Seven endangered golden langurs rescued from a wildlife trafficking network have been released into Assam’s Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park after receiving veterinary care and rehabilitation. The primates were among eight langurs recovered during a joint operation by the Assam Police Special Task Force and local authorities in Chirang district. One langur died after the rescue, while the remaining seven were treated and prepared for release. Nine suspects, including a Bangladeshi national, were arrested in connection with the trafficking case. Officials believe the animals were illegally captured from forest areas in western Assam. The successful release marks a significant step in protecting the endangered species and combating wildlife trafficking. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the NEET 2026 re-exam was conducted successfully after the government corrected earlier lapses. The original exam was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak. Pradhan admitted mistakes were made and said steps were taken to improve the system. He urged students and parents to remain positive and trust the examination process. More than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the re-exam at over 5,400 centres across India and abroad. The NTA used biometric verification, CCTV cameras, jammers and strict security measures. The government also promised strong action against paper leak networks. (PC: PTI)

The father of accused Chetan Chowdhury has denied allegations that his son murdered Pune businessman Ketan Vishal Agrawal at Lohagad Fort, claiming Chetan was “standing far away” when Agrawal fell into a valley on June 18. Babulal Chowdhury alleged his son is being framed and said Chetan told him that co-accused Siya Goyal was standing closest to Agrawal before the incident. However, Pune Rural Police maintain that Siya and Chetan conspired over several weeks to kill Agrawal. Investigators allege the duo conducted reconnaissance visits, sabotaged a planned Bali trip, made a failed attempt on June 14, and ultimately pushed Agrawal into a valley on June 18. Banner

A clarification by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Passport Seva Divas has sparked widespread debate after it stated that a passport is primarily a travel document and not proof of citizenship. The remark triggered questions online about what constitutes conclusive evidence of Indian citizenship if passports, Aadhaar cards and voter IDs are not considered definitive proof. Social media users highlighted the apparent contradiction that Indian passports are issued only to citizens after document scrutiny and police verification. The discussion also revived references to court observations that Aadhaar serves as proof of identity rather than citizenship. The controversy has fueled fresh public confusion over citizenship documentation standards in India. (PC: X)

What initially appeared to be a tragic trekking accident at Lohagad Fort near Pune has turned into a sensational murder case. Police allege that 25-year-old businessman Ketan Agarwal was killed by his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged partner, Chetan Chaudhary, after multiple failed attempts on his life. Investigators became suspicious after CCTV footage showed a man wearing a hoodie despite temperatures reaching 33°C, leading them to uncover the alleged conspiracy. Call records, forensic evidence, and inconsistencies in statements reportedly exposed the plot. Both accused have been arrested, and police believe the murder was carefully planned to resemble an accidental fall. (PC: HT)

At least four workers were killed and 21 others rescued after a three-storey under-construction warehouse collapsed in Kolkata’s Taratala area on Wednesday. Rescue teams from the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, police and fire services launched a massive operation to locate workers still trapped beneath the debris. Authorities believe 12 to 15 people may remain under the collapsed structure. Drones, sniffer dogs and heavy equipment are being used in the search. The West Bengal government has ordered an audit of all under-construction buildings under Kolkata Municipal Corporation and suspended ongoing construction work pending safety reviews. (PC: India Today)

Kolkata’s iconic Kumartuli Ghat, a key part of the city’s cultural and religious heritage, is set to undergo a major transformation before Durga Puja 2026. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority has announced that the renovation work will be completed ahead of the festival season. The ₹10-crore project aims to restore the historic riverside ghat used by Kumartuli’s idol makers, who collect sacred clay for Durga idols. Planned upgrades include riverbank protection, improved walkways, decorative lighting, CCTV surveillance, seating areas and better public amenities. Officials say the revamp will preserve Kolkata’s heritage while enhancing safety and visitor experience. (PC: X)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistan's airspace while carrying out a go-around manoeuvre near Amritsar airport, the airline said. The incident involved flight AI479 on June 22, when the crew had to abort its landing approach and circle back for another attempt. Air India described the airspace entry as a “marginal infringement” and said the aircraft returned safely to Indian airspace. The airline has informed the relevant aviation authorities and launched an internal investigation into the incident. No passengers were affected, and the flight landed safely in Amritsar. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal is moving closer to merging tiger habitats in the South 24-Parganas forest division with the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, a proposal already cleared by the National Board for Wildlife and the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The merger awaits a state notification, pending for nearly a year. Forest Minister Manoj Oraon said efforts would be made to expedite the process. Once implemented, the reserve will expand from over 2,500 sq km to more than 3,600 sq km, becoming India’s second-largest tiger reserve after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Officials and conservationists believe unified administration, stronger protection, higher funding, better staff incentives, and reduced human interference will significantly strengthen tiger conservation across south Bengal. (PC: fra.animalia-life.club)

Mumbai's long-awaited southwest monsoon finally arrived on June 24, ending a 13-day delay from its usual onset date. While the rains brought relief from intense heat and humidity, they also caused severe waterlogging across several parts of the city. Flooded roads, stranded vehicles, and traffic disruptions were reported near Saki Naka, Andheri, and other low-lying areas. Authorities closed the Everard Nagar subway and restricted access to heavily inundated zones. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts as heavy rainfall is expected to continue. Civic officials and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) remain on high alert to manage flooding and ensure commuter safety.