As the new month begins, July 1 brings a series of significant developments across India — from revised train fares and key political updates in the BJP to IMD’s fresh monsoon alerts. Here's a quick summary of the top headlines shaping today’s news:

1. Train Fares Increased from Today: No Hike in Monthly Season Tickets

Starting July 1, Indian Railways has hiked fares for mail and express trains.

• Non-AC classes: ₹0.01/km increase

• AC classes: ₹0.02/km increase

The Ministry of Railways had indicated these changes in a June 24 meeting. However, there will be no fare change in monthly season tickets (MSTs) and suburban services remain unaffected.

2. BJP Set to Finalize New National President Post State Elections

The BJP has accelerated discussions on selecting its next national president.

• Elections in Mizoram and Puducherry were completed on Monday.

• Nominations filed in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

The party aims to complete its internal organizational polls across states by mid-July before selecting the new chief.

3. IMD Forecast: Monsoon Hits Early, Red & Yellow Alerts Issued

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon has covered the entire country nine days ahead of schedule.

• Heavy rains are expected across coastal, hill, and northeastern regions.

• Several districts are under Red and Yellow Alerts for flooding and landslides.

4. UP Schools Reopen from Today, ‘School Chalo’ Campaign Resumes

Basic and secondary schools in Uttar Pradesh reopen today after the summer vacation.

• From July 1 to July 15, the government is running the second phase of the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ to improve enrollment.

• Over 4.5 million students in Classes 1 to 3 will receive new textbooks. 

5. New Rules Effective Today: From Train Tickets to LPG Prices

July 1 marks the implementation of several key rule changes:

• Charges on ATM withdrawals beyond limits

• Credit card fees

• Tatkal ticket bookings linked to Aadhaar

• Revised LPG rates

• Extended deadline for ITR filing

Citizens are advised to stay informed to avoid last-minute confusion.

6. U.S. Calls India a Key Indo-Pacific Ally

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in response to ANI, reaffirmed that India is a strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific.

• The statement comes amid growing concerns about China’s expanding influence in the region.

7. Gaza: Israeli Strikes Kill 74 Amid Ceasefire Talks

Even as the U.S. pursues ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, Israeli air raids continued on Monday, killing at least 74 Palestinians.

• A beachside café was hit, resulting in 30 civilian deaths.

• Reports also mention live fire on civilians seeking food aid.

8. Pakistan Rakes Up Indus Waters Treaty Again

Pakistan has once again appealed to India to abide by the Indus Waters Treaty, citing the International Court of Arbitration’s stance.

• India reiterated its position of not recognizing the court's jurisdiction on this matter.

9. Prayagraj Teen Rescued from Forced Religious Conversion and Terror Grooming

In Phulpur, Prayagraj, a minor girl was allegedly lured to Kerala, forcibly converted, and trained for terrorist activities.

• The girl escaped and alerted her family.

• Two accused — a man and a woman — have been arrested.

10. Cyber Attack Hits International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC) reported a sophisticated cyber attack on its systems.

• Efforts are underway to assess the breach and minimize damage.

• The full extent of the attack is yet to be determined.