Xpress Times Team

Heavy rainfall has prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Wayanad and Kannur districts in Kerala, signaling the possibility of extremely heavy rain exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for eight other districts, while the remaining six districts are under a yellow alert.

The incident, which occurred on June 17, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and left dozens more injured. The Kanchanjunga Express was en route from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah in Kolkata when the collision took place.

In a shocking revelation, a vigilance squad from the Rajasthan Education Department uncovered a widespread cheating operation during the Rajasthan State Open School exams for Classes 10 and 12. The incident unfolded at a government middle school in Kolu village, Dechu, where teachers were caught red-handed aiding students in cheating.

In a controversial move that sparked widespread debate, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has retracted his announcement of a proposed 100% reservation for Kannadigas in Group C and Group D jobs within private companies in the state. The decision, initially heralded as a measure to prioritize local employment, faced significant criticism from various quarters, including industry leaders and opposition parties.

In a stark protest against escalating security concerns, resident doctors at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in New Delhi have commenced an indefinite strike after a shocking incident where a 32-year-old patient was fatally shot by a teenager inside a hospital ward. The victim, Riyazuddin, had been undergoing treatment for an abdominal infection since June 23 and was attacked in front of doctors and his relatives on Sunday.

In a developing controversy, 23-year-old trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar has accused Pune Collector Suhas Divase of harassment, sparking a tumultuous investigation and public scrutiny. Ms. Khedkar, part of the 2023-batch, faces a slew of allegations including misrepresentation of her OBC status and misuse of privileges such as using a siren and government insignia on her private Audi sedan.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive to the Haryana government to remove barricades at the Shambhu border, escalating tensions as protesting farmers gear up for a march to Delhi. The court emphasized that the blockade was causing inconvenience to commuters, prompting the state government to challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court, citing concerns over law and order.

In a significant relief to residents of Lucknow's Pant Nagar, Khurramnagar, and Abrar Nagar, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured that no houses constructed along the Kukrail river will be demolished. This announcement came during a meeting with officials on Monday, quelling fears of an Akbar Nagar-like demolition due to a recent survey.

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar challenging the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)’s registration of a case against him for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a review of its January 3 verdict that refused to order a separate investigation into the allegations of accounting fraud and stock manipulation against Adani Group companies, as originally claimed in a report by US short-seller Hindenburg Research in January 2023.

In a significant development, visa requirements for Sikh pilgrims aged 65 and above have been relaxed, allowing for family visas at the request of the SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal, as announced by Delhi Akali chief Paramjit Singh Sarna.

Brands are increasingly using WhatsApp API to sell and build stronger customer relationship. Kiacart supporting well-known brands such as Rashi Cables VENUS Detra Store Indian Abacus JKYog Kalims Areta Salon Maanya Arora Mera Market Collabot Shabas Guruji Tourplus Holidays Vijaylaxmi Bullion Research In and Out K.V Suzans Women & Kids KTR and more brands. During the pandemic especially there was a sudden gap in the distribution because the physical stores were not available and brands needed instant ways of engaging with their customers. Around this time WhatsApp emerged as the most effective tool and sales.

Karnataka is set to experience heavy rains in the next 24 hours, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the Uttara Kannada district until July 16. The coastal region of the state is already on high alert as authorities prepare for the impending downpour.

KP Sharma Oli has been appointed as Nepal's Prime Minister for the fourth time, following a deal with the Nepali Congress's Sher Bahadur Deuba to share power on a rotational basis. This appointment comes after former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known as ‘Prachanda,’ lost a vote of no confidence in the House of Representatives on Friday, as reported by PTI.