Sam Pitroda has been reappointed chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, the party announced on Wednesday. Pitroda had resigned in May after remarks on inheritance tax and India's diversity sparked political controversy during the Lok Sabha elections. His statements, which suggested an inheritance tax and described India's regional diversity in controversial terms, drew strong criticism from the BJP, including Prime Minister Modi. Despite the fallout, Pitroda's return comes as the Congress looks to build on its improved tally of 99 seats, with the INDIA alliance securing 232 seats in the recent elections.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has been ordered by a court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to appear on July 2 regarding a defamation case. Filed by BJP's Vijay Mishra, the case pertains to Gandhi's remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Bengaluru in 2018. Despite objections, the court allowed the case to proceed and requested Gandhi's presence. Previously, Gandhi paused his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' for a similar court appearance. Another defamation case against him is ongoing in Bengaluru, where he was granted bail with a hearing scheduled for June 30.

At a Buckingham Palace state banquet, King Charles and Prince William shared a light-hearted moment with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan. Recalling shared memories, Charles joked about his grandchildren’s Pokémon obsession, saying, "The phrase 'gotta catch 'em all' may resonate with my grandchildren, but for me, it is, perhaps, aspirational." The jest, which delighted the VIP guests and Prince William, highlighted the warmth between the royals. The evening featured a lavish menu and music from the Royal College of Music’s Senior Quartet, marking a joyful reunion amid Charles's continued recovery.

A six-foot-tall wax statue of Abraham Lincoln, resembling the Lincoln Memorial, melted in Washington DC's heatwave, reaching 37.7 degrees Celsius. Installed by artist Sandy Williams IV at Garrison Elementary School, the statue depicted Lincoln's head and right foot melted, with legs separated from the torso. The viral photo, shared by Kirk A Bado, garnered 14.5 million views, prompting comments on climate change. Williams IV, reflecting on his 'Wax Monument Series,' aimed to portray change through these sculptures, allowing people to engage with normally untouchable monuments in a transformative way.

Kerala's State Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution to change the state's name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led the initiative, highlighting the cultural importance of 'Keralam' in Malayalam tradition. Originally proposed in August 2023 and reintroduced recently, the resolution aims to reflect Kerala's linguistic heritage and identity. It aligns with historical state formations based on language and commemorates Kerala's inception on November 1, 1956. The Assembly now urges the Central government to formally acknowledge this change in the Constitution, marking a significant milestone for Kerala's cultural legacy.

A Lancet Global Health study reveals alarming trends: 49.4% of adult Indians don't meet WHO's physical activity guidelines, up from 22.3% in 2000. More women (57%) than men (42%) are inactive. This increases risks for heart disease, diabetes, and cancers. India ranks 12th globally for physical inactivity. Experts warn sedentary lifestyles worsen health risks early in genetically predisposed populations. Recommendations include starting with enjoyable activities like gardening, and adopting a colorful diet rich in micronutrients. Despite cultural barriers and misconceptions, experts affirm it's never too late to start exercising for improved health outcomes.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over northwest India from June 28 to 30. With a 19% rain deficiency across the country, northwest India faces a 57% deficit while central India has a 23% shortfall. Monsoon progress has been delayed by about a week, now forecasted to cover more regions including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh in the coming days. IMD has also alerted for potential flooding in Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and West Uttar Pradesh during specific dates.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav delivered a pointed message to newly re-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, emphasizing impartiality towards the opposition. Congratulating Birla, Yadav expressed concern over past suspensions and expulsions of MPs, urging fair treatment for all. He stressed that the Speaker's authority should equally guide the ruling party. Yadav's speech during the 18th Lok Sabha session highlighted the need for dignity and respect for parliamentarians. This follows Birla's recent victory over opposition candidate K Suresh in a rare Speaker election, marking the first such poll since 1976.

Aamras from India has been named the best dish made with mangoes by TasteAtlas, a popular food guide. The list also features Mango Chutney from Maharashtra at fifth place. Other Indian dishes like Aam Dal and Amba also made the list. Aamras, a puréed mango pulp dessert, topped the rankings, followed by Thailand's Mango Sticky Rice and the Philippines' Sorbetes. Desi netizens celebrated the recognition of Indian dishes. TasteAtlas shared the list on social media, sparking joy and surprise among food lovers worldwide.

A new poster of Kamal Haasan as Yaskin from Kalki 2898AD has been released just a day before the film's premiere. The poster, shared by Vyjayanthi Movies on Instagram, features Haasan with a bald look and a crack on his skull. The film, directed by Nag Ashwin, stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Disha Patani. The movie is set to release on June 27. Fans are excited, and advance bookings have already caused a buzz, crashing booking sites in some regions due to high demand.