Ukraine's Prime Minister Steps Down in Government Reshuffle

The Karnataka government has asked Kerala to donate a female elephant for a temple. In a letter, Karnataka Chief Minister requested his Kerala counterpart to help transfer a female elephant from any willing temple in Kerala to the Mookambika Temple in Karnataka. The request comes after Kerala earlier declined a similar request from Telangana for camp elephants. Both states have rules governing the transfer of elephants within and outside their borders. Elephants are often used in temple rituals in South India, and such transfers require official permissions. The Mookambika Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine in Karnataka's Kollur. The Karnataka government's request highlights the ongoing need for temple elephants, which are considered sacred. However, Kerala has strict regulations on elephant ownership and transfer to ensure animal welfare. It remains to be seen whether Kerala will agree to this request, given its previous refusal to Telangana. The matter involves interstate cooperation and adherence to wildlife laws.

The Telangana Rakshana Sena, founded by Kavitha, has defended its party name before the Election Commission of India (ECI). The party argued that similarity in names alone cannot justify rejection, citing several examples. It pointed to the existence of multiple 'Aam Aadmi' parties, as well as 'Praja Sena' and 'Praja Seva' variations, and different Republican Party offshoots. The party contended that if these were allowed, its own name should also be accepted. Seeking a fair hearing, the Telangana Rakshana Sena requested a personal appearance before the ECI to present its case. The ECI had earlier raised objections to the party's name, citing potential confusion with existing parties. The party's response comes as it prepares for upcoming elections in Telangana. The matter now awaits the ECI's decision on the request for a personal hearing.

Thirumavalavan, the leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has asserted that his party remains strong despite attempts to weaken it. The VCK, a political party in Tamil Nadu representing Dalit interests, has faced various challenges over the years. Speaking to reporters, Thirumavalavan did not specify who was trying to undermine the party but expressed confidence in its resilience. He emphasized that the party's grassroots support and commitment to social justice have kept it intact. The VCK has been active in Tamil Nadu politics, often forming alliances with major parties like the DMK to advance its agenda. Thirumavalavan's statement comes at a time when regional parties face increased pressure from national political forces. The leader's remarks are seen as a reassurance to party workers and supporters that the VCK will continue to fight for the rights of marginalized communities. He called on party members to remain united and vigilant against any attempts to divide them. The VCK has a history of advocating for caste equality and has been involved in various social movements. Despite facing opposition, the party has maintained its presence in the state's political landscape. Thirumavalavan's confident tone indicates that the VCK is prepared to navigate current political challenges.

The Madras High Court is set to hear a fresh discharge plea from former Tamil Nadu minister MRK Panneerselvam in a disproportionate assets case dating back to 2011. This is his second attempt to be freed from the case before trial. His first discharge plea was allowed by a magistrate court in 2016, but the High Court reversed that decision in 2025. The case involves allegations that Panneerselvam amassed wealth beyond his known sources of income during his time as a minister. A discharge plea is a legal request to have the charges dropped without a full trial. Today's hearing comes after the earlier reversal, and the court will decide whether to grant the plea or proceed with a trial. The outcome could have significant implications for the politician, who has been fighting the case for over a decade. The case is part of a broader crackdown on corruption among public officials in Tamil Nadu. Panneerselvam has consistently denied the allegations, arguing that the investigation was biased and the evidence insufficient. The High Court's decision is expected to clarify the legal status of the case moving forward.

Former US President Donald Trump has praised Senator Lindsey Graham as a "true American patriot" for his proposal to impose a 500 percent tariff on countries that buy Russian energy, including India. Graham introduced a bill that would place steep tariffs on nations like India, China, and Brazil, which continue to import Russian oil and gas despite Western sanctions over the Ukraine war. Trump made the comments during a recent event, highlighting Graham’s efforts to pressure these countries economically. The proposed tariff is aimed at reducing Russia's revenue from energy exports, but critics say it could strain diplomatic ties with key partners like India. Graham's bill has not yet passed, but it reflects ongoing debates in Washington about how to handle nations that maintain trade with Russia. Trump's praise comes as he seeks to solidify his influence among Republican lawmakers ahead of the next election. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some arguing it could harm American consumers and businesses. No vote on the bill is scheduled yet, but it remains a talking point in discussions about foreign policy and economic pressure on Russia.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana, C. Sudharshan Reddy, said that anomalies in the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could potentially cross one crore (10 million) in the state. In an interview, he explained that the ongoing revision process has revealed a significant number of discrepancies, including duplicate entries and missing names. Reddy stated that the SIR is a routine exercise to update voter lists, but this year's revision has uncovered an unusually high number of issues. He attributed the anomalies to outdated records and procedural errors. The CEO emphasized that measures are being taken to rectify the problems, including cross-verification with Aadhaar data and door-to-door surveys. However, Reddy cautioned that the final count of anomalies might reach one crore if all errors are not resolved in time. He urged citizens to actively participate in the revision process by checking their names and reporting any discrepancies. The SIR is crucial for ensuring fair elections, and the Election Commission is committed to cleaning up the rolls before the next polls. The statement comes amid heightened political activity in Telangana, where elections are expected later this year. The state has over 3 crore registered voters, and a large number of anomalies could impact the electoral process. The CEO assured that the revision would be completed well ahead of the elections, and all eligible voters would be included.