removed. We are in a democracy. Sengol can be put in a museum where everyone can see it. We support whoever has brought this up. As it is a symbol of monarchy, it should be removed."

Health Minister JP Nadda on Thursday was appointed as the Leader of Rajya Sabha on the first day of the 264th session of the Upper House.

PM Narendra Modi on Thursday during the maiden session of Rajya Sabha of the new government, introduced the Council of Ministers.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande flagged off Indian Army D5 motorcycle expedition from Delhi earlier today.

Six newly-elected MPs from Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh took oath as members of Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar welcomed the new members.

The first among those who took oath was Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh (Bihar), followed by Sarfaraz Ahmad of JMM and Pradip Kumar Varma of the BJP (both Jharkhand).

BJP leaders Banshilal Gurjar, Maya Naroliya and Balyogi Umeshnath also took oath as members of the Upper House. They represent Madhya Pradesh.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday demanded from the Maharashtra government a complete waiver of farm loans and its implementation before state assembly polls scheduled later this year.

Addressing a press conference here, he also termed the monsoon session of the state legislature that commenced on Thursday as the "send-off" session of the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

"There should be a complete waiver of farm loans immediately and this should be implemented before the state polls," Thackeray said.

The state government will present its budget on Friday.

Taking a swipe at the Centre and the state government, Thackeray said these two dispensations are "leakages government", a reference to the NEET exam and reports of water leak at the Ayodhya Ram temple.

- PTI

Several member of Indian Youth congress were seen at Jantar Mantar in Delhi On Thursday protesting against the issue of irregularities including 'paper leak' in NEET exam and cancellation of NET-UG exam for similar reasons.

They want Centre to take further steps to stop similar events from happening.

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal writes to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressing "profound concern and anguish over the travesty of Parliamentary traditions" with the reference from his Chair on Emergency.

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, who was admitted to the AIIMS in Delhi last night, was discharged on Thursday, a hospital official said.

The 96-year-old former deputy prime minister was evaluated by a team of doctors from different specialities including urology and geriatric medicine and is learnt to have undergone a minor procedure.

"Advani was admitted for old age-related issues and has been discharged," the AIIMS official said.

- PTI

Monsoon is likely to arrive in Delhi over the next 2-3 days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. The parts of Delhi and adjoining areas like Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurugram received heavy rain on Thursday.

“Conditions are likely to become favourable for further advancement of southwest monsoon into some more parts of Rajasthan; remaining parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, some more parts of UP, Delhi, Chandigarh and some parts of Haryana, some more parts of Punjab, remaining parts of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu during next 2-3 days,” IMD said on Thursday.

CBI arrests two from Patna in NEET-UG paper leak case: Officials.

The row over 1975 Emergency imposed by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi continued on the fourth day of Parliament session of 18th Lok Sabha with Congress writing a letter to Speaker Om Birla voicing 'concern' and 'anguish' over the "travesty of Parliamentary traditions", referring to his remarks made on Wednesday.

Soon after his election as Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla on Wednesday set off a storm by reading out a resolution condemning the imposition of Emergency as an attack on the Constitution by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, an act that triggered vociferous protests by Congress member in the House.

While Congress members raised slogans against Speaker's reference of Emergency, PM Modi lauded the same in a post on X while BJP MPs gathered in huge numbers on the footsteps of the Parliament building to protest against the suspension of civil liberties 49 years ago.

CBI arrsted two people - Manish Prakash and Ashutosh - from Bihar's Patna in NEET-UG exam paper leak case. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government decided to hand over the investigation of all matters related to NEET scam to CBI.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for northern Kerala districts and yellow alert for nine other districts for Thursday as heavy rains continued to lash many parts of the state.

The rains and their subsequent impact on nature have prompted authorities to urge people to exercise utmost caution while traveling through hilly and inundated areas.

Earlier in the day, the IMD issued an orange alert for seven districts but revised it later.

IMD has now issued an orange alert for three districts -- Kasaragod, Kannur, and Wayanad -- and a yellow alert for nine districts in the state for Thursday.

Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy, currently facing the threat of prosecution over comments on Kashmir 14 years ago, was on Thursday honoured with the prestigious Pen Pinter Prize 2024 for her “unflinching and unswerving” writings.

The prize, established in 2009 by the charity English PEN, defends freedom of expression and celebrates literature in memory of Nobel-Laureate playwright Harold Pinter.

Arundhati Roy expressed her delight at being named this year's winner amid an “incomprehensible turn” the world is taking.

Earlier this month, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved prosecuting author Arundhati Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act over remarks on Kashmir made years ago.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said that at least one person died and three others were injured after a car rolled down a gorge in Arnas Reasi on Thursday.

Traffic snarls were reported in Delhi after heavy rain lashed the city, causing waterlogging in some areas.Commuters at many places in Delhi faced inconvenience as traffic police received several calls for waterlogging issues, traffic congestions and fallen trees.

Traffic was very heavy from the Akshardham area to Ghazipur meat market due to waterlogging and vehicles were seen crawling on the stretch.

Similarly, the traffic was also heavy on the Akshardham-Sarai Kale Khan road.

Avadesh Mehra, a resident of Ghaziabad, said that it took him around one hour to reach his home.

(Via PTI)

Filmmaker Boney Kapoor and Bhutani Infra-backed firm Bayview Projects on Thursday signed a concession agreement with YEIDA for development of Noida International Film City.

Bayview Projects had won the bid on January 31 with the offering of 18 per cent revenue share to the Uttar Pradesh government - the highest among four bidders, according to news agency PTI.

Boney Kapoor and Ashish Bhutani of Bhutani Group signed the agreement in presence of Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) CEO Arun Vir Singh and Additional CEO Shailendra Bhatia at the authority's office in Greater Noida.

The National Human Rights Commission on Thursday said it has issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner over a media report that a constable allegedly sexually assaulted a woman and also made a video of the act.

The accused allegedly continued to rape the woman by threatening to post the video on social media, the NHRC said in a statement citing the report, adding that it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report of the incident.

The victim has been reportedly visiting the Kalyanpuri and Malviya Nagar police stations in Delhi for 15 days but the police allegedly "did not take any action" on her complaint, NHRC said.

Delhi Minister Atishi was discharged from the LNJP Hospital on Thursday morning. She was admitted to LNJP Hospital after her health deteriorated during a hunger strike demanding the release of Delhi's due share of water by Haryana.

The minister was discharged from the hospital at 10.30 am, a hospital official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

LNJP Hospital director Suresh Kumar said Atishi had hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). She was initially shifted from the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a normal ward after her condition improved and was discharged on Thursday morning.

"She was advised hospitalisation on Monday evening after her sugar levels dropped and ketones were detected in her urine. Her ketone test later came back negative and she is currently stable with mild weakness expected for a few days until she fully recovers," Dr Kumar said.

A mob of around 100 workers belonging to the Congress students union wing National Students Union of India (NSUI) has reportedly barged into the Delhi office of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the central body which is mired in controversy over irregularities in the NEET medical entrance examinations.

Visuals from outside NTA office showed a huge mob allegedly of NSUI workers storming into the NTA building, shouting and screaming.

Boeing sanctioned by US for sharing information about 737 Max 9 investigation into January door plug blowout, reports AP.

It is the big day in Guyana. The penultimate match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, the second semi-final, takes place today with India and England jostling to book a date with South Africa in the final of the tournament. The two teams had met in the semi-final of the last edition of the T20 World Cup as well where England had thrashed India and won by 10 wickets. Revenge will be on India's eyes as they look for their first ICC trophy in more than a decade while England eye history to be in contention to become the first team in history to defend a T20 World Cup title. Track LIVE Updates Here

BJP leader and former Union minister Anurag Thakur is likely to initiate the discussion on Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply on the debate expected on July 2, sources cited in a PTI report said.

BJP's Sudhanshu Trivedi is likely to initiate the discussion on the motion in the Rajya Sabha on Friday and the prime minister could respond to the debate on July 3 in the Upper House, the sources said.

Karnataka CID has filed a chargesheet against BJP Leader B S Yediyurappa over the allegations of him sexually assaulting a 17-year-old minor girl.

After a meeting of the opposition bloc INDIA, the members have stated that they will raise the issue of the NEET Exam during the Parliament session tomorrow.

DMK MP T Siva and President of Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, Hanuman Beniwal both told reporters that the opposition bloc will raise its concerns regarding NEET in Parliament.

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Yesterday, the Lok Sabha speaker discussed the darkest chapter of India's democracy. Today, the president has also discussed it in her address to the House. Surprisingly, Congress is still carrying its sin even after 50 years."

"Why should there be no discussion, if 50 years have been completed?... Congress got so hurt by its (the Emergency) discussion that it shows their intentions aren't good. Their talks about the Constitution are mere betrayals," he added.

BJP workers have alleged that the party office in Taratala's Goragacha was demolished without any notice from the local administration.

"I don't understand why the BJP office was demolished by a bulldozer without notice...They are doing this because BJP strengthening its presence here...Nearby there is a TMC office where illegal activities are carried out," BJP worker MB Mahesh said.

Its sunny and bright in Guyana where India and England are about to go head-to-head for a spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Finals.

The winning team will go up against South Africa, who secured their finals spot after a quickly defeating Afghanistan.

Read here for the latest and live updates on the IND vs ENG match today

The United States has once again flagged its concerns regarding religious freedom in India. While announcing the release of its latest report on Religious Freedom across the globe, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the "concerning increase" in hate speech and anti-conversion laws in India.

In India we see a concerning increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech, demolitions of homes and places of worship for members of minority faith communities," stated the top US diplomat.

The much-anticipated semi final between India and England has been delayed due to a wet outfield. Just as the sun came out in Guyana, rain showers lashed over the field, prompting the quick covering of the field.

The next inspection is scheduled for 8:30 PM IST.

A bridge at Maria River at Bansbari Shravan Chowk of Bahadurganj block of Bihar's Kishanganj district collapsed amid heavy rainfall. The approach road connecting the bridge has also been damaged, reports news agency ANI.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday ensured that Shri Amarnath Yatris get the best health facilities.

He interacted with the team of Doctors at Nunwan base camp, Pahalgam. Waste management units have been placed on both the Yatra routes to protect the environment. Yatra will be flagged off on 28th June, at 4 am.

Heavy rainfall lashed Jodhpur district, causing severe waterlogging on the roads. VISUALS: