Category: India

The involvement of Pakistan in the Pahalgam terror attack is underscored by the recent funeral held for one of the terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack on April 22 claimed 26 civilian lives, prompting India’s Operation Sindoor that neutralized over 100 terrorists.

In a big confirmation of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack, the ‘Janaza-Ghaib (funeral in absentia)’ of one of the Pahalgam terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev in J&K was performed in his village in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Twenty-six civilians were killed by terrorists on April 22 in the hill station in North Kashmir. More than 100 terrorists were killed as India carried out precision strikes targeting terror launchpads deep in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Tahir Habib, one of the Pahalgam terrorists, was killed in Operation Mahadev in J&K. An ‘A’ category terrorist, his killing in Srinagar last week along with two others was a major breakthrough for Indian security forces.
Videos and pictures posted on Telegram channels showed his ‘Janaza-Ghaib being held in his village in Rawalkote. The event was attended by local LeT commander Rizwan Hanif. According to Times of India, Tahir’s family explicitly barred LeT members from attending the funeral but Hanif insisted, threatening mourners with a gun. The incident sparked outrage among villagers, with villagers now planning a public boycott to oppose terror recruitment, the report said, quoting a source.

Tahir was a wanted category ‘A’ terrorist. His killing during Operation Mahadev in Srinagar last week along with two others was a major breakthrough for Indian security forces.
The villagers’ call to boycott terror recruitment not only highlights the growing resistance among POK residents against Pakistan’s state-sponsored terror machine but also confirms that the impact of Operation Sindoor being felt across the border.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/operation-sindoor-janaza-ghaib-funeral-in-absentia-of-pahalgam-terrorist-in-pok-confirms-islamabad-hand-in-april-22-attack-article-152398856

Modi was addressing a public meeting in Banauli village in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on citizens to adopt the spirit of “swadeshi” and support locally made products, stressing that true service to the nation lies in promoting indigenous goods amid global economic uncertainties.

His comments came a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on India and unspecified penalties for buying Russian oil, after talks bogged down over access to agriculture and other sensitive sectors, with New Delhi refusing to open its labour-intensive farms to unfettered American imports.

In a 55-minute speech, the PM also invoked Lord Shiva’s “Rudra roop” (fierce form) to describe India’s resolute action against terrorism, saying Operation Sindoor showcased the country’s strength and that any Pakistani misadventures will get a reply from missiles made in UP, a reference to the BrahMos.

He was addressing a public meeting in Banauli village in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth around ₹2,200 crore. He also distributed the 20th instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi worth ₹20,500 crore to over 97 million eligible farmers nationwide.

“The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities,” he said.

The prime minister also made a renewed push for “swadeshi”, stressing that every party, leader and citizen must work to promote indigenous goods if “we want India to become the third-largest economy”.

“Welfare of farmers and small industries is paramount and the government is making every possible effort in this direction…At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country,” he added.

He also urged people to be conscious consumers, saying, “Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves — has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’.”

Trump’s executive order on Friday also set punitive rates for 69 trading partners, including 35% duties on Canada, 50% for Brazil, 20% for Taiwan and 39% for Switzerland, as a previously announced 12.01am EDT August 1 deadline approached. Goods from unlisted countries face a 10% baseline tax. The new levies come into effect on August 7.

India now faces higher tariff rates than regional competitors, with Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia set for 19% duties while Bangladesh, Vietnam and Taiwan face 20% rates—potentially weakening India’s position as a preferred sourcing destination for US companies.

India exports $86.5 billion worth of goods to the US, with a surplus of $41 billion. However, industry experts estimate that a significant chunk of Indian goods may avoid the higher duties for now since the Trump administration has exempted electronics, pharmaceuticals, energy products and critical minerals from additional tariffs citing national interest. Nonetheless, analysts expect a significant impact for India’s exports.

In his first visit to Varanasi since Operation Sindoor, Modi drew attention to the state of the world economy. With the festival and wedding seasons approaching, the PM encouraged people to ensure that all new purchases are made in India. He recalled how many citizens changed their wedding plans from abroad to India after his earlier appeal.

“The feeling of swadeshi in every action will define our future. This will also be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Only through collective effort can we fulfil the dream of a developed India,” Modi said.

The PM accused the Congress of repeatedly insulting the valour of the armed forces and even terming Operation Sindoor a “tamasha” (spectacle).

“Can ‘Sindoor’ ever be a joke? They dared to insult the sacred mark of our sisters and the valour of our soldiers,” he said.

“My heart was filled with sorrow for the 26 people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack… My promise to avenge ‘Sindoor’ of our daughters was fulfilled with blessings of Mahadev,” he said, adding, “I dedicate the success of the operation at the feet of Mahadev.”

He was referring to the killing of three terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in an encounter named Operation Mahadev last week.

“Shiva means welfare, but when terrorism and injustice raise their ugly head, Mahadev takes his ‘Rudra roop’. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed this very form of India,” the PM said, warning that “whoever attacks India will not survive, even in Pataal Lok (netherworld)”.

Taking a dig at the Opposition, Modi alleged that while the country was celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor, “some people in our own country were troubled by it”.

“Congress and its allies are unable to digest the fact that India demolished terrorist hideouts inside Pakistan,” he said.

“Aren’t you proud of Operation Sindoor? Aren’t you proud that India destroyed terror bases (in Pakistan and PoK)?” the PM asked.

“Several air bases in Pakistan are still in ICU. While Pakistan’s anguish is understandable, what’s shocking is that Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders are also unable to cope with it.”

Modi also attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) for questioning the timing of Operation Mahadev. “One of their leaders asked in Parliament — ‘why were the attackers of Pahalgam killed now’. Should I call and ask Samajwadi leaders whether to strike now or later? Should we wait and let the terrorists escape?” Modi asked.

“This is ‘Naya Bharat’ (New India), which worships Lord Shiva but turns Kaal Bhairav against its enemies when needed,” the prime minister said.

Modi stressed that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s indigenous defence capabilities to the world.

Expressing pride as an MP from Uttar Pradesh, the PM announced that BrahMos missiles will soon be manufactured in Lucknow. The BrahMos unit in Lucknow was inaugurated on May 11.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-makes-push-for-swadeshi-after-us-levies-25-tariff-101754161044932.html

As prices fall, onion growers want Maharashtra CM to chair urgent meet in Lasalgaon

Nashik, Amid a steep fall in prices, the Maharashtra State Onion Growers Association has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to convene a special meeting urgently at Lasalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee , the largest market for the crop in Asia, to find immediate and long-term solutions.

A delegation from the association had recently submitted a written request to the chairman and secretary of Lasalgaon MC, urging them to extend a formal invitation to the chief minister for such a meeting.

The association also sent an official email to Fadnavis reiterating the demand.

The letter, signed by Maharashtra State Onion Growers Association founder-president Bharat Dighole and Nashik district president Jaydeep Bhadane, highlights the acute financial distress faced by farmers due to plummeting prices.

According to the association, onion farmers across Maharashtra are currently getting only ₹800 to ₹1,200 per quintal, while the average production cost is at least ₹2,500 per quintal.

This discrepancy is causing significant daily losses to growers, it added.

“Given the urgency of the situation, we request you to personally hold a special meeting at the Lasalgaon MC to discuss immediate and long-term measures with both the Central and state governments,” the letter stated.

The association expressed confidence that CM Fadnavis would take proactive steps to protect the interests of onion farmers and address the crisis at the earliest.

All eyes are now on the chief minister’s response, as discontent simmers in key onion-producing regions like Nashik over the continued neglect of the plight of farmers, Dighole said.

“Maharashtra is the largest onion-producing state in the country, and lakhs of farmers produce the crop. We will welcome the CM if he comes to Lasalgaon to address our grievances at the earliest,” Dighole said.

The condition of farmers is not good due to low prices and a shortage of storage facilities, which is damaging the harvested crop, he said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/as-prices-fall-onion-growers-want-maharashtra-cm-to-chair-urgent-meet-in-lasalgaon-101754189917162.html

A Delhi court on Saturday issued notice to Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Special Judge (PC Act) Sushant Changotra of the Rouse Avenue Court said that he will hear Vadra and the 10 other proposed accused in the case before taking cognisance of the prosecution complaint.

The case will be heard next on August 28.

The case centers on a 3.5-acre land parcel bought by Vadra’s company, Skylight Hospitality, from Onkareshwar Properties for ₹7.5 crore in February 2008. The transaction allegedly involved the use of false documents. It is claimed that soon after, the property was mutated in Skylight’s favour and transferred to Vadra within 24 hours.

It is alleged that the Haryana government, then led by Bhupinder Singh Hooda of the Congress party, swiftly granted a commercial license to Vadra’s firm, which dramatically increased the land’s market value. In September 2012, Skylight Hospitality sold the land to realty giant DLF for ₹58 crore, allegedly resulting in windfall gains for Vadra.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-court-issues-notice-to-robert-vadra-in-ed-money-laundering-case

On July 13, Saina Nehwal, in a surprising move, announced her separation from Parupalli Kashyap. The couple, who have been together for over a decade, tied the knot in 2018.

Weeks after announcing separation from husband Parupalli Kashyap, Olympic medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal has posted a picture with the former claiming that they are “trying again”. Saina took to Instagram to share a photo with Kashyap, set against a stunning backdrop of the sea and mountains. “Sometimes distance teaches you the value of presence. Here we are-trying again,” she wrote in the caption. On July 13, Saina, in a surprising move, announced her separation from Kashyap. The couple, who have been together for over a decade, tied the knot in 2018.

“Life takes us in different directions sometimes,” Saina had written in her post last month.

“After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We’re choosing peace, growth, and healing – for ourselves and each other. I’m grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding and respecting our privacy during this time.”

Commenting on the post, fans welcomed the news and expressed their elation at the reunion of the couple.

The seperation announcement had come as a surprise to the sports community and fans alike, given Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap’s long-standing bond both on and off the court. The two have been pillars of Indian badminton, frequently seen supporting each other at tournaments and sharing in each other’s achievements.

Saina, a former world No. 1 and Olympic bronze medallist, has been a trailblazer for Indian women in sport. Kashyap, too, has had a notable career, representing India in global events including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/badminton/saina-nehwal-parupalli-kashyap-trying-again-weeks-after-separation-distance-teaches-9007152

Although initial claims alleged that three individuals were involved in setting the 15-year-old girl on fire, Odisha Police said they have found no indication of involvement by any other person in the incident.

A 15-year-old girl who was allegedly set on fire by three unidentified individuals in Odisha’s Puri district on July 19 has died while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed on Saturday.

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim in the Balanga incident. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock efforts of the expert medical team at AIIMS Delhi, his life could not be saved,” tweeted Majhi.

The incident occurred on the banks of the river Bhargavi, where the girl sustained 75 pe rcent burn injuries. She was initially treated at the Pipili Community Health Centre and later moved to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

On July 20, she was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced treatment, where she underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafting procedures before she died. Shortly after her death, Odisha Police said their investigation had found no evidence of involvement by any other individual in the incident.

However, they did not explain how the girl was set ablaze, despite the initial FIR filed by her mother alleging that three unidentified persons abducted her and set her on fire with an inflammable substance. The girl was reportedly attacked while walking home after visiting a friend.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the victim girl in the Balanga incident. The police have conducted the investigation with utmost sincerity. The investigation has reached its final stage. According to the investigation conducted so far, it is clear that no other person is involved. Therefore, we request everyone not to make any sensitive comments regarding this matter during this tragic moment,” wrote Odisha Police on X.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik condoled the girl’s death.

“Deeply saddened and anguished to know that the young girl set on fire in #Balanga area of #Puri District passed away while undergoing treatment in AIIMS. My condolences to the young girl and prayers are with the family members in the hour of grief. May God give the family members strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he wrote on X.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/the-odisha-girl-who-was-allegedly-set-on-fire-by-three-unknown-men-dies-at-aiims-delhi-police-say-no-one-involved-2765395-2025-08-02

New Delhi and its adjoining areas woke up to heavy rainfall on Sunday, resulting in severe waterlogging across several parts of the city, disrupting road transport and affecting flight operations.

According to flight tracker FlightRadar, 98 departing flights and 27 arriving flights were delayed at Delhi International Airport, while three flights have been cancelled.

Several key areas, including Vijay Chowk, Connaught Place, Minto Bridge, Sarojini Nagar, AIIMS, Panchkuian Marg, Janpath, and Lajpat Nagar, were lashed by rain. Heavy showers were also reported from various parts of Noida and Gurugram.

Visuals from the affected areas showed commuters struggling to wade through rainwater-filled roads.

The incessant showers brought relief to city residents, as the relative humidity was recorded at 90 per cent on Saturday. The maximum temperature for the day settled at 33.7 degrees Celsius, 1.1 notches below the seasonal average, while the minimum was 25.7 degrees Celsius, 1.4 points below normal.

HEAVY RAIN ALERT FOR NORTHEAST

Northeastern states, especially Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, are likely to receive heavy showers on Sunday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). These states have already been battered by incessant rain, landslides, and flash floods since the monsoon intensified in the region.

In Himachal Pradesh, 404 roads, including the crucial Khab-Gramphu National Highway, have been closed to vehicular traffic as heavy rainfall continues across the state. The intense downpour has triggered widespread flash floods and landslides, severely disrupting normal life. Additionally, 411 power distribution transformers and 196 water supply schemes have been affected.

In Uttarakhand, a heavy rain alert has been issued for Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Bageshwar, and Udham Singh Nagar. Residents in hilly regions, landslide-prone areas, and near rivers have been advised to remain cautious.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/delhi-rain-weather-waterlogging-road-block-flight-operations-cancellation-imd-forecast-2765425-2025-08-03

When both engines of Transat Flight 236 from Canada to Portugal died out midair over the Atlantic Ocean in 2001 due to a fuel leak, it was still 120km short of an airstrip. The pilots glided the plane to safety, creating a world record and saving 306 people onboard, in what is now known as the Miracle on the Azores.

“Mayday, mayday, mayday. We have lost both engines due to fuel starvation. We’re gliding now,” transmitted 28-year-old First Officer Dirk DeJager over the emergency frequency. It was August 24, 2001, and Air Transat Flight 236, an Airbus A330, with 306 people onboard, was in distress. It was powerless, and flying at 39,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, and still 120 kilometres short of the nearest runway in the Azores archipelago, 1,400 kilometres off the Portuguese coast and about 1,500 kilometres from Lisbon, the scheduled destination.

The plane was on a 7-hour flight from Toronto in Canada to Portugal’s Lisbon. It was almost 5 hours into the flight that the pilots realised that a fuel leak had killed one engine.

Thirteen minutes after the right-hand engine flamed out, the second engine died out too.

What followed was not a crash but a miracle, now known as the Miracle on the Azores. An emergency descent over the dark, freezing Atlantic, with a plane gliding for 120 km with two flamed-out engines.

The trans-Atlantic flight could land safely only because of the sheer brilliance and composure of Captain Robert Piche, with First Officer Dirk DeJager backing him every second of the way, in what is now known as the Miracle on the Azores.

All 306 souls on board, including the crew, survived. It was a textbook glider landing and created the world record

Unlike the famed “Sully” landing on the Hudson River in 2009, when both engines failed due to a bird strike shortly after takeoff, the Air Transat flight lost power mid-Atlantic and had to glide for nearly 120 kilometres before landing.

Air Transat Flight 236’s landing sounds easy now. But inside that aircraft, the calm was paper-thin. The passengers had been told to brace for a ditch. The Atlantic below was black, cold, and unforgiving. Most believed they were about to die. And yet, in the cockpit, Piche and DeJager fought back against a total engine flameout, hydraulic system loss, electrical failure, cabin depressurisation, and the challenging physics of a powerless descent.

Nearly a quarter-century later, aviation scares have made their momentary appearances in news headlines. That’s after the crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad, where a Boeing 787 Dreamliner plunged just 32 seconds after takeoff, killing 241 on board and 29 on the ground, with only one survivor onboard. The investigation into the Air India crash is on and India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has released a preliminary report.

According to an analysis by Dilip Desmond, a former Indian Navy pilot who also flew the Boeing 777, the pilots of Flight 171 faced a situation that no aviation course prepares crew for. The plane’s digital control system, Fadec, overrode the cockpit crew, and the pilots valiantly tried to reverse the situation by moving the fuel switches from RUN to CUT to RUN even as the plane started to lose altitude. Their effort actually might have worked had the plane gained some more height.

“Had they been just a bit higher in altitude, these two men might well have been hailed as superheroes,” Desmond, wrote for India Today Digital.

Despite the news of recent scares, aviation remains one of the safest and efficient modes of travel, and pilots do everything in their capacity for a safe and relaxing flight.

That’s what the pilots of Flight 236 did in 2001 when they realised that both the engines had flamed out with the nearest airstrip still over 100 kilometres away.

“When you don’t have that other engine, sooner or later you’re going to go down, you know… That’s just about it. You don’t have time to think about anything else than taking care of the safety of the passengers. You do as you’ve been taught,” Captain Piche said after returning to Canada.

On Flight 236 from Toronto to Lisbon, quick thinking, skills, and calm came together to glide the 250-tonne aircraft for nearly 120 kilometres, engine-less, over an open ocean, and land it safely.

FUEL TROUBLES OVER MID-ATLANTIC TURNED AIRBUS A330 INTO A GLIDER

Air Transat Flight 236 took off from Toronto Pearson International Airport at 52 minutes after midnight on August 24, 2001, for Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. There were 293 passengers and 13 crew members aboard the Airbus A330-243, one of the most advanced twin-engine jets at the time.

Everything appeared normal until the aircraft crossed into the mid-Atlantic stretch.

It is a stretch of sky where aircraft are farthest from any airports, runways, or even remote, unpaved landing strips. It was here that the pilots began noticing unusual fuel imbalance warnings.

What the pilots didn’t know at the time was that a fuel pipe on the right engine had started leaking, caused by an improper maintenance replacement of the hydraulic pump system.

Instead of shutting down that engine immediately, which would have isolated the leak, the crew attempted to correct the fuel imbalance by transferring fuel between tanks. The transfer of fuel to the leaking engine only worsened the situation.

No fuel left to burn, the right engine died out soon. The pilots declared a fuel emergency and began descending toward Lajes Air Base, a military-civilian airport on Terceira Island in the Portuguese Azores, some 130 kilometres away.

But six minutes later, disaster truly struck. The left engine too flamed out.

With both engines dead, the A330 lost its main source of electrical power and hydraulics. Though a backup Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a small wind-powered generator, was deployed to provide emergency power, the aircraft had now effectively become a big powerless glider.

FREEFALL FROM 39,000 FEET; CAPTAIN’S 16,000 HOURS OF EXPERIENCE TAKES OVER

This road will be important not only for the locals in Bhutan but for India it will be a strategic edge over China as it will enable forces with quick mobility if required.

India is building infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to improve mobility and military movement. A road has been built in Bhutan near Doklam, where India and China had a standoff in 2017. The road connects to the Haa Valley in Bhutan, which is about 21 kilometres from Doklam.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) built the road at a cost of about Rs 254 crore. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tobgay Tshering inaugurated the road on Friday. The road will help local people in Bhutan and also improve movement of security forces if needed.

The road leads to the Chumbi Valley in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Chinese soldiers are deployed in the Chumbi Valley. The road will help the Bhutanese Army reach the border near the Chumbi Valley. It will also help with the movement of supplies. While Bhutan will use the road for now, India will also benefit if there is a need in the future.

India is strengthening its ties with Bhutan. Bhutan is close to the India-China border and faces challenges from China. India sees its partnership with Bhutan as important for this reason.

DOKLAM STANDOFF

In 2017, China tried to build a road to Jamferi Ridge in Doklam. The Indian Army stopped the road construction by launching Operation Juniper. Indian soldiers entered Doklam and stopped the Chinese soldiers. After a 72-day standoff, the Chinese Army withdrew.

Later, China built infrastructure and helipads in Doklam and deployed troops in the area. Doklam is located near Bhutan and lies at the junction of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet.

PROJECT DANTAK

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited Bhutan and was briefed on the Haa Valley road. Five bridges have been built along the road, and it allows movement in all weather conditions. The road is part of BRO’s Project Dantak.

Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General of BRO (DGBR), is on an official visit to Bhutan to review the project. He met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tobgay, who praised BRO’s role in Bhutan’s development.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-builds-road-in-bhutan-for-strategic-access-near-china-border-2765084-2025-08-02

Indian deportations from the US have surged dramatically under US President Donald Trump’s second term, with 1,703 sent back in just six months — nearly triple the rate during his predecessor, Joe Biden.

Deportations of Indian nationals from the United States have sharply risen since Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025 — nearly tripling the daily average seen during the Biden administration. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 1,703 Indians have been deported in just six and a half months this year — roughly eight every day, compared to an average of three per day between January 2020 and December 2024.
This spike accounts for nearly a quarter of all deportations of Indians recorded over the last five and a half years, which total 7,244. The increase coincides with a renewed, aggressive enforcement push under the Trump administration.
On June 26, the US State Department issued a warning to visa holders, stating: “We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all US laws and immigration rules — and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t.”

A few days earlier, the US government also issued a blunt message targeting illegal immigrants: “The US has increased enforcement of immigration laws and removal of illegal aliens. Illegal entry will lead to detention, deportation, and permanent consequences for future visa eligibility… Embarking on a costly and dangerous journey will land you in jail or back in your homeland with a permanent mark on your record.”
Of the 1,703 deportations this year, 864 individuals were sent back on charter and military flights arranged by various US agencies. According to the MEA, US Customs and Border Protection repatriated 333 Indians via military flights on February 5, 15, and 16. Another 231 people were deported through ICE charter flights on March 19, June 8, and June 25. The Department of Homeland Security organized the deportation of 300 more Indians on July 5 and 18.
An additional 747 individuals were deported via commercial flights from the US, often individually or in small groups, depending on flight arrangements. Another 72 individuals came through commercial flights from Panama in a similar staggered fashion.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indians-deported-under-donald-trump-over-1700-sent-back-in-6-months-triple-the-joe-biden-era-rate-article-152393436

A luggage drop triggered a stampede at New Delhi station in February, killing 18. Railways will implement crowd management measures to prevent future tragedies.

A large piece of luggage falling from a passenger who had it on their head triggered the stampede that killed 18 people—including four children and 11 women—at New Delhi railway station in February, railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament on Friday.

The minister, responding to a written question by Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman, said a high-level inquiry committee had identified the falling headload as the primary cause of the tragedy that occurred on February 15.

The stampede happened during the evening rush around 9:15-9:30pm on the staircase connecting platforms 14 and 15, as thousands converged on the station for Bihar-bound trains amid the Maha Kumbh festival on at the time in Prayagraj.

“There was a big headload falling from one of the passengers and the pressure was passed on to the stairs of platforms 14/15, resulting in the tripping of passengers,” Vaishnaw said in his parliamentary reply. The incident occurred at 8.48pm on foot-over-bridge 3.

The victims died from traumatic asphyxia, according to post-mortem examinations.

The committee found that while sufficient crowd management protocols were in place, passenger density had gradually increased on the foot-over-bridge after 8.15pm.

Many passengers were carrying large headloads, hampering smooth movement on the narrow 25-foot-wide footbridge before the fatal accident, the committee found.

At the time, HT reported citing Railway records that 7,600 unreserved tickets were sold that evening at a rate of 1,500 per hour with crowds building up from 6pm onwards.

The tragedy—the deadliest railway station incident since Mumbai’s Elphinstone Road stampede killed 23 people in 2017—had drawn sharp criticism from railway experts, some of who called it a “completely avoidable incident” and “classic mismanagement.”

To prevent similar tragedies, Indian Railways will implement comprehensive crowd management measures across 73 stations that periodically face heavy passenger rush, the minister told parliament.

Permanent holding areas will be created outside these stations, building on the temporary arrangements made during the 2024 festival season. Pilot projects are already underway at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad. Passengers will only be allowed onto platforms when trains arrive, helping to decongest station areas, Vaishnaw said.

The railways will introduce complete access control at the 73 identified stations. Passengers with confirmed reserved tickets will get direct platform access, while those without tickets or on waiting lists must wait in designated outside areas. All unauthorised entry points will be sealed.

New foot-over-bridge designs—12 metres wide and 6 metres wide—will replace existing narrow structures across all stations. These wider bridges with ramps proved effective during the recent Mahakumbh festival.

Advanced surveillance systems, including CCTV networks and war rooms for coordinated crowd management, will be installed. Digital communication equipment such as walkie-talkies and public announcement systems will be deployed at all heavy-traffic stations, the minister stated.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/luggage-dropped-by-passenger-triggered-new-delhi-railway-station-stampede-101754071079079.html

The court took up a batch of 22 cases involving the deportation of foreigners who are either in detention camps or are claiming refugee status.

The Supreme Court on Thursday began examining whether Rohingya entrants staying in the country are refugees or illegal migrants, as it heard a batch of petitions filed on their behalf challenging their deportation and seeking remedial steps to give them basic amenities during their stay in refugee camps.

A bench headed by justice Surya Kant said, “The first major issue is whether they are refugees or illegal migrants. The rest is consequential.”

“If they are refugees, they are entitled to certain protections under law. If not, they are illegal migrants and should be deported back to their country,” said the bench, also comprising justices Dipankar Datta and N Kotiswar Singh.

The court took up a batch of 22 cases involving the deportation of foreigners who are either in detention camps or are claiming refugee status. The bench directed that the cases related to Rohingya migrants be segregated into a single batch. It directed that cases concerning other foreigners be clubbed into a separate batch to be taken up separately.

The four questions the court framed in the Rohingya batch of cases included, “whether Rohingya entrants are entitled to be declared as refugees and if so, what protection emanates from the rights they are entitled to; whether Rohingyas are illegal entrants and if government of India and states are obligated to deport them in accordance with law.”

There were two consequential issues also that were framed by the court: “Even if Rohingya entrants are held to be illegal entrants, can they be detained indefinitely or they are entitled to be released on bail subject to conditions.” Lastly, it said, “Whether Rohingya entrants who are not detained but living in refugee camps have been provided with basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, education, etc.”

As the batch of cases got listed together, the bench expressed a practical difficulty in proceeding with the hearing of the matter as some petitions talked of deportation of foreigners in general, while others specifically related to the condition of foreigners in detention camps.

Advocate Kanu Agarwal appearing for Centre submitted a list of cases pertaining to Rohingyas and urged the court to decide this batch of cases first. The non-Rohingya matters, he added, seek interpretation of the Foreigners Act. The bench said, “The issues that arise in the other batch of cases will be determined separately on another date.”

Advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing in multiple petitions said that the genesis of these cases began with cases filed by Rohingyas in 2013. He said 15 out of the batch of 22 cases pertained to Rohingya refugees and the need for providing them facilities in their camps at par with refugees recognised under the UN Convention on Refugees. India is not a signatory to this convention and has not considered grant of refugee status for them.

Senior advocates Ashwani Kumar and Colin Gonsalves, appearing in other matters, pointed out that Rohingyas who hail from Myanmar have fled to India seeking asylum as they are being persecuted in their country. Gonsalves further referred to a case filed by the wife of a foreigner facing detention in Assam which concern Rohingya and non-Rohingya foreigners. In that case, Gonsalves showed orders passed by the court to expedite the deportation process despite the fact that Myanmar is unwilling to take these persons back.

In May this year, while hearing an application filed by Delhi-based Rohingya migrants, the top court had refused to adopt a piecemeal approach in deciding individual cases and called for all cases pending on the issue to be listed together.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/are-rohingya-illegal-migrants-or-refugees-top-court-to-decide-101753987360982.html

New UPI rules: Key changes include limits on balance checks and autopayments, transaction recipient visibility, and improved payment status updates.

New UPI rules will be implemented on Friday, August 1. These rules will further enhance the efficiency of UPI apps and protect users from fraud. Implemented by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), they will apply to all payment service providers like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.

The new rules will regulate activities like checking bank balance, processing autopayments and accessing bank details. All these changes have been mentioned in a circular issued by NPCI on May 21, stating that these changes will improve the performance of UPI applications.

Balance enquiry

Each UPI app will allow users to check their bank balance 50 times a day. UPI apps will also be able to limit or stop balance enquiry requests to reduce the load on UPI during peak hours. From August, users will be able to see the available balance in their account with every transaction.

Auto payment processing

Auto payments allow banks to debit a certain amount from users’ accounts automatically on a recurring basis. However, autopayments, when done during the peak hours, can increase pressure on the Application Programming Interface’s (API) system. So NPCI has mandated that the processing of such transactions will only be processed during non-peak hours before 10 am, 1- 5 pm, and after 9:30 pm. This means that if an autopayment is due at 11 am, it might be deducted before or after the scheduled time. Additionally, retries will be provided for successful deduction of auto pay, after which auto payment will be cancelled.

Bank details

Customers will be able to see the list of banks linked to their mobile number. They can only check the bank’s details 25 times per day. With this, the customers will only be able to see their bank details at certain times, and the requests are to be initiated by the customers after selecting the issuer’s bank in the UPI app.

Transaction status

Transactions issued are very common during the peak hours when customers usually experience that the money has been debited from the sender’s account, but hasn’t been received by the receiver. From August onwards, these unconfirmed payments will have a time window to update within seconds instead of showing pending. The user will be able to check the payment status only 3 times, with a time gap of 90 seconds between them.

Details of the recipient

The name of the transaction recipient will be shown to the sender before each transaction. This is to avoid fraud or sending money to the wrong recipient. The registered name of the recipient will be shown along with the transaction ID on the UPI app.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/upi-rules-implemented-from-august-1-2025-payment-balance-paytm-phonepe-101754007900537.html

Amid viral messages claiming otherwise, the government has confirmed that ₹500 notes with a star symbol are genuine and legal.

Amid growing concerns on social media over ₹500 currency notes marked with a star, the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) has clarified that these banknotes are not fake and have been legally in circulation since 2016. In a post on X, the official fact-checking arm of the PIB addressed the concerns over the authenticity of these notes.
“Do you have a ₹500 note with a star symbol (*)? Are you worried it’s fake? Fret no more!” the tweet read.
The PIB confirmed that the message deeming such notes as fake is false and that star-marked ₹500 banknotes have been in circulation since December 2016.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had earlier introduced star-marked banknotes as part of a system for replacing notes that are damaged or misprinted during the printing process. These notes carry the same security features and design as standard currency but include a star symbol in the number panel.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/fact-check-have-a-rs-500-note-with-a-star-mark-no-it-is-not-fake-says-pib-article-152384688

In a video posted on his account, Robinson is seen dancing in traditional South Indian attire when cops arrive on the scene and escort him into a police vehicle. The video shows, officers appeared to act without giving him an opportunity to explain the situation.

German TikToker Noel Robinson, known for his impromptu street dance videos and signature afro hairstyle, shared on Instagram that he was briefly detained by police in Bengaluru for shooting a dance video without permission on Church Street, which attracted a large crowd during his performance.

In a video posted on his account, Robinson is seen dancing in traditional South Indian attire and a large number of spectators are present, enjoying and shooting videos, when cops arrive on the scene and escort him into a police vehicle. The video shows, officers appeared to act without giving him an opportunity to explain the situation.

“Officer took me to the car, I wasn’t even resisting, but he was kind of rough. I hit my head on the car as you can see,” Robinson can be heard saying in the video.

The video caption read: “This was my first time being taken to the Police Station!! I was scared they would send me to prison but luckily Everything was fine 😂🇮🇳! I’m Safe and I love India!! 🇮🇳”

Robinson explained in the video that the police treated him well at the station and released him after 15 minutes. He mentioned that he was fined for shooting without permission.

Despite the brief scare, Robinson appeared to take the incident in good humour and reaffirmed his love for India.

“Don’t be sorry guys! This could have happen in every Country! It’s Not about India!! One Little experience like that won’t Take away my love for India,” he said in the comments section.

The video has received 405,493 likes in less than 24 hours.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/im-safe-i-love-india-german-tiktoker-noel-robinson-says-after-getting-briefly-detained-by-bengaluru-police-for-shooting-dance-video-without-permission-video

Ravi Kishan questioned inconsistent food pricing and portions across India, citing examples like samosas served on small and big plates for the same price. He called for regulation ‘in a market serving crores without clear rules.’

BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan on Wednesday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to regulate the prices and quantity of food items served from dhabas to five-star hotels.

“I still don’t understand why we get a samosa on a small plate in some place and on a big plate in some other place for the same price. Such a vast market with crores of customers is operating without any rules or regulations,” said the MP from Gorakhpur.

During zero hour in the Lok Sabha, the BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur said the prices, quality and quantity of food items are different everywhere. “A uniformity is needed,” he said.

Pointing out the lack of uniformity in the prices and quantities of food items across the country, Kishan said, “Dal Tadka is available for Rs 100 at some outlets, Rs 120 at others, and Rs 1,000 in some hotels.”

Ravi Kishan’s demand stirred a row, with Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput mocking the BJP MP and asking if he could also speak up to regulate the highly-priced samosas at “airports run by PM Modi’s friend Gautam Adani.”

Coming to Kishan’s defence, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said that the Congress is not interested in the business of the House, as they are mocking an issue of public interest.

“Their sole focus is to create noise, disrupt proceedings, and deliberately obstruct the House. Those who have made such behavior a habit are naturally surprised when genuine public interest issues are raised,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/chhota-samosa-bada-samosa-bjp-mp-ravi-kishan-seeks-law-to-regulate-food-prices-2764363-2025-07-31

According to the police, several Bangladeshi passports issued in her name, an employee card of Regent Airways (Bangladesh), an admit card for secondary education in Dhaka, two Indian Aadhar cards registered at different addresses, an Indian voter/Epic card and Ration card were recovered.

The anti-rowdy squad of Kolkata Police arrested a Bangladeshi woman on Tuesday for illegally residing in India. The accused has been identified as Shanta Pal (28), a resident of Barisal in Bangladesh. She was arrested from her rented apartment in the Jadavpur area. Two Aadhaar cards, a voter card and a ration card have also been recovered from her.

“Based on a specific complaint, we registered this case and during the course of the investigation we have arrested a woman who is a Bangladeshi citizen. She is in police custody now. Investigation is underway,” said Rupesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner (Crime) of Kolkata Police to India Today.

According to the police, during the prolonged search at her rented place, several Bangladeshi passports issued in her name, an employee card of Regent Airways (Bangladesh), an admit card of secondary education in Dhaka, two Aadhar cards registered in different addresses, an Indian voter/Epic card and Ration card, all of different addresses were found and seized.

According to police, the woman rented the house in late 2024 along with a man.

The woman was produced before a city court on Wednesday and has been sent to police custody till August 8.

During the interrogation, Shanta Paul could not give any satisfactory answer to the police, following which she was arrested. She couldn’t produce any valid visa for her stay in India and is presently being questioned about how she managed to get hold of the Aadhaar, Voter and Ration cards. Out of the two Aadhaar cards recovered from her possession, one has a Kolkata address while the other has a Burdwan address.

Kolkata police are currently communicating with the UIDAI to enquire how an Aadhaar card was approved her. The detectives are also communicating with the National Election Commission and the Food Department of West Bengal to enquire about how she got the voter card and the ration card.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bangladeshi-model-arrested-by-kolkata-police-from-jadavpur-fake-aadhaar-card-voter-card-ration-card-recovered-2764366-2025-07-31

Trump on Wednesday announced imposing a 25% tariff along with additional penalties on Indian imports, effective August 1.

Playing down all the noise around 25% US tariffs on Indian imports announced by President Donald Trump, the government has said that India will not retaliate against the levy and is open to discussing the matter on the negotiation table and finding a solution that serves the best interests of both parties, sources told India Today.

Trump on Wednesday announced imposing a 25% tariff along with additional penalties on Indian imports, effective August 1. He cited India’s continued oil imports from Russia and longstanding trade barriers as key reasons behind the move.

“India is not going to retaliate against this. Silence is the best answer. Whatever we do, we will do at the negotiation table,” a government source said.

Claiming there were excessive tariffs and restrictive non-monetary barriers, Trump, in a Truth Social post, emphasised that while India is considered a friend, trade relations between the two countries have remained limited.

Trump also called India’s tariffs on US imports “far too high” and expressed his reservations against the “most strenuous and obnoxious” non-monetary trade barriers of any country.

Coming down heavily on India’s long-standing trade ties with Russia, the US president also derided both nations as “dead economies” and brazenly declared he “does not care” what New Delhi does with Moscow.

This came as both countries have been discussing a trade deal for months, but no final agreement has been reached. Trump has been pressing for greater access of American goods to the Indian market. He has often made similar demands in other trade negotiations.

While some experts raised concerns about the US move, expecting it to adversely affect key sectors of the Indian economy, the government is apparently not too panicked about it.

“When we did nuclear testing, so many sanctions were put on us. At that time, we were a small economy. Today, we are such a self-sufficient economic power. Why should we worry now?” the sources added.

Notably, when India carried out the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the then-Bill Clinton administration in the US objected to it and asked the Indian government to backtrack. However, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government still went ahead with it, giving little importance to US warnings of sanctions.

Meanwhile, as Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs, among the highest on US trade partners, Opposition parties in India, especially the Congress, were quick to attack the Modi government.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, backed Trump’s remark in which he called India, along with Russia, a “dead economy” and attacked the government for its alleged mismanagement.

“Yes, he is right, everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact. The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. The BJP has finished the economy to help Adani,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Meanwhile, putting forth the government’s perspective on the Trump tariffs in Parliament on Thursday, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that the government was examining the impact the US move may have on Indian exporters and the economy.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry consulting exporters, industries, and other stakeholders to understand their concerns.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-wont-retaliate-to-trumps-25-tariffs-sees-no-need-to-panic-sources-2764205-2025-07-31

The Central Bureau if Investigation (CBI)’s crackdown on builders comes following directions from the Supreme Court

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), acting on Supreme Court directions, has filed 22 cases to investigate a possible nexus between builders and banks in sanctioning huge amounts under so-called subvention schemes without following any due diligence and carried out raids at 47 locations in the national capital region (NCR), officials said on Wednesday.

The apex court had, in April, passed an order on a bunch of over 170 petitions filed by homebuyers who approached the court complaining that huge loans were disbursed by banks to the builders under the scheme even before construction of the underlying projects was complete. After builders/developers defaulted on getting the flats constructed, the banks demanded EMIs for recovering the loan amounts from the homebuyers.

“In a major crackdown on builders involved in cheating and defrauding thousands of homebuyers in NCR and to investigate the nexus of builders and officials of financial institutions, CBI has registered 22 cases against different builders of NCR and unknown officials of various financial institutions in compliance of the directions of the Supreme Court (SC) and conducted searches at 47 premises across NCR,” a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

“The Supreme Court observing the unholy nexus between the builders and the financial institutions in cheating the homebuyers by innovating and introducing ‘subvention scheme’ of home loans, directed CBI to register 7 Preliminary Enquiries (PEs),” the spokesperson said, adding that the agency completed enquiry in six PEs within three months and “submitted the status report before the Supreme Court”.

“Upon perusal of the status report submitted by the CBI, the SC directed CBI to register 22 regular cases, against different builders in the NCR area and unknown officials of financial institutions,” the agency said.

Subvention schemes involve a tripartite agreement between the buyer, banker, and developer. Under these, buyers typically pay between 5% and 20% up-front, while the bank loans the rest to the developer in installments. The developer pays the interest on a loan for a certain fixed period, usually two to four years, until the buyer takes possession. The buyer starts paying back the loan in equated monthly installments after this.

The builders and their projects named in the CBI FIRs include – Supertech Limited, AVJ Developers (India) Pvt Ltd, Earthcon Universal Infratech Pvt. Ltd, Rudra Buildwell Projects Pvt. Ltd, Geotech Promoters Pvt. Ltd, Shubhkamna Buildtech Pvt. Ltd, Bulland Buildtech Pvt. Ltd, Decent Buildwell Pvt. Ltd, Rudra Buildwell Construction Pvt. Ltd, Saha Infratech Pvt. Ltd, Dream Procon Pvt. Ltd, Logix City Developers Pvt. Ltd, Shubhkamna Buildtech Pvt. Ltd, Jaypee Infratech Ltd, Sequel Buildcon Pvt. Ltd, Ajnara India Ltd, Vatika Limited, CHD Developers Limited, Ninex Developers Limited, Jaypee Sports International Limited, Idea Builders Private Limited and Manju J Homes India Limited, agency said.

Officials familiar with the development said directors or promoters of several realty firms have also been named in the FIRs, filed on July 28.

Among the banking and other financial institutions, unknown officials of State Bank of India, Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd, Piramal Finance, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Tata Capital Housing Finance and PNB Housing Finance Ltd among others were named in different FIRs.

A status report by CBI earlier this month said that among the 1,200 homebuyers/borrowers represented before the Supreme Court, the majority pertain to Supertech, which is currently facing insolvency proceedings.

Looking at the vast expanse of the case concerning nearly 40 builders, several banks and housing finance companies and the role of regulatory and land owning authorities, the court had on March 18 appointed senior advocate and former Intelligence Bureau director Rajiv Jain as amicus curiae (friend of the court).

Jain in his exhaustive report told the court on Tuesday that Supertech received a lion’s share of the loans under the subvention scheme.

According to Jain’s report, Supertech got loans of over ₹5,157 crore since 1998. He further pointed out that of the 19 banks and housing finance companies, eight figure in most of the projects and these include some major names such as India Bulls Housing Finance Limited, Punjab National Bank and PNB Housing, Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL), and India Infoline Finance Limited.

Jain said that the underlying nexus between Supertech and the eight banks and finance companies deserves to be investigated. He also suggested a probe into the loans released by Corporation Bank, IDBI Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank to Supertech.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cbi-files-22-cases-to-probe-builders-bankers-nexus-raids-47-locations-in-ncr-101753876688677.html

Indian Railways Has Introduced Non-AC Amrit Bharat And Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services, For High Quality Services To A Larger Section Of The Population.

The percentage of non-AC coaches in trains run by Indian Railways has significantly increased to about 70 per cent, and a special manufacturing programme is being implemented to produce an additional 17,000 non-AC general and sleeper coaches over the next 5 years, Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Wednesday.

Indian Railways have significantly increased the facilities for passengers demanding general class travel.

During the last financial year 2024-25 alone, 1,250 general coaches have been utilised in various long-distance trains.

Indian Railways continues to run a large number of trains with affordable fare structures, including Mail, Express and passenger trains, for the benefit of the general public including the poor and lower middle class.

Indian Railways has introduced non-AC Amrit Bharat services and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services, providing high quality services to a larger section of the population, particularly lower income groups, the minister said.

Indian Railways has also provisioned for production of another 100 Amrit Bharat Trains, he added.

Vaishnaw highlighted that due to higher availability of general coaches, the number of passengers travelling in general/unreserved coaches has shown an increasing trend, going up from 553 crore in 2022-23 to 609 crore in 2023-24 and 651 crore in 2024-25.

The number of seats available for non-AC passengers has now gone up to 54 lakh which constitutes 78 per cent of the total while AC seats comprise the remaining 22 per cent.

To provide greater accommodation for the passengers using General and non-AC Sleeper Coaches, the extant policy regarding composition of Mail/Express trains provides for 12 General class & Sleeper class non- AC coaches and 8 AC-Coaches, in a train of 22 coaches, thereby providing greater accommodation for the passengers using General and non-AC Sleeper Coaches, Vaishnaw explained.

Further, to cater to the needs of passengers desirous of availing unreserved accommodation, Indian Railways operate unreserved non-AC passenger trains/MEMU/EMU etc. for affordable travel, which are in addition to the unreserved accommodation (coaches) available in Mail/Express services.

Development of Amrit Bharat Express trains, manufacturing of MEMU trains, and increasing the share of general coaches clearly shows that Indian Railways is catering effectively to the demand for travel in general class, the minister further stated.

Indian Railways has introduced fully non-AC Amrit Bharat trains, presently comprising 11 General Class coaches, 8 Sleeper Class coaches, 1 Pantry car and 2 Second class cum Luggage cum Guard Van & Disabled Friendly Compartment.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/non-ac-coaches-in-trains-increased-to-about-70-percent-indian-railways-8987198

Police said Younes Zarou had not taken permission for a large gathering.

A few months after Ed Sheeran was stopped from performing on Church Street without permission, German social media star Younes Zarou was briefly taken away by Cubbon Park police on Wednesday evening when a large crowd gathered around him during a visit to the popular stretch.

Police said Mr Zarou, who boasts over 21 million (2.1 crore) followers on Instagram, had gone to Church Street without taking any permissions for a large gathering. Some time before heading there, however, he had put up an Instagram post saying, “Church Street, we are coming”.

The post and his presence drew a large crowd, prompting concerns over public safety in the busy area. Officers were informed of the gathering and rushed to the spot.

Police explained to Zarou that such large gatherings require prior permission and cited the stampede during the RCB victory celebrations, in which 11 people were killed, as an example of the potential risks. He was taken away in a police vehicle and dropped off at another location after he assured officers that he would not return to Church Street.

“A social media influencer with over 20 million followers announced that he was coming to Church Street, leading to a sudden crowd gathering in the narrow lane. Our response team received a call and attended to the situation. He was taken away from the spot to a safe distance, allowed to leave, and advised not to engage in social media stunts that could pose public safety concerns,” said Akshay M Hakay, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division), Bengaluru.

Church Street, which is in the heart of Bengaluru, is a bustling hotspot and attracts people of all hues.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/younes-zarou-after-ed-sheeran-bengaluru-cops-make-german-influencer-leave-church-street-8987190

Google is set to invest a staggering $6 billion in a 1 GW data centre in Andhra Pradesh. Sources indicate that this massive facility will be located in the port city of Visakhapatnam.

Andhra Pradesh has closed a major data centre deal with global tech giant Google and leading Indian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) service provider Sify. These agreements, totalling $7.9 billion in investment and contributing 1.55 gigawatts (GW) to the state’s data processing capacity, a source in the Andhra Pradesh government told NDTV.

Google is set to invest a staggering $6 billion in a 1 GW data centre in Andhra Pradesh. Sources indicate that this massive facility will be located in the port city of Visakhapatnam.

Notably, $2 billion of this investment is earmarked for developing renewable energy capacity to power the centre, aligning with the growing global demand for sustainable digital infrastructure. This project alone is expected to be the largest in Asia, both in terms of capacity and investment.

Complementing this, the Andhra Pradesh cabinet, in its meeting last week, officially approved a substantial data centre project with Sify. This initiative involves an investment of approximately $1.9 billion for a 550 MW data centre facility.

Andhra Pradesh has worked on attracting IT and technology-related businesses, particularly through its recently launched IT & Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy (4.0) for 2024-2029.

This policy offers a range of incentives, including capital subsidies, rental assistance, power incentives, and tailor-made packages for mega-projects, aiming to bridge infrastructure gaps and foster a hybrid work ecosystem.

Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for IT, Electronics, and Education, Nara Lokesh, has been a vocal proponent of the state’s data centre ambitions.

He recently said that Andhra Pradesh has already finalised investments for data centres totalling 1.6 GW and aims to build an ambitious 6 GW of data centre capacity over the next five years from its current near-zero base.

Mr Lokesh also said that there were plans to establish three new cable landing stations in Visakhapatnam, further positioning the city as a crucial digital gateway for India and Southeast Asia, potentially rivalling existing hubs like Mumbai.

A key highlight of these investments, particularly the Google project, is the emphasis on renewable energy.

The state government has actively promoted the development of green energy solutions to power these energy-intensive facilities, envisioning most of the required 10 GW power generation capacity over the next five years to come from green sources.

Beyond these investments, the data centres are expected to be major job creators, offering a wide range of opportunities in technology, operations, and support services.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/andhra-pradesh-google-sign-6-billion-worth-major-data-centre-deal-sources-8986764

The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union has urged the Labour Department to act against the management of Tata Consultancy Services for alleged violations of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has filed an industrial dispute against Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) over its proposed layoffs, urging the Labour Department to act against the management for alleged violations of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and conditions imposed by the Government of Karnataka on reporting service particulars.

Earlier this week, TCS announced that it will reduce its global workforce by 2 per cent in its 2026 financial year, which would lead to about 12,000 people losing their jobs.

KITU representatives met Additional Labour Commissioner G Manjunath on Wednesday and submitted a complaint citing multiple employee grievances.

Under the Industrial Disputes Act, companies employing more than 100 workers are required to obtain prior government approval before carrying out any layoffs or retrenchments. Such actions are permitted only for specific reasons and under conditions clearly defined in the Act. KITU claimed that the TCS management had violated these provisions.

The Union demanded criminal proceedings against officials involved in the violations and immediate action from the Labour Department to ensure justice for the affected employees.

Meanwhile, sources in the Labour Department confirmed that a meeting with TCS management is being planned to discuss the proposed layoffs. Though the date is yet to be finalised, the state Labour Minister has directed that the meeting be held as soon as possible.

KITU stressed the urgency of the situation and called for strict enforcement of labour laws in the IT sector, warning that failure to act could set a dangerous precedent for employees’ rights in the state.

TCS has said the layoffs are part of its strategy to become a “future-ready organisation”, focusing on investments in technology, AI deployment, market expansion, and workforce realignment.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/it-union-files-dispute-against-tcs-over-layoffs-karnataka-may-also-intervene-8986610

Anurag Thakur claimed in Lok Sabha that Indira Gandhi wrote to US President Nixon during the 1971 war, pleading for help to stop the conflict with Pakistan.

BJP member Anurag Thakur on Wednesday claimed in the Lok Sabha that Indira Gandhi had sought the US’ intervention to stop the war with Pakistan in 1971 when she was the prime minister.

Thakur said Indian soldiers won the 1971 war, but “someone else” was declared the Iron Lady. He claimed that the war was won on the battlefield but lost at the negotiation table.

“If you dig a little deeper in history, the layers start unravelling. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had written to US President Nixon. It appears as though a supplicant was pleading before the US president,” Thakur said, making a Zero Hour mention in the Lok Sabha.

Anurag Thakur read out the letter Gandhi wrote to Nixon

He read out a letter from Gandhi to Nixon wherein she urged the US president to persuade Pakistan to desist forthwith from the policy of wanton aggression and military adventurism.

“The nation has to decide whether the government of that day was iron or an irony,” Thakur said, referring to the letter dated December 5, 1971.

Congress members were on their feet, protesting against the reference made by Thakur.

‘Indira Gandhi did not trust the armed forces’

The former Union minister wondered whether Gandhi did not trust the armed forces and chose to plead with the US to halt the War.

“This family is adept at bending and begging the US to ask Pakistan to end the war,” Thakur said, hitting out at Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s remarks daring the Narendra Modi government to show half the courage shown by Indira Gandhi during the 1971 war.

“Why did Indira Gandhi approach the US to end the war?” Thakur said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/anurag-thakur-claims-indira-gandhi-sought-us-help-during-1971-pakistan-war-lok-sabha-101753883306077.html

India and the Philippines will begin their first bilateral maritime cooperative activity in waters close to the Scarborough Shoal, a focal point of the maritime dispute between Manila and Beijing.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is set to visit India this week to take forward economic and security ties, with the trip coinciding with the first naval exercise between the two countries in the South China Sea.

Marcos, also known as “Bongbong”, will make his first visit to India since becoming president in 2022 during August 4-8, people familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. On August 3, India and the Philippines will begin their first “bilateral maritime cooperative activity” in waters close to the Scarborough Shoal, a focal point of the maritime dispute between Manila and Beijing.

Besides holding talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Marcos will deliver a speech on the theme of the Philippines and India as partners for a rules-based order at an event organised by a think tank on August 6.

The people said Marcos’ visit underscores the growing strategic convergence between India and the Philippines, especially in defence and maritime security cooperation. The visit also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the South China Sea, with New Delhi and Manila working to expand military collaboration and strengthen regional security.

The two-day joint naval exercise, for which India is fielding three warships, including a guided missile destroyer and an anti-submarine warfare vessel, will focus on enhancing inter-operability and maritime cooperation, the people said. The Indian warships will also make a port visit ahead of the exercise. The Philippines will deploy two warships for the drills that will be held in waters off several islands claimed by China.

In recent months, China has deployed naval and Coast Guard vessels to deter Philippines warships patrolling the country’s exclusive economic zone around Scarborough Shoal. China has also criticised joint patrols by the Philippines and its partners in the South China Sea, describing it as interference by outside powers.

India has openly expressed its support for the Philippines in the context of the maritime dispute in South China Sea. While India had earlier only acknowledged the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling of 2016 in favour of the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China, it revised its position in 2023, when a joint statement emphasised the need to adhere to the arbitral award. In 2024, external affairs minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed “India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty”.

The Philippines has also emerged as a key buyer of Indian defence hardware. In 2023, it became the first country to take delivery of the BrahMos cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, and Filipino officials said in April that Manila is set to receive a second consignment of the missiles.

India’s partnership with the Philippines and other members of Asean with the launch of the “Look East” policy in 1992. The Philippines now is a key pillar in India’s “Act East” policy and vision for the Indo-Pacific.

Modi and Marcos met briefly on the sidelines of the Asean-India Summit in Laos in October 2024. There has also been a regular political dialogue between the two countries. Economic and commercial engagement is an important aspect of bilateral relationship, and two-way trade was worth $3.5 billion in 2023-24.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/philippines-prez-india-visit-to-coincide-with-south-china-sea-joint-naval-drill-101753885633086.html

Between April 25 and July 25, BSF conducted 33 major operations in Meghalaya, arresting 116 Bangladeshi and 34 Indian nationals involved in illegal cross-border activities

In a crackdown on infiltration and smuggling along the Indo-Bangladesh border, the Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya Frontier has reported major operational gains during the second quarter of 2025, apprehending 150 individuals and seizing goods and livestock worth more than ₹7.5 crore.

The haul includes a staggering 622 cattle, contraband such as Yaba tablets, cannabis, liquor, garments, and a consignment of mobile display units worth over <span class=’webrupee’>₹</span>31 lakh. (Representational image)
The haul includes a staggering 622 cattle, contraband such as Yaba tablets, cannabis, liquor, garments, and a consignment of mobile display units worth over ₹31 lakh. (Representational image)
Between April 25 and July 25, BSF Meghalaya conducted 33 major operations, arresting 116 Bangladeshi and 34 Indian nationals involved in illegal cross-border activities. Among them were four touts — two Indian and two Bangladeshi — who were allegedly facilitating infiltration and smuggling routes.

The haul includes a staggering 622 cattle, contraband such as Yaba tablets, cannabis, liquor, garments, and a consignment of mobile display units worth over ₹31 lakh, which officials say indicates a new trend in cross-border smuggling.

“These successful interceptions are the result of sustained intelligence-based operations and seamless coordination with Meghalaya Police,” said the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of BSF in Meghalaya, adding, “Our troops remain vigilant and committed to neutralising the evolving tactics of trans-border syndicates.”

The BSF also underscored its humanitarian role alongside its security duties. Troops responded swiftly to several distress situations during this period, including the emergency evacuation of a woman, Berlin Tariang, from Umkiang to Silchar for advanced medical care, and the rescue of seven injured civilians after a truck accident near BOP Phanda.

“We take pride in being not just guardians of the border but also first responders for the people living in these remote and vulnerable areas,” the PRO said, while pledging, “BSF Meghalaya remains people-centric in approach while being firm on national security.”

Meanwhile, interrogations of the arrested touts and infiltrators have revealed vital intelligence, which BSF says has been shared with other enforcement agencies to aid in cracking down on organised cross-border crime networks.

As part of its broader strategy, the Force has also ramped up field-level coordination with Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) to strengthen bilateral trust and address shared security concerns, including identifying vulnerable routes and criminal hotspots.

“Our zero-tolerance approach to infiltration and smuggling is unwavering,” the PRO reiterated, asserting, “BSF Meghalaya will continue to adapt, respond, and safeguard both the nation’s borders and its people.”

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bsf-arrested-116-bangladeshis-34-indians-in-3-months-in-meghalaya-101753889653065.html

A video of Swami Aniruddhacharya allegedly making derogatory remarks about women has gone viral, sparking widespread outrage. His statement, made during a religious event, was condemned by legal groups and religious leaders, prompting protests and a police complaint. In response, Aniruddhacharya released a clarification claiming the video was misleading and that his comments were directed at “some girls,” not all.

A video of spiritual speaker Swami Aniruddhacharya has gone viral, in which he allegedly made derogatory remarks about women, saying that ”women by the age of 25 usually have had multiple relationships.” The sexist remark by Aniruddhacharya, reportedly made during a religious event at Vrindavan’s Gauri Gopal Ashram, has sparked sharp criticism and widespread outrage on social media. However, following the backlash, Aniruddhacharya posted a clarification video in which he claimed that the original clip had been “falsely doctored and was misleading.” Clarifying his stand, he said, “some girls, not all girls.”
Aniruddhacharya, who has courted controversies in the past also over his bizarre remarks on women, allegedly said in the viral video that “Ab 25 saal ki ladki chaar jagah mu maar chuki hoti hai. Sab nahi par bahut. Aur wo 25 saal ki jab aati hai toh puri jawan hoke aati hai. Jab jawan hoke aayegi toh swabhavik hai ki uski jawani kahin fisal jaegi.”
(“Now the girl arrives at the age of 25. By that time, a 25-year-old girl has been involved with multiple men. Not all, but many. And when she comes at 25, she is fully grown and mature. So naturally, her youth is likely to slip.”)

As per Navbharat Times report, Aniruddhacharya’s alleged remarks have triggered widespread backlash, particularly from women advocates of the Mathura Bar Association. The advocates have lodged a formal complaint with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), calling the statement unconstitutional, inflammatory, and indicative of inappropriate sexual conduct. They also held a protest at the district collectorate, demanding strict legal action against the spiritual leader.
Gunjan Sharma, the state president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Trust, firmly denounced the remarks, while Pandit Dinesh Phalahari—chief petitioner in the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple case—also condemned the statement, asserting that such indecent comments are unbecoming of a spiritual figure.
Following the outrage, Swami Aniruddhacharya uploaded a “clarification” video via his official Instagram handle. In the video, he said, “Radhe Radhe. Aap logon ke dwara humein soochna mili ki kuch behnein naraaz hain is baat ko lekar, kyunki unhone aadhi adhoori video suni. Us video mein kaha gaya ki aaj kal 25 saal ki ladki… dekhiye baat yahaan ja rahi thi ki kuch ladkiyaan aisi hoti hain jo live-in mein rehkar chaar jagah mooh maar chuki hoti hain. Aur jab woh kisi ghar ki bahu banengi, toh kya woh rishte ko nibha payengi? Isliye, ladka ho ya ladki, dono ko pehle charitrawaan hona chahiye. Yeh baat kuch ladkiyon ke liye thi, sab ke liye nahi.”
(“Radhe Radhe. I have been informed by some of you that a few sisters are upset because they listened to an incomplete video. In that video, it was said that nowadays, a 25-year-old girl… Look, the point being made was that some girls are such that they have been in live-in relationships and are involved with multiple men. And when such a girl becomes the daughter-in-law of a household, will she be able to maintain that relationship? That’s why, whether it’s a boy or a girl, both should be of good character first. This statement was meant for some girls, not all.”)

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/girls-flirt-around-aniruddhacharyas-viral-clip-on-women-draws-fire-clarification-makes-it-worse-article-152374590 

The Sawalkot project, a run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant on the Chenab River in the Ramban and Udhampur districts of the Union Territory, was initially conceptualised in 1984 but had remained shelved for years due to objections raised by Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty framework.

In a significant move following the effective suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Centre has floated tenders for the construction of the long-pending 1856 MW Sawalkot Hydro Electric Project in Jammu and Kashmir, nearly four decades after it was first conceived.
The Sawalkot project, a run-of-the-river hydroelectric plant on the Chenab River in the Ramban and Udhampur districts of the Union Territory, was initially conceptualised in 1984 but had remained shelved for years due to objections raised by Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty framework.
With the treaty now on the backburner amid heightened bilateral tensions, India is pressing ahead with major infrastructure developments in the region. The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) will oversee the project, with a sanctioned expenditure of Rs 209 crore, and a targeted completion timeline of 113 months.

Once operational, the Sawalkot Hydro Electric Project is expected to generate 7,994.73 million units of energy annually, thereby bolstering power supply in the energy-deficient northern grid as well as aiding industrial growth in the region.
The project is part of a broader plan by the government to construct seven key hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir with a total installed capacity of 5,388 MW. These include 1000 MW Pakal Dul HEP, 624 MW Kiru HEP, 540 MW Kawar HEP, 1856 MW Sawalakote HEP, 390 MW Kirthai-I, 930 MW Kirthai-II and 48 MW small hydro initiatives.
Construction work is already in advanced stages for Pakal Dul, Kawar, and Kiru projects.
Following the Pahalgam carnage that killed 26 innocent tourists in the Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, India had announced a raft of measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches and the immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post.

A young man performing stunts inside the ‘Well of Death’ (Maut Ka Kuan) lost his balance and fell from his bike mid-performance.

A major accident occurred during the Sawan fair at the Panchmukhi Shiva Temple premises in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj on Monday evening, causing panic among locals. A young man performing stunts inside the ‘Well of Death’ (Maut Ka Kuan) lost his balance and fell from his bike mid-performance.

Surprisingly, despite the fall, the motorcycle continued circling the well’s vertical walls at high speed without a driver for nearly an hour.

A video of the dramatic incident has surfaced online and is now going viral on social media. In the footage, the bike can be seen racing along the well’s walls while stunned spectators watch. The video also shows two cars and a bike and some people inside the well.

Reportedly, the young stuntman’s condition is serious after the accident.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/up-youth-falls-from-15ft-while-performing-maut-ka-kuan-stunt-bike-continues-to-run-video

Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate, affiliated to the Syro‑Malabar Church, were arrested in July 24 at Durg railway station by railway police.

Christian community groups have drawn the attention of international organisations, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, to the arrest of two Roman Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh under charges of human trafficking and forceful religious conversion of three tribal women.

Nuns Arrested on Trafficking and Conversion Charges

Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate, affiliated to the Syro‑Malabar Church, were arrested in July 24 at Durg railway station by railway police. They were charged under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for human trafficking and Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act, 1968, for religious conversion. They were accompanying three adult tribal women, aged between 18 and 19 from Narayanpur, who were travelling to Agra for nursing jobs. The church said the women had signed parental consent letters and identification, which were in the possession of the nuns.

Church Claims Legal Documents Were in Order

This is the first recorded instance of Harappan remains being found in the Thar desert region, suggesting a significant expansion of the civilisation’s geographical footprint.

In a landmark archaeological breakthrough, remains of a 4,500-year-old Harappan (Indus Valley) civilisation have been discovered near the Pakistan border in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district.

The site, located at Ratadia Ri Deri, lies approximately 60 kilometers from Ramgarh tehsil and 17 kilometers northwest of the border village Sadewala.

The discovery was made through a collaborative effort involving Dilip Kumar Saini, a researcher in the Department of History and Indian Culture at Rajasthan University, historian Parth Jagani from Jaisalmer, Professor Jeevan Singh Kharkwal of Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Udaipur, Dr Tamegh Panwar, and Dr Ravindra Devda from Rajasthan University, with support from local contributors Chatar Singh ‘Jam’ and Pradeep Kumar Garg of Ramgarh.

This is the first recorded case of Harappan remains being found in the Thar desert region, suggesting a significant expansion of the civilisation’s geographical footprint. The team has confirmed the authenticity of the site and submitted their research for publication in the Indian Journal of Science.

Artifacts found at the site point to a developed, urban Harappan settlement. Key discoveries include:

• Red and wheat-colored pottery, including bowls, pitchers, cups, and perforated jars
• Handmade pottery decorated with geometric patterns
• Blades (8–10 cm) made from chert stone, likely sourced from Rohri in present-day Pakistan
• Bangles made from clay and conch shells
• Terracotta cakes in triangular, circular, and idli-like shapes
• Stone mills, likely used for grinding and rubbing materials
• Wedge-shaped bricks, indicative of circular structures or furnaces
• Standard rectangular bricks, associated with Harappan urban planning
• A furnace structure with a central column, comparable to those found at Kanmer (Gujarat) and Mohenjodaro (Pakistan)
• Remains of ancient walls, suggesting organized construction and layout

The dog caught her hand in its jaws, dragging her to the ground. Despite her desperate attempts to free herself and the owner’s repeated efforts to pull the dog back, the animal refused to let go.

In a shocking incident caught on CCTV, a woman out for a routine morning walk in a residential society on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, was viciously attacked by a pet dog. The attack occurred around 7 am on Sunday, leaving the woman seriously injured and in a state of shock.

The woman, dressed in a red T-shirt, was walking along the society’s footpath when a Husky breed dog—being held on a leash by its owner—suddenly lunged at her. The dog caught her hand in its jaws, dragging her to the ground. Despite her desperate attempts to free herself and the owner’s repeated efforts to pull the dog back, the animal refused to let go.

According to CCTV footage, other morning walkers were present in the area, but only a few rushed to help. One or two bystanders tried to kick the dog, which eventually loosened its grip, allowing the woman to be rescued.

The woman was immediately taken to a hospital, where she received primary treatment. She is reported to have suffered serious injuries to her hand and is currently recovering at home. Though the traumatic event has sparked outrage among residents, no police complaint has been filed by the victim so far.

Despite being on a leash, the pet was able to break free and attack, raising questions about the safety protocols followed by pet owners in high-density residential areas.

This is not the first time Gurugram has witnessed such incidents. In recent years, several cases of pet dog attacks have emerged across the city, leading to growing concerns over responsible pet ownership and the enforcement of municipal guidelines related to pet behavior in public spaces.

Authorities have yet to respond to the incident formally, but residents are urging stricter regulations for aggressive dog breeds and mandatory training for owners to prevent such attacks in the future.

Recently, in a dangerous turn of events, a pit bull bit an 11-year-old boy in an auto in Mumbai, after its owner tried to scare him with his dog.

On July 17, the boy was playing in an auto-rickshaw with his friends in Mankhurd when they got excited upon spotting the dog and started shouting, “Pit bull!”

The dog’s owner, identified as Sohail Khan, entered the auto with the pit bull, prompting all the children to flee in fear. However, the victim was unable to escape in time.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gurugram-woman-attacked-by-pet-husky-while-on-morning-walk-inside-society-badly-injured-2763827-2025-07-30

ISRO is set to launch the NISAR satellite on July 30, a collaboration with NASA to monitor Earth changes, aiding disaster management and agriculture.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Tuesday said it was all set to launch NISAR satellite, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Indian space agency and NASA that can detect even small changes in the Earth’s surface such as ground deformation, ice sheet movement and vegetation dynamics.

On July 30, at 5.40pm, NISAR or the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, which has been a decade in the making, will lift off aboard Isro’s GSLV-F16 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The life of the mission is five years.

“GSLV-F16 is ready to carry NISAR into orbit. Final prep underway. Launch countdown has commenced at 14:10 hours today,” Isro posted on X on Tuesday evening.

At a pre launch news conference late Monday night, Phil Burella, NISAR project manager, said following a high level meeting between Isro and NASA, both teams agreed that the spacecraft, mission and launch vehicle were ready for lift off. So everybody gave a thumbs up and that’s great news,” said Burella. “The range looks good, the weather looks good.”

The satellite was mounted on the rocket and its systems were checked on July 28, and the launch will be the third by Isro since January.

With a joint investment of more than $1.5 billion, NISAR features NASA’s L-band (1.25 GHz) and ISRO’s S-band (3.2 GHz) radars, making it the world’s first dual-frequency radar imaging satellite to observe the earth.

Employing the SweepSAR technology, the satellite will scan the entire globe and provide all weather, day and night data at 12-day interval and enable a wide range of applications. It can help in assessing natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. The satellite’s data will also be used for sea ice classification, ship detection, shoreline monitoring, storm tracking, crop mapping, and changes in soil moisture—all of which are vital for governments, researchers, and disaster management agencies.

Data from the satellite will start coming in after completion of the 90-day commissioning period, and will be freely accessible to within a day or two of observation, and in near real-time in case of emergencies.

Teams from both space agencjee worked on building the satellite despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Sunday, union minister for science and technology Jitendra Singh on Sunday said NISAR is India’s scientific handshake with the world.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/15-billion-isro-nasa-satellite-to-lift-off-today-101753815711894.html

A UK travel content creator couple expressed amazement at a high-tech changing room in a Goa store, highlighting its advanced features.

A travel content creator couple from the UK shared their surprise at finding a high-tech changing room at a store in India, claiming they have not seen such technology even in stores in Dubai, London or New York. The couple, Liam and Dani Cross, run a YouTube channel called Travel With The Crosses. They shared their shopping experience at a store in Goa. The video showed Liam entering the changing room with three items of clothing.

“Look how futuristic these changing rooms are,” Dani said as her husband walked into the changing room with a screen on the back. As soon as he stepped inside, the screen displayed the three items he had in his hands and showed the sizes chosen by Liam.

“The mirror picks up the items and their sizes. And then, say you want another size, you can choose on the screen and they will bring it to you,” she said, adding that the screen also shows items that can be paired with the clothing and options to ask staff to bring them to the changing room to try out.

“How cool is that? How amazing is that? India is in the future man,” she said, praising the Azorte Store in South Goa.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/this-is-india-high-tech-changing-room-in-goa-leaves-uk-youtuber-couple-speechless-101753803711722.html 

Amarnath Yatra has been suspended for a day on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes due to heavy rains, officials said on Wednesday.

Amarnath Yatra was suspended for a day from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes due to heavy continuous rains since Wednesday morning, an official said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri informed that due to heavy continuous rains since early morning on July 30, “Yatra has not been released on the tracks from both the base camps Baltal and Nunwan/ Chandanwari”.

The movement of yatra convoy from the Bhagwati Nagar camp, Jammu, has also been halted for Thursday as an “abundant caution” due to the inclement weather conditions on the Yatra routes.

“Due to the heavy rains in the Yatra area, the movement of pilgrims from Base camps has been affected. Therefore, it has been decided that no convoy movement shall be allowed towards the base camps Baltal and Nunwan from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu on 31st July, 2025. Pilgrims shall be kept informed about the situation in due course”, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/amarnath-yatra-suspended-for-a-day-on-both-pahalgam-and-baltal-routes-due-to-heavy-rains-9472341.html

Family of murdered businessman Raja Raghuvanshi agrees to a film on his honeymoon killing, with 80% of shooting set in Indore.

A chilling real-life crime that grabbed headlines earlier this year is now being made into a film. The murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya left the nation stunned – and now, his family has given the green light to bring his story to the big screen.

The film, currently titled Honeymoon in Shillong, is being directed by SP Nimbawat. The story will focus on the events leading up to Raja’s death, the police investigation, and the shocking arrests that followed – including that of his own wife, Sonam, and her alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha.

Speaking to reporters, Raja’s brother Sachin said the family agreed to the film in the hope that it would help people understand what really happened. He said, as per PTI, “We gave our consent for the upcoming film on the murder case. We believe that if we do not bring the story of my brother’s murder on the big screen, people will not be able to know who was right and who was wrong.”

Another brother, Vipin, added that they also want the movie to show a true and fair picture of Meghalaya, where the crime took place.

Director SP Nimbawat described the project as a cautionary tale about betrayal. “Through our film, we want to give a message to the public that such incidents of betrayal should be stopped,” he said.

He confirmed that the script is finished and that filming will mainly take place in Indore, with some scenes shot across various locations in Meghalaya. “80 per cent of its shooting will be done in Indore and the remaining 20 per cent in different areas of Meghalaya,” Nimbawat said, while keeping the cast details under wraps for now.

The case itself drew a lot of media attention earlier this year. Raja had travelled to Meghalaya in May with his wife for their honeymoon. Days later, he was reported missing. On June 2, his body was found in a deep gorge near a waterfall in the Sohra area, also known as Cherrapunji. Police arrested eight people, including his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her suspected partner, who allegedly helped plan the gruesome murder.

Source : https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/film-on-meghalaya-honeymoon-murder-case-in-works-raja-raghuvanshis-brother-gives-consent-details-9472263.html

‘All Naamards Are Following Him’: Khushboo Patani Slams Aniruddhacharya For His Comment On Women In Live-In Relationships

Former Army officer and wellness coach Khushboo Patani, sister of Bollywood actress Disha Patani, has triggered a wave of reactions on social media after a video surfaced in which she slammed spiritual leader Aniruddhacharya Maharaj for his derogatory comments about women in live-in relationships.

The controversy began after a video of Aniruddhacharya went viral, in which he is heard saying, “Kehta hai, ladke laate hain 25 saal ki ladkiyon ko, jo 4-5 jagah mooh maar ke aati hain.” His remarks have been widely condemned for promoting misogyny and moral policing.

In response, Khushboo released a strongly worded video calling his comments “inappropriate” and saying, “Agar ye mere saamne hota, to mai isko samjhadeti ki mooh maarna kya hota hai. These are anti-nationalists. You should not be supporting such ba**rds of highest order. All the fu**g naamards of this society are following this bard.”

She further questioned the gender bias in his statement, adding, “He says ladkiyan jo live-in mein rehti hain, mooh maar ke aati hain. Usne ye kyu nahi bola ki ladke jo live-in mein rehte hain woh mooh marte hain? Kya ladki akele live-in mein rehti hai aur live-in mein rehna kya galat hai bhaiya?”

Source : https://www.spotboye.com/trending/trending-news/-all-naamards-are-following-him-khushboo-patani-slams-aniruddhacharya-for-his-comment-on-women-in-live-in-relationships/688894b998e7b5da75ccb421

Screenshots of the certificate, carrying a photograph of ‘Dog babu’, a stray canine, with parents named ‘kutta babu’ and ‘kutiya devi’, have gone viral

A residence certificate was recently issued in rural Patna in favour of one four-legged ‘dog babu’, born to parents with similar canine nomenclature, prompting a red-faced administration to lodge an FIR against all persons concerned.

The certificate of residence was issued last week in Masaurhi circle, falling under the eponymous sub-division, apparently as part of a scramble for such documents during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Under the Bihar Right to Public Service Act, citizens can apply for a certificate of residence online and the same would be issued by the officials concerned after due verification.

Screenshots of the certificate, carrying a photograph of ‘Dog babu’, a stray canine, with parents named ‘kutta babu’ and ‘kutiya devi’, have gone viral on social media, with many people taking the opportunity to question why, instead of allowing such madness, the Election Commission was not accepting Aadhaar cards and ration cards, as suggested by the Supreme Court recently.

The district administration on Monday came out with a statement that the certificate, dated July 24, “was cancelled as soon as the matter came to light”.

“Besides, an FIR has been lodged at the local police station against the applicant, the computer operator who fed the information into the system and the official who went on to issue the certificate”.

It added, “The sub-divisional officer of Masaurhi conducted a detailed investigation and it was found that the application was made appending the Aadhaar card of a woman living in Delhi.” As such, the services of the computer operator, who forwarded the online application for processing without an application of mind, have been terminated, the district administration said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fir-lodged-against-applicant-behind-dog-babu-residence-certificate-in-patna-8978527

According to the government’s own data, 292 men accused of raping women and 283 accused of raping minors are still on the run. This means 575 rape accused are moving freely across the state.

Over 23,000 women and minors are currently missing across Madhya Pradesh, revealed the data presented by the government in the state assembly, adding that 1,500 accused linked to rape and other crimes against women are on the run.

The disturbing figures emerged in response to a pointed question raised by senior Congress MLA Bala Bachchan, who had sought detailed district-wise data on the number of missing women and girls, as well as updates on rape and sexual assault cases registered in the state between January 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

Former home minister Bachchan also demanded to know how many victims have remained missing for more than a month, how many accused have been arrested, and how many are still on the run.

Furthermore, he pressed the government for a timeline on when those on the run will be arrested and whether any action has been taken against negligent officials.

In a written statement to the assembly, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav shared shocking details from official records. As of June 30, 2025, a total of 21175 women and 1954 girls have remained missing for over a year. Combined, this brings the number of missing females in the state to 23129.

What adds an even darker dimension to this crisis is the massive number of accused who remain outside the grasp of law enforcement.

According to the government’s own data, 292 men accused of raping women and 283 accused of raping minors are still on the run. This means 575 rape accused are moving freely across the state.

And it does not end there.

In other forms of sexual violence, too, the state has failed to arrest a staggering number of suspects. A total of 443 accused in sexual crimes against women and 167 in similar cases against girls have evaded arrest, bringing the number of those on the run in sexual assault cases to 610. Additionally, there are 320 accused in other cases related to the disappearance of women and girls, with 76 linked to women and 254 to girls, still missing from police radar.

Together, these figures show that more than 1,500 accused involved in serious crimes against women and girls are currently unaccounted for in Madhya Pradesh.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/over-23-000-women-and-girls-missing-in-madhya-pradesh-says-data-8978531

357 roads, 182 power transformers, and 179 water supply schemes have been disrupted across Himachal due to persistent rainfall and related disasters.

Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district has suffered losses of over Rs 48 crore since the start of the monsoon season, with 17 people reported dead, Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh said.

She also informed that 65 residents of Darmedha village have been moved to safer areas as a precaution.

“Since the onset of monsoon, various departments in Kullu district have suffered losses of Rs 48 crore and individual damages of Rs 50 lakh… So far, 17 people have lost their lives,” Raveesh told ANI.

She added, “As a precautionary measure, 65 residents of Darmedha village have been shifted to safer areas.”

Earlier, on Tuesday, heavy rain in the evening led to waterlogging, traffic jams, and power cuts in several parts of Dharamshala.

Himachal Pradesh continues to face severe monsoon-related damage, affecting public services and endangering lives.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), as of Tuesday, 357 roads–including one National Highway–182 power transformers, and 179 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state due to persistent rainfall and related disasters.

Data from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) show that from June 20 till date, 170 people have died during the monsoon season. Of these, 94 deaths were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and lightning. The remaining 76 deaths were due to road accidents.

Mandi district is the worst-affected, with 259 road blockages, 172 transformer failures, and 47 water schemes disrupted. It has also reported the highest number of deaths from both natural disasters and road accidents.

The disasters have damaged homes, livestock, crops, and infrastructure. Flash floods and landslides have blocked highways and cut off remote areas. Relief and rescue efforts are ongoing with the help of the NDRF, SDRF, and police teams.

Officials have urged residents to avoid travelling to vulnerable areas and to remain cautious due to continued rain forecasts.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that heavy rain caused major destruction in Mandi’s Jail Road area, where two people died and more are feared trapped under debris.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-floods-himachal-pradesh-rain-kullu-17-killed-in-monsoon-fury-in-himachals-kullu-rs-48-crore-lost-in-damages-8979982

The Bombay High Court dismissed a writ petition filed by a Pune woman seeking to quash an FIR registered against her over controversial WhatsApp messages and status updates following the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday dismissed a writ petition filed by Farah Deeba, a 46-year-old resident of Pune, who had sought to quash an FIR registered against her over controversial WhatsApp messages and status updates following Operation Sindoor, a recent Indian Armed Forces operation targeting terrorist launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and Rajesh S Patil observed that Deeba’s actions, including a laughing emoji reaction to pro-military posts, a WhatsApp status video showing the Prime Minister riding a rocket alongside a burning Indian flag, and messages identifying herself with Pakistan while referring to India as “Makkar,” reflected mens rea, or criminal intent.

The court said, “What is expected of a prudent person is that, before putting up any kind of message on social groups, a person like the petitioner—who is educated and a teacher by profession—should also think about the pros and cons which might occur due to sending online messages through her social media account (WhatsApp).”

The FIR, filed at Kalepadal Police Station in Pune, invokes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case emerged from a WhatsApp group named Sath Sath Margosa Ladies, comprising women residents of the Margosa Heights residential complex in Pune.

According to the complaint, after Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, several group members expressed admiration for the Indian Armed Forces. Deeba allegedly responded with a laughing emoji, objected to the group being used for patriotic discussions, and later posted a video link from Facebook critical of the Prime Minister. She is also accused of uploading a WhatsApp status featuring a burning Indian flag and making disparaging comments against the country.

Her lawyer, advocate Harshad Sathe, argued that Deeba was not mentally sound at the time of the incident, had removed the posts shortly afterward, and had issued an apology. He noted that she had already been dismissed from her teaching job and claimed procedural lapses in the issuance of notice under Section 41-A of the CrPC.

The bench, however, found sufficient grounds for investigation, noting that the petitioner’s conduct, especially in the immediate aftermath of a sensitive military operation, was capable of disturbing public sentiment and attracting penal consequences under BNS.

Referring to a recent ruling of the Allahabad High Court, the Bombay High Court reiterated that freedom of speech does not extend to derogatory commentary against the Prime Minister or Armed Forces when such speech could disrupt national harmony or incite disharmony.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/court-rejects-woman-plea-to-quash-fir-over-controversial-messages-post-op-sindoor-2763295-2025-07-30

Beginning his speech, PM Modi said, “I stand here to present India’s side before this House. Those who don’t see India’s side, I stand here to show them a mirror.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the ongoing debate on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack in the Lok Sabha, which had started yesterday.

Beginning his speech, PM Modi said, “I am standing before this gathering with victory in mind, to present India’s position with strength and clarity. And to those who fail to see India’s side (referring to Opposition leaders), I am here to hold up a mirror. Honourable Speaker, I am here to echo the voice and sentiments of 140 crore Indians.”

Watch PM Modi’s address in Lok Sabha here:

Here is what PM Modi said:

In his nearly two-hour-long speech, PM Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response, while criticising the Opposition for its lack of support following the Pahalgam attack and the operation.

The Congress party on Tuesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speech in the Lok Sabha during the debate on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack.

In his nearly two-hour-long speech, PM Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response, while criticising the Opposition for its lack of support following the Pahalgam attack and the operation.

After PM Modi concluded his speech, Congress leader Pawan Khera took to X (formerly Twitter) to lash out at him. Without naming the Prime Minister, Khera wrote, “Chanta mara Trump ne, lekin Nehru se khafa hain. Kash waqt rahte samajh jaate ki Doland dost nahi, bewafa hai.” (Slap was given by Trump, but he’s angry with Nehru. If only they had realised in time that Donald is not a friend, but unfaithful.)

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi had dared the PM to deny US President Donald Trump’s repeated claim that he mediated between India and Pakistan to enforce a ceasefire.

PM Modi, in his speech, dismissed the claim, stating that no world leader had asked India to halt during Operation Sindoor.

After the PM’s address, Rahul Gandhi criticised him for not naming the US President directly.

“He didn’t explicitly say Trump was lying, and throughout his speech, he didn’t mention China even once. The world knows China supported Pakistan, yet neither the Prime Minister nor our Defence Minister spoke about it,” Gandhi told the media in New Delhi.

Notably, PM Modi also blamed former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for signing the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/doland-dost-nahi-bewafa-hai-congress-takes-jibe-at-pm-modi-over-parliament-speech

Assam Eviction Drive: The eviction drive will affect nearly 2,000 families who have allegedly encroached on the forest land and turned it into a betel nut plantation linked with the betel mafia.

As a part of Assam’s massive crackdown against land encroachment by illegal migrants, the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government is now planning to launch a massive eviction drive in Golaghat. The move will clear 11,000 bighas (approximately 3,600 acres) of land in the Rengma Reserve forest at Uriamghat, bordering Nagaland.

The eviction drive will affect nearly 2,000 families who have allegedly encroached on the forest land and turned it into a betel nut plantation linked with the betel mafia.

Fearing the eviction, many people belonging to the Bengali-speaking Muslims who have been branded as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh had fled the area and were trying to take shelter in other places in Assam.

Nearly 700–800 police personnel, along with teams from the Forest Department and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), were stationed in and around the Rengma Forest reserve.

Heavy machinery, including bulldozers and excavators, has also been mobilised for the operation.

The evictions come after extensive land surveys across 30 villages in the reserve forest area under the Sarupathar sub-division.

The Assam government claims that the encroachers originate from Muslim-dominated areas of Nagaon, Morigaon, Sonitpur, and even districts such as Cachar, Dhubri, Barpeta, and Hojai in Assam. Many illegal migrants are also from West Bengal and Bihar, according to the government.

Himanta Biswa stated that 70% of the identified encroachers had already vacated voluntarily and reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring forest and government land.

Last week, Mr Sarma had said that 1.29 lakh bighas (over 42,500 acres) of land have been cleared of encroachment in the last four years, while approximately 29 lakh bighas (more than 9.5 lakh acres) of land remain encroached in the state.

Amid a large-scale eviction drive in Assam, the Nagaland government has also issued an advisory to bordering districts to remain on high alert and prevent any spillover of displaced families into its territory during the eviction.

Meanwhile, the prominent Naga radical group NSCN (Niki) has claimed that the recent evictions by the Assam government were neither surprising nor unexpected but a deliberate attempt to seize Naga ancestral lands labelled as the “Disturbed Area Belt”, a misleading designation stemming from British colonial boundaries imposed for administrative convenience without consulting the Naga people.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/assam-to-clear-10-000-bighas-of-encroached-land-amid-mega-eviction-drive-8970840

India and Pakistan will play a group stage match on September 14, per the Asia Cup 2025 schedule released two days ago.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has joined the opposition clamour against the upcoming India-Pakistan match, voicing his discomfort with watching the Asia Cup match scheduled to be played five months after the Pahalgam terror attack.

India and Pakistan will play a group stage match on September 14, per the Asia Cup 2025 schedule released three days ago, putting on display the greatest rivalry in cricket’s history for a Sunday watch. The fixture has triggered an Opposition pushback, reflecting the general public sentiment to boycott Pakistan over its terror nexus.

Raising the matter during the special discussion on Operation Sindoor in Lok Sabha, Mr Owaisi said that his conscience won’t allow him to watch the India-Pakistan match.

“When Pakistan’s aircraft cannot come into our airspace, their boat cannot come into our water, trade has ended, how will you play a cricket match with Pakistan? When we are not giving water, we are stopping 80 per cent of Pakistan’s water, saying that blood and water will not flow, you will play a cricket match,” said the 56-year-old MP.

“My conscience does not allow me to watch that match,” asserted the Hyderabad MP, who has also been part of the government’s outreach initiative following Operation Sindoor. Speaking on the floor of Lok Sabha, he asked if “the government has the courage to call those 25 dead people and say that we took revenge in Operation Sindoor and now you watch the Pakistan match.”

Eight countries will take part in the Asia Cup 2025 from September 9. The India-Pakistan clash in the group stage is set for September 14. Both teams are favoured for the Super Four stage and may meet again during the tournament. If both teams manage to get to the finals, a third clash is also likely.

Recently, an India-Pakistan match in the World Championship of Legends, being held in England, was cancelled after several Indian retired players — Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan — withdrew, citing the Pahalgam attack.

Twenty-five tourists and a local pony ride operator were among the civilians killed by Pakistani terrorists in the April 22 attack. In response, Indian forces had struck terror targets deep inside Pakistan’s territory and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), killing over 100 terrorists at nine terror hubs.

Returning to sporting fervour barely five months after the attack was unacceptable, the Opposition argued, slamming what they called a “rush to earn blood money”.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/asaduddin-owaisi-lok-sabha-india-vs-pakistan-match-asia-cup-conscience-wont-allow-watching-it-8970968

The Hyderabad Task Force has uncovered major irregularities at a private sperm bank located in Secunderabad during a recent raid, exposing its alleged involvement in an illegal surrogacy and baby-selling racket.

According to police sources, the clinic, believed to be associated with a fertility centre in Ahmedabad, allegedly paid up to Rs 4,000 to pedestrians and beggars in exchange for sperm donations.

The collected samples were reportedly transported to fertility centres in Ahmedabad.

Source : https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2025/Jul/28/beggars-recruited-for-sperm-donation-in-hyderabad-clinic

Bhagwant Mann-led AAP govt plans to acquire 65,000+ acres to develop industrial and residential zones; dubbed as largest acquisition by govt in state since 1966

The Punjab land pooling scheme, a flagship initiative of the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government that seeks to give “planned urban development” a big push, has so far received a tepid response from farmers.

This comes even as the AAP government has sweetened the deal for farmers by approving an increase in the compensation for farmers whose land is to be acquired.

Apart from backlash from farmer unions, who have dubbed the controversial land pooling policy a “looting scheme to usurp fertile land”, the AAP government is also facing flak from Opposition parties — the Congress, Shirmomani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — that have termed the move “anti-peasantry and impractical” and launched vociferous attacks against it.

The state government plans to acquire 65,533 acres of land across 21 cities and towns in the state to develop both industrial and residential zones. It is being dubbed as the largest acquisition of land by the government in the state since 1966.

However, only 115 land owners — 15 from Ludhiana and nearly 100 from Mohali — have come forward to adopt the scheme since its launch on June 2. The policy is open till September 30.

Farmers up in arms

Multiple landslides, following torrential rainfall exceeding 570mm in 48 hours, started in a remote forest in Wayanadon July 30, 2024

One recent rain-soaked morning, P Usman, clutching an umbrella, is making his way slowly past verdant tea plantations towards a large graveyard, fenced neatly with stone slabs. Opening the gate and taking a few steps in, Usman, in his late 50s, is quickly overwhelmed with emotion. His eyes well up. Inside the compound are scores of graves, most identified with names and photographs, and others marked only by small cement blocks. “That’s my cousin sister Muhsina,” he says, pointing to a grave marked by a black granite stone with her name etched on it. “And over there, her three children,” he says, choking on his words.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/wayanad-copes-with-grief-looks-to-mitigate-disasters-101753728269027.html

Hashim Musa, a key operative linked to cross-border terror networks, is believed to have been neutralised during ‘Operation Mahadev’ after weeks of intelligence efforts

Hashim Musa alias Suleman, the alleged mastermind of the Pahalgam terror attack, is believed to have been killed in an encounter by the Indian Army’s Special Forces near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

The identity of Hashim Musa and two other slain terrorists, however, is yet to be confirmed, top police sources said. The other two are believed to be Abu Hamza alias Harris and Yasir, both with alleged links to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), they said.

“The operation is ongoing. There was an exchange of fire. As per reports, three bodies have been observed. Can’t say more right now. We will take sometime for clarity, identification, can’t say anything. We will let you know at right time,” VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir, told reporters.

Musa — a key operative linked to cross-border terror networks — and the two other terrorists are believed to have been neutralised during the army’s ‘Operation Mahadev’ following weeks of coordinated intelligence efforts. Known as Suleman, he was also suspected to be behind several other terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said the fierce gunfight broke out in the dense forests of Harwan near Dachigam. According to intelligence sources, Musa had lost significant weight and altered his hairstyle and beard in an apparent attempt to evade identification.

“Three terrorists have been neutralised in an intense firefight. Operation continues,” the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps posted on X.

The encounter came amid a massive security operation to hunt down those behind the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Intelligence inputs gathered over the past month had indicated that some of the terrorists involved may have moved towards the Dachigam region, located roughly 20 km from Srinagar’s city centre.

HOW THE TERRORISTS WERE TRACED

A key breakthrough in tracing the Dachigam hideout came from a communication device that had been under surveillance since the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Top security sources told CNN-News18 that a suspicious call made from this device two days ago triggered immediate red flags within the security grid.

The device, believed to be a Huawei satellite phone reportedly used by the terrorists during the Pahalgam attack, had remained inactive since then. However, when intelligence agencies detected renewed activity on the device, they quickly narrowed down its location to a remote part of the Dachigam forest, far from any human habitation. The input was swiftly developed, and based on the coordinates, a full-scale operation was launched in the area on Monday.

Besides that, the sources said, the operation was on for more than a month. They had received human intelligence input about the movement of the terrorists but those were not specific. Special forces teams were deployed at several axes to track them down and nomads in these areas were thoroughly questioned about their presence, they added.

WHY DACHIGAM MATTERS IN TERROR NETWORKS

Dachigam holds strategic significance due to its geographic location — positioned between central and south Kashmir, it provides a crucial link between regions like Sonmarg and Pahalgam. The mountain peaks in this area are interconnected, offering militants a natural corridor to move discreetly across the Valley.

WHY ARE MOUNTAINS BEING USED?

Terror groups have increasingly used these high-altitude routes to evade detection. Operating from these remote mountainous zones keeps them out of sight of security forces. Food and basic supplies are often taken from nomadic communities at gunpoint, with little fear of being reported. Additionally, the challenging terrain slows down the movement of security forces, giving militants enough time to either escape or relocate before troops arrive.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/indian-armys-special-force-eliminates-mastermind-of-pahalgam-attack-hashim-musa-9468542.html

UP Woman’s Foetus Growing In Liver, Not Uterus: Only 8 such cases reported worldwide. Meerut doctors say this could be India’s first intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy

Doctors in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr were in for a shock when an MRI scan of a 30-year-old woman revealed that she was 12 weeks pregnant, but in her liver, instead of uterus.

The rare medical condition, known as intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy, has left not only the couple but the medical community astonished, with experts suggesting this could be the first such case ever reported in India.

“When I saw the scan, I could not believe my eyes. The foetus was embedded in the right lobe of the liver, and there were clear cardiac pulsations. I have never seen such a case in my career, and according to available data, this might be India’s first intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy,” said Dr KK Gupta, a radiologist at a private imaging centre in Meerut, who uncovered it while carrying out the MRI abdomen test of the woman.

How was the diagnosis done?

The turning point in the case came when the woman, after weeks of abdominal pain and vomiting, was referred for an MRI of the abdomen — a test often used when ultrasound or routine scans fail to explain symptoms.

The MRI was performed at a private imaging centre in Meerut under the supervision of Dr KK Gupta, a senior radiologist with decades of experience in advanced imaging. Unlike a routine ultrasound, the MRI provided high-resolution, layered images of the abdominal organs.

According to Dr Gupta, the scan revealed a startling anomaly. “We observed a well-formed gestational sac inside the right lobe of the liver. The foetus measured approximately 12 weeks in gestational age. Most strikingly, the scan confirmed active cardiac pulsations, establishing that the foetus was alive. At the same time, the uterus was completely empty, ruling out a normal intrauterine pregnancy,” Dr Gupta explained.

He further detailed that the foetus appeared embedded deep into the parenchymal tissue of the liver, with blood vessels from the organ supplying nutrition to the sac. This confirmed that the pregnancy had implanted directly into the hepatic tissue — an occurrence almost unheard of in India.

Dr Gupta also said that the diagnosis was double-checked by repeating certain MRI sequences to rule out imaging errors. “Initially, I even thought it might be an imaging artifact. But repeated scans, taken from different planes, confirmed the presence of a live foetus within the liver tissue itself. At that moment, we realised we were dealing with an extremely rare, high-risk pregnancy,” he added.

Only 8 cases of liver pregnancies reported so far

Pregnancies outside the uterus, or ectopic pregnancies, are uncommon, accounting for 1–2% of all pregnancies. Most — about 97% — occur in the fallopian tubes. Rare cases are found in the ovaries or the abdominal cavity. But intrahepatic implantation — when the fertilised egg attaches to the liver — is one of the rarest forms known in medical science.

According to published literature, only eight cases of intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy have been reported worldwide so far, in countries including China, Nigeria, the United States, and parts of Europe.

Why is it dangerous?

The liver is one of the most vascular organs in the body, with an extensive blood supply. While this allows the foetus to receive nourishment temporarily, it also poses an enormous risk to the mother. The growing foetus can cause liver rupture or massive hemorrhage if not treated promptly.

Dr Jyotsna Mehta, a renowned gynaecologist and obstetrician from Lucknow, explained why this case is particularly alarming: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime case for most doctors. The liver’s rich blood supply can sustain foetal growth initially, but it puts the mother in grave danger. Removing the foetus is extremely risky — even a minor surgical slip can lead to uncontrolled haemorrhage. The immediate priority is the mother’s survival. The pregnancy, unfortunately, cannot continue safely.”

She added that in similar cases worldwide, doctors sometimes attempt to remove the foetus surgically while leaving the placenta attached, later shrinking it with medication to reduce blood loss. “Each decision has to be highly individualised, and such surgeries demand extraordinary coordination between radiologists, gynaecologists, and liver surgeons,” she said.

India’s first documented case?

The Meerut case could be India’s first reported instance of intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy. “Based on international literature, there is no record of such a pregnancy being reported from India before. Documenting this case will be vital, as it can help the global medical community understand, prepare for, and manage similar rare conditions in the future,” Dr Gupta added.

The patient’s current condition

The woman is currently under strict medical supervision while doctors chart the safest course of treatment. A multidisciplinary team, including obstetricians, hepatobiliary surgeons, radiologists, and anaesthesiologists, has been assembled to plan a complex surgery.

While the fate of the patient remains uncertain until surgery is successfully performed, one fact is already clear: this rare diagnosis has carved its place in Indian medical history as a case that will be studied and remembered for years to come.

FAQs on intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy

What is it?

A rare form of ectopic pregnancy where the fertilised egg implants and grows inside the liver instead of the uterus.

How rare is it?

Extremely rare — only eight cases documented worldwide so far. The Meerut case may be India’s first.

Why is it dangerous?

The liver has an extensive blood supply. Any rupture or surgical attempt risks massive internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms?

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness or dizziness
• Abnormal bleeding
• No relief from routine treatment

How is it diagnosed?

Through high-resolution imaging, especially MRI scans, since routine ultrasounds may miss the anomaly.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/up-womans-foetus-growing-in-liver-not-uterus-what-is-rare-intrahepatic-ectopic-pregnancy-ws-l-9468973.html

A CRPF jawan was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants in Haryana’s Sonipat while he was on leave. Police suspect the killing is linked to an altercation during the Kanwar Yatra.

A jawan of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was shot dead allegedly by two bike-borne men in his village in Haryana’s Sonipat district. Police suspect the involvement of youths who had an altercation with the jawan during the Kanwar Yatra.

The incident happened on Monday morning while the jawan, identified as Krishan, nearly 30 years old, was on leave.

The two suspects fled after opening fire at Krishan who was returning home in the early hours of Monday, it was known.

Later, commenting on the incident, the police confirmed that the jawan died in the incident and that his body had been sent for postmortem.

“CRPF jawan Krishan died in the incident. His body has been sent for postmortem examination,” SHO Sadar, Gohana, Inspector Lal Singh told news agency PTI.

“During the Kanwar Yatra, some youths of the village had entered into an altercation with him a few days ago. They have been identified,” he said.

The CRPF jawan is survived by his wife and a child, the SHO said.

A case had been registered and further investigations were on, he added.

In another similar incident, a 65-year-old retired Army jawan was beaten to death following a dispute in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Ramdayal Kushwaha, a resident of Fatehpur village in the Rudrapur police station area.

According to the police, Kushwaha had objected to his neighbour, Vijay Bind, driving his car through the victim’s land. Following this, an argument broke out between the two.

Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Arvind Kumar Verma said that Vijay and some of his companions beat up Ramdayal and fled.

On Monday night, a 45-year-old man was shot dead in West Delhi’s Punjabi Bagh area.

The incident occurred around 10 pm, when police received information from a hospital about a man being admitted with gunshot injuries. He later succumbed during treatment.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/haryana-sonipat-crpf-jawan-shot-dead-bike-borne-assailants-9469711.html

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who was jailed in Yemen on charges of killing her employer, is on the death row. The sentence was suspended earlier this month after protracted negotiations.

Conflicting reports emerged Tuesday regarding the death sentence of Nimisha Priya, the Indian nurse imprisoned in Yemen since her 2017 conviction for the murder of a Yemeni national. While a tweet by India’s Grand Mufti suggested that the execution may have been cancelled, sources quoted by news agency ANI, however, suggested that the information “is inaccurate”.

The teenager from Nagpur became the youngest Indian woman ever to achieve this feat. PM Modi took to his official social media account and hailed both the finalists, including Koneru Humpy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised Divya Deshmukh after the 19-year-old Indian chess player was crowned the FIDE Women’s World Chess Champion 2025. The teenager from Nagpur became the youngest Indian woman ever to achieve this feat. PM Modi took to his official social media account and hailed both the finalists, including Koneru Humpy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official social media account and said, “A historic final featuring two outstanding Indian chess players! Proud of the young Divya Deshmukh on becoming FIDE Women’s World Chess Champion 2025. Congratulations to her for this remarkable feat, which will inspire several youngsters. Koneru Humpy has also displayed immense prowess throughout the championship. Best wishes to both players for their future endeavours.”

In a first of its kind all-Indian final in the history of Women’s Chess World Cup will be remembered as a chess classic. This went down to the wire and was eventually decided in rapid tiebreaks. But in the crucial third tie-breaker, Humpy under immense time pressure made an uncharacteristic error. Deshmukh seized the opportunity with precision and composure, securing her place in history and becoming the 88th Grandmaster of India.

Moments after her victory, Deshmukh was seen in tears as she hugged her mother. The heart-warming video hit the internet and went viral on social media.

From Underdog to Champion

Over 1.28 lakh consumers have urged snack giant Mondelez to call for a ban on animal testing after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal (PETA) has alleged that it continues to allow animal testing under the guise of promoting basic nutritional science. PETA India has also accused the ‘Oreo’ manufacturer of force-feeding mice with faecal bacteria.

NGO Accuses Oreo-Maker of Backing Harmful Experiments on Mice Despite Partial Ban

In 2018, Chicago-based Mondelēz, known for manufacturing brands like Cadbury, Toblerone and Oreo, adopted a limited global ban on animal testing after consulting with PETA US. However PETA alleged that a loophole continues to allow animal testing under the guise of promoting basic “nutritional science”. While Mondelēz claims not to test products on animals unless required by law, PETA the company of funding numerous nutritional science experiments such as force-feeding mice with human faecal bacteria, which have been shown to produce no health-relevant results for humans.

PETA Alleges Force-Feeding of Mice With Human Fecal Bacteria in Nutritional Studies

Being declared HIV-positive was akin to a death sentence in India of the 1990s. With new medicines, lifespan is not an issue any more. And now, more and more HIV-positive individuals are getting married, and having healthy kids. Matrimonial sites have launched sections focused on HIV+ individuals. This is how science and activism have turned stigma into happily-ever-after stories.

Tarun (name changed), a Mumbai resident, was diagnosed HIV-positive and was only given 30 days to live. He defied the prognosis, and has been living with the virus for 23 years now. But back in 2002, the news that someone had tested positive for HIV was nothing short of a death sentence.

And, before the virus killed, social rejection and emotional distress killed those with HIV.

Tarun has been leading a near-normal life for 23 years, thanks to advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), family support and peer network.

HIV-positive individuals now have a lifespan that is close to that of uninfected people. It is now, more than ever, that they are seeking companionship for the long road.

Tarun, now 46, is healthy, married, and living what he calls “a full life”. His wife, Anushka (name changed), is also HIV-positive. Together, they are parents to a biological daughter, who is HIV-negative, and an adopted son.

It must be noted that India had an estimated 23.48 lakh people living with the virus in 2019 – the third-highest burden of HIV in the world – according to a National AIDS Control Organisation (Naco) report.

Experts India Today Digital spoke to said the country today has around 2.5-3 million HIV-positive people, roughly a third of whom fall in the marriage bracket of 21-35 years.

“Today, more HIV-positive people are getting married compared to a decade ago,” Anjali Gopalan, founder and executive director of The Naz Foundation (India) Trust, told India Today Digital.

“HIV-positive individuals are now even marrying HIV-negative people,” said Gopalan, whose organisation has extensively worked with issues related to HIV/AIDS and sexuality for over three decades.

Sumi MK, advocacy officer with Mumbai-based Humsafar Trust, a support group for people living with HIV (PLHIV), also said that marriages among HIV-positive people are on the rise as compared to a decade ago.

For HIV-positive individuals, even the way of finding partners is seemingly shifting.

HIV-specific online matrimony platforms like HIVParichay.com and Positivesathi.com have emerged. Matrimony major Jeevansathi.com recently launched a section for HIV-positive brides and grooms.

However, experts and HIV-positive individuals told India Today Digital that most people from the community seeking partners do so offline, primarily through annual meet-ups organised by Naco. Experts said even the World Health Organisation (WHO) plays a small role in the meet-ups.

However, the coming up of online matrimonial platforms and Jeevansathi’s exclusive section is a signal of a positive shift in India’s HIV/AIDS story.

THE JOURNEY FROM DEATH CERTIFICATE TO MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

Tarun, a chef returning from a cruise-liner job, was diagnosed with HIV during a routine check-up in Mumbai.

Shocked and scared, he hid the diagnosis from his mother for nine months. By the time she found out, the doctor had given him 30 days to live. But his mother’s support kept him going.

As he stuck to medication, a healthier lifestyle and diet, and regular check-ups, Tarun’s immunity and outlook improved. He left his job as a chef, fearing a simple kitchen injury could stir a panic about HIV transmission, and took up work at a call centre instead.

As years passed, he became a peer counsellor too.

One day, he was asked to speak with an HIV-positive woman from Raipur who had faced abuse from her in-laws after losing her husband to AIDS. He didn’t expect that this woman, by the end of counselling, would become his friend, and ultimately his wife.

Tarun might have found his life partner by chance while counselling, but most HIV-positive people find their spouses either at meet-ups or the matrimonial sites that have come up.

HIV-POSITIVE COUPLES AND SAFE CHILDBIRTH

The journey of Tarun and Anushka, both HIV-positive individuals, helps us understand some of the struggles that such couples face.

After marriage, childbirth is where they faced the next big challenge.

“When we planned to have a baby, many hospitals turned us away because we were both HIV-positive,” Tarun said. “The discrimination came from everyone – receptionists, ward boys, nurses, and even doctors.”

The couple were wrongly told they couldn’t have an HIV-negative child.

“If the mother is HIV-positive, she is placed on lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus to undetectable levels. With proper adherence, this reduces the risk of transmission to the baby to less than 1%,” Dr Rashmi Singh, a Delhi-based medicine specialist, told India Today Digital.

“During childbirth, if the mother’s viral load is under control, a vaginal delivery is also considered safe, but just to be sure, most gynaecologists recommend a C-section delivery,” she added.

Explaining the process after the baby is delivered, Singh said, “After birth, the infant is given preventive medication for several weeks, and is monitored through regular HIV testing up to 18 months of age.”

In cases where only the father is HIV-positive, Singh added, “Assisted reproductive technologies such as sperm washing followed by intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can be used. These methods ensure that the virus is not present in the sperm used for conception, preventing transmission to both the mother and child.”

MANAGING HIV WITHIN A MARRIAGE

However, couples with HIV need to be extra careful about unprotected sex even if both are living with the virus.

Tarun told India Today Digital that he and his wife planned their pregnancy under the close supervision of a gynaecologist, as he cannot have regular unprotected sex despite having his viral load under control. His semen could still affect his wife’s CD4 count – a key indicator of immune health in people living with HIV.

But today, with ART, many people can restore and maintain normal CD4 levels.

In Tarun’s case, regular monitoring of both viral load and CD4 count helped guide safe family planning.

It must also be noted that India’s ART programme is one of the world’s most cost-effective and accessible. First-line ART medicines can cost around Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000 per month at private institutions, but under Naco, the government provides them free of charge.

LIVING WITH HIV: BEYOND THE VIRAL LOAD

Despite being cost-effective today and offering a high chance of leading a normal life, living with HIV within a relationship still comes with its own set of emotional and practical challenges.

In serodiscordant couples, where only one partner is HIV-positive, the HIV-negative partner may have to make certain adjustments, especially around trust and physical intimacy, such as barely being able to have unprotected sex, and other lifestyle adjustments involving diet.

Naz Foundation’s Anjali Gopalan said, “When there is openness and honesty about one’s HIV status, many couples are able to make it work. With the right support and counselling, people often choose to focus on the relationship and the bond they share, rather than the condition.”

Finding a partner, however, remains one of the biggest hurdles.

Sumi MK of the Humsafar Trust points out, “Most people living with HIV try to find a partner who is also HIV positive. Though marriage rates have improved, the success rate at community HIV melawas (fair, in Marathi) is still just 1-2%.”

Melawas are the Naco-organised community meet-ups held in Maharashtra. Similar meet-ups, known by different local names, are held annually in cities across India. Experts say these are typically low-key events, drawing around 100–150 attendees each.

Tarun, now married and actively involved in the HIV-positive community as a counsellor, says he attends the melawa across Maharashtra, to connect with others and offer support.

Another common way people intending to get married meet is through word-of-mouth, especially via counsellors who interact with people living with HIV and often pass along information when they hear someone is looking for a partner.

“I have helped four couples get married by informally playing matchmaker,” Tarun told India Today Digital.

Tarun, who has attended nearly every community meet-up in Maharashtra in the past several years, said, “Around 80% of those who turn up at these events are men. This gender disparity is one of the reasons why the success rate of melawas leading to marriage remains so low.”

Both Sumi MK and Tarun noted that even older individuals seek companionship and long-term relationships are often spotted at the community meet-ups. Online HIV matrimony portals offer some hope, but their reach is seemingly limited.

Tarun, who helps facilitate such meet-ups, says, “Many people come from underprivileged backgrounds and aren’t tech-savvy enough to maintain a profile. The emotional toll of living with HIV also means many don’t always stay active on these platforms.”

Other social factors persist as well.

“Even within the HIV-positive community, people often seek partners from the same caste,” Tarun added. “I once introduced two individuals from the Patil community, but the girl’s parents insisted on the same sub-caste, and the match fell through.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sunday-special/story/journey-of-hiv-positive-indians-from-death-to-marriage-certificate-aids-jeevansathi-matrimony-websites-ivf-2761670-2025-07-27

During searches of the closed chemical factory, 34 kg of ketamine in powdered form and 12 litres of ketamine in liquid form were seized.

When NCB sleuths along with Barmer Police went into the interiors of village Dholakia, Rajasthan, they never expected to find a lab hidden in a buffalo barn manufacturing synthetic drug mephedrone. “This clandestine facility was installed inside a buffalo barn in the secluded area of village Dholakia,” said NCB in a statement on Sunday.
NCB, Rajasthan Police, and Maharashtra Police started the two-day operation on 22nd July. The anti-narcotics federal probe agency found several precursor chemicals — chloroform, ammonium chloride, propylene chloride, toluene — in a lab. These precursor chemicals are used to manufacture mephedrone.
NCB Jodhpur detained two members of the syndicate, and their questioning revealed that another member of the gang was running a similar “kind of lab” in a “closed factory.” “We identified a resident of the district of Raigad who had brought chemicals and lab equipment to set up the clandestine facility,” said officials.

“The information about this accomplice was immediately shared with the Raigad Police by NCB, following which he was detained by Raigad Police, and during interrogation, it was revealed that he used to work in a closed chemical factory at Mahad, Raigad, which is now closed,” said NCB.
During searches of the closed chemical factory, 34 kg of ketamine in powdered form and 12 litres of ketamine in liquid form were seized.
Several precursor chemicals like chloroform, ammonium chloride, propylene chloride, toluene, bromine, cyclohexanone, etc., were found along with lab equipment. “These shut premises were being used to run the lab clandestinely to manufacture ketamine,” said NCB. Investigation has further revealed the involvement of a mastermind who has been involved in earlier drug trafficking cases of DRI and NCB.
Earlier, too, a clandestine lab manufacturing mephedrone was busted by NCB Jodhpur at Sri Ganganagar in which 5 kg mephedrone drug with precursor chemicals were recovered and accused including physics and chemistry teachers were arrested.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ncb-cracks-down-on-cross-state-drug-network-labs-found-in-barn-shut-chemical-plant-article-152358045

The accused was identified as Karanbir alias Karan, said Amit Kaushik, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell/New Delhi Range.

The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has arrested a 22-year-old man linked to the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and wanted in connection with a grenade attack in Punjab.

The accused was identified as Karanbir alias Karan, said Amit Kaushik, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell/New Delhi Range.

Karanbir was arrested in connection with the grenade attack at Police Station Quila Lal Singh, in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district in April, the police said in a statement on Sunday.

The accused was arrested in Gurdaspur, Punjab, under the Arms Act on Saturday.

Confessing to his involvement in the grenade attack, Karanbir said that he was in contact with a person from Punjab, but based abroad and handling operations for BKI.

The accused also shared that he facilitated the stay of two persons at his home before the attack, who had executed the task of launching the grenade at Police Station Qila Lal Singh.

The accused revealed that his handler used to instruct him through social media applications to commit criminal and terror activities.

Karanbir revealed that he also visited a West Asian country in 2024. Karanbir told the police that he received money from his handler for executing the said grenade attack.

Karanbir’s brother, Gursewak, who was also involved in the attack, has already been arrested in the case. Karanbir was arrested based on the leads provided by Akashdeep alias Bazz of Amritsar, an accused in a case registered under the Arms Act.

Akashdeep, who was arrested in Indore on Tuesday, was also found involved in the grenade attack case at the Police Station Quila Lal Singh.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/babbar-khalsa-international-operative-22-arrested-for-punjab-grenade-attack-8962421

Connaught Place and Lodhi Road are being considered as the prime locations for the market, which will operate after 10 PM and feature food trucks run by some of Delhi’s most popular eateries, according to officials.

Delhi may soon get its own late-night food hub, with the government planning to launch a night market in the NDMC area, inspired by Indore’s iconic 56 Dukan model.

Connaught Place and Lodhi Road are being considered as the prime locations for the market, which will operate after 10 PM and feature food trucks run by some of Delhi’s most popular eateries, according to officials. The goal of the market is to create a safe, vibrant, and regulated nightlife space for residents and tourists alike.

Confirming the plan, Delhi Cabinet Minister and NDMC member Parvesh Verma said, “We want to offer the people of Delhi and tourists as well, a safe nightlife experience, and a concrete plan is being prepared for this. Our aim is to make Delhi’s nights just as vibrant and engaging as its daytime activities.”

The plan has drawn attention from multiple quarters, from business owners to young residents eager for safer, more engaging late-night options in the national capital.

Local food truck owners have welcomed the idea but urged the government to provide clarity on licensing and operational rules.

Meanwhile students are quite optimistic. “It’s high time Delhi caught up with cities that have active night scenes. We usually end up at the same cafes or drive around aimlessly. A safe and vibrant food street at night would be amazing,” Pranav Sharma, a university student said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-plans-to-launch-night-market-for-foodies-will-feature-food-trucks-8961864

The Delhi government’s plea seeks a comprehensive study by the Centre and CAQM to assess the actual environmental benefits of age-based restrictions.

The Supreme Court will review the controversial ban on older petrol and diesel vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. The hearing follows a plea by the Delhi government, challenging the blanket ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, arguing the restrictions lack scientific backing.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran will take up the matter. One of the most pertinent questions to be answered from the hearing is whether Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles should still face arbitrary end-of-life restrictions based solely on age.

The Delhi government’s plea seeks a comprehensive study by the Centre and CAQM to assess the actual environmental benefits of age-based restrictions versus emission-based criteria.

What’s the ban?

The current ban traces back to a 2015 order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which prohibited diesel vehicles older than 10 years and Petrol vehicles older than 15 years.

“The vehicles which are more than 15 years old will not be permitted to be parked in any public area, and they shall be towed away and challenged by the police in accordance with the law. This direction would be applicable to all vehicles without exception, i.e. two wheelers, three wheelers, four wheelers, light vehicles and heavy vehicles, irrespective of whether commercial or otherwise,” the NGT said in its November 26, 2014, order.

The Supreme Court upheld this ruling in 2018, citing alarming air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR and a need to protect public health. In line with this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed that fuel stations stop supplying petrol and diesel to these “end-of-life” vehicles from July 1, 2025.

Why was the policy paused?

The Delhi government, under chief minister Rekha Gupta, rolled out the ‘No fuel for old vehicles’ policy on July 1, 2025, but it was paused within two days after facing public backlash.

The government then cited logistical hurdles and infrastructure gaps, especially in identifying and enforcing the ban effectively.

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said last week that pollution levels of vehicles should be determined based on their usage rather than their age, ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on the End-of-Life (EoL) vehicle policy.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-hearing-delhi-ncr-old-vehicle-ban-bs6-petrol-diesel-policy-paused-air-pollution-ncr-india-101753667380371.html

Haridwar’s Mansa Devi temple stampede killed six and got several injured. Uttarakhand CM Dhami expressed sadness and assured rescue efforts.

A stampede broke out at Haridwar’s Mansa Devi temple on Sunday, killing six people and leaving many injured, police said.

Rumour of an electric current where the stairs to the temple begin sent the devotees into a panic, leading to the stampede, Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police Pramendra Singh Dobal told PTI Videos. About 35 people were rushed to hospital and six of them died, he said.

The incident took place around 9.30 am.

One of the injured told ANI, “Just 20-25 steps before the temple premises, the crowd became uncontrollable… I fell down along with 10 to 12 others… I found 3 of my family members, but 2 are still missing…”

Another shared his ordeal and told his hand got fractured. “Suddenly, a huge crowd gathered there and a stampede took place. During this, I fell and my hand got fractured…”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he was saddened by the incident and asserted that the situation was being monitored.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/crowd-became-uncontrollable-haridwar-mansa-devi-stampede-survivors-share-ordeal-ws-l-9466575.html

Justice Varma used the anonymised title “XXX” in the petition, a practice typically applied in cases involving sexual assault survivors or minors.

Justice Yashwant Varma, currently facing a removal motion in Parliament after bundles of cash were recovered from his official residence in Delhi, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court without disclosing his identity. The plea, titled “XXX vs Union of India”, challenges the findings of an in-house inquiry panel and the recommendation by the then Chief Justice of India for his removal.

A Supreme Court bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih is scheduled to hear the matter today.

Justice Varma used the anonymised title “XXX” in the petition, a practice typically applied in cases involving sexual assault survivors or minors. The Supreme Court has previously directed that the identities of such petitioners remain protected, including in judgments.

In the plea, Justice Varma alleged that the inquiry committee reversed the burden of proof, effectively requiring him to disprove the allegations made against him. He claimed the process was biased and driven by a “preconceived narrative,” and that it compromised procedural fairness. The petition argued that the panel reached adverse conclusions without providing a full and fair opportunity to be heard.

Filed on July 17 and registered by the Supreme Court on July 24 after procedural corrections, the civil writ petition is listed as the 699th of the year. The Centre is named as the first respondent, while the Supreme Court is the second.

The three-judge inquiry panel, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, conducted a 10-day investigation into the March 14 fire at Justice Varma’s Delhi residence. The panel examined 55 witnesses and visited the site where a large amount of half-burnt cash was discovered in a storeroom.

The committee concluded that Justice Varma and his family had covert or direct control over the area where the cash was found, establishing grounds for misconduct serious enough to warrant removal.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/cash-recovery-row-justice-varma-files-sc-plea-as-xxx-vs-union-of-india-hides-identity-9467656.html

A woman hailing from Thrissur, who retired as dean from a leading institution in Bengaluru, as well as a person hailing from an ordinary family in Palakkad are the anonymous philanthropists.

Thiruvananthapuram: Several students who were orphaned in the devastating landslide at Wayanad last year are receiving the helping hand from a couple of philanthropists who prefer anonymity.

As many as seven students lost both father and mother in the landslide on July 30, 2024 that claimed around 250 lives and around 100 still missing.

A woman hailing from Thrissur, who retired as dean from a leading institution in Bengaluru, as well as a person hailing from an ordinary family in Palakkad are the anonymous philanthropists. They not only sent money every month for the welfare of the children, but also used to regularly ring up the child welfare authorities and enquire about the wellbeing of the children, a statement from the state government said.

While the retired dean is sending Rs 4,000 each to two girls who were orphaned, the Palakkad native is sending Rs 2,000 each to three girls. The Palakkad native lost his parents during his childhood and hence he could realise the pain of the children he lost their parents, said the statement.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/anonymous-philanthropists-continue-to-extend-helping-hand-for-students-orphaned-in-wayanad-landslide-3650331

The module will have two parts—first for students from class 3 to 8 and another one for students from class 9 to 12.

The education ministry is going to bring in modules on Operation Sindoor, astronaut Shubanshu Shukla, Chandrayaan as well as ISRO’s achievements for school children, senior ministry sources said. These modules, which are in addition to prescribed syllabus, will be brought in during the coming academic session.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been tasked with coming up with these modules which will have 8-10 pages on each matter. One of these modules will be on the Pahalgam terror attack as well as Operation Sindoor, while another will be on the Chandrayan Mission.

“School children must know of India’s achievement in space, too. So modules will be developed on astronaut Shubanshu Shukla, on the strides ISRO has taken in the frontier of space,” a senior ministry official said.

The modules will be developed in two stages — one for classes 3 to 8 and another for class 9 to 12.

States asked to follow NCERT

The CBSE has written to States asking them to mandatorily follow text books of the NCERT for classes 9 to 12. It has also “strongly advised” States to follow textbooks of the NCERT or SCERT, and that schools may use supplementary material as per their requirement but that it must be aligned with the National Curriculum Framework.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ncert-developing-special-module-on-operation-sindoor-for-classes-3-to-12-sources-3650097

Ajit Pawar warned that the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi was losing ground to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s sharp remarks during a visit to Pimpri-Chinchwad have sparked political debate, after he claimed that Pune’s Hinjewadi IT Park is gradually shifting to cities outside Maharashtra.

A video clip of Pawar expressing frustration over local governance issues has gone viral on social media. While speaking to Ganesh Jambhulkar, a local sarpanch, during an early morning inspection, Pawar warned that the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi was losing ground to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

“We are finished. The entire Hinjewadi IT Park is relocating, leaving Pune and Maharashtra for Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Is anyone even bothered?” said Pawar, who is also Pune’s guardian minister.

The remarks were made during a surprise visit to areas around the IT park, which took place around 6 am, where Pawar reviewed complaints related to waterlogging and other civic problems across several areas in Pimpri Chinchwad.

As Jambhulkar raised concerns in front of the media, Pawar responded curtly, saying, “Temples get submerged when dams are built. Say what you want — I’ll listen — but I will act as I see fit.”

He also expressed frustration at the need for such early morning inspections and said the situation demanded tough decisions. “Why do I need to come here at six in the morning? This can’t continue — strong steps must be taken,” he said, asking media persons to turn off their cameras.

Subsequently, the Deputy CM took to the microblogging site X, sharing footage of his visit from early in the day, writing, “Change is coming, every problem of Puneites will be solved..!”

This was Pawar’s second visit to Hinjewadi within a week, after locals, mostly comprising the IT workforce, had complained about poor infrastructure leading to frequent waterlogging, traffic snarls, and power cuts. Even the chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had held a meeting earlier this month, assuring a quick solution to the problems faced by locals.

The Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi, developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), spans over 2,800 acres. It is home to over 200 firms and contributes over 60 per cent of Maharashtra’s IT export.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ramlaxman-gunjan-muskan-confusion-over-multiple-sets-of-identical-twins-during-exam-in-haryana-101753554105313.html

Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the case so far, said officials, adding that the group targeted young individuals, especially girls, using online games

The religious conversion racket under investigation in Agra involved coordination with handlers based in Pakistan and used online platforms and gaming apps to influence youth, police said on Saturday.

Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the case so far, said officials, adding that the group targeted young individuals, especially girls, using online games like Ludo as initial contact points.

According to Agra Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar, the suspects allegedly introduced Islamic teachings and created doubts about Hinduism through sustained communication.

The case came to light after two sisters, aged 33 and 18, were reported missing from Agra. One of them had posted a photo on social media holding an AK-47.

This led to the arrest of 10 people from six states, followed by four more as the investigation progressed.

Some of the girls were reportedly influenced by Kashmiri women who were part of the network and criticised Hinduism while promoting Islam, reported Hindustan Times.

“We have interrogated 14 arrested individuals and spoken to the rescued girls. It was found that they were in contact with people in Pakistan, who spoke to them about Islam, and with some girls in Kashmir who reportedly influenced them to adopt the religion,” Agra police commissioner Deepak Kumar said.

Police have identified Abdul Rehman, a Delhi resident who converted to Islam in 1990, and Ayesha from Goa as key figures in the operation.

The network allegedly targeted girls from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana. The rescued individuals were reportedly added to WhatsApp groups where ideological indoctrination continued.

Commissioner Kumar said the operation involved individuals with knowledge of the dark web and encrypted messaging platforms like Signal, which were used to evade detection.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/online-ludo-dark-web-and-pakistan-link-agra-conversion-racket-probe-reveals-shocking-details-9466252.html

PM Modi will attend an event marking 1000 years of Rajendra Chola I’s maritime expedition and the construction of Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will attend a programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu.

As part of the celebrations, a commemorative coin honouring the great Chola king will be released, coinciding with the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, PM Modi wrote on X.

“Tomorrow, 27th July, will witness a very special programme to mark a thousand years of the maritime expedition of the great Rajendra Chola I to South East Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a shining example of Chola architecture. It is our privilege that a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I is being released, also celebrating the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival,” he said on X.

The celebration also commemorates the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. The grand finale of the festival on July 27 will be graced by PM Modi, who will attend the event as the Chief Guest.

Who Was Rajendra Chola I?

Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE) was one of the most powerful and visionary rulers in Indian history. Under his leadership, the Chola Empire expanded its influence across South and Southeast Asia.

He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital after his victorious campaigns, and the temple he built there served as a beacon of Shaiva devotion, monumental architecture, and administrative prowess for over 250 years.

Today, the temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions.

The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmars—the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism.

Notably, Rajendra Chola’s birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on July 23, making this year’s festival all the more significant.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/who-was-rajendra-chola-i-pm-modi-to-attend-chola-emperors-birth-anniversary-celebrations-ws-l-9465903.html

India monitors Thailand-Cambodia border clashes, urging both nations to cease hostilities. Indian embassies advise nationals to avoid border areas and stay in touch for help.

India on Saturday responded to the ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia

“We are closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand. India has close and friendly relations with both countries and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press statement.

The MEA further urged the Indian travellers in both the countries to saty in touch with their respective embassies for any assistance.

“Embassy of India in Bangkok, Thailand- Helpline: + 66 61 881 9218 (WhatsApp calls also). Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, Cambodia- Helpline: +855 92 881 676 (WhatsApp calls also),” the press release added.

India Issues Advisory For Indians In Cambodia

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia had issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to the country amid ongoing clashes with Thailand, suggesting that they avoid going to border areas.

“In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid traveling to the border areas,” the Embassy said.

“In case of any emergency, Indian nationals may approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in,” it added.

Indian Embassy In Thailand Issues Advisory

Earlier on Friday, Indian Embassy in Thailand advised its nationals to practice caution and avoid travelling to seven provinces in view of the situation arising out of the clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops over a disputed border.

In view of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travellers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) Newsroom, the Indian embassy said in a social media post.

Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes

Thailand and Cambodia continued their fighting for the third straight day on Saturday, as the death toll in the deadly fighting rose to 33. Phnom Penh has said that it was ready for an “immediate ceasefire, unconditionally”.

A decades-long border dispute between the two countries erupted into an intense military confrontation involving jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on Thursday, after which the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/monitoring-situation-india-urges-thailand-and-cambodia-to-de-escalate-ws-l-9465877.html

NDMA presence in the acid-reflux drug under scrutiny again; states told to ensure manufacturers take risk-based safety steps

In a renewed move to safeguard public health, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has directed all state and union territory drug regulators to ensure that manufacturers of Ranitidine—a commonly used medicine for acidity—monitor levels of NDMA, a potential cancer-causing impurity, in their formulations.

Ranitidine is a medication that lowers stomach acid production and helps relieve acid-related indigestion and heartburn. It is commonly available under brand names like Aciloc, Rantac, and Zinetac.

The July 24 communication, seen by News18, follows the findings of a government-appointed expert committee and a subsequent meeting of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the country’s apex drug advisory body. The DTAB, in its 92nd meeting held on April 28, reviewed the expert panel’s report on the NDMA contamination issue that has shadowed Ranitidine for several years.

“The issue related to safety of Ranitidine drug due to presence of NDMA impurity has been under consideration for quite some time and this office has taken various measures from time to time,” the letter said.

Now, a letter from the DCGI notes that while various steps have been taken earlier, the DTAB has recently recommended more robust action, including the setting up of a larger committee to examine all aspects of Ranitidine safety—particularly its storage conditions, which can impact impurity levels. It has also suggested that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conduct a safety study on Ranitidine, considering the NDMA concerns.

News18 first reported the recommendations of the expert panel on April 29.

Critically, the DTAB advised that “manufacturers should monitor the NDMA levels in the API/formulation and also take risk-based measures such as reducing the shelf life” of the product.

Following this, the DCGI has asked state drug controllers to instruct Ranitidine manufacturers in their jurisdiction to initiate these monitoring and mitigation efforts immediately.

“…as recommended by DTAB, you are requested to direct the manufacturers under your jurisdiction to monitor the NDMA levels in the API/formulation of Ranitidine and also take risk-based measures such as reducing the shelf life, etc.”

NDMA (N-nitroso dimethylamine) is classified as a probable human carcinogen. The impurity was first flagged globally in 2019, prompting recalls and regulatory reviews in several countries. In India, too, concerns around Ranitidine’s safety have persisted, although the drug remains on the market.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/ask-antacid-ranitidine-makers-to-monitor-chances-of-cancer-causing-impurity-drug-controller-to-states-9466200.html

A heartbreaking video has gone viral on social media, showing a young boy carrying an injured pigeon to a hospital in a desperate attempt to save its life. Unfortunately, the bird could not be saved, causing the boy to break down in tears.

The emotional clip has been shared across various social media platforms, highlighting the deep affection of children towards animals. The video showed the boy carrying a pigeon, whose wing was visibly fractured, into a district hospital in Longding.

The boy was accompanied by some of his friends. A woman, likely a part of the hospital staff, was heard saying, “Please drop the pigeon here, we’ll do the dressing.” The boy gently placed the pigeon on a stool and quietly wiped its tears.

Later, the boy asked, “Did it die?”, and the hospital staffer replied, “Yes, it has died.” The boy was seen breaking down, clearly devastated after hearing the news.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/arunachal-boy-desperately-attempts-to-save-pigeon-breaks-down-after-tragic-end-ws-kl-9465759.html

The Supreme Court will hear a pivotal plea on July 28 that could overturn Delhi’s controversial ban on older vehicles, offering hope to old vehicle owners facing unfair and non-scientific, end-of-life restrictions.

In a major development that could reshape how Delhi balances clean-air mandates with evolving vehicle technology, the Supreme Court will hear a crucial plea on July 28 regarding the absurd ban on older petrol and diesel vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region. The hearing comes in light of a petition filed by the Delhi government seeking a review of the court’s 2018 order enforcing end-of-life restrictions, particularly on Bharat Stage VI (BS VI)-compliant vehicles.

The matter will be heard by a bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, and is expected to explore whether the existing rules, originally designed for older, more so-called polluting vehicles, are still justified in an era of advanced emission norms.

A ban rooted in air quality emergency

The ban traces back to a 2015 order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which prohibited diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating in Delhi-NCR. The Supreme Court upheld this directive in 2018, citing public health and environmental protection. Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sought to enforce a related measure by halting fuel supply to these ‘end-of-life’ vehicles from July 1, an order that has now been deferred to November due to public backlash and logistical hurdles.

The petition: Science over age

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said India will receive rightful credit for the design of Kolhapuri chappals when exported. His remarks follow backlash over luxury brand Prada showcasing similar footwear without crediting Indian origins.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday said India will now receive rightful credit for the design of Kolhapuri chappals when they are exported, asserting that the iconic footwear is a Geographical Indication (GI) product of the country.

“When a global brand used the design of our Kolhapuri chappals, the Commerce Ministry immediately took action on it. Going forward, when the Kolhapuri chappal is exported, India will get due credit for its design. It is India’s GI product,” said Goyal while speaking about the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The statement comes after global luxury brand Prada sparked a controversy by showcasing Kolhapuri-style sandals in its Men’s Spring Collection at Milan Fashion Week, priced at Rs 1.2 lakh. The brand made no reference to the chappals’ Indian roots, the artisans who craft them, or their cultural significance.

He added that global brands are increasingly interested in associating with Indian products. “Many global brands are expressing their desire to associate their names with Indian products and sell them in global markets. The Kolhapuri Chappal can have a business of Rs 8000–10000 crores in the international market,” he said.

Kolhapuri chappals were granted a GI tag by the Government of India in 2019. The handmade leather footwear traces its origin back to the 12th century and is traditionally crafted by cobbler communities in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/piyush-goyal-india-credit-for-kolhapuri-chappal-controversy-prada-2761898-2025-07-27

CBI said that the agency has genuine concerns, which is why it prefers that Chidambaram seek permission each time he wants to travel

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday opposed Congress MP Karti Chidambaram’s request to ease his bail conditions to allow foreign travel, citing the example of Vijay Mallya.

The case was heard by Justice Ravinder Dudeja of the Delhi High Court. Representing the CBI, Special Counsel Anup S. Sharma referred to Mallya without naming him directly.

“There was one more MP, from Kingfisher. He is today in the UK,” Sharma said, warning that easing travel restrictions could pose risks.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Chidambaram, argued that the Congress MP is not a flight risk. “He is an MP, he is not going to be an MP of the UK. Even today, he is attending Parliament,” Luthra said, asking the court to allow more flexibility for Chidambaram to travel abroad, Bar and Bench reported.

In response to Sharma’s concerns, the court asked, “If one person has run away, do you think everybody will run away?” Sharma replied that the agency has genuine concerns, which is why it prefers that Chidambaram seek permission each time he wants to travel.

Following the submissions, the court agreed to advance the hearing date to 10 September, instead of the earlier scheduled date of 16 October.

The case relates to the INX Media scandal, in which the CBI alleges that in 2007, when P. Chidambaram was the Finance Minister, INX Media received irregular approval for foreign funding worth Rs 305 crore. Karti Chidambaram was arrested in the case and later granted bail in March 2018, with conditions including a ban on international travel without court approval.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/there-was-one-more-mp-cbi-cites-vijay-mallya-to-oppose-karti-chidambarams-travel-plea-ws-l-9463838.html

The Prime Minister made the remarks during a banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India has always stood by the Maldives in its development journey, especially in areas like infrastructure and capacity building.

The Prime Minister made the remarks during a banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male, where he is currently on a state visit.

“We are both partners of the Global South. Whether it is Infrastructure or Capacity Building, India has been a true partner and companion at every turn of Maldives’ development journey. Now we should move forward on trade, security, and sustainable development,” PM Modi said.

He reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations, saying the island nation holds a “special place” in India’s Neighbourhood First policy.

“India-Maldives relations are centuries-old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Like I said earlier too, Maldives holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy…This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity,” PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of taking the partnership forward in key areas such as trade, security, and sustainable development. “We should now move ahead in strengthening cooperation in trade, security, and sustainable development,” he added.

“This year, the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives relations are also being celebrated. This happy coincidence (60th Independence Day of Maldives and 60th anniversary of India-Maldives relations) has made my Visit even more special,” he said.

Additionally, PM Modi celebrated the shared heritage between the two nations, saying, “Our shared heritage is as old as the Monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi. Our languages reflect the depth of our culture. The roots of the Mahal language of Dhivehi and Minicoy are similar. Several words in Dhivehi have come from India…Our tastes are also similar…Absolutely perfect despite being different.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/trade-security-sustainability-development-pm-modi-charts-roadmap-for-india-maldives-ties-ws-l-9464179.html

Nearly 40 years ago, Rajinder started a small food stall in the Safdarjung market in Delhi.

Tucked away in a lane of Delhi’s Safdarjung area is a food joint that has quietly grown into a Rs 100-crore-plus empire without any flashy marketing. To this day, Rajinder Da Dhaba continues to draw massive crowds every single day, for one simple reason: taste.

Best known for its Chicken Curry and Galauti Kebabs, this decades-old dhaba has cemented its place as a landmark on Delhi’s culinary map. What makes its journey truly remarkable is its beginning in 1968. From selling fish fry to eggs, it has since grown into a thriving chain with multiple successful outlets.

The Journey Of A Small Food Stall

Nearly 40 years ago, Rajinder started a small food stall in the Safdarjung market in Delhi. He began with just Rs 500 and served simple dishes like fish fry and eggs. There were no investors and no advertisements. Slowly, the taste caught on, and customers kept coming back. Recently, content creator Rocky Saggoo Capital, who shares business stories, posted a reel explaining how this small stall grew into a business worth crores.

“Sirf Butter Chicken aur Galauti Kebabs bechkar crore ka empire khada kar diya. Na investors, na ads, na Zomato ka gimmick. (They built a crore-plus empire by just selling butter chicken and galauti kebabs. No investors, no ads, no Zomato gimmicks),” Rocky said in the video.

Business That Grew With Customers

As demand grew, so did the challenges. Long wait times began to frustrate customers. That’s when the team made a bold call. They decided not to launch an app but to create a system. “Customer ne bola zyada chahiye— menu expand kar diya. Bola time lagta hai – time bachaya (When customers asked for more variety, they expanded the menu. When they complained about delays, they saved time),” Rocky explained.

Instead of market surveys, they listened directly to customer feedback. “Critics ne sudhara, customers ne badhaya (Critics helped them improve, customers helped them grow),” he added.

Three Brands, One Idea

Today, Rajinder Da Dhaba operates under three formats:

Rajinder Da Dhaba

Rajinder Xpress

RDX Resto & Bar

“Aaj yeh sirf ek dhaba nahi, Delhi ka cultural landmark hai, (Today, it’s not just a dhaba but a cultural landmark of Delhi),” Rocky pointed out.

Operational Mastery

Their success isn’t just about recipes; it is about operations. From marinating in batches to keeping gravy ready in advance, they have engineered kitchen speed without compromising taste. “Kitchen ko system ki tarah chalaya, lekin food ko fast food nahi banne diya (They ran the kitchen like a system, but never let the food become like fast food),” Rocky mentioned.

Even without seating, they created a unique “car dining” experience. “Order time pehle 20 mins tha, ab sirf 2–3 mins reh gaya hai (Earlier, the wait time was 20 minutes. Now it’s down to 2–3 minutes),” he added.

The Brand’s Expansion

The teachers were allegedly having breakfast outside the area where the roof of the school in Rajasthan collapsed — the same place where students had gathered for the morning assembly.

The teachers at the primary school building that collapsed on Friday morning in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar, claiming the lives of seven students, were alerted by the children that something was amiss. However, the teachers, who were having breakfast at the time, did not pay heed to the students’ urgent pleas and instead told them to return to their classroom.

“Pebbles were falling. When the students told the teachers, they scolded them and kept having breakfast. If the children were taken out, the accident would not have happened,” a student told India Today TV.

The teachers were allegedly having breakfast outside the area where the roof collapsed — the same place where students from Class 1 to 8 had gathered for the morning assembly.

“The children were made to sit inside the class for prayer. The teachers were having breakfast. When pebbles started falling inside, the children told the teachers. The teachers scolded the children and asked them to sit back in class. After that, the wall gave way and the roof fell on the children. Many children ran here and there to escape, with many getting buried under the rubble. After that the children were taken out with the help of the villagers,” an eighth-standard student said.

According to sources, the walls and roof of the school were in a dilapidated condition. Cement had been applied and plastering done just a month ago.

FIVE TEACHERS SUSPENDED FOR CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE

Shortly after the incident, five teachers were suspended for criminal negligence that led to the deaths of seven children and left more than a dozen injured.

Several of the young children studying at the Government High Primary School in Pimplod, Jhalawar district of Rajasthan, had no idea that such criminal callousness by the authorities would result in immense grief for their families.

More than a dozen children were pulled out from under the debris by villagers. The injured were taken to the nearest health center.

“The accident in the school building at Pimplod, Manoharthana is extremely sad and painful. The loss of lives and injuries to many children is heartbreaking,” former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said.

The tragedy sparked growing anger among the residents of Pimplod village in the Manoharthana police station area of Jhalawar, as accusations emerged that teachers ignored students’ warnings about pebbles falling.

After the incident, the district administration acted swiftly. The district collector announced the suspension of five officials from the education department, including teachers.

“We had earlier complained about the school’s poor condition, but no action was taken,” a relative of one of the students told India Today TV.

“We had issued orders in June that children should not be made to sit in any dilapidated school building, and that we should be informed. We also repaired several such buildings. There was clear negligence on the part of the teachers. Five people from the education department have been suspended. An inquiry committee has been formed, and further action will be taken once the report is submitted,” said Jhalawar District Collector Ajay Singh Rathore.

BLACK SPOT ON US: SACHIN PILOT

Three states in the northeast have issued an alert cautioning against the entry of illegal migrants from Assam, where the Himanta Biswa Sarma government has been carrying out massive eviction drives

The Niuland district administration along with the Nagaland Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) intercepted and turned back over 200 vehicles carrying evicted illegal immigrants from Assam at various checkpoints across the district, sources have told NDTV.

This comes at a time when the Nagaland government issued an advisory to the police to check evicted illegal migrants from Assam trying to enter the state.

District-level intelligence teams were deployed at the check gates to assist in identifying and processing the occupants, sources said.

In the last two days, over 200 vehicles that were attempting to transport individuals evicted during the Assam government’s drive have been turned back after checking their credentials and it was found that they were evicted in the recent anti-encroachment drive in different parts of Assam.

Three states in the northeast have issued an alert cautioning against the entry of illegal migrants from Assam, where the Himanta Biswa Sarma government has been carrying out massive eviction drives.

The advisory issued by neighbouring Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland said all officers concerned should report any movement of suspected illegal migrants immediately. They have to collect the suspects’ biometric and biographic data, too.

The three states are concerned that the encroachers and illegal migrants evicted from Assam government lands may enter their states.

Yesterday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the state’s preparedness and strengthen border vigilance due to the ongoing eviction drive in Assam against illegal immigrants.

The meeting aimed to prevent a spillover of illegal migrants from Assam entering neighbouring Meghalaya. It also reviewed the potential fallout of Assam’s eviction drive and its impact on Meghalaya’s border areas.

Manipur Police today gave revised instructions outlining the procedure for detection, restriction of movement, and deportation of illegal immigrants.

In addition, a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) for verification and detection of illegal immigrants, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals, has been provided to ensure uniform and coordinated action at the district level.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nagaland-turns-back-200-vehicles-carrying-illegal-migrants-from-assam-border-8951794

Additional Superintendent of Police Durga Prasad and the driver, Narsing Rao, who were also in the car, sustained serious injuries in the collision.

Two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) from the Andhra Pradesh Intelligence Department died after their car first hit a divider while trying to avoid a collision, but ended up getting struck head-on by another speeding lorry on Saturday morning. The incident, which took place around 4:45 am on the Kaithapuram village road, has sent shockwaves through the police fraternity.

The victims have been identified as Chakradhar Rao and Shantha Rao. They were reportedly en route to Hyderabad in connection with a case the incident occurred.

Another version of the same incident says the lorry, travelling on the opposite side of the divider, veered off its path and collided with the officers’ car.

Additional Superintendent of Police Durga Prasad and the driver, Narsing Rao, who were also in the car, sustained serious injuries in the collision. They have been immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/2-andhra-cops-in-car-try-to-avoid-collision-hit-speeding-lorry-both-die-8953594

The Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 every year to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war. Modi said said this occasion reminds the country of unparalleled courage and valour of its soldiers who sacrificed their lives for defending the country’s pride.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted people on the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, which marks the success of Indian armed forces in ousting Pakistani intruders from the mountains in Kargil.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 every year to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 war.

Modi said said this occasion reminds the country of unparalleled courage and valour of its soldiers who sacrificed their lives for defending the country’s pride.

Their spirit to sacrifice themselves for the motherland will inspire every generation, he said.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/26th-anniversary-of-kargil-vijay-diwas-pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-soldiers-unparalleled-courage

The incident occurred on July 24, after the woman fainted during a race and was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance stationed at the site.

A woman participating in the Home Guard recruitment process at the BMP-3 parade ground in the Bodh Gaya police station area in Bihar was raped by the ambulance driver and technician while being transported to the hospital, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred on July 24, after the woman fainted during a race and was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance stationed at the site.

According to a press release by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anand Kumar, the woman candidate informed police about the assault. Based on her complaint, ambulance driver Vinay Kumar and technician Ajit Kumar were arrested within two hours.

A special investigation team led by Bodh Gaya SDPO Saurabh Jaiswal was formed to handle the case.

A forensic team was sent to collect evidence and CCTV footage from the area helped identify the accused. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at the Bodh Gaya police station and the investigation is underway.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/woman-raped-ambulance-driver-technician-home-guard-recruitment-bodh-gaya-bihar-2761590-2025-07-26

The incident at Piplodi Government School in Manohar Thana took place at around 8.30 am.

Seven children were killed and two were critically injured after a government school building collapsed in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district on Friday.

The incident at Piplodi Government School in Manohar Thana took place at around 8.30 am. Officials said around 60 children, besides teachers and staff members, were present in the premises when the roof of the single-storey building collapsed.

According to sources, the building was in a dilapidated condition and several complaints were raised in this regard earlier. The school offers education till Class 8.

Rajasthan Education Secretary Krishna Kunal said the rescue operation was over and six children were killed in the incident.

All the children were between eight and 11 years of age. Two children are admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

According to eyewitnesses and local villagers, the roof suddenly caved in due to persistent heavy rainfall over the past few days. The sound of the collapse was followed by screams and confusion as dust and debris engulfed the area.

Visuals from the site showed local residents rushing to rescue the trapped students, teachers and staff members. At least four JCB machines also arrived at the spot to help clear the debris.

Officials in the district administration, including the collector, and disaster relief teams also helped with the rescue operations. Family members of the school children rushed to the spot on learning about the building collapse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the incident was “tragic and deeply saddening”. “My thoughts are with the affected students and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” his office said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, Education Minister Madan Dilawar said he has directed authorities to make proper arrangements and to oversee the injured children’s treatment, and to ensure they do not face any kind of difficulties. “I will order a probe into the incident and to ascertain what led the building to collapse. I have also spoken to the collector and directed authorities to take stock of the situation and help in whatever way possible,” he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-dead-many-trapped-as-school-building-collapses-in-rajasthans-jhalawar-8946135

India is reducing duty on UK whisky and gin from 150 per cent to 75 per cent and further to 40 per cent in the tenth year of the deal.

The India-United Kingdom free trade agreement is expected to lower import duties on spirits, potentially making premium international liquor brands more affordable for Indian consumers.

However, experts have cautioned that the impact may be modest, with price reductions likely capped at around ₹300 per bottle.

India and the UK signed a historic bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday. The pact will boost bilateral commerce by $35 billion in the long run.

The India-UK FTA was finalised in May after more than three years of negotiations and was signed by commerce minister Piyush Goyal and his UK counterpart Jonathan Reynolds during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Britain.

As per the FTA signed in London between the two governments, India is reducing duty on UK whisky and gin from 150 per cent to 75 per cent and further to 40 per cent in the 10th year of the deal.

“Whisky producers will benefit from tariffs slashed in half, reduced immediately from 150 per cent to 75 per cent and then dropped even further to 40 per cent over the next ten years – giving the UK an advantage over international competitors in reaching the Indian market,” as per an official statement of the UK government.

Experts’ predictions on whiskey prices

The International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), which represents premium alcoholic beverage companies in India (mostly MNCs), hailed the trade deal as a historic moment for the alcoholic beverage sector.

“The deal will significantly benefit Indian consumers, as premium international spirits will become more accessible, thereby accelerating the ongoing trend of premiumisation,” ISWAI CEO Sanjit Padhi was quoted as saying by PTI. “It will also stimulate growth across ancillary sectors, such as hospitality, tourism, and retail, while potentially increasing the revenue for Indian states.”

Industry experts, however, opined that while companies could benefit end-consumers, there would be very few benefits in terms of price reduction.

“Consumer prices for imported Scotch (whiskey) are not likely to change much,” liquor industry expert Vinod Giri said, according to PTI.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/will-prices-of-imported-whiskey-go-down-after-the-india-uk-free-trade-agreement-what-experts-say-101753406646152.html

On average, Air India — which has an estimated 1,700 pilots — sees close to 50 of them report in sick on a daily basis.

At least 112 Air India pilots reported sick four days after the airline’s Ahmedabad-Gatwick flight crashed 33 seconds after taking off, killing all but one of the 242 people on board and another 19 people on the ground, the government told Parliament on Thursday.

On average, Air India — which has an estimated 1,700 pilots — sees close to 50 of them report in sick on a daily basis, a person aware of the matter said, asking not to be named. The government said the airline reported a “minor increase” in sick leaves after the June 12 crash.

“Air India reported a minor increase in sick leaves reported by pilots across all fleets in the aftermath of the AI-171 accident. On 16.06.202, a total of 112 pilots reported sick, comprising 51 commanders (P1) and 61 first officers (P2),” said minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol in a written reply.

He was responding to BJP MP Jai Prakash,whether it is a fact that in the aftermath of the Air India-171 crash, Air India has been experiencing mass sick reporting by its flight crew members; whether the Government has taken remedial measures such as holding post-trauma mental health workshops to mitigate their stress.

The airline official cited above added that there had been an increase in pilots reporting they were unwell the day after the incident. “The spike was very minor in the beginning and it peaked on June 16,” this person added. “DGCA has already issued a medical circular regarding mental health of flight crews and air traffic controllers (ATCOs) on 22 Feb 2023, which lays down guidelines for operators (scheduled and non-scheduled) and DGCA-empanelled medical examiners,” Mohol said.

He added that the guidelines include “quick and effective methods to assess mental health that can easily be performed by the DGCA-empanelled medical examiners during the Class 1/2/3 medical examination.”

The government has also introduced a standalone, customised training capsule for flight crew and ATCOs to help manage the adverse effects of mental health conditions, it stated, the written reply added.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/112-air-india-pilots-took-sick-leave-4-days-after-ahmedabad-crash-101753404510039.html

An army veteran captured footage of garbage spilling onto the streets in Gurgaon, with cows and dogs scavenging through the trash. The video has disgusted many.

A video shared by an army veteran, capturing Gurgaon’s dire state of waste management, has disgusted social media users. The footage captures a garbage dump, with cows and dogs freely roaming around, just beside a high-rise in the city.

Snippets from a video shared by an army veteran show garbage on Gurgaon streets. (Instagram/@gen.yashmor)
Snippets from a video shared by an army veteran show garbage on Gurgaon streets. (Instagram/@gen.yashmor)
“The joy of living in the millennium city of Gurgaon, Haryana. Most animal and garbage friendly city in India. Such scenes can be seen anywhere around the city, you don’t have to come from very far to witness such an amazing place. Very well done to our civic agencies, no other city can boast such initiatives. Gurugram has set a new bench in urban planning and sustainability,” Yashpal Singh Mor sarcastically wrote while posting a video.

Take a look at the post:

What did social media say?

An individual sarcastically posted, “Sir, this is called co-existence. Our cities provide so much fodder for these animals that they are never hungry. It’s so humane and kind of us and our city planners/corporations.” Another joined, “Absolutely, sir! Gurugram is clearly pioneering a whole new model of ‘open ecosystem sustainability’.”

A third remarked, “Every corner of the city is like this. It’s disgusting, pathetic, and I don’t have words to describe how inefficient the waste management system in Gurgaon is.” A fourth wrote, “Such a nice ecosystem.”

Gurgaon to issue waste management tender:

There have been public outcries over mounting garbage across neighbourhoods in Gurgaon. After months of protests and problems, authorities have decided to float a ₹402-crore door-to-door waste collection tender.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/most-garbage-friendly-city-in-india-army-veteran-mocks-millennium-city-gurgaon-in-viral-video-101753411771089.html

A video captures two individuals, one wearing a Blinkit uniform and another dressed as a Swiggy delivery partner, robbing a store in Ghaziabad.

A video of a robbery was captured on the CCTV of a jewellery store in Ghaziabad. The individuals who robbed items worth thousands of rupees from the store were seen disguised as delivery partners – one in a Blinkit uniform and the other wearing a Swiggy uniform.

“Thieves disguised as delivery boys execute a robbery at a jewellery store in Ghaziabad. CCTV visuals of the crime,” ANI wrote while posting the video.

The video opens to show the store’s employee standing at one side of the shop. Two individuals, one in a Blinkit uniform and the other dressed as a Swiggy delivery agent, are captured placing jewellery and other items in a bag.

Soon after, they flee the store, and the employee rushes outside to call for help.

According to a report by Times of India (TOI), at the time of the robbery, which took around six minutes to execute, the store was managed by only one employee, Shubham. The shop’s owner Krishna Kumar Verma was away for lunch.

After the incident, Shubham alerted Verma, who informed the police about the robbery.

“A plaintiff gave information that two unknown people on a bike entered his jewellery shop and robbed 20 kg of silver and 25 g of gold at gunpoint… Police inspected the incident spot and 6 teams were sent for investigation… A case is being registered and further action is underway,” Trans Hindon DCP Nimish Patil told ANI.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/watch-thieves-wearing-blinkit-swiggy-uniforms-rob-jewellery-store-in-ghaziabad-101753413055658.html

President’s Rule in Manipur has been extended by another six months, following a resolution introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha.

The extension will come into effect from August 13, 2025.

According to the official notice, it stated, “That this House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated the February 13, 2025 in respect of Manipur, issued under article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from August 13, 2025.”

President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, shortly after former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned, largely due to mounting political pressure from fellow BJP MLAs belonging to the Meitei community who opposed his leadership.

The current move to extend President’s Rule comes amid ongoing efforts by Meitei and Naga MLAs from the ruling NDA to push for the reinstatement of an elected government in the state.

Under Article 356(3) of the Constitution, President’s Rule is implemented through the Governor’s office, typically lasts for six months and can be renewed every six months with Parliament’s approval, for a maximum duration of three years.

Meanwhile, the ethnic conflict that broke out on May 3, 2023, between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities has led to over 250 deaths and forced more than 60,000 people to flee their homes.

In a separate incident, security forces arrested eight militants belonging to different proscribed outfits from Imphal West, Bishnupur, Tengnoupal and Chandel districts on Thursday.

The police said that security forces have been conducting search operations and area domination exercises in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts since the ethnic violence broke out two years ago.

Source : https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/elon-musk-reacts-to-nikita-bier-s-viral-diagnosis-post-with-grok-plug-check-his-response-11753417269602.html

PM Modi Maldives Visit Updates: PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome Upon Landing in Maldives

PM Narendra Modi on Friday landed in Male, Maldives, to a warm welcome by President Mohamed Muizzu, the country’s Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and Minister of Homeland Security.

PM Modi Maldives Visit Updates: PM Modi Lands In Male

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, July 25, landed in Male. PM Modi is in Maldives for the second leg of his two-nation tour.

Breaking News | ‘PM Modi Has Made Us Proud’: Diaspora Gathers in Male Ahead of His Arrival

Members of the Indian diaspora in Malé enthusiastically await the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Maldives. One of the members of the Indian diaspora said, “The India-Maldives friendship is very good. Today, we are all gathered here to meet PM Modi. I have brought a memento of his achievements. We are proud to be Indians. PM Modi is a global leader who has made us proud.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/parliament-monsoon-session-live-updates-pm-narendra-modi-united-kingdom-london-visit-keir-starmer-india-uk-fta-donald-trump-india-news-breaking-news-world-news-us-news-city-news-delhi-mumbai-kolkata-chennai-weather-news-liveblog-152335836

Shukla has become the first India ever to go to the International Space Station, which is a milestone for ISRO’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned from the International Space Station (ISS) after concluding the Axiom-4 mission along with three other astronauts, has shared some breathtaking images of the Orion Nebula from Bengaluru skies that were clicked from his rooftop. He said the photos that were clicked on the ISS would take some time for clearance, and meanwhile, shared an “astrophotography story”.
“The photographs clicked on the station take some time to received, verified and cleared because of the multiple space agencies involved. While I wait for them I wanted to share an astrophotography story,” he said in a post on both his Instagram and X account.
“I started into astrophotography upon returning to India after my first leg of training at GCTC, Russia. The pictures in sequence are of the same interstellar object M42 (M stands for Messier- Name of the catalogue that maintains all night sky objects) also known as the Orion Nebula,” he added.

“Over time we got better that is evident from the last photo. All the pictures were clicked from the night sky of Bengaluru. Slow or fast, if you keep moving progress is guaranteed,” Shukla, popularly called Shux, further said.
Recently, in a video posted on social media, Shukla was seen slowly regaining his balance and strength, highlighting the intense physical readjustment process astronauts go through after being exposed to microgravity for extended periods.

Shukla, who piloted the Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’ back to Earth along with his crewmates, explained that the body undergoes several transformations in space, from fluid shifts and changes in heart rate to muscle loss and balance issues, all as part of adapting to the weightless environment aboard the ISS. Upon return to Earth’s gravity, these adaptations begin to reverse, triggering another phase of physical and neurological recalibration.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla-axiom-4-isro-shares-orion-nebula-images-from-bengaluru-skies-an-astrophotography-story-article-152342300

Following Rahul Gandhi’s accusations of fraud in Karnataka’s voter list revision, the Election Commission of India (ECI) strongly refuted these claims, labelling them as unfounded.

Hours after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged “cheating” in the voter list revision process in a Karnataka constituency, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a sharp rebuttal, calling his claims “misleading and baseless.” The ECI clarified that neither the Congress party nor any of its candidates filed an appeal challenging the Karnataka poll results, and accused Gandhi of making unfounded allegations despite the absence of any formal objections.
“As far as Electoral Rolls of Karnataka Lok Sabha 2024 is concerned, not a single appeal was filed with DM/ CEO of Karnataka, which was a valid legal remedy available to INC under Section 24 of RP Act 1950; and as far as conduct of Lok Sabha elections 2024 is concerned, out of 10 Election Petitions, not a single Election Petition was filed by any losing INC candidate, which was a legal remedy available to INC under Section 80 of RP Act 1951,” the ECI said.

Rahul Gandhi, earlier in the day, said that the Election Commission is not functioning as the Election Commission of India. “Today, they (ECI) made a statement. This is complete nonsense. The fact of the matter is that the Election Commission is not doing its job. We have concrete, hundred per cent proof of the Election Commission allowing cheating in a seat in Karnataka. It is a hundred per cent proof. We just looked at one constituency, and we found it. I am absolutely convinced that constituency after constituency, this is the drama that is taking place,” said LoP Rahul Gandhi.

“Thousands and thousands of new voters, aged 50 years, 45 years, 60 and 65 years are added. We have caught them. I want to send a message to the Election Commission: if you think you are going to get away with this, if your officers think they can get away, you are mistaken. We are going to come for you,” he added.

Meanwhile, rejecting the Gandhi scion’s allegations, the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer said that the electoral rolls are prepared transparently and copies were shared with the recognised parties.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/eci-fact-checks-rahul-gandhi-over-karnataka-poll-fraud-claim-calls-allegation-misleading-article-152340814

A pregnant woman in Telangana’s Mulugu district was carried through waist-deep floodwaters by her family after a swollen stream cut off road access. She was later admitted to a hospital and is stable.

Braving heavy rains and flood-like conditions, a pregnant woman in Telangana’s Mulugu district was carried on shoulders through a swollen stream by her family and villagers on Wednesday evening.

The woman went into labour at her home in Alligudem village, located in Tadvai mandal, late on Wednesday afternoon. However, the relentless rainfall had caused a forest stream to overflow, submerging the kutcha road connecting Alligudem to the nearby Bollepalli village, cutting off regular access to healthcare.

With no other option, her family, with help from a few local villagers, carried her through waist-deep water across the gushing stream. After navigating the submerged path, they reached the nearest road point at Bollepalli.

From there, she was shifted in an ambulance to the Government Area Hospital in Mulugu. Her condition is reported to be stable.

In another incident from Andhra Pradesh in May, a tribal woman, Fangi Seethamma, from the remote Regapunyagiri region in Vizianagaram district, had to be carried in a makeshift cloth stretcher tied to wooden poles. The region, known for its hilly and forested terrain, has long lacked proper road connectivity.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/telangana/story/telangana-mulugu-heavy-rain-pregnant-woman-carried-through-flooded-stream-in-road-access-2760975-2025-07-25