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<i>TOI reporters visited govt schools in 6 Rajasthan districts after the CJP row. The findings show how basic govt schooling has collapsed in pockets of the state, from the coaching capital of Kota to desert villages and Jhalawar’s tragedy-hit Piplodi.</i>

Decades after disappearing from Indian fields and kitchens, heirloom paddy is making a comeback, powered by seed savers, small farmers, and an appetite for what was once lost

The Congress party slammed the FIR against Rahul Gandhi, calling it casteist. BJP countered that Rahul raised the issue belatedly after a threat from Kharge. An FIR was registered against Rahul Gandhi under various sections and the SC/ST Act. The complainant alleged Rahul gave a caste angle to cleaning work at the rally. Uttarakhand CM stated state residents are unaware of Kharge's caste.

Following a string of losses, the Pakistan Cricket Board has made significant changes by releasing seven players and parts of the coaching staff. Five new uncapped players have been brought on board, while Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul step aside from their coaching positions. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will now oversee the coaching duties as the team readies itself for the third Test match against England at Edgbaston.

In a decisive move, India has dismissed an arbitration court's ruling related to the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that the court lacks authority over sovereign matters. This echoes India's previous stance on a similar arbitration award. The Permanent Court of Arbitration urged India to respect its treaty obligations, but India firmly reaffirms that its suspension of treaty enforcement remains effective.

As midterm polls approach, signs are that the next US Congress will be more challenging for New Delhi. More Democrat & Republican hardliners will likely win elections. That’ll not only disrupt usual bilateral ties, but also create new fault lines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that humanity's well-being depends on moving from endless war to peace. India supports all efforts to resolve issues peacefully and swiftly. Discussions also covered expanding cooperation in various key sectors. Both leaders agreed to maintain contact to strengthen their partnership.

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Prime Minister Modi convened with Iranian President Pezeshkian to advance discussions on fortifying trade connections between their nations. Both leaders acknowledged the critical role of maritime freedom and trade in the region. They also discussed the ongoing situations in West Asia, focusing on the importance of Chabahar port collaboration. President Pezeshkian encouraged India to mediate for peace, underscoring their shared dedication to enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.

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A renewed wave of military action has pushed the Iran war into another dangerous phase, with attacks and threats unfolding across the Gulf and wider Middle East. The latest escalation began with US strikes on Larak Island, which Washington described as a limited operation against Iranian forces preparing to launch naval mines into the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has rejected that characterisation and responded with attacks on US military positions in Jordan and the UAE.<br /><br />The Revolutionary Guards have reported several developments in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, including the alleged shooting down of a US MQ-9 drone and a supertanker striking two naval mines. Iran has warned shipping companies against following US military instructions or using routes it considers unauthorised.<br /><br />The conflict has also brought renewed pressure on the US military. Senior commanders have reportedly warned Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that continued large-scale operations are leaving American forces stretched across Europe, Asia and Latin America. More than 50,000 US troops have reportedly been kept on alert for months.<br /><br />Iranian leaders have combined threats of retaliation with messages that Tehran does not want a wider war. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was “not seeking war” but would respond to aggression, while deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Iran has “no choice but to win this war.”<br /><br />Beyond Iran and the US, the wider region remains unsettled. Israeli shelling has resumed in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces have raided Nablus and an Israeli strike in Gaza has killed a child and another Palestinian. Meanwhile, Pezeshkian is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek as Tehran continues its close ties with Moscow.<br />

India's economy recorded impressive growth of 7.8% during the April to June quarter, driven by a thriving manufacturing sector and a strong services industry. Domestic demand surged, bolstered by significant increases in investment and exports. Reflecting this positive trend, the government has upgraded growth projections for prior financial years, showcasing the economy's robust resilience in the face of global challenges.

A Nevada-based developer that bought 83 acres outside Yosemite for $4 million in 2024 is seeking a land exchange with the US government. The proposal could give the private property a direct road through a quarter-mile strip of Yosemite National Park. The same access plan was rejected in earlier legal battles, but the Trump administration is now considering it.