• Enforcement Directorate files chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in alleged National Herald money laundering case.

• Supreme Court sets six month deadline for trial in child trafficking cases.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen over telephone; Both leaders reaffirm their strong support for India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership.

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari sets goal for highway construction to 100 kilometers per day.

• IMD forecasts above normal Southwest Monsoon from June to September.

• Sensex and Nifty surge over two per cent amid positive global cues following temporary tariff relief on electronic goods by the US.

• In IPL T20 Cricket, Punjab Kings set a target of 112 runs before Kolkata Knight Riders in Chandigarh.

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The Enforcement Directorate, ED has filed a chargesheet in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, naming Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in a money laundering case related to the National Herald newspaper. The chargesheet also names Congress Overseas Chief Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey and others. Special judge Vishal Gogne has posted the matter for further proceedings on the 25th of this month. A prosecution complaint has been filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for the offence of money laundering.

“ED began its probe in the National Herald case after member of Parliament Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in 2014, accusing Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and other senior Congress leaders of taking over properties of the Associated Journals Limited for a mere sum of 50 lakh rupees. He alleged that the Associated Journals Limited properties were worth over 2,000 crore rupees. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were questioned in 2022 as part of the probe. The National Herald is published by Associated Journals Limited, which is owned by Young Indian Private Limited. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi each hold a 38 per cent stake in Young Indian, making them its majority shareholders. Young Indian is under the ED scanner over charges of acquiring Associated Journals Limited and its assets for 50 lakh rupees against an alleged loan extended by the Congress. On 12th of this month, ED served notices to take possession of immovable assets worth 661 crore rupees in Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow, that it had attached as part of a money laundering probe linked to National Herald newspaper and Associated Journals Limited.”

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The Congress has reacted to the Enforcement Directorate’s chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case, alleging that the agency’s move is nothing but politics of vendetta. In a social media post, party General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the move. Reacting to it, the BJP hit out at the opposition party for calling the ED’s action “vendetta politics.” Speaking to Akashvani News, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said that merely labelling it vendetta politics does not negate the core issue that is under investigation.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today questioned Robert Vadra, in connection with its money-laundering probe linked to a land deal in Haryana. The case is related to purchase of a land in Gurugram by Mr. Vadra’s company. Earlier, in the morning Mr. Vadra reached ED office in the National Capital to appear before the agency. The investigation agency has again summoned Mr Vadra for questioning tomorrow.

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The Supreme Court today laid down stringent guidelines for the prevention and expedited trial of child trafficking related offences across the country.  The Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan also directed High Courts across the country to issue directions to lower courts to complete trial in child trafficking cases in six months. The top court issued the directions while hearing anticipatory bail pleas filed by the accused in a child trafficking case from Uttar Pradesh. It also mandated that such cases be heard on a day-to-day basis to prevent delays in justice. The court criticised the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of child trafficking cases, and the Allahabad High Court for issuing bail to child trafficking accused. In a significant direction, the Court said that if a new born is stolen from hospital, the first step to be taken is to cancel the license of the concerned hospital. The case involved a stolen baby being delivered to a couple who were desirous of having a son.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen. During the telephonic conversation, both leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and discussed enhancing cooperation across sectors for the benefit of the people of both countries. Recalling high-level exchanges between both countries ever since the launch of the Green Strategic Partnership in 2020, the leaders noted the expansion of the Green Strategic Partnership in various fields which have created favorable conditions for Danish investments in India to contribute to green transition. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said he and Ms. Frederiksen also discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest.

During the conversation, Mr Modi said that he is looking forward to the 3rd India- Nordic Summit scheduled to be held later this year in Norway and his meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen at that time.

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The government today said that India’s trade with the United States is expected to grow and reach 500 billion dollars by 2030. Briefing the media in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that there are both concerns and opportunities for India in terms of the current tariffs. However, the country has taken a path of trade liberalisation and is pursuing a bilateral trade agreement with the United States. He added that this path will open many opportunities for both countries.

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Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who was on a two-day visit to Rome, called on Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation. During the meeting, the two sides held productive discussions aimed at further enhancing defence cooperation as a key pillar of the India-Italy strategic partnership. He also co-chaired the 11^th India-Italy annual bilateral Joint Defence Committee meeting with his Italian counterpart, Secretary General of Defence Luisa Riccardi.

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Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today emphasized the significance of infrastructure development for the country and set a goal to expedite highway construction to a rate of 100 kilometers per day. Addressing the All India Management Association’s 10th National Leadership Conclave in Delhi, he stated that within the next 18 months, the country’s road infrastructure will surpass that of the United States of America.

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Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda asserted that providing affordable and quality healthcare to every poor person in the country is a top priority for the government. The Minister was addressing the fifth convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand today. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present on the occasion. The Union Health Minister and the Chief Minister also inaugurated various healthcare services on the occasion.

“In his address Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda mentioned that at the beginning of this century, India had only one AIIMS, today, 22 AIIMS are operational across the country. He praised AIIMS Rishikesh for saving 309 critical patients via effective use of drone and helicopter services. He also added that by utilizing digital services like telemedicine, the institute has become one of the best in the country in delivering healthcare in remote and underserved areas of the state. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare services to citizens.”

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India’s Haj quota has been increased from 1 lakh 36 thousand in 2014 to 1 lakh 75 thousand in 2025. In a social media post, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said, it is managing the arrangements through the Haj Committee of India for over 1 lakh 22 thousand pilgrims this year under the main quota. The Ministry said, all necessary preparations including flights, transport, Mina camps, accommodation, and services, have been completed as per the Saudi Arabian guidelines.

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India has strongly rejected the motivated and baseless comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament. In response to media queries regarding comments made by Pakistan on Waqf Bill, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India. He said, Pakistan would do better to look at its own abysmal record when it comes to protecting the rights of minorities, instead of preaching to others.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the Southwest Monsoon seasonal rainfall from June to September this year is likely to be above normal. IMD Director General, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated this while briefing media in New Delhi today.

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The benchmark domestic equity indices today surged over two per cent amid positive global cues.

“The 30-share index at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Sensex, rallied 1,578 points to close at 76,735. The National Stock Exchange Nifty-50 rose 500 points to settle at 23,329. In the Forex market, the rupee today strengthened by 28 paise to close at 85 rupees and 77 paise against the US dollar. In the Indian Bullion Market, 24 Karat Gold was trading at 93,390 rupees per 10 grams, a short while ago.”

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The diamond jubilee celebrations of the Akashvani Hyderabad Kendra began this afternoon with Director General, Akashvani and News Services Division, Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur virtually unveiling the pylon to mark the momentous occasion.

Addressing Akashvani Hyderabad officials and staff on the occasion, Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur said the shift of broadcasting technology from analogue to digital transmitters has enhanced broadcasting capabilities and adoption of internet technology has expanded its reach and also enabled live streaming of various channels.

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In IPL T20 Cricket, Punjab Kings have set a target of 112 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chandigarh’s Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Earlier, Punjab Kings won the toss and were all out for 111 runs in 15.3 overs after electing to bat first.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN

• Enforcement Directorate files chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others in alleged National Herald money laundering case.

• Supreme Court sets six month deadline for trial in child trafficking cases.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen over telephone; Both leaders reaffirm their strong support for India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership.

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari sets goal for highway construction to 100 kilometers per day.

• IMD forecasts above normal Southwest Monsoon from June to September.

• Sensex and Nifty surge over two per cent amid positive global cues following temporary tariff relief on electronic goods by the US.

• In IPL T20 Cricket, Punjab Kings set a target of 112 runs before Kolkata Knight Riders in Chandigarh.