Caste survey decision by Congress brass, not Karnataka government, says CM Siddaramaiah
“Bengaluru: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah sought to clarify Wednesday that it was the Congress brass’s decision and not his government’s to undertake a fresh caste survey.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised that the directive for a fresh caste survey originated from the Congress high command, not his state administration. He made the clarification in Bengaluru on Wednesday to deflect criticism surrounding the re‑enumeration.
He cited concerns over outdated data from the 2015 survey, which leaked figures showing significant increases among minorities, Other Backward Classes and Dalits groups that form his core voter base. Although the 2015 report had been accepted “in principle”, Siddaramaiah noted that party leadership deemed it necessary to update the figures.
The announcement has triggered unease among dominant caste groups. Siddaramaiah’s statement seeks to place responsibility with the high command, insulating the state government from potential backlash.
What is the US really up to?: Jairam Ramesh slams invitation to Pakistan Army Chief for US Army Day
“In a post on X, Ramesh asked: ‘What is the US really up to? This is another huge diplomatic setback for India.’”
Senior Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has strongly criticised the United States for inviting Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, to the upcoming US Army Day celebrations on 14 June—marking the service’s 250th anniversary. Ramesh highlighted that the invitation follows inflammatory statements by Munir made mere days before the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.
He noted that the US Central Command chief recently described Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counter‑terrorism. Ramesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter and urged him to consider an all‑party meeting and special parliamentary session.
Ramesh warned that such diplomatic gestures from Washington risk undermining India’s position on global counter‑terrorism efforts. His remarks reflect concern within the Congress that decades of international gains might be jeopardised by such high‑profile engagements.
Delhi on heatwave RED ALERT as Bengaluru braces for heavy rain
“Parts of Delhi sweltered under conditions that felt like 50.8 °C at 2.30 pm and 51.9 °C at 5.30 pm.”
A red alert for heatwaves remains in effect for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan until 13 June as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, southern India particularly Bengaluru and coastal Karnataka is under threat from heavy monsoon showers.
Delhi continued to endure severe heat on Wednesday, with maximums reaching between 43.3 °C at Safdarjung and 45.0 °C at Aya Nagar. High humidity pushed the heat index above 50 °C, prompting continued red alerts for Thursday followed by a downgrading to yellow from Friday. Relief is expected from mid‑June when thunderstorms and rainfall from moisture-laden Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea winds are forecast to bring cooler conditions.
In Bengaluru, the IMD has issued a heavy rain alert after temperatures ranged from 21 °C to 28 °C on Wednesday. Showers have begun, with more intense rainfall possible across Karnataka until 17 June.
Residents in the north are advised to stay hydrated and avoid midday heat. In the south, people should prepare for wet weather and strong winds.
Who is Bobby Mukkamala? First Indian-origin head of the American Medical Association
“To call this moment humbling doesn’t capture it. It’s moving. It’s awe‑inspiring.”
Dr Srinivas “Bobby” Mukkamala was inaugurated on 10 June 2025 as the 180th president of the American Medical Association (AMA), becoming the first person of Indian origin to hold the role in its 178‑year history.
An otolaryngologist based in Flint, Michigan, Dr Mukkamala earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He has held several leadership positions within the AMA and local medical bodies, including chair of the Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force and president of both the Michigan State Medical Society and Genesee County Medical Society.
Earlier this year, he successfully underwent surgery to remove an 8 cm brain tumour from his temporal lobe, with 90 per cent excised. He has said his experience has strengthened his resolve to advance equitable, patient‑centred healthcare.
Born in 1972 to immigrant physician parents from Andhra Pradesh, Dr Mukkamala credits their journey and values for his achievements. He remains an active community leader in Flint, notably supporting efforts to address lead exposure in water and establishing scholarships through the University of Michigan, Flint.
India’s population reaches 146.39 crore; fertility rate falls below replacement level
India’s population has surged to approximately 1.4639 billion as of April 2025, even as its total fertility rate (TFR) drops to 1.9 — below the replacement threshold.
The United Nations Population Fund’s State of World Population Report 2025 positions India as the most populous country globally, overtaking China. The TFR decline is notable, down from around 2.0 in 2021 to 1.9 in 2025. A replacement TFR of 2.1 is needed to sustain the population.
According to the report, India’s population is expected to peak at 170 crore in the next four decades before starting a gradual decline. Urban fertility figures are even lower, at about 1.6–1.7, influenced by rising education levels, career ambitions and delayed childbearing.
Currently, around 68 per cent of India’s population is of working age (15–64), nearly 24 per cent are aged 0–14, and 7 per cent are over 65. The elderly demographic is projected to grow as life expectancy rises.
The UN report frames this shift as a “real fertility crisis,” urging enhanced reproductive agency. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions on contraception, family planning and timing of parenthood.
Ram Charan’s The India House set flooded after water tank bursts; several crew injured
“Dramatic footage from the incident has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and concern.”
A sudden burst of a massive water tank on the set of the forthcoming period drama The India House, produced by Ram Charan and starring Nikhil Siddhartha, resulted in unexpected flooding near Shamshabad on Thursday. The accident disrupted filming and left several crew members injured.
The incident occurred during the shooting of a major ocean scene when the water tank ruptured, pouring thousands of litres onto the set. Crew members were seen in viral videos attempting to salvage camera equipment and props amid the deluge.
An assistant cinematographer sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a private hospital in Hyderabad along with several others. The scale of damage extends to both props and production gear.
Shamshabad’s local police have not confirmed the incident, and the production company is yet to issue an official statement. The mishap underscores the potential risks involved in on‑set stunts and large-scale set constructions.
