A fresh controversy has erupted in Odisha after regional outfit Kalinga Sena issued a sharp warning to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) over its decision to hold Rath Yatra celebrations ahead of the traditional festival in Puri. Members of Kalinga Sena staged a protest outside ISKCON's temple in Bhubaneswar, alleging that organizing the chariot festival before the date observed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri disrespects centuries-old religious customs. During the demonstration, the group raised slogans against the organization and demanded that it immediately stop conducting what it called an "untimely" Rath Yatra.

The outfit also made a controversial statement, claiming that ISKCON had "no right to stay in Odisha" if it continued to ignore the state's religious traditions. Kalinga Sena leaders warned that they would intensify their protests if the organization did not align its celebrations with the official Jagannath Temple calendar. The dispute centres on the timing of Rath Yatra, one of Hinduism's most revered festivals. The annual procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in Puri follows a centuries-old ritual calendar and is considered the spiritual benchmark for Jagannath devotees across the world.

Several religious bodies and temple servitors in Odisha have previously expressed concern over ISKCON organizing Rath Yatra events before the Puri festival. They argue that the practice creates confusion among devotees and undermines the sanctity of the rituals performed at the 12th-century Jagannath Temple. ISKCON, however, has consistently maintained that its Rath Yatra celebrations are part of its worldwide mission to spread the teachings of Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna. The organization conducts similar festivals in numerous cities across India and abroad, saying they allow devotees who cannot travel to Puri to participate in the celebrations.

The latest confrontation has once again highlighted the long-running disagreement between traditional custodians of Jagannath culture in Odisha and ISKCON over the observance of the festival. While one side insists that the celebration should strictly follow the Puri temple's ritual calendar, the other views its events as devotional programmes intended for a global community of followers.

As the annual Rath Yatra approaches, the controversy is expected to remain under close watch. Local authorities are likely to monitor the situation to ensure that protests remain peaceful and law and order are maintained. The dispute has reignited a broader conversation about preserving Odisha's religious traditions while accommodating the growing international reach of Jagannath worship, an issue that has surfaced several times in recent years.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Nearly 50 leaders and workers associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) joined the Congress party on Thursday as part of an organisational expansion campaign initiated by the District Congress Committee (DCC), Shimla Rural. The joining ceremony was conducted under the leadership of Shimla Rural DCC President Hari Krishna Himral. Among those who entered the Congress fold were retired HRTC General Manager KC Chauhan from Rohru, former Block Development Committee (BDC) member Laxmi Dass from Shimla Rural, and ward members Jai Lal Negi and Karishma Sharma. Several other grassroots workers from different political parties also joined the party during the event.

The programme was attended by several senior Congress leaders, including Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) General Secretary (Organisation) Vinod Jinta, HPCC Vice-President Amit Nanda, Sonia Chauhan, Jitendra Thakur, Pawan Kumar, Kuldeep Thakur, and other party functionaries.

Welcoming the new members, Shimla Rural DCC President Hari Krishna Himral said the increasing support for Congress reflected public confidence in the state government’s policies and development agenda. Himral said that the induction of nearly 50 people, including prominent local figures and workers from the BJP, AAP, and BSP, would strengthen the party’s organisation at the grassroots level. He welcomed the new members and said their association with Congress would further enhance the party’s outreach among people.

The latest development comes amid internal developments within the Congress party, following the resignation of Ashok Singh on July 9. Singh submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing disappointment over a show-cause notice issued against him by the Uttar Pradesh Congress Disciplinary Committee for alleged anti-party activities.

The notice, issued on July 4, accused Singh of breaching party discipline after he attended a BJP programme organised to welcome BJP National President Nitin Nabin. In his resignation letter, Singh pointed to his 35-year association with the Congress and mentioned the various organisational roles he had held, including his involvement with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), his tenure as a Youth Congress leader, and his long-standing role as a spokesperson for the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

As geopolitical uncertainties continue to reshape Asia, senior Congress leader and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor has argued that India and Japan should work together to build one of the region's most influential strategic partnerships. In a recent opinion piece, Tharoor emphasized that the relationship between the two democracies should extend far beyond trade and diplomacy, evolving into a long-term partnership capable of contributing to regional stability, economic growth and technological innovation.

His remarks come at a time when India and Japan are already expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. During the recently concluded 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, the two countries signed a series of agreements covering artificial intelligence, defence cooperation, economic security, critical minerals, energy resilience and advanced technologies. The new initiatives reflect a shared commitment to strengthening strategic ties in response to changing global and regional dynamics.

According to Tharoor, the India-Japan relationship is unique because it is built not only on shared economic interests but also on common democratic values, respect for the rule of law and support for a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. He believes these common principles provide a strong foundation for a partnership that can help address emerging challenges, including supply chain disruptions, technological competition and maritime security concerns.

One of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation is economic collaboration. Japan has remained among India's largest foreign investors for decades, supporting major infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, industrial corridors and metro rail systems in several Indian cities. Recent announcements have further strengthened this relationship, with fresh investments aimed at manufacturing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and clean energy technologies.

Technology is expected to play an even bigger role in the future of the partnership. Both countries are increasingly collaborating on artificial intelligence, digital innovation, semiconductor manufacturing and critical technologies. India contributes a large pool of skilled technology professionals, while Japan offers expertise in advanced manufacturing, precision engineering and industrial automation. Many experts believe this combination could help both nations reduce dependence on vulnerable global supply chains while enhancing their competitiveness in emerging industries.

Defence cooperation has also entered a new phase. The latest summit produced landmark agreements on defence co-development, marking an important milestone in military collaboration between the two countries. Alongside regular naval exercises and maritime cooperation under the Quad framework, India and Japan are working more closely to strengthen security across the Indo-Pacific, where concerns over freedom of navigation and regional stability continue to grow.

Another area highlighted by analysts is the complementary nature of both economies. India has one of the world's youngest workforces and rapidly expanding consumer markets, while Japan possesses advanced technological capabilities and decades of industrial experience. Greater collaboration in manufacturing, healthcare, green energy, logistics and workforce development could generate long-term benefits for both countries while creating new opportunities for businesses and investors.

Beyond economics and defence, cultural and educational exchanges continue to deepen people-to-people connections. Student exchange programmes, tourism, language education and business partnerships have helped strengthen mutual understanding over the years. Experts argue that these softer aspects of diplomacy are equally important because lasting international partnerships are built not only through government agreements but also through stronger societal links.

The evolving partnership also carries wider regional significance. As two major democratic powers in Asia, India and Japan increasingly share a common vision of promoting sustainable development, secure trade routes and resilient supply chains. Their cooperation is viewed by many policymakers as an important factor in maintaining balance and stability across the Indo-Pacific without relying solely on traditional security arrangements.

Tharoor's observations ultimately underline a broader reality: India and Japan are entering a period where their relationship is expanding beyond conventional diplomacy into a comprehensive strategic partnership. With growing collaboration in technology, infrastructure, defence, innovation and economic security, both countries appear well positioned to shape the next phase of Asia's development. If current momentum continues, the India-Japan partnership could become one of the defining bilateral relationships influencing the region's economic and geopolitical future in the years ahead.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Prokerala

For over a decade, Prashant Kishor built a reputation as one of India's most influential political strategists, helping several major parties design winning election campaigns. His work largely happened behind the scenes, where data, messaging and voter outreach shaped electoral outcomes. Today, however, the spotlight has shifted. Instead of advising candidates, Kishor has chosen to become one himself, placing his own political credibility on the line.

His decision to contest the Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar as the candidate of the Jan Suraaj Party marks a defining moment in his career. It is his first direct electoral battle and perhaps the strongest test of whether his political ideas can translate into public support at the ballot box.

The move represents more than an individual contest. It reflects the evolution of a man who spent years crafting strategies for others before deciding to build a political movement of his own. Over the past few years, Prashant Kishor has travelled extensively across Bihar through the Jan Suraaj campaign, interacting with citizens, discussing issues such as education, healthcare, employment and governance, and advocating for a new style of politics focused on development rather than traditional caste-based calculations.

Despite his national profile, converting popularity into votes will not be easy. Bihar remains one of India's most politically competitive states, where established parties possess deep grassroots networks, experienced local leadership and loyal voter bases built over decades. Winning an election requires much more than a compelling vision; it demands strong organization, booth-level management and sustained public trust.

Bankipur itself presents a difficult challenge. Considered a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the constituency has become the centre of intense political attention following Kishor's entry into the race. Major parties have already intensified their campaigns, underlining the importance of the contest for Bihar's political landscape.

Political observers believe this election is significant because it will test whether Jan Suraaj can emerge as a credible alternative to Bihar's established political alliances. While Kishor has consistently argued that voters are looking for governance-focused politics, elections often depend on local equations, candidate outreach and long-standing political loyalties.

One factor working in Kishor's favour is his image as a political reformer rather than a conventional politician. Many young voters and first-time supporters view him as someone willing to challenge the existing political culture. His campaign has emphasized transparency, better public services and long-term development instead of relying solely on traditional electoral narratives.

At the same time, expectations are exceptionally high because of his own professional background. Having advised successful election campaigns across multiple states, Kishor is now expected to demonstrate that the strategies he recommended for others can also deliver victory for himself. This transition from strategist to contestant is far more demanding, as every campaign promise, public appearance and electoral result will now be directly associated with his leadership.

Regardless of the final outcome, the election carries broader political significance. A strong performance could strengthen Jan Suraaj's position ahead of future elections and encourage more voters to consider the party as an emerging force in Bihar politics. On the other hand, a disappointing result would raise difficult questions about whether political consulting expertise alone can build a successful electoral movement.

The contest also reflects a changing trend in Indian politics, where professionals, policy experts and political consultants are increasingly stepping into active electoral roles instead of remaining behind the scenes. Their success depends not only on strategy but also on their ability to connect with ordinary voters and build lasting public confidence.

As campaigning gathers momentum, all eyes will remain on Bankipur. For Prashant Kishor, this is more than just another election—it is an opportunity to prove that his vision for political change resonates beyond speeches and strategy rooms. Whether he secures victory or faces setbacks, this contest is likely to shape both his political future and the trajectory of the Jan Suraaj Party in the years ahead. 

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With just one week remaining before the World Cup champion is decided, the tournament has delivered plenty of memorable moments, including Donald Trump's unexpected intervention this week that stunned the football community.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The political landscape in 2026 has taken several unexpected turns. The Labor government moved ahead with reforms to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount despite earlier indications that such changes were not on the agenda. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party underwent another leadership change, while One Nation has gained noticeable momentum, with recent opinion polls showing increased voter support. In this discussion, political editor Tom McIlroy is joined by Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at *The Conversation*, and Melissa Clarke, political correspondent for ABC Radio National. Together, they assess the major political developments of the year so far, evaluate how the key parties have performed, and highlight the issues and political battles likely to shape the remainder of 2026.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Keir Starmer has revealed that he will step down as prime minister less than two years after securing an election win, setting off a contest to choose the next Labour leader. As Labour MPs grow increasingly concerned about the rising influence of Nigel Farage’s Reform party, attention has turned to Andy Burnham, the politician nicknamed the “King of the North.” His strong performance in a local by-election last weekend has fuelled speculation that he could be a future occupant of No. 10. Reged Ahmad speaks with North of England editor Josh Halliday about Burnham’s growing political momentum, why he is being viewed as a potential next British prime minister, and why the coming week could shape the future direction of UK politics.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

A second batch of more than 1,000 pages of documents concerning Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador has been made public. The files were expected to shed light on what ministers knew about Mandelson’s connections to Epstein and the vetting process behind his approval. Instead, they exposed internal government tensions and early concerns over Keir Starmer’s leadership. Lucy Hough talks with the Guardian’s head of national news, Archie Bland.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.