QWrap: Oppn Picks Meira Kumar for Prez; Darjeeling Youth Speak Up

Here are the top stories for the day.

Opposition’s Presidential candidate Meira Kumar (Photo: PTI)

1. Dalit vs Dalit As Opposition Picks Meira Kumar For President

It’s Dalit versus Dalit in the race to Rashtrapati Bhavan. On Thursday, the Congress-led Opposition parties chose former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as their nominee ahead of the presidential elections on 17 July. Earlier this week, the BJP had taken many by surprise by declaring an unexpected candidate – Dalit leader and Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind. Read the full story here.

2. “We’re Burning Under The Wrath of Mamata,” Darjeeling Youth Speak Up

The indefinite strike in Darjeeling entered its eighth day on 22 June, with the Mamata Banerjee government continuing the manhunt for Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung.

The indefinite bandh, coupled with the several restrictions imposed by the West Bengal government, has brought life to a standstill in the district. The government’s latest move, the complete shutdown of internet services, has only added to the woes of the residents of Darjeeling, who are caught in the middle of the battle for Gorkhaland. Read the full story here.

3. Loan Waivers Have Become a Fashion Now, Says Venkaiah Naidu

Amidst a number of states waiving off farm loans, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said “loan waivers have become fashion now.” He added, however, that “loans should be waived, but in extreme situations only.”

Naidu’s comments come amidst BJP states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh clearing farm loan waivers. Read the full story here.

4. Should I Pick Course Over College? – Your Queries Answered

Are you still fearing the ‘A’ word? Yes, we are referring to college ‘admissions’. Are you unsure about a particular course? Are you facing pareshaani over your future after class 12?

Fear not baccho, for The Quint is here. We have on board CollegeDekho experts to answer all your admissions-related questions.

You can also send in your queries to [e-mail]. Read the full story here.

5. An Unusual Place for Music: Believe It or Not, ‘Dharavi Rocks’!

Dharavi Rocks. It really does, and if you don’t think so then you absolutely need to watch what the kids of the junk band, Dharavi Rocks do. Made up of drummers, breakdancers, and rappers - these kids are barely out of school, and yet they perform like they’ve had years of training. Watch how these boys bring the house down.

Video Producer: Erum Gour
Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj