Category: India

The Bombay High Court on Thursday cleared the way for immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols over six feet in natural water bodies, while directing the State to ensure that the PoP idols up to six feet are mandatorily immersed in artificial water tanks.

The Bombay High Court on Thursday cleared the way for immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols over six feet in natural water bodies, while directing the State to ensure that the PoP idols up to six feet are mandatorily immersed in artificial water tanks.

A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne clarified that the interim directions will be applicable till March 2026 with regard to all festivals which involve idol immersion. “As the Ganesh festival will be celebrated from August 26 till September 6, we grant permission for immersion this year,” the bench noted.

Interim Guidelines Valid For All Festivals Till March 2026

The court was hearing petitions challenging the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 2020 guidelines banning both manufacture and immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies. Initially, a PIL was filed by Thane-based environmentalist Rohit Joshi, through advocate Ronita Bhattacharya, seeking strict implementation of the CPBC guidelines banning immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.

Court Rejects Earlier State Policy Allowing 5-Ft Idols In Natural Water

Famiang’s health started deteriorating lately due to age-related problems and her condition worsened in July, an official said.

Famiang, believed to be the oldest woman in Mizoram, passed away at the age of 117 at her residence in the Lawngtlai district, a community leader said on Wednesday.

She breathed her last in the Pangkhua village on Tuesday.

The records maintained by the village leaders showed that Famiang was born in 1908 and married to Heinawna. She had eight children with him, the leader said.

She has 51 grandchildren, 122 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren, he added.

She had sound health even in her old age, the leader said, adding that she was honoured by the election department for casting her vote in the previous Assembly Elections held in November 2023.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/mizorams-oldest-woman-famiang-dies-at-117-had-122-great-grandchildren-51-grandchildren-9459483.html

The government informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that 26,770 road accident fatalities have been reported on national highways up to June in 2025

The national highways in India continue to witness a grim toll in 2025, with close to 150 people dying daily on average—about six deaths every hour—according to an analysis of official data.

The ministry of road transport and highways informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that 26,770 road accident fatalities have been reported on national highways up to June in 2025.

The daily average in 2023 was 147 deaths, and in 2024 it was 144. The total deaths reported in the year 2023 were 53,372, which dropped to 52,609 in 2024.

The ministry publishes “Road Accidents in India” annually based on data received from states and union territories. The report has been published for calendar years up to 2022, and the reports beyond that are awaited.

Odisha MP Sasmit Patra had asked the ministry about the increase in road accident deaths across national highways.

Gadkari informed the House that the eDAR (electronic Detailed Accident Report) portal has been developed, which is a central repository for reporting, management, and analysis of road accident data across the country. The numbers for 2023, 2024, and the current year are as per data entered by states and UTs on the eDAR portal as of July 17.

Analysis of the data from MoRTH’s annual report since 2019 shows that the only year when there was some relief from deaths on national highways was 2020—clearly due to mobility restrictions during Covid lockdowns. The daily and hourly averages fell to 125 and five, the lowest across the seven-year period.

As shown in the graph, the average hourly deaths between 2019 and 2025 have remained about six, except in 2020, while the daily deaths ranged between 125 and 152.

In another reply to Punjab MP Ashok Mittal, Gadkari said that Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances have been deployed on certain stretches of national highways in light of the recommendations of the concerned district road safety committees, in addition to the ambulance services provided by various state governments.

The move comes after backlash following the issuance of GST notices to thousands of small and micro businesses, many of whom operate outside the formal tax net.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday assured that small traders who register under GST (goods and services tax) will not be made to pay past dues, in an effort to address growing unrest over tax notices served by the state’s Commercial Tax Department.

The chief minister said that businesses dealing in tax-exempt items such as milk, vegetables, fruits and meat, who may have received notices, would not be pursued for tax recovery (PTI)
The chief minister said that businesses dealing in tax-exempt items such as milk, vegetables, fruits and meat, who may have received notices, would not be pursued for tax recovery (PTI)
“Only those who had annual UPI transactions above ₹40 lakh have been issued GST notices,” Siddaramaiah said. “Initially, the notices were just to ask them to register under GST. If they register now, the government will not recover previous dues.”

The move comes in response to backlash from sections of the trading community, following the issuance of GST notices to thousands of small and micro businesses, many of whom operate outside the formal tax net. Siddaramaiah held a meeting with representatives from trade bodies, including the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), and later addressed the media to clarify the government’s position.

The chief minister added that businesses dealing in tax-exempt items such as milk, vegetables, fruits and meat, who may have received notices, would not be pursued for tax recovery. “Though some such traders may have received notices, no tax will be collected from them. But those who are legally liable must pay their dues,” he said.

He added that “we will not collect taxes from traders dealing in exempted goods, even if notices have been issued. I have also instructed officials not to pursue cases related to notices for clearing arrears from the past two to three years.”

Siddaramaiah confirmed that around 18,000 notices had been issued to approximately 9,000 traders over the past two to three years. “Old tax arrears that have been included in the notices will be waived. The government will not recover those dues,” he said. “They must mandatorily register under GST.”

He acknowledged that excessive reliance on UPI data had led to confusion and unnecessary panic. “If UPI-based transactions are avoided, it will affect trade transparency. Our government supports small traders. Our goal is not to harass traders. We will assist them in complying with tax laws. The government is on the side of small businesses,” he said.

During the meeting, trader representatives flagged widespread confusion over the notices. “There is confusion among small traders regarding the GST notices. Even loan amounts and personal transactions have been included,” they said, requesting a more humane approach. “Traders should be given an opportunity to pay taxes with relief. They should be allowed to directly approach the department without involving middlemen,” they told the CM.

They also called for a dedicated helpline and awareness drives to address misinformation and build clarity. “Due to lack of proper information about GST, there is a lot of misunderstanding. Awareness campaigns must be conducted. One-time waiver of old dues is essential,” they said.

Responding to these demands, Siddaramaiah said a helpline already exists but assured that it would be strengthened. He also instructed officials to conduct workshops for trade and street vendor associations to improve outreach and compliance.

In response to the GST row, state BJP president BY Vijayendra accused the government of using GST notices to meet revenue targets. He claimed that small vendors — including those selling essential items — were being indiscriminately served notices for 18% tax.

“The Commercial Tax Department issuing GST notices to small and micro traders has sparked widespread concern. These traders are deeply worried, while the chief minister and his ministers are attempting to shift the blame on the Centre,” Vijayendra said.

“At a time when the state coffers are empty, the CM is pressuring tax officials to issue recovery notices,” he added.

The BJP leader alleged that the chief minister had fixed tax collection targets to overtake Maharashtra in GST revenue rankings. “I urge the chief minister to immediately halt the issuance of these notices to small and micro traders and to withdraw those already served,” he said, pledging BJP’s support to the ongoing trader protests.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-vows-gst-relief-to-small-traders-101753297592919.html

The land is located in the IT hub of Hyderabad and became contentious, with people expressing concerns over the loss of green cover and space for wildlife

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that while it supports sustainable development of urban cities, it does not approve of the brazen manner adopted by the Telangana government to decimate acres of green cover forming part of the ecologically sensitive Kancha Gachibowli area in Hyderabad.

In April, the Supreme Court issued orders to stop all deforestation activity undertaken in the 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli area by the Telangana government (PTI)
In April, the Supreme Court issued orders to stop all deforestation activity undertaken in the 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli area by the Telangana government (PTI)
Taking up hearing of suo moto proceedings in which orders were issued in April this year stopping all deforestation activity undertaken in the 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli area, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai said, “I am an advocate of sustainable development, but that does not mean you will employ 30 bulldozers overnight and destroy all forest land.”

The land is located in the IT hub of Hyderabad and became contentious, with people expressing concerns over the loss of green cover and space for wildlife.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Telangana government apprised the court that based on the last order passed by the court in May, the state has taken steps to preserve the remaining green cover and wildlife.

An affidavit filed by the state on Tuesday informed the court of using the said land for development activities in the state. The court posted the matter for consideration of the affidavit on August 13.

When the bench remarked, “Anyways, now the forest is protected,” Singhvi pointed out that the state objects to the use of this term as the subject land was never a forest as per records.

The affidavit of the state filed through advocate Sravan Kumar Karanam pointed out that the land has been earmarked in successive government initiatives for various public purposes, from sports infrastructure and institutional development to housing and industrial expansion.“This process involved multiple stakeholders and passed through legislative enactments, Cabinet-level approvals, and inter-departmental consultations. At no stage the subject land was treated as forest land; rather, it was consistently viewed as a development reserve of high strategic value,” the state said.

In the past, the court had questioned the haste with which the state employed JCBs and heavy equipment and cleared trees from 100 acres of the Gachbowli land.

On a site inspection by the Telangana high court registrar as ordered by the court, there were deer, peacock and birds found at the spot, giving the court a clear indication of the existence of a forest. Even the central empowered committee (CEC) assisting the court on environment issues described the area as forest deserving protection under the applicable environmental laws.

However, the state has maintained that the land was an open space locked in litigation for 17 years, during which period green cover developed in the area, which cannot be used to retroactively impose a forest classification on the land.

As part of the further development activities, the state informed the court that “proactive” steps have been taken to identify and preserve as many existing trees as possible to ensure minimal disruption to the natural canopy. In 2024, the state had engaged an agency for development of the land.

“The proposed development, which is restricted to 400 acres within the broader land (Kancha Gachibowli), has been consciously designed so as not to disturb the larger ecological balance of the region. Substantial portions of it remain untouched and continue to serve as open spaces or institutional holdings, including lands earmarked for public purposes and leading educational institutions,” the state informed the court.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cant-destroy-forest-in-name-of-sustainable-development-sc-to-telangana-government-101753297651969.html

The FTA between India and the UK was sealed in May this year and is the biggest FTA the UK has done since leaving the European Union.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom got the nod from the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said on Wednesday, adding that the much-awaited formal signing of the pact will be held during PM Modi’s visit to London on 24 July. PM Modi will begin his two-day visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday.
When asked whether the FTA will be formally signed during PM Modi’s visit to the UK, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday had said that “last-minute” work on it is continuing. “We are continuing to work on those and last-minute work on that is continuing,” he said.

The FIR also named the promoters and directors of the Alchemist Group, including Kanwar Deep Singh and others. Kanwar Deep Singh is a former Rajya Sabha MP.

ED has provisionally attached shares to the tune of Rs 127.33 crores in a money laundering probe revolving around Alchemist Group. Attached assets are in the name of Alchemist Hospital and Ojas Hospital and are located in Panchkula Haryana.
ED has said the beneficial owner of the attached assets is Karan Deep Singh.
“The attachment forms part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving M/s Alchemist Group, its Directors, Promoters, and associated entities, in relation to large-scale fraud and misappropriation of public funds,” the ED said in a statement on Wednesday.

ED case stems from an FIR registered by Kolkata Police and then by CBI under sections of criminal conspiracy and cheating against M/s Alchemist Township Pvt. Ltd., M/s Alchemist Infra Realty Pvt. Ltd. The FIR also named the promoters and directors of the Alchemist Group, including Kanwar Deep Singh and others. Kanwar Deep Singh is a former Rajya Sabha MP.
In 2021, Kanwar Deep Singh was arrested by ED. The anti money laundering federal probe agency has filed a prosecution complaint and later a supplementary prosecution complaint.
The money laundering probe revealed, “criminal conspiracy to defraud investors by illegally raising funds through fraudulent Collective Investment Schemes (CIS), offering unusually high returns, and/ or making false promises of allotting plots, flats, and villas. Through these deceptive investment schemes, M/s. Alchemist Holdings Ltd. and M/s. Alchemist Township India Ltd. illegally collected approximately Rs. 1,848 Crore from unsuspecting investors and subsequently misappropriated the funds for unauthorized purposes,” the ED said.
The probe agency said “misappropriated funds” were “systematically layered” through complex financial transactions involving group entities of Alchemist Group with intent to “conceal the origin of funds”. “These tainted proceeds were ultimately used for the acquisition of shares and subsequent construction of Alchemist Hospital and Ojas Hospital,” said Officials.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ed-attaches-rs-127-crores-assets-of-alchemist-group-laundered-money-was-routed-to-hospitals-article-152333556

Two Rolls-Royce cars, previously owned by Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, are now at the centre of a tax evasion fine issued to the current owner of the cars, ‘KGF Babu’.

It is not every day that Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan’s names appear on a fine notice from the Karnataka Regional Transport Office (RTO). But that is exactly what happened when two Rolls-Royce cars once owned by the Bollywood superstars landed in trouble — not for speeding, but for skipping state road taxes.

The person behind the wheel these days is not a film star, but Bengaluru-based businessman and politician Yusuf Sharif, better known as ‘KGF Babu’. He earned the nickname thanks to his roots in Kolar Gold Fields, the mining town made famous by the Kannada film “KGF”.

Sharif is now facing fines totalling Rs 38.26 lakh for driving the luxury vehicles — a Rolls-Royce Phantom once owned by Bachchan and a Rolls-Royce Ghost previously belonging to Khan — without paying the local road tax in Karnataka. The cars are still officially registered in Maharashtra under the actors’ names, though neither of them owns the vehicles anymore.

According to transport officials, the Phantom has been seen on Bengaluru’s roads since 2021, and the Ghost since 2023. Karnataka law requires vehicles used in the state for more than a year to be re-registered locally and taxed accordingly. Since both Rolls-Royces crossed that deadline without compliance, the RTO has slapped a Rs 18.53 lakh fine on the Phantom and Rs 19.73 lakh on the Ghost.

Interestingly, while the ownership has changed, the paperwork has not. The vehicles remain registered under the actors’ names, as Sharif never formally transferred them to his own. Officials confirmed that both vehicles are being used regularly but remain, on paper, Bollywood property.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/bengaluru/story/ktaka-rto-rolls-royce-cars-bollywood-actors-amitabh-bachchan-aamir-khan-fined-tax-evasion-kgf-babu-rs-38-lakh-bengaluru-2760310-2025-07-23

Aged between 20 and 25, the four terror suspects — who were reportedly assigned major targets — were arrested from Gujarat, Delhi, and Noida in Uttar Pradesh. They were tasked with carrying out attacks at high-profile locations across India.

The Gujarat Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Wednesday arrested four terror suspects allegedly linked to the terror group Al Qaeda. They were tasked with carrying out attacks at high-profile locations across India.

Aged between 20 and 25, the four terror suspects — who were reportedly assigned major targets — were arrested from Gujarat, Delhi, and Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

While two were caught in Gujarat, the rest were arrested in Delhi and Noida respectively.

All four, identified as Mohd Fardeen, Sefullah Kureshi, Zeeshan Ali and Mohd Faiq, were connected to each other through a social media app.

Further interrogation is underway. During the initial course of investigation, the authorities revealed that the accused had cross-border links.

Earlier, a UN report has revealed that Al Qaeda is shaping its regional affliate to spread its terror operations in the Indian subcontinent, namely Jammu and Kashmir in India and the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The 32nd report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the 1267 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, released this week, noted that “one Member State assessed that Al-Qaeda is shaping AQIS (Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent) to spread its operations into neighbouring Bangladesh”, Jammu and Kashmir and Myanmar.

In the Indian subcontinent, Al Qaeda has approximately 200 fighters, with Osama Mehmood being the emir.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/4-al-qaeda-terrorists-planning-high-profile-attacks-in-india-arrested-from-3-states-2760174-2025-07-23

Harshvardhan Jain ran a fake embassy in Ghaziabad, posed as envoy of fictional nations, used fake documents and cars to dupe people with job, business promises. Read on to know more about him and his operation.

In a bizarre tale that seems pulled straight out of an international espionage thriller, Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force (STF) has busted a fake embassy operation running out of a lavish bungalow in Ghaziabad’s posh Kavi Nagar area. The alleged mastermind, 47-year-old Harshvardhan Jain, presented himself as the ambassador of not one, but several self-proclaimed micronations – Westarctica, Seborga, Poulvia, and Ladonia. His ruse, which included diplomatic number-plated luxury cars, forged documents, and fake foreign connections, was used to defraud companies and individuals by offering jobs, overseas deals, and influence in return for hefty commissions.

A ‘diplomat’ without borders

According to investigators, Harshvardhan Jain created an entire ecosystem to support his claims. He adorned his rented white-painted bungalow with flags of various countries and parked luxury vehicles with fake diplomatic licence plates outside. Inside, the ’embassy’ resembled an international consulate, complete with forged Ministry of External Affairs seals, counterfeit diplomatic passports, and a series of elaborate stamps from imaginary countries.

STF officials say Harshvardhan Jain adopted the guise of a diplomat to manipulate perceptions and exploit aspirants hoping to land foreign projects or overseas employment. He told his victims he could facilitate government work or contracts in ‘friendly’ nations thanks to his so-called diplomatic status. Those ‘friendly nations’ were, in fact, fictional micronations recognised by no real-world government.

Born into wealth, Harshvardhan Jain’s early life showed promise. The son of JD Jain, once a top industrialist with marble mines in Rajasthan, he studied BBA in Ghaziabad and completed an MBA from the London College of Applied Science. But after his father’s death and subsequent financial losses in the family business, Jain took a dark detour.

His turning point allegedly came in 2000, when he came in contact with controversial godman Chandraswami, who reportedly introduced him to international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi and London-based businessman Ehsan Ali Syed. Alongside Syed, Jain floated over a dozen companies in the UK, which authorities believe were used for laundering black money and conducting backdoor business deals.

Later, Jain moved to Dubai and partnered with shady businessmen to launch more shell firms, exploiting them to carry out ‘liaison work’ across Gulf and African nations. He reportedly made a small fortune by brokering fake business deals and facilitating illegal money transfers.

A Fraudulent Empire

After returning to India in 2011, Jain’s activities came under scrutiny. Ghaziabad Police once arrested him for possessing an illegal satellite phone, a case that resurfaced during the current investigation.

But it was in 2012 that Jain took his scam global. That year, he was appointed as an ‘advisor’ by the self-declared principality of Seborga. In 2016, the so-called Kingdom of Westarctica named him an ‘honorary ambassador’. Soon, Poulvia and Ladonia followed. Armed with fake credentials from non-existent nations, Jain began a new hustle: selling influence.

He falsely claimed diplomatic immunity, forged credentials, and ran what he called the “Westarctica Embassy” from his bungalow. Authorities say he would morph photos of himself with global leaders – including India’s Prime Minister and foreign presidents – and display them to impress or dupe potential clients.

The Bust

On July 22, 2025, acting on central intelligence inputs, Noida’s STF team raided the premises and arrested Jain. They were stunned to find:

• 4 luxury vehicles with diplomatic plates
• 18 counterfeit diplomatic number plates
• 12 fake diplomatic passports
• 44.7 lakh rupees in cash and foreign currency
• Dozens of forged seals and official stamps from “micronations”
• Forged Ministry of External Affairs documents
• A laptop, multiple mobile phones, and fake IDs

Jain was arrested at 11:30 pm from the residence, and a fresh FIR has been lodged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable laws.

Not Just a One-Man Show?

While STF believes Jain operated independently, the magnitude of his deception has raised questions about possible links with a broader network. Officials are probing whether others – especially his past associates in Dubai and London – may have aided the racket, or used his operation as a front for money laundering or illegal remittances.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/harshvardhan-jain-fake-embassy-ghaziabad-londonia-envoy-up-2760264-2025-07-23

A 56-year-old pilot was allegedly cheated of Rs 3.16 crore by cyber fraudsters under the guise of offering attractive returns in share trading, Mumbai Police said on Wednesday.

The scam unfolded after the pilot watched videos on share market investments on a YouTube channel he had subscribed to.

“After watching the videos in May, the pilot received a call from a woman on WhatsApp. She introduced herself as an assistant mentor and claimed to be working with SMC Global Securities,” a police official said.

The pilot was then added to a WhatsApp group and started receiving investment tips. After some days, the woman asked him to download the SMC Global Securities app.

He subsequently invested in shares as per the tips.

He deposited over Rs 3.16 crore in various bank accounts shared by the woman until July 11, the police official said.

The pilot’s wife had downloaded the app and found that her investment generated Rs 6.73 crore profit, while the profit in her husband’s account showed Rs 15.82 crore.

On July 11, the pilot, who works with Air India, contacted the company as he wanted to withdraw the money. The call was attended by an ‘official’ of the securities company who asked him to deposit an additional 10 per cent.

The pilot realised that he was being taken for a ride and lodged a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and approached West Region Cyber Police Station on July 19, the official said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fake-app-fake-profit-pilot-loses-rs-3-16-crore-in-share-market-investment-fraud-8935477

There was some damage to the aircraft, while passengers and crew members disembarked normally and are safe.

An Air India plane’s auxiliary power unit caught fire after landing at the Delhi airport on Tuesday afternoon, and all passengers and crew members are safe.

“Flight AI 315, operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 22 July 2025, experienced an auxiliary power unit (APU) fire shortly after it had landed and parked at the gate. The incident occurred while passengers had begun disembarking, and the APU was automatically shut down as per system design,” an airline spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson said there was some damage to the aircraft, while passengers and crew members disembarked normally and are safe.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/air-india-planes-auxiliary-power-unit-catches-fire-after-landing-at-delhi-airport-from-hong-kong-3642420

The Government Railway Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia arrested a passenger from Sabarmati-Darbhanga Express train on Tuesday allegedly with Rs 1.80 crore in cash, a GRP official said.

In-charge of GRP at Ballia station Vivekanand Yadav told reporters on Tuesday evening that under the intensive checking campaign, it questioned a passenger sitting with two trolley bags in the A2 coach of the train on Tuesday.

During this, Rs 1.80 crore in cash was allegedly recovered from his trolley bag. The passenger has been identified as Om Prakash Chaudhary (25), a resident of the Musehari Marhiya village in the Saran district of Bihar.

Yadav said that during interrogation, Chaudhary told the police that he was taking this money from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh to Chhapra in Bihar. However, he could not present any documents regarding the recovered money or give any satisfactory answer, Yadav said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/passenger-carrying-rs-180-crore-cash-arrested-from-train-in-ups-ballia-3642825

Pakistan raised the Kashmir issue and the Indus Waters Treaty dispute with India at the UN, emphasizing Kashmir’s right to self-determination and water access.

Pakistan raised the Kashmir issue and the ongoing dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty with India at the United Nations on Tuesday.

“Jammu and Kashmir remains one of the oldest disputes on the agenda of the UN Security Council. It is an internationally recognised disputed territory, the final disposition of which is to be made in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. No cosmetic measures can serve as a substitute for the fundamental and inalienable right of self determination of the Kashmiris as guaranteed by the relevant Security Council resolutions,” said Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar while addressing an open-high level debate at the UN.

Dar is in New York as Pakistan holds the Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July. Dar also raised the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan over the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi placed into abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attacks in April.

“A 65-year-old Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan is a noteworthy example of dialogue and diplomacy working for peacefully arriving at a water sharing arrangement between two neighbours. The treaty has withstood periods of trials and tribulations in bilateral relations. It is most unfortunate and regrettable that India has chosen to illegally and unilaterally hold this treaty in abeyance on baseless grounds with the intention of withholding the flow of water to 240 million people of Pakistan, who rely on it for their livelihood and survival,” Dar went on to say.

India is expected to make a response to Dar’s speech at the UN.

HT had earlier reported that New Delhi plans to vigorously oppose key initiatives Islamabad has planned at the UN. For example, Islamabad is keen to raise the profile of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation at the United Nations. Its second signature event will be a briefing on the partnership between the OIC and the UN. The OIC has 57 member nations from West Asia, Africa and Asia. Formed in 1969, grouping has repeatedly questioned and criticised India’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/at-un-pak-flags-kashmir-issue-and-indus-waters-treaty-101753209886551.html

The report notes that Indian cities hold tremendous potential as centres of economic growth, with 70 per cent of new jobs coming from cities by 2030.

Indian cities are becoming increasingly more vulnerable to floods, heatwaves, and other climate-related risks and will require over 2.4 trillion US dollars in investments by 2050 to build resilient and low-carbon infrastructure, according to a World Bank report released on Tuesday.

The report notes that Indian cities hold tremendous potential as centres of economic growth, with 70 per cent of new jobs coming from cities by 2030.

“However, timely action is needed for cities to deal with impacts from extreme weather events and avert billions of dollars in future losses,” the report ‘Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India’ states.

The report, prepared in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, stated that “Annual economic losses from rain-related flooding are currently estimated at 4 billion dollars. These are projected to rise to five billion dollars by 2030 and between 14 and 30 billion dollars by 2070 if no remedial action is taken.” According to the report, much of the urban expansion is occurring in “flood-prone and heat-vulnerable areas.” The report identifies Delhi, Chennai, Surat and Lucknow among cities most exposed to urban heat island effects and flood risks, particularly due to settlement expansion into vulnerable areas.

“In Delhi, the report highlights risks linked to rising temperatures and urban flooding. Heat stress is also expected to intensify. Between 1983 and 2016, exposure to dangerous heat levels increased by 71 percent in India’s 10 largest cities, rising from 4.3 billion to 10.1 billion person-hours per year,” the report added.

The report raised concerns about heat-related deaths.

“If emissions continue at current levels, annual heat-related deaths may rise from 1,44,000 to more than 3,28,000 by 2050. Around 20 percent of working hours in major Indian cities could be lost due to high heat stress conditions,” it says.

Heat mitigation alone could increase India’s Gross Domestic Product by up to 0.4 per cent and save up to 130,000 lives annually by 2050, the report states.

According to the report, the country’s urban projected population will be around 1.1 billion by 2070. “More than 144 million new urban homes will be required, doubling the current housing stock,” the report states.

To offset these risks, the World Bank estimates that India will need to invest 2.4 trillion dollars by 2050 and 10.9 trillion dollars by 2070 across sectors such as housing, public transport, solid waste management, and municipal services.

“However, India currently spent around 10.6 billion dollars per year from 2011 to 2018. India’s current spending on urban infrastructure and services is -0.70 per cent of GDP, which is much lower than other countries and must be substantially increased”, the report states.

“This is both a challenge and an opportunity,” said Auguste Tano Kouame, World Bank Country Director for India.

Without timely action, climate risks such as flooding and extreme heat will become much more severe, Kouame added.

The report states that public financing alone will not be sufficient to meet this demand.

It calls for increased private sector investment through tools such as green bonds, blended finance, and access to international climate funds. The report recommends strengthening the financial autonomy of urban local bodies and improving their capacity to plan and implement bankable projects.

“India’s urban population stood at 480 million in 2020 and is projected to reach 951 million by 2050 and over 1.1 billion by 2070.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-cities-will-need-over-2-4-trillion-by-2050-to-tackle-climate-risk-report-8927678

In a string of warnings, the US Embassy in India yet again said that the visa of any person will be revoked if arrested in any criminal activities while in the United States.

Arrested for assault, domestic violence, or any other crimes while in the United States will not only lead to revocation of visas but also make the individual “ineligible” for future US visas, the country’s Embassy in India said on Tuesday.

“If you are arrested for assault, domestic violence, or other crimes while in the United States, your U.S. visa may be revoked, and you may be ineligible for future U.S. visas. A visa is a privilege, not a right – one that can be revoked if you break the law,” the US Embassy posted on X.

This comes in a series of warnings by the Embassy, cautioning the aspirants of US visas against breaking the law of the land while in the country.

The stern warning comes in the backdrop of a viral video purportedly showing an Indian woman being arrested by the cops after she allegedly tried to shoplift items at a store in the US.

Last week, the Embassy said that the US values law and order and expects visitors to follow all laws of the country.

“Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause you legal issues – it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all US laws,” the Embassy said on X.

Earlier, when External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about the viral video concerning the woman, he said, “When a person is living in a country — whether they are a citizen of that country or not — it is their responsibility to abide by the laws there.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/us-embassy-adds-another-to-string-of-warnings-to-indians-ineligible-for-future-visas-if-9456863.html

In many cases, Indian courts have refused or reduced alimony considering contextual factors such as wilful unemployment

“You are so educated, you should earn for yourself and shouldn’t ask for it”: this is what the Supreme Court told a woman — with an MBA and a background in IT — who asked for a luxury car, a house in Mumbai and Rs 12 crore in maintenance as alimony after being separated from her husband within 18 months of marriage.

Rapped for not working of her own volition, the woman tried to justify her demands by saying her husband is “very rich” and sought for the marriage to be nullified claiming that she was schizophrenic.

In this context, it would be interesting to look at cases in India where the courts have called out working women, who have demanded unusually high alimony. According to the law, working women can and do receive alimony in India, especially when there is income disparity between the spouses or they are unable to maintain their “pre-divorce” standard of living. In many cases, however, the courts have refused or reduced alimony considering contextual factors such as wilful unemployment.

Let’s take a look at some cases:

• Jayam Ravi v Aarti Ravi: Tamil actor Jayam Ravi’s wife demanded Rs 40 lakh per month in maintenance, which drew widespread attention. The case is ongoing.
• Mohammed Shami v Hasin Jahan: The Calcutta High Court ordered cricketer Mohammed Shami to pay Rs 4 lakh per month – Rs 1.5 lakh to the wife and Rs 2.5 lakh for their daughter – after Hasin Jahan originally sought Rs 7 lakh with an additional amount of Rs 3 lakh.
• Hema Upadhyay v Chintan Upadhyay (artist): Hema demanded Rs 2 lakh per month as alimony, stating her work and lifestyle. But the court reduced her maintenance amount to Rs 40,000 per month citing insufficient justification.
• As recently as May, in a Delhi HC judgment, a teacher who quit her job to raise her child was entitled to 80 percent of her husband’s declared income even after resignation. The court held her resignation was constrained by caregiving needs.
• In another case in June, the Bombay High Court awarded interim maintenance of Rs 15,000 per month despite the wife earning Rs 40,000 per month because her income was insufficient to maintain her past standard of living, while the husband earned significantly more.
• In a high-profile permanent settlement case, not involving celebrities, the Supreme Court last year awarded Rs 2 crore one-time alimony to a woman whose second marriage lasted under a year. She was earning Rs 1.39 lakh per month, while her husband earned Rs 5 lakh.
• Last year, the Madhya Pradesh HC reduced a woman’s demand of Rs 60,000 per month as maintenance noting her earning capacity. The amount was reduced to Rs 40,000 per month, while the court said the excessive demand was unjustified.
• The Karnataka HC last year outright dismissed a maintenance demand of Rs 6 lakh per month. The woman sought  Rs 6.16 lakh per month for branded clothes, jewellery, medical expenses with no dependents. The court observed that this was “exploitation and beyond tolerance”.
• The Delhi HC, in one of its older cases from 2016, ruled that qualified professionals cannot demand alimony. A working chartered accountant (CA) had demanded Rs 3 lakh/ per month with additional expenses, but claimed only Rs 7,000 as income. The court rejected the plea, stating the woman had been practising since 2003 and earning far more.

WHAT IS THE MAINTENANCE LAW?

Maintenance as defined under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure or Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act is meant to address genuine hardship, not enable dependency or luxury lifestyles unsupported by facts.

In most of these cases, courts have stressed that maintenance laws are not to foster idleness, and high demands without documentation or justification are dismissed. They use several factors to assess maintenance, including the woman’s earning capacity, marital lifestyle, childcare, and the husband’s income.

The SC has stressed on realistic financial claims in divorce cases, cautioning against the misuse of laws meant to protect vulnerable parties. This includes situations where alimony demands might be excessive or exploitative.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/alimony-not-jackpot-maintenance-law-india-divorce-courts-exaggerated-claims-ws-el-9456736.html

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who completed an 18-day mission aboard the ISS on July 15, described how Earth appeared to him from space.

Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), is now featured in the newly released NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies textbook with his awe-inspiring words about Earth from space.

Group Captain Shukla, who completed an 18-day mission aboard the ISS on July 15, described how Earth appeared to him from space.

“After seeing Earth from outside, the first thought that came to mind was that Earth looks completely one; no border is visible from outside. It seems that no border exists, no state exists, no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it,” The book, titled “Our Wondrous World,” has quoted him saying under the chapter “Earth, Our Shared Home”.

The quote was part of his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and now aims to inspire young minds to think beyond boundaries and embrace unity.

Group Captain Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, completed his maiden space voyage as part of the Axiom-4 mission, a commercial spaceflight supported by ISRO and NASA, and operated by Axiom Space.

The journey marked a milestone for India: He is the first Indian to step aboard the ISS and only the second Indian to go into space, following Rakesh Sharma’s iconic flight in 1984.

Born on October 10, 1985-just a year after Sharma’s spaceflight-Shukla grew up in Lucknow in a middle-class family with no direct links to aviation or space. But a childhood visit to an airshow lit a spark.

After several postponements, Group Captain Shukla finally launched from the Kennedy Space Center on June 25, aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket.

Ten minutes into the mission, the Dragon capsule entered orbit, prompting Shukla to declare in Hindi, “Kamaal ki ride thi” (“It was a great ride”) and share his sense of national pride.

Group Captain Shukla returned after spending an 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station.

The textbook, developed under the framework of the National Education Policy 2020, is part of a new integrated approach to learning that merges science, social science and environmental studies. Part of the The World Around Us series, the book aims to cultivate observation, ethical reasoning and environmental awareness in young learners.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/earth-looks-one-from-space-shubhanshu-shuklas-quote-features-in-new-ncert-book-axiom-4-mission-8927679

Meanwhile, NOTAM has been issued for a large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise scheduled in Rajasthan along the India-Pakistan border for July 23-25.

India on Tuesday extended the ban on Pakistani aircraft from entering the domestic airspace till August 23.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said, in a post on X, “Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting Pakistani aircraft from entering Indian airspace has been officially extended until 23rd August 2025.”

“This extension reflects continued strategic considerations and is in line with prevailing security protocols. Stay tuned for further updates,” the minister informed.

This action followed Pakistan’s earlier decision to bar Indian flights from its airspace.

Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace for flights operated by Indian airlines by another month, till August 24, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said last week. The ban will remain in place till August 24 at 5:19 am (India time), the PAA said.

Meanwhile, NOTAM has been issued for a large-scale Indian Air Force (IAF) exercise scheduled in Rajasthan along the India-Pakistan border for July 23-25.

The Indian Air Force is set to carry out a major military exercise in Rajasthan, covering areas from Barmer to Jodhpur.

The region witnessed Pakistani drone and missile intrusions during Operation Sindoor, where Pakistan launched several drone attacks targeting Rajasthan’s Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar districts.

A NOTAM is issued when a specific airspace needs to be cleared of civilian air traffic. Similar notices were issued during previous tensions with Pakistan to ensure that no passenger aircraft would be caught in the middle of potential aerial operations. It helps prevent civilian casualties by keeping commercial aircraft away from zones of military activity.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-extends-ban-on-pak-aircraft-from-entering-airspace-till-august-23-8927719

A fraudulent website, “indiansportsaward.org,” is misleadingly claiming that the Indian government is accepting applications for the International Sports Awards and Indian Sports Awards 2025.

A website named “indiansportsaward.org” is falsely claiming that the Narendra Modi-led government is accepting applications for the International Sports Awards and Indian Sports Awards 2025. The site, which has gone viral, is even using the Government of India’s logo on its letterhead to lend credibility. According to the fake invitation, the awards ceremony is scheduled for August 28 in Delhi.
Meanwhile, the letter, falsely claiming affiliation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, states that the International Sports Awards 2025 will be held at the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai on August 28. The accompanying poster also claims that the awards will be presented by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, along with actors Surendra Pal and Raza Murad.

A fact check by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed that neither the International Sports Awards 2025 nor the Indian Sports Awards 2025 is linked to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Government of India. The Centre dismissed the website as fake and warned the public to beware of such fraudulent schemes. PIB also urged citizens to verify such claims through official channels before sharing personal details or submitting applications.

A fact check by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed that neither the International Sports Awards 2025 nor the Indian Sports Awards 2025 is linked to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Government of India. The Centre dismissed the website as fake and warned the public to beware of such fraudulent schemes. PIB also urged citizens to verify such claims through official channels before sharing personal details or submitting applications.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/fact-check-is-government-inviting-applications-for-2025-sports-awards-centre-debunks-fake-website-article-152327229

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar surprised one and all by resigning late Monday evening, citing health as the reason. Opposition leaders and developments of the day suggest there’s more to the story than what meets the eye. What happened between 1 pm and 4.30 pm that turned a normal day into an extraordinary evening?

It was business as usual on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. Stormy as expected, with the Opposition attacking the government. However, an unexpected storm was building somewhere else, reveal remarks by Opposition leaders and developments of the day. They indicate that Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar was at the eye of the unexpected storm, and resigned in a move that took most by surprise.

As in the recent past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media before the beginning of the session outside the Parliament building, urging the “need for unity on national interest”.

Then there was the usual share of adjournments, walkouts and charges by Opposition leaders.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, alleged that he was gagged, while ministers were allowed their share of time to speak.

On the menu of the ruling and the opposition parties were some key issues. The impeachment of high court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, and discussions on Operation Sindoor and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar.

The day seemed to be progressing as usual, with its share of expected disruptions, but the late-evening resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, changed the talking points.

Dhankhar, 74, assumed office in August 2022 and was set to serve until 2027.

Was Dhankhar jumping the gun on Justice Yashwant Varma’s cash-at-home row the real reason behind his exit? Did his actions go against the plans of the government, which doesn’t want a confrontation with the judiciary at the moment?

MORE TO DHANKHAR’S RESIGNATION THAN MEETS THE EYE

The official announcement of Dhankhar’s resignation came at 9.25pm. Dhankhar resigned, citing health issues.

Opposition leaders said there was more to it than met the eye because in several meetings and the House proceedings throughout the day, Dhankhar didn’t seem unwell or hint at any health setback.

The Opposition said Dhankhar, the Rajya Sabha Chairman, was holding meetings of the Business Advisory Committee and was scheduled to make “major announcements related to the judiciary”.

Apart from the Business Advisory Committee, he also met with opposition leaders, yet gave no indication of any health issues or plans to step down.

“The sudden resignation of the Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is as shocking as it is inexplicable,” said Congress MP Jairam Ramesh.

“No doubt Mr Dhankar has to give topmost priority to his health. But clearly there is far more to his totally unexpected resignation than meets the eye. This is not the time for speculation though,” posted Ramesh on X.

The Congress leader also mentioned that Dhankhar had scheduled a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee for 1 pm on Tuesday.

“Mr Dhankar took both the Government and the Opposition to task in equal measure. He had fixed a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee tomorrow at 1 PM. He was also to make some major announcements related to the judiciary tomorrow,” said Ramesh.

So, what happened on Monday that Dhankhar, who was scheduling important House business for July 22, ended up resigning at 9.25 pm on July 21?

RAJYA SABHA PROCEEDINGS AND DHANKHAR RESIGNATION

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day at around 4.36 pm on Monday.

Before the adjournment, Dhankhar confirmed receiving a motion signed by over 50 members seeking the removal of Justice Varma, initiating the process under the Judges (Inquiry) Act.

When told by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal that a similar motion was in the Lok Sabha, he directed the Secretary General to verify if a similar motion was moved in the Lower House.

On Meghwal’s confirmation that a notice had also been submitted in the Lok Sabha, Dhankhar asked the Secretary General to “take necessary steps in this direction”.

Dhankhar said according to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, when notices of a motion are submitted on the same day in both the Houses of Parliament, a committee to examine the charges levelled against the judge would be constituted jointly by the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

While the motion presented in the Lok Sabha was a bipartisan one, with the signature of 152 MPs, including those from the BJP, the one in the Rajya Sabha was purely moved by Opposition members.

According to claims, the acceptance of the motion, signed only by the opposition MPs, might have caused some concern too.

Significantly, it was Dhankhar, an expert on the Constitution, who has been at the forefront when it came to batting for judicial reforms. The Justice Varma case was an opportunity for him to get a foot in the door.

Earlier in the day, Dhankhar also saw forceful intervention by JP Nadda, BJP’s leader in the Rajya Sabha, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was debating on Operation Sindoor.

“Nothing will go on record, only what I say will go on record,” Nadda was heard saying while pointing towards Dhankhar.

This was pointed out by the Congress as an “insult” of the Chairman although Nadda said his remarks were directed at Opposition MPs, according to a PTI report.

“The BJP doesn’t care about the Constitution or democratic values. Dhankhar ji conducted himself impartially, and that didn’t sit well with many in power. That insult to the Chair [the Nadda remark] hurt him deeply. This has nothing to do with his health,” said Pappu Yadav, Lok Sabha MP from Bihar.

NADDA, RIJIJU MISSING FROM DHANKHAR MEETING

The Congress also said that the absence of JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the second meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha at 4.30 pm upset Dhankhar.

“He was completely healthy. He conducted the Parliament in the same jovial mood. Something happened in the afternoon [on Monday] which has upset him… which may have also upset the government,” Congress MP Vivek Tankha told PTI.

Both Nadda and Rijiju were present in the first meeting, which was held at 12.30 pm.

As that meeting remained inconclusive, it was decided that it would be reconvened at 4.30 pm. However, Union Minister L Murugan represented the government at the second meeting.

DID DHANKHAR JUMP THE GUN ON JUSTICE VARMA?

In short, Dhankhar has been hostile to the judiciary.

Dhankhar’s jumping at the opportunity to act against Justice Varma and echoing the Opposition tone might have seemed jarring to the government.

The judiciary believes that acting against Justice Varma in the cash-at-home row is its domain.

On July 21, the Supreme Court refused an urgent hearing on a petition seeking an FIR against Justice Varma.

Not just that, the two-judge bench comprising CJI BR Gavai also pulled up lawyer Mathews Nedumpara for referring to Justice Varma of the Allahabad High Court by name, without the honorific ‘justice’, while seeking the urgent hearing on the FIR.

One of the theories suggests that any rushed action might see the judiciary bite back, and the government isn’t too keen on a confrontation right now.

His perceived jumping the gun on the Justice Varma motion might have been behind his exit.

Government sources told media outlets that Dhankhar admitted the motion against Justice Varma “without taking the government into confidence”.

“To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as Vice-President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution,” Dhankhar said in his letter to President Draupadi Murmu.

A post by the Vice-President’s Secretariat shared on Dhankhar’s travel plans for July 23 revealed that the decision to resign was made in a short span.

“The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, will be on a one-day visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan on July 23, 2025,” it said in the post shared at 3.53 pm on Monday.

Sources told India Today TV that Ramesh called Dhankhar at 7.30 pm and the latter said that “he was with his family, discussing some health issues and will talk tomorrow [Tuesday]”.

“Something very serious happened yesterday between 1 PM and 4:30 PM to account for the deliberate absence of Shri Nadda and Shri Rijiju from the second BAC yesterday,” posted Jairam Ramesh, adding, “Now in a truly unprecedented move, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar has resigned.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jagdeep-dhankar-resignation-vice-president-how-normal-day-turned-extraordinary-nadda-jairam-ramesh-kharge-2759531-2025-07-22

The draft electoral roll will be published on August 1. From then until September 1, the public can file objections or request corrections related to additions, deletions, or errors in the draft list.

More than 52 lakh voters in Bihar were found missing from their registered addresses during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, the Election Commission said on Tuesday. Additionally, around 18 lakh voters have been confirmed dead.
Election officials said that about 26 lakh voters have shifted to other constituencies, and another seven lakh were found registered in more than one location.
Poll authorities have compiled detailed lists of over 21.36 lakh voters whose enumeration forms were not submitted, as well as nearly 52.3 lakh individuals who are either deceased, have moved permanently, or are enrolled at multiple places.

The draft electoral roll will be published on August 1. From then until September 1, the public can file objections or request corrections related to additions, deletions, or errors in the draft list.
Twelve political parties have been provided with lists of voters who have moved, died, or were not found at their addresses. Parties have been asked to reach out to these individuals and assist them in approaching election officials for inclusion in the draft rolls, if eligible.
The final electoral roll will be released on September 30, following a full claims and objections process to ensure only eligible voters are included.
Meanwhile, the ECI has claimed all major political parties were “involved” in Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and deployed over 1.5 lakh booth level agents to reach out to eligible voters but opposing the exercise in the Supreme Court.

In an affidavit filed in a plea challenging the June 24 order directing pan-India SIR of electoral rolls starting from Bihar, the ECI claimed having plenary powers to take such measures as to protect and maintain the purity of elections, including preparation of electoral rolls.
It is with this objective that the ECI has directed the conduct of pan-India SIR, beginning with Bihar, the ECI argued.
The poll panel said some of the petitioners before the apex court were MPs and MLAs from Bihar’s recognised political parties who were assisting in the SIR exercise by providing BLAs.
The Commission also said it had previously conducted SIRs more frequently and the last such exercise was undertaken in Bihar in 2002-2003, and the period of enumeration was from July 15, 2002 to August 14, 2002.
The ECI debunked the allegation that the exercise was being conducted “hastily” and said the enumeration period was between June 25, 2025 and July 26, 2025.
“Over the course of the last twenty-two years significant changes in electoral roll have occurred in the state of Bihar on a large scale. Additionally, rapid urbanisation and frequent migration of population from one place to another due to education, livelihood and other reasons have become a regular trend,” the affidavit said.
Instances of repeat entries in the electoral rolls, the poll panel said, were noticed as some electors shift from one state to another without getting their names deleted from the electoral roll of their initial place of residence.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/bihar-sir-over-52-lakh-voters-missing-from-addresses-18-lakh-declared-dead-says-election-commission-article-152327538

Jalaun district led the campaign, planting more than 31 lakh saplings along riverbanks. Jhansi followed with 24 lakh, and Hamirpur ranked third with over 16 lakh saplings.

Uttar Pradesh has marked a significant milestone in its ecological restoration efforts, with over 2.14 crore saplings planted along the banks of 82 rivers across the state. The initiative aims to revive dying rivers, improve groundwater levels, and enhance green cover through mass plantation drives.

Jalaun district led the campaign, planting more than 31 lakh saplings along riverbanks. Jhansi followed with 24 lakh, and Hamirpur ranked third with over 16 lakh saplings. The drive is part of a broader plan to rejuvenate rivers, improve irrigation potential, and combat environmental degradation in rural areas.

The effort is a collaborative undertaking by the State Mission for Clean Ganga, Namami Gange, the Rural Water Supply Department, the Forest Department, and District Ganga Committees. In addition to plantations, pond desilting is being carried out under MGNREGA to support better water retention and ecological balance. T

his state-wide campaign reflects a strong focus on restoring neglected and encroached riverbeds to their natural state. Plantation drives are being conducted along major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Saryu, Tamsa, Mandakini, Rapti, Betwa, and Ghaghra, as well as smaller rivers including Ishan, Noon, and Peeli Nadi. At least one river is being taken up for rejuvenation in every district.

The benefits of the project extend beyond environmental gains. Improved water availability is helping farmers access better irrigation, which in turn boosts crop yields and supports rural livelihoods.

Early indicators also suggest a positive impact on local groundwater levels. By combining environmental repair with economic uplift, the plantation initiative is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient future in Uttar Pradesh.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uttar-pradesh-plants-over-214-crore-saplings-along-82-rivers-to-revive-ecosystems-boost-irrigation

Flight AI2403 was scheduled to take off at 5:30 pm today for Kolkata, but a technical issue was detected and the pilots, “following a Standard Operating Procedure”, decided not to go ahead with the take-off.

An Air India flight from Delhi to Kolkata aborted a take-off while the aircraft was accelerating down the runway due to a technical issue detected just in time. The pilots applied brakes to stop the aircraft, which was travelling at 155 km per hour.

Flight AI2403 was scheduled to take off at 5:30 pm today for Kolkata, but a technical issue was detected and the pilots, “following a Standard Operating Procedure”, decided not to go ahead with the take-off. The airline in a statement said, “Flight AI2403 operating from Delhi to Kolkata on 21 July 2025 has been rescheduled to depart later this evening, necessitated by a technical issue detected during the take-off roll. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off, following Standard Operating Procedures.”

“All passengers have disembarked, and our ground colleagues in Delhi are extending support to them. Inconvenience caused to the passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers remain top priority,” they added.

This is the second incident involving an Air India aircraft today. In Mumbai, a flight flying in from Kochi had a close shave at the airport while landing after it veered off the rain-soaked runway.

Pictures accessed by NDTV show a clump of grass stuck to the rear part of the aircraft and signs of damage on one of the engines. The runway, too, has been damaged. All passengers aboard the aircraft are safe, airport authorities have said.

Government sources said that the plane, after landing, made a runway excursion to one side of the runway. “Marking of one wheel of aircraft went into the grassy area on the side of the runway,” a source said. Three signage boards and four runway edge lights were found broken after the incident.

According to Air India, the aircraft has been grounded for checks, and the inspection is underway. The two pilots have been derostered pending an inquiry into what led to the scare.

Notices To Air India

Civil Aviation ministry informed Rajya Sabha today in response to a series of queries from MPs that nine show cause notices have been issued to Air India in connection with five identified safety violations in the last six months.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said over the last six months, no adverse trend was reported in reliability reports of Air India in terms of crashes. But over the last six months, nine show cause notices have been issued to Air India in connection with five identified safety violations.

“Enforcement action has been completed in respect of one violation,” the minister said in response to queries from CPM member John Brittas, but did not reveal specific details.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-pilots-abort-take-off-hit-brakes-when-plane-was-at-155-km-hr-on-runway-in-delhi-8919015?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The Delhi government is actively exploring ways to turn the capital into a “Global Event Hub,” with historical sites like Qutub Minar and Purana Qila potentially opening their doors to private events.

In a move that could redefine Delhi’s cultural landscape, the city’s iconic monuments may soon double up as venues for destination weddings, concerts, and global events.

The Delhi government is actively exploring ways to turn the capital into a “Global Event Hub,” with historical sites like Qutub Minar and Purana Qila potentially opening their doors to private events.

At a high-level roundtable chaired by Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on Monday, the government pitched an ambitious plan to transform Delhi from a solely political capital into a vibrant center for international events. Senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Art, Culture & Language met with industry leaders from the events and entertainment sector to brainstorm policy measures, partnership models, and infrastructure needs.

“Delhi has 70 to 80 heritage monuments that can be effectively used for hosting cultural and private events,” Mr Mishra said at the meeting. “It is time the capital is known not just for its politics but for its creative potential as well.”

The plan includes introducing a Digital Single Window Clearance System to simplify event permissions, which organizers say are often bogged down in red tape. A one-click permit system is expected to cut weeks off the planning timeline, making Delhi more attractive to international and domestic event planners.

Among the key demands from industry representatives was a reduction in the high rental fees for event venues across the city. “Right now, charges are often arbitrary and non-transparent,” one organizer said in the meeting. Minister acknowledged the issue, promising a more standardized and fair fee structure.

Heritage monuments weren’t the only focus. The roundtable also touched upon developing vacant government land into public event spaces, offering subsidies and tax incentives for large-scale events, and marketing Delhi as a prime destination in the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. There were even calls to list government-backed cultural events on commercial platforms like BookMyShow to boost visibility.

Stakeholders pushed for GST relaxations to boost the booming destination wedding sector, valued at over Rs 16,000 crore nationally, and stressed the need for Delhi to set up a world-class convention center to compete with cities like Mumbai, Dubai, and Bangkok.

Mr Mishra, who has been vocal about leveraging Delhi’s “soft power,” said that the government is committed to formalising these discussions into actionable policy. “We will soon announce major reforms to support the events industry. These ideas will be taken to the Hon’ble Chief Minister personally,” he said.

The meeting was attended by key industry players including Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) President Samit Garg, Rajeev Jain of Rashi Entertainment, Ankur Desai of Saregama, and representatives from BookMyShow.

While the idea of hosting weddings or concerts at heritage sites may raise eyebrows among conservationists, the government insists that usage will be guided by strict heritage preservation norms.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/weddings-at-qutub-delhi-eyes-heritage-monuments-to-boost-event-tourism-8920199

The BMS acknowledged that technological advancement is inevitable but warned against unregulated AI inclusion

India is experiencing rapid economic and technological changes, prompting the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh — a labour union affiliated with the RSS — to issue a strong warning. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly influential at workplaces, it has called for a regulatory framework for its use.

“You can’t let algorithms dictate livelihoods without accountability. AI is crucial in high-skill areas like space, medical diagnostics, intelligence gathering, mining, and melting. But what about the small jobs? Typing, data entry, warehouse support — millions depend on them. Without regulation, AI will not just replace labour but heavily impact the workforce,” B Surendran, organising secretary of BMS, told News18.

Hiranmay Pandya, president of BMS, reiterated this sentiment while addressing the media about the organisation’s 70th anniversary event, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will be the chief guest.

Pandya acknowledged that technological advancement is inevitable but warned against unregulated AI inclusion. He stated that while AI may enhance efficiency, it cannot replace human emotional intelligence, adaptability, and contribution.

“Robots will not pay taxes, people will,” Pandya said, highlighting the social and economic risks of over-automation.

Pandya stressed the need for balanced digital transformation with strong skilling frameworks, mental health support, and inclusive planning for those vulnerable to job loss. AI integration should be done with empathy and foresight.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/robots-wont-pay-taxes-rss-linked-labour-union-calls-for-regulatory-framework-in-ai-use-ws-l-9454652.html

The affidavit was filed in response to the Supreme Court’s July 10 order, which had directed the Election Commission to submit its counter-affidavit by July 21.

The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court on Monday that Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Card can’t be considered as proof of voter eligibility under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

In the detailed affidavit submitted, the poll body stated that these three documents do not meet the required standards for verifying eligibility during the voter list revision process.

The affidavit was filed in response to the Supreme Court’s July 10 order, which had directed the Election Commission to submit its counter-affidavit by July 21.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on July 28 before a vacation Bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi.

In its July 10 order, the Bench had declined to halt the electoral roll revision in Bihar and allowed the process to continue.

It had also observed that, since the list of acceptable documents is not exhaustive, the Election Commission should consider including Aadhaar, the Electoral Photo Identity Card, and the ration card in the revision process.

The EC provided specific reasons for excluding each document:

• Aadhaar is not considered proof of citizenship.
• Voter ID cannot be used in this process as SIR is a fresh revision, and previous records are not deemed sufficient.
• Ration Cards, the EC argued, are frequently found to be fake and are therefore unreliable for establishing voter eligibility.

The Commission clarified that the list of 11 documents used in SIR is indicative, not final.

Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant EROs are required to examine each document on a case-by-case basis. This means a ration card may still be reviewed, but its acceptance will depend on whether the official finds it trustworthy.

The EC further stated that all decisions will be made in line with the Representation of the People Act, 1950, particularly under Section 22 and Rule 21(A), and that uniform rules will not apply across all cases—each will be assessed individually.

The Commission also told the court that it has the authority to verify citizenship in matters related to the voter list.

The EED has summoned several prominent Tollywood actors linked to an illegal betting case involving 29 celebrities, including Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubat

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday issued summons to top Tollywood actors who were earlier booked in an illegal betting case, according to sources. The ED has registered a case against 29 celebrities, including Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Manchu Lakshmi, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and Srimukhi, for their alleged involvement in a betting app scam. The ED’s case is based on an FIR filed by the Hyderabad Cyberabad police.
According to sources, Rana Daggubati has been summoned on July 23, Prakash Raj on July 30, Vijay Deverakonda on August 6, and Lakshmi Manchu on August 13 in the matter. The actors and influencers have been accused of promoting illegal betting apps on social media platforms.

What is the ED action about?
Several celebrities are suspected of having “endorsed” online betting platforms such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365 in exchange for endorsement or celebrity fees, as per sources cited by news agency PTI.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/vijay-deverakonda-rana-daggubati-under-scanner-summoned-by-ed-in-betting-app-scam-article-152319089

The negotiations are part of the broader effort to finalise a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), for which both countries had agreed on the Terms of Reference (ToR) in March.

The fifth round of trade negotiations between India and the United States concluded without a breakthrough, with the US making fresh demands for greater market access in the final hours of talks. Despite the impasse, India remains optimistic about securing an interim trade agreement before the August 1 deadline. Indian negotiators, who held the latest round of discussions in Washington last week, are expected to return to New Delhi later this week.
For the next round of talks, the US team will visit India in August, an official familiar with the matter said.
The negotiations are part of the broader effort to finalise a bilateral trade agreement (BTA), for which both countries had agreed on the Terms of Reference (ToR) in March.

The fifth round was led by India’s Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce Rajesh Agrawal and Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch. Key issues discussed included agriculture, automobiles, treatment of non-market economies, and SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies), reports PTI.
The interim deal is being pursued ahead of the expiration of the suspension of Trump-era tariffs.
On April 2, 2025, US President Donald Trump had announced high reciprocal tariffs, which were temporarily suspended -first until July 9 and then extended to August 1- while trade negotiations with several countries, including India, were underway.
India has firmly resisted US demands for tariff concessions on agricultural and dairy products. “So far, New Delhi has not granted such concessions to any of its FTA partners in the dairy sector,” the official said. Farmer groups in India have also urged the government to exclude agriculture-related matters from the deal.
India is pushing for the removal of additional 26% tariffs and easing of duties on steel (50%), aluminium, and automobiles (25%). It is also seeking tariff concessions for labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, plastics, and agricultural goods like bananas and oilseeds.
Meanwhile, the US is seeking reduced tariffs on industrial goods, electric vehicles, wines, petrochemicals, dairy, apples, tree nuts, and genetically modified crops.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-us-trade-talks-remain-inconclusive-interim-deal-still-possible-before-aug-1-article-152319695

Nineteen years after the devastating 2006 Mumbai train bombings, the Bombay High Court overturned the convictions of all 12 men previously sentenced for the attacks.

Nineteen years after a series of coordinated blasts ripped through Mumbai’s suburban railway network, claiming 187 lives and injuring over 800, the Bombay High Court on Monday acquitted all 12 men previously convicted in the case. Notably, a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court had sentenced five of them to death and the remaining seven to life imprisonment in 2015.
“The prosecution has utterly failed to prove the case against the accued. It is hard to believe that the accused committed the crime. Hence, their conviction is quashed and set aside,” said the division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Shyam C Chandak.
The court also criticised the handling of key evidence, including the explosives and circuit boxes said to have been used to assemble the bombs.

This new system will curb overspeeding, a major cause of accidents on the ring road where speed limits are 60 km/h for heavy vehicles and 80 km/h for light vehicles. Cameras will capture violations, and fines will be sent directly to vehicle owners.

The Outer Ring Road encircling Lucknow is set to become safer and more technologically advanced with the implementation of a Traffic Monitoring Camera System (TMCS). The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is accelerating the installation process, aiming to complete it by March 2026.

This new system will curb overspeeding, a major cause of accidents on the ring road where speed limits are 60 km/h for heavy vehicles and 80 km/h for light vehicles. Cameras will capture violations, and fines will be sent directly to vehicle owners.

Repeat offenders will face stricter legal action, fostering greater discipline among drivers.

Beyond traffic enforcement, the cameras will also enhance security and crime control. A proposed control room, linked to the police control room, will monitor vehicle thefts, hit-and-run incidents, and other criminal activities. NHAI officials anticipate monitoring approximately 30,000 vehicles daily, providing real-time footage to police for swift action.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uttar-pradesh-news-nhai-to-install-traffic-cameras-on-lucknow-ring-road-to-curb-overspeeding

Southern neighbourhoods, including Jayanagar, Kumaraswamy Layout and RR Nagar, also recorded moderate to heavy showers.

Bengaluru: Moderate to heavy rainfall lashed several parts of the city on Sunday, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas and slowing down traffic.

Heavy rain was reported in eastern Bengaluru, Gottigere and Electronics City, while stretches such as RP Road near Windsor Manor and Bhashyam Circle were waterlogged and witnessed slow traffic.

Southern neighbourhoods, including Jayanagar, Kumaraswamy Layout and RR Nagar, also recorded moderate to heavy showers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that Bengaluru city received 5.8 mm of rainfall and HAL Airport 3.8 mm, as of 5.30 pm. The Bengaluru Urban automatic weather station recorded 6.0 mm.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/rain-drenches-city-triggers-waterlogging-traffic-jams-3639571

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to visit Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania later this year to inaugurate Indian embassies in these strategically significant Baltic States. Emphasizing cyber security collaboration, officials note Estonia and Lithuania’s expertise in the field.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to visit the three Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania later this year. All three countries, increasingly important for both strategic and economic reasons, now have full-fledged Indian embassies and EAM is expected to “inaugurate” them.
Cyber security is an area of cooperation. As Lieutenant General V.G. Khandare (Retd.), who was advisor to defence minister Rajnath Singh till very recently, said: “Estonia and also, Lithuania are among the best in the world in cyber security. We have already worked with Estonia and we are keen to do more.” The three countries, once part of the Soviet Union, call themselves “frontline NATO states” and have dramatically increased defence spending to about 5 percent of GDP since the Russia-Ukraine war began three years ago. Importantly, NATO’s cyber headquarters is not in the three P5 countries of the United States, France and Britain or even Germany or Italy, but in Tallinn, Estonia.
With increased defence spending has come the possibility of the Baltic states looking at NATO compatible Indian-made weaponry. Trade ties are getting stronger: together, the three Baltic states have trade links of over $1 billion.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/from-tallinns-cyber-hub-to-defence-deals-india-eyes-baltic-strategic-boost-article-152315686

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre was open to holding discussions on any topic of national importance, including Operation Sindoor.

The Centre on Sunday signalled its willingness to discuss Operation Sindoor in Parliament and indicated that it might also respond to US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan as the Opposition sharpened its demands during an all-party meeting ahead of the monsoon session.

Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre was open to holding discussions on any topic of national importance, including Operation Sindoor—India’s direct military response to the Pahalgam terror attack—during the session, which begins on Monday.

“We are open to discuss important issues such as Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. These issues are of great importance to the nation. The government will never shy away from a discussion,” he said after the meeting.

During the meeting, which was attended by 54 leadersfrom across parties, the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Left parties, NCP(SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) sought a debate on Operation Sindoor, people aware of the matter said. According to two leaders, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, a member of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), also favoured a discussion on the issue.

The Congress demanded a reply from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Operation Sindoor and Trump’s claims. “We have hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the country from the House. There are important issues like the Pahalgam attack and the security lapse [which led to it]… The statements coming from the US President in some way, raise questions on the dignity of India, the bravery of the Indian Army,” Congress’s deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said. He added that the Opposition will also seek answers from the government on the ongoing voter roll drive in Bihar.

People aware of the matter said that it was not immediately clear if the PM will reply on the issues and added that defence minister Rajnath Singh might present a detailed statement on Operation Sindoor.

The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, departed from Tirupati Airport around 7:42 pm and returned to its origin around 8:34 pm.

A Hyderabad-bound IndiGo flight on Sunday allegedly suffered a technical glitch and circled in the air for about 40 minutes before returning to Tirupati safely.

The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, departed from Tirupati Airport around 7:42 pm and returned to its origin around 8:34 pm, according to the air traffic tracking website Flightradar24.

A flight path on Flightradar24 showed that the plane, 6E 6591, reached the Venkatagiri town in Tirupati before taking a U-turn. It then circled in the air for about 40 minutes and returned to Tirupati Airport.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tirupati-hyderabad-indigo-flight-circles-in-air-for-40-minutes-after-glitch-8913932

India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement expected to be unveiled during PM Modi’s U.K. visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation tour of the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Sunday (July 20, 2025). During the visit to the U.K., Prime Minister Modi is expected to unveil the bilateral trade pact that the two sides announced on May 6.

“During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold wide ranging discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the entire gamut of India-U.K. bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in the official announcement. During the visit PM Modi is scheduled to meet King Charles III.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-to-visit-united-kingdom-maldives-from-july-23-26-mea/article69834228.ece

The dog’s owner entered the auto with the pit bull, prompting all the children to flee in fear. However, the victim was unable to escape in time. What followed was extremely disturbing. Sohail first scared the boy, Hamza, with the dog and then unleashed it on him.

A man scaring an 11-year-old boy with a pit bull inside an auto in Mumbai took a dangerous turn when the dog attacked and bit the child.

The entire incident was captured on video, where others present were seen laughing and enjoying the scene instead of helping the child.

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.

What followed was extremely disturbing. Sohail first scared the boy, Hamza, with the dog and then unleashed it on him. In an attempt to save himself, Hamza jumped out of the auto and ran, but the pit bull chased and bit him in multiple places.

The boy alleged that no one came up to help him as others were busy filming the incident. He said that he was “very scared” as the dog bit and chased him while grabbing his clothes.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pit-bull-bites-child-in-mankhurd-mumbai-man-unleashes-dog-on-boy-inside-auto-laughs-as-dog-attacks-2758648-2025-07-20

Nearly 1,000 Tolkien-esque megalithic chambers dot southern India’s “Hill of the Dwarfs”, and locals believe they were created by a supernatural race of “small people”.

At first glance, Hire Benkal might be mistaken for any other village nestled in Karnataka’s lush interior. Surrounded by rocky hillocks, mango groves, small brick kilns and fields fed by a nearby canal, it exudes a languid, laid-back charm characteristic of rural South India.

However, a 90-minute hike up one of the ridges flanking the village brought me to Moryar Gudda, or the “Hill of the Dwarfs”, as its name means in the local Kannada language. Here, scattered across a granite-strewn plateau were nearly 1,000 prehistoric megalithic structures that have stood for more than 2,500 years. It’s a startling sight: nearly as far as the eye can see, rows of giant stone chambers resembling houses and stone circles stretch across the landscape, forming one of the oldest and largest necropolises in India.

The trek felt like stepping into a Tolkien tale. Massive boulders teetered precariously on top of one another, creating natural sculptures that seemed on the verge of tipping over at any moment but have somehow stood firm for millennia. Some formations housed rock shelters with red ochre paintings dating from 700-500 BCE, many still vivid with scenes of creatures resembling cattle and boar whose meanings have long been lost to time.

Historians believe the formations were created as an ancient burial or commemorative site. However, its exact purpose remains a mystery.

Stonehenge may be the world’s most famous megalithic monument, but tens of thousands of other such sites are scattered across the planet. While Europe counts more than 35,000 of these prehistoric constructions, only 3,000 or so have been documented in India. But by coming face to face with Hire Benkal’s ancient, enigmatic structures and the painted scenes of battle axe-wielding horseback riders, spear-clutching hunters, and deified deer, peacocks and other animals, adventurous travellers can get a sense of how early Indian societies lived, worshipped and were laid to rest.

The Hire Benkal archaeological site spans roughly 20 hectares, with an east-west orientation that suggests ceremonial or astronomical significance. Dominating the landscape are giant rectangular megalithic tombs with large capstones and side walls, known as dolmen. Many of the larger dolmen are clustered around a wide, shallow water basin at the top of the hill. Experts believe this basin likely began as a natural rock pool and may have been expanded over time as ancient Indians quarried to construct additional megaliths.

That morning, white and pink water lilies floated in bloom across the small pond, evoking the delicate beauty of a Monet painting.

“It must have been a very important site for several centuries because it cannot have all been done in one time,” said Srikumar Menon, an architect and associate professor at the National Institute of Advanced Sciences who has studied Hire Benkal and many other megaliths around the country.

According to local lore, the site’s dolmen weren’t built by humans, but by an extinct species of dwarfs known as the “moriyars”. These supernatural beings were said to possess immense strength and engineering prowess. As Chandrashekar Anegundi, a local naturalist who led our trek, explained: perfectly cut circular portholes on some of the dolmen have led nearby villagers to believe these legends, as the shapes are so precise that they’re thought to be too sophisticated for early sculptors.

“The villagers here believe moriyars were very short people and they were wiped out in a rain of fire,” said Anegundi, who remains sceptical. “If they were so small, how could they have lifted these big stones?”

During his research, Menon encountered similar legends referring to an ancient race of “small people” who allegedly constructed megalithic sites across southern India, such as at Moribetta and Morikallu nearby in Karnataka, Sanna Moriyara Thatte in Telanganaand Moral Parai in Tamil Nadu. He speculates that such folklore could be a far-reaching cultural memory of ancient Indians recalling an extinct human-like species, akin to Homo floresiensis, the so-called “hobbit” species discovered in Indonesia who likely lived alongside Homo sapiens 60,000 to 100,000 years ago.

“We know the megalith builders were humans like us,” Menon said. “But stories of these little people persist across the region.”

Despite its archaeological importance and historical intrigue, Hire Benkal remains largely unknown beyond southern India and overshadowed by the nearby Unesco World Heritage-listed temples and monuments of Hampi. The erstwhile medieval capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, located just 42km south of the megalithic site and renowned for its stunning ruins and grand temples, attracts thousands of tourists and devotees annually.

Meanwhile, local guides report that only about 20 to 30 intrepid travellers venture to Hire Benkal some months, with a peak of roughly 100 arriving during the cooler tourist season from October to February. By comparison, Stonehenge’s 83 standing stones lure more than one million visitors annually.

“This place has never been promoted, not even among people in nearby cities like Bengaluru,” says Disha Ahluwalia, an archaeologist and research scholar at MSU Baroda. “And yet, it deserves so much more attention… A lot of effort has been made by ancient humans to build them; we need to make double the effort to preserve them. And first we need to document them.”

As for the legend of the moriyas, Ahluwalia said the discovery of the site by British colonial officers in 1835 and their dismissive attitude towards ancient and rural Indian communities’ technological prowess likely also fed into this myth.

“The officers were going to these sites without even knowing the culture. Even if the megaliths were discovered, they were not very well known. They were simply [seen as] stone slabs,” she said.

In recent years, some of Hire Benkal’s megalithic structures have fallen victim to vandalism, cattle herders and treasure hunters who dig beneath the dolmen in search of rumoured riches. The overgrowth of plants, the ravages of time and the lack of preservation have also taken a toll on the ancient burial grounds.

“It’s a fragile site… people often vandalise what they don’t understand,” said Meera Iyer, convener at the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage Bengaluru, which has been actively working to include Hire Benkal as a Unesco World Heritage site. A successful nomination could provide international recognition, government funding and improved conservation measures. Local communities could also benefit from more visibility and visitors.

“But tourism is a double-edged sword,” Iyer warned, noting that too much of it without appropriate protection could cause the site to fall into further decay. “What’s needed is interpretation, education and better regulation.”​

While Hire Benkal’s future remains unclear, one thing is certain: it’s a hauntingly beautiful site. As rain clouds gathered over the Deccan plateau, the land seemed to have burst with life. On the walk up, shy songbirds flitted through the bushes. Peacocks were in full regalia, their iridescent tails fanned wide as monsoon heralded mating season. Rock agamas basked lazily on sun-warmed granite, while herds of goats meandered through the underbrush. Anegundi pointed out golden amaltas trees blooming between craggy outcrops.

A day after US President Donald Trump claimed that “five jets were shot down” during India’s Operation Sindoor, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slammed PM Narendra Modi, saying the country had a right to know the truth.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump claimed that “five jets were shot down” during the India-Pakistan conflict in May. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, said the country had a right to know the truth.

“Modi ji, what is the truth about the five jets? The country has the right to know!” Gandhi wrote on X, while posting a video of Trump who is heard making the claim.

Speaking at the White House during a dinner he hosted for Republican senators on Friday, Trump said, “You had India, Pakistan, that was going in fact, planes were being shot out of the air… four or five. But I think five jets were shot down. Actually, that was getting worse and worse, wasn’t it?”

However, Trump did not specify whether the jets were lost by either of the two countries or if he was referring to combined losses. The US President also reiterated his remarks that there would be no trade deal with India and Pakistan if the conflict continued.

“That was looking like it was going to go. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other. But India and Pakistan were going at it, and they were back and forth, and it was getting bigger and bigger. And we got it solved through trade,” he said.

Congress general secretary-in-charge (communications) Jairam Ramesh slammed PM Modi, saying that “the Trump missile gets fired” for the 24th time with the same two messages, two days before the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins.

“The Prime Minister, who has had years of friendship and huglomacy with President Trump going back to ‘Howdy Modi’ in September 2019 and ‘Namaste Trump’ in February 2020, has to now himself make a clear and categorical statement in Parliament on what President Trump has been claiming over the past 70 days,” Ramesh said.

The Congress has been demanding that PM Modi answer Trump’s India-Pakistan “ceasefire” claims in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session set to begin from July 21.

Since May 10, when Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after a long night of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim on several occasions that he helped settle the tensions between the two countries.

However, India has been consistently maintaining that the understanding on cessation of hostilities was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries on a request from Pakistan.

Pakistan has claimed it downed three Rafales during the four-day military conflict with India. However, it did not provide any evidence to substantiate its claims.

While India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, admitted that an unspecified number of its fighter jets were downed during the hostilities with Pakistan, he dismissed Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Rafales, saying they were “absolutely incorrect”. He also said that the losses were not important, but what mattered was the outcome of the operation.

Even Eric Trappier, the CEO of Dassault Aviation, the French company that makes Rafale jets, called Pakistan’s claims “inaccurate”.

In a nearly 35-minute phone call with Trump last month, PM Modi firmly said that India does not and will “never accept” mediation and that the discussions between Indian and Pakistani militaries on cessation of military actions were initiated at Islamabad’s request.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-pm-modi-donald-trump-india-pak-conflict-ceasefire-claim-op-sindoor-2758313-2025-07-19

A woman in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district married two men – who are brothers from the Hatti tribe – in a ceremony that lasted three days and drawn widespread attention.

One bride and two brothers. Yes, you read that right! A village in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district kept alive the age-old tradition of polyandry, wherein a woman married two men who are brothers, despite the practice not being legally recognised in India.

Polyandry is a practice whereby a woman is married to two or more husbands. The term comes from the Greek roots ‘poly’, meaning many, and ‘aner’, meaning man.

Pradeep Negi and Kapil Negi, two brothers from the Hatti tribe from Shillai village, married Sunita Chauhan from Kunhat village, in a ceremony held in the Trans-Giri area, which lasted from July 12 to 14, and witnessed by hundreds of people.

Pradeep works in a government department while his younger brother Kapil has a job abroad.

The throuple said they took the decision without any pressure and got consent from their families. A video of the marriage has surfaced on social media. The polyandry marriage has sparked a widespread discussion on social media.

WHY POLYANDRY IS CHERISHED IN HIMACHAL VILLAGES AND NOT ACROSS INDIA?

Despite polyandry being illegal in India, the practice remains prevalent in several villages of Sirmaur district. The tradition is also alive in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts in Himachal Pradesh, and some parts of neighbouring Uttarakhand, though in some villages there, the practice is slowly getting obsolete.

Families from the Hatti tribe argue that the marriage remains intact, even if worse was to befall on one of the two men. Known locally as ‘Jodidaran’ or ‘Draupadi Pratha’, after Draupadi of the Mahabharata who had the five Pandavas as her husbands, polyandry ensures that family properties remain intact across generations.

For the Hattis, polyandry not only remains a cherished part of their cultural heritage, but is also a means to sustain their lives in a world full of uncertainties.

The Hattis, having recently been granted Scheduled Tribe status, view polyandry as a crucial marker of cultural identity. However, the shift towards modern values and urban lifestyles poses a challenge to the continuation of the anachronistic tradition.

In an interview with IndiaToday.in last year, Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of Hatti Central Coimmittee, believes ‘Jodidaran’ will die a slow death as more villagers become educated and shift to cities for jobs.

The Hattis are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act and for official purposes. However, there are provisions in Indian laws to protect the customs and traditions of other tribal communities.

Reacting to the recent polyandry in Sirmaur district, Ransingh Chauhan, a lawyer, said the practice has been prevalent in the region for decades and stressed it was legally recognised by the Himachal Pradesh High Court under the ‘Jodidar Law’.

“Hundreds of marriages happen through polyandry and other age-old traditions. Media highlighted the marriage in Shillai prominently and they should not be astonished as this is a regular phenomenon. The practice is being done to ensure that families stay united and lands are not divided among themselves,” Chauhan, a legal advisor for the Central Hatti Committee, told India Today’s TV sister channel, Aaj Tak.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/woman-marries-brothers-men-polyandry-himachal-sirmaur-village-about-age-old-practice-2758343-2025-07-19

A CCTV footage has surfaced showing a group of Kanwariyas thrashing, kicking and punching a CRPF jawan following an argument over the purchase of train tickets at UP’s Mirzapur railway station.

Seven Kanwariyas (Lord Shiva devotees) have been arrested on charges of beating up a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan over an argument over buying train tickets at Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur railway station, police said. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media.

The incident, captured on CCTV, shows a group of Kanwariyas wearing saffron clothes thrashing a CRPF jawan who was going to catch the Brahmaputra Mail at Mirzapur station. They are seen pinning down the jawan, landing punches and kicks at him as other people look on.

In the video, one of the passengers is seen pulling a Kanwariya from the melee as the others continue to beat the CRPF jawan.

The Railway Protection Force reached the spot on getting information about the incident and filed a case against the Kanwariyas. Following an investigation, seven Kanwariyas were arrested, RPF in-charge inspector Chaman Singh Tomar said.

“Seven Kanwariyas have been arrested in the case of beating up a CRPF jawan,” the official said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kanwariyas-assault-crpf-jawan-up-railway-station-mirzapur-arrested-cctv-footage-2758284-2025-07-19

The accused intended to make the man’s death appear accidental by electrocuting him after sedating him.

A 36-year-old man’s death in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, initially attributed to accidental electrocution, has turned into a murder case following the discovery of a chat between his wife and cousin. Police have arrested the victim’s spouse and her lover — the victim’s cousin — for their role in the killing.

The victim, Karan Dev, was declared dead at a hospital in West Delhi’s Janakpuri area on the morning of July 13. At the time, his wife Sushmita claimed he had suffered an accidental electric shock at home. The family declined a post-mortem, believing the death to be natural. Police insisted on an autopsy given the victim’s relatively young age and the circumstances of his death. The body was sent to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in Harinagar for post-mortem examination.

Days later, a conversation retrieved from Instagram turned the course of the investigation. The victim’s younger brother, Kunal Dev, recovered an incriminating chat between Sushmita and Rahul — Karan’s paternal cousin — revealing the murder plot. Kunal preserved the conversation on video and submitted it to the police on July 16.

The messages reveal that the accused had mixed 15 sleeping pills in Karan’s food on the night of July 12. When the sedatives failed to take immediate effect, Sushmita grew anxious.

She wrote to Rahul: “Check once how long it does it takes to die after taking the medicine. It’s been three hours since he ate food. No vomiting, no potty, nothing. And no death yet either. Then what should we do, suggest something.”

Rahul replied: “If you can’t figure anything out, give him a shock.”

The conversation continued, with Sushmita asking: “How to tie him up for the shock?”

Rahul: “With tape.”

Sushmita: “He’s breathing very slowly.”

Rahul: “Give him all the medicine you have.”

Sushmita: “I can’t get his mouth open. I can pour water in, but I can’t give the medicine. You come here, maybe together we can manage to feed it to him.”

According to the police, the accused intended to make Karan’s death appear accidental by electrocuting him after sedating him. When the sleeping pills did not immediately result in unconsciousness, they decided to administer an electric shock — allegedly by applying current to his finger — while he was still sedated. They hoped to attribute his death to an electrical accident in the household.

Once the murder had been carried out, Sushmita reportedly went to her in-laws’ residence nearby and informed them that Karan had suffered an electric shock. The family rushed to the flat and transported him to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

At the time, the victim’s father and cousin (the accused Rahul) strongly objected to a post-mortem. Despite resistance, police proceeded with the autopsy due to procedural norms and suspicions around the unnatural death of a young man.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/karan-dev-sushmita-cant-get-mouth-open-delhi-woman-to-lover-midway-through-husbands-murder-8906120?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

A second-year BDS student at Sharda University died by suicide, with police recovering a note from the scene alleging harassment by a teacher.

A second-year BDS student at Sharda University in Greater Noida died by suicide on Monday, allegedly due to harassment by faculty members.

The incident took place in the hostel room of the university, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Knowledge Park Police Station.

Police recovered a suicide note from the scene, in which the victim accused her teachers of harassment and humiliation.

In her suicide note, the student held the teachers of PCP and Dental Materials responsible for her death, alleging that they mentally harassed and humiliated her, causing stress.

She called for them to be held accountable and face consequences in case of her death.

Following the incident, tensions escalated on campus as students staged protests, demanding accountability from the college authorities.

A heated exchange also broke out between police personnel and protesting students.

Based on a complaint filed by the student’s family, police have detained two individuals. The matter is currently under investigation, said officials.

“Two staff members from the management of the university have been arrested on the basis of the complaint lodged by the family members of the student,” Additional DCP, Greater Noida, Sudhir Kumar, said.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/they-humiliated-me-after-balasore-sharda-university-student-ends-life-alleges-harassment-9449981.html

The government plans to acquire Bitra Island in Lakshadweep for defense, citing its strategic location. An SIA has been initiated, causing concern among residents.

The central government is considering to acquire Bitra Island, one of the 10 inhabited isles in the Lakshadweep archipelago, for defence purposes.

Lakshadweep Revenue Department has also issued a notification for a social impact assessment (SIA) for the Bitra island.

The notice, issued last week, stated that the purpose of the assessment is to transfer the entire island to defence and strategic agencies owing to its “strategic location” and “national security relevance”, news agency PTI reported.

“The initiative is necessitated by the strategic location of the island, its national security relevance, and the inherent logistical and administrative challenges associated with civilian habitation,” the notification issued by the department on July 11 stated.

It added that the territorial administration would take over the island and an SIA is required under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

SIR To Be Completed In 2 Months

District Collector Shivam Chandra, in the order, said all stakeholders, including grama sabhas, would be consulted as part of the Social Impact Assessment initiatives.

As per the notification, the Social Impact Assessment will be conducted by the SIA and Consent Society, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, and is expected to be completed within two months of the notification.

The Department of Revenue has been named the project developer, and the survey will cover the full extent of land proposed for acquisition.

MP Opposes Move

Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Syeed strongly criticised the administration’s move and called it an attempt to disrupt peace in the region.

The group was allegedly involved in radicalisation, illegal religious conversions, and promoting what they described as “Love Jihad”.

In a coordinated crackdown named ‘Mission Asmita’, the Uttar Pradesh Police arrested 10 accused from six different states for allegedly working on a module inspired by ISIS, police said.
The arrests were made after 11 simultaneous raids were carried out across Goa, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. According to police, the group was involved in radicalisation, illegal religious conversions, and promoting what they described as “Love Jihad”.
The accused were identified as Ayesha alias SB Krishna from Goa; Ali Hasan alias Shekhar Roy and Osama from Kolkata; Rehman Qureshi from Agra; Abu Talib from Khalapar, Muzaffarnagar; Abur Rehman from Dehradun; Mohammad Ali from Rajasthan; Junaid Qureshi and Mohammad Ali from Jaipur; and Mustafa alias Manoj from Delhi.

Agra Commissioner Deepak Kumar said the investigation began after two sisters went missing from Agra in March. The probe led authorities to a network allegedly radicalising individuals and promoting religious conversions.
“This modus operandi is the signature style of ISIS,” DGP Rajeev Krishna said. “We believe this group has links to PFI, SDPI, and militant elements in Pakistan,” he added.

The group reportedly received foreign funding from sources in Canada, London, and Dubai. The police said different members had specific roles, including receiving and channeling funds, creating safe houses, and arranging transportation.
One of the radicalised victims was found to have a profile picture featuring an AK-47.
The Uttar Pradesh ATS also arrested two more accused identified as Sabroj alias Imran alias Buddhu, and Shahbuddin in connection with illegal religious conversions.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mission-asmita-up-police-arrests-10-across-6-states-in-isis-inspired-radicalisation-probe-article-152309082

The incident took place between 5am and 5:30am on platform number 5-6, said Thane railway police station senior inspector Archana Dusane.

Thane: A 39-year-old woman was killed after she was pushed in front of a moving goods train by a man amid a quarrel at Diva station in Thane district on Friday, a police official said.

The incident took place between 5am and 5:30am on platform number 5-6, said Thane railway police station senior inspector Archana Dusane.

“Rajan Shivnarayan Singh, a resident of Diva East, quarrelled with the woman and tried to molest her. He then caught her by the neck and pushed her in front of a moving goods train while she struggled to fend him off. She died on the spot. Singh tried to flee but was chased down by railway police constable Sagar Shinde,” the official said.

Singh was arrested for murder and other offences under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions and has been remanded in 5-day police custody, Dusane said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/woman-dies-after-being-pushed-in-front-of-oncoming-train-at-diva-railway-station-man-arrested-3637682

Arjun prevailed over Abdusattorov 1.5-0.5 while Praggnanandhaa lost an intense battle 3-4 against Caruana.

Las Vegas: Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi defeated Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov to storm into the semifinals but R Praggnanandhaa bowed out of the title race after losing to USA’s Fabiano Caruana at the USD 750,000 Freestyle Grand Slam Tour here.

Arjun prevailed over Abdusattorov 1.5-0.5 while Praggnanandhaa lost an intense battle 3-4 against Caruana.

The American duo of Levon Aronian and Hans Moke Niemann were the other winners in the quarterfinal stage, defeating compatriot Hikaru Nakamura and Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan respectively.

While Aronian won by a 2.5-1.5 margin over four games, Niemann took longer in beating Sindarov 4-2.

In the semifinals, Arjun will take on Aronian while Niemann will meet Caruana.

In the lower bracket, world number one Magnus Carlslen regained his winning touch and ousted Vidit Gujrathi 2-0. American Wesley So won 1.5-0.5 against compatriot Samuel Sevian while Leinier Dominguez Perez had a smooth 1.5-0.5 victory over Bibisara Assaubayeva of Kazakhstan.

Vincent Keymer of Germany, the winner of the first leg, defeated Robson Ray, also from America, by 2.5-1.5 margin.

Arjun was a class act in both games and enjoyed the advantage from the word go. Playing white in the second game the Indian won a rook for a Bishop early, and very soon, it did not look like a Freestyle game, as Arjun simply overpowered Abdusattorov with his extra material.

Earlier in the first game too, Arjun enjoyed an advantage after the opening, but some unforced errors in the later part of the game allowed the Uzbek to get a half point.

Praggnanandhaa and Caruana were involved in as many as seven decisive games and the Indian was in lead on three occasions. Praggnanandhaa won the first, lost the second and the story continued till the sixth, until Caruana pulled away before winning the decisive seventh game.

It is not the end of the road for Praggnanandhaa though as he now moves to the lower bracket with seven other players for another set of knockout games.

Results quarterfinals: Arjun Erigaisi (Ind) beat Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb) 1.5-0.5; R Praggnanandhaa (Ind) lost to Fabiano Caruana (Usa) 3-4; Levon Aronian (Usa) beat Hikarru Nakamura (Usa) 2.5-1.5; Hans Moke Niemann (Usa) beat Javokhir Sindarov (Uzb) 4-2.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/other-sports/erigaisi-storms-into-semifinals-praggnanandhaa-bows-out-of-title-race-3636628

During the ongoing operation, the forces have recovered a large number of firearms, including AK-47 and SLR rifles, explosive materials, and daily-use supplies typically associated with long-term Maoist camps.

At least six Maoists were killed in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Friday in an anti-Maoist operation.

They were killed in an ongoing operation between security forces and armed insurgents, which began deep inside the dense forest area of the Abujhmad region of Chhattisgarh.

During the ongoing operation, the forces have recovered a large number of firearms, including AK-47 and SLR rifles, explosive materials, and daily-use supplies typically associated with long-term Maoist camps.

Security sources have confirmed that the operation is still in progress. This encounter marks one of the most significant recent strikes against Maoist presence in the Abujhmad core zone, a known stronghold of left-wing extremism.

Based on credible intelligence inputs regarding the Maoist movement in the area, joint teams of security personnel launched a massive search operation in the region earlier on Friday.

The operation has since seen intermittent and intense encounters beginning in the afternoon.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-maoists-killed-heavy-weapons-recovered-in-encounter-in-chhattisgarh-8904641

“It is time Meta puts in place better and more responsible translation systems,” the Karnataka CM posted on X.

Raising concerns over automatic translation on Facebook, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that poor translations have been a cause of miscommunication and public backlash, urging that the issue be taken seriously.

“It is time Meta puts in place better and more responsible translation systems,” the Karnataka CM posted on X.

“Meta/Facebook has often previously faced similar issues globally for such auto-translation errors — including in Myanmar (2018), Palestine (2017), and most recently in Malaysia (2024) — where poor translations led to serious miscommunication and public backlash,” he added.

Siddaramaiah demanded that a responsible translation system be established for users on Facebook to avoid mistranslations of regional languages, including Kannada.

“Facebook has been in operation for nearly two decades and has a vast user base in India, including a large number of Kannada-speaking users. Despite this, it is unfortunate that a sound and reliable translation system has not been put in place. We hope this concern is taken seriously,” he added.

His remarks come after Facebook’s auto-translation feature mistranslated one of his posts on Facebook.

“On July 15, I paid my respects to the mortal remains of the late B. Saroja Devi – a moment of deep personal and public sorrow. A post about this was shared in Kannada from the official Chief Minister of Karnataka Facebook page. Unfortunately, some people saw a wrong English translation of that post by default on their Facebook feed. The post was written only in Kannada. No English version was posted, and no auto-translation was added or requested from our side,” Siddaramaiah informed.

He said that Facebook doesn’t provide avenues to content creators to manage the auto-translation feature for their posts.

“Facebook’s translation feature shows up on user feeds based on their settings, and content creators have no way to disable or control the auto-translation feature on viewers feed. In many cases, Facebook shows auto-translated versions of posts by default in user feeds. The original Kannada post remains unchanged and can be viewed by selecting ‘See original’ option,” Siddaramaiah said.

The Chief Minister added that his Media Advisor has also formally written to Meta regarding the situation.

“My Media Advisor has formally written to Meta urging immediate correction. Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding & trust,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, a formal complaint has been sent by KV Prabhakar, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, via email to Meta’s India team. The letter noted that Kannada-to-English translations on Meta platforms are often “frequently inaccurate and, in some cases, grossly misleading.”

The email read, “We have noted with concern that the auto-translation from Kannada to English is frequently inaccurate and, in some cases, grossly misleading. This poses a significant risk, especially when public communications, official statements, or important messages from the Chief Minister and the Government are incorrectly translated.”

It continued, “It can lead to misinterpretation among users, many of whom may not realise that what they are reading is an automated and faulty translation rather than the original message.”

Subsequently, Prabhakar urged Meta to temporarily suspend the auto-translation feature for Kannada content, citing the sensitivity of public communication from constitutional functionaries, such as the Chief Minister.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/it-is-time-meta-establishes-responsible-translation-system-siddaramaiah-8904929

PM Modi also criticised the previous RJD government saying that they couldn’t provide employment to the people of Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-led government will return to power again and push to build a new ‘Bihar’. He added that the previous Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress alliance governments neglected the state.

Addressing a public rally in Motihari ahead of the upcoming assembly polls later this year, the PM said, “We will build a new Bihar, once again an NDA government”.

PM Modi also criticised the previous RJD government saying that they couldn’t provide employment to the people of Bihar.

“We neither get trapped in slogans nor remain confined to promises, we believe in concrete action which is reflected through our policies and programmes. When I talk about backward classes and extremely backward classes, we mean it and work for their uplift,” he said.

PM Modi also inaugurated multiple development projects worth ₹7,200 crore, which included four Amrit Bharat trains, infrastructure projects, handing over keys of houses and release of funds for housing schemes.

“Bihar ka sankalp atal, NDA ke saath har pal (Bihar’s resolve is firm, every moment with NDA). Banayenge naya Bihar, fir ek baar NDA sarkar ( We will make a new Bihar, once again NDA government),” said Modi who was accompanied by chief minister Nitish Kumar and deputy CM Samrat Choudhary.

Pushing for more employment opportunities in Bihar, Modi said his government is striving to provide more opportunities for the youth.

“Our resolve is Samriddh Bihar, Har yuva ko rozgar (A prosperous Bihar with employment to every youth). There will be more and more opportunities for youth. The Nitish Kumar-led state government has already provided government jobs in large numbers after a lot of work in the previous years. The Centre is helping the state. We have also come up with a new ₹1-lakh crore scheme to be implemented from August 1 under which on first time employment in the private sector, every youth will get ₹15,000. Mudra loans are also being provided for self-employment,” he added.

Modi also stressed on the fact that the funds allocation under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government until 2014 was less and since 2014, his government has provided more funds for the state to prosper.

Modi was referring to deputy CM Samrat Choudhary’s remark comparing the ₹1.92 lakh crore in the ten years under UPA while Bihar has received ₹14 lakh crore since 2014.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/patna-news/we-will-build-a-new-bihar-once-again-an-nda-government-pm-narendra-modi-101752832364894.html

TRF is the demon child of Pakistan ISI and LeT and is headed by Kashmiri Sajjad Gul, who lives in Rawalpindi.

A month after the massacre of 26 Hindus at Baisaran, Pahalgam, on April 22, India provided dossier on The Resistance Front (TRF) to the Trump administration in Washington and the 1267 Sanctions Committee in New York, which ultimately paved the way for the front of Pakistani Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) group to be designated as a global terror group by the US State Department.

India was informed of the TRF designation as a global terror outfit four days before the formal notification on Thursday.

The global terror tag on the TRF by the Trump administration demonstrates continuing convergence on the counter terrorism agenda between India and the US. Also, this is a message to Pakistan that the Trump administration will give them no quarter on terrorism no matter the much-celebrated lunch between Field Marshal Hafiz Asim Munir and President Donald Trump.

While foreign secretary Vikram Misri handed over the TRF dossier to the US State Department during his visit to Washington on May 27-29, a similar dossier was also handed over to the UN 1267 Committee in New York for special designation of the group.

The TRF, led by Sheikh Sajjad Gul aka Sajjad Ahmed Sheikh, the Kashmiri face of LeT specifically chosen by the ISI, has been involved in a series of terror attacks, including targeted killings, in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 in central and south Kashmir. It has staged grenade attacks in Central Kashmir (2023), an ambush on JKP in Bijbehara area of Anantnag in 2023, Gagangir, Z-Morh tunnel attack and Ganderbal attack in 2024, apart from the Pahalgam massacre.

Sajjad Gul is currently based in Rawalpindi and is involved in radicalisation, recruitment, planning and execution of terror attacks in J&K.

His brother Parvez Ahmed Sheikh (an ex-doctor in SMHS Hospital, Srinagar) was a terrorist in the Kashmir Valley in the 1990s. Parvez went to Saudi Arabia with his family and then moved to Pakistan. He is involved in terror funding and hawala activities with Indian fugitives based in the Gulf Countries.

Sajjad Gul, 50, who was designated as a terrorist under UAPA in 2022, belongs to the HMT area of Srinagar. He completed his basic education in Srinagar and then pursued an MBA in Bengaluru. He then pursued a laboratory technician course in Kerala and returned to Srinagar to set up a diagnostic lab and at the same time started providing support to LeT.

He was arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police from Nizamuddin Railway Station, and five kilograms of RDX were recovered from him. He was involved in reconnaissance of targets and conspiring to engineer bomb blasts in Delhi. Gul and his two associates were sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on August 7, 2003.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/foreign-secretary-misri-provided-trf-dossier-to-us-and-un-1267-committee-101752886064149.html

The Army will have a total of 70,000 AK-203 rifles in its arsenal by the end of this year. Currently, the rifles produced at the IRRPL Amethi facility are 50% indigenous

The joint production of AK-203 rifles at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, is set to achieve 100% indigenisation by the end of 2025. Once fully indigenised, the rifle will be named “Sher”. The Indian Army has already received 48,000 units and is set to receive an additional 7,000 rifles by August 15. With further deliveries planned, the Army will have a total of 70,000 AK-203 rifles in its arsenal by the end of this year.

Currently, the rifles produced at the IRRPL Amethi facility are 50% indigenous. The transfer of technology was completed in 2024. “The contract signed between IRRPL and the Ministry of Defence mandates the production of 6,01,427 AK-203 assault rifles over 10 years. The first two years were dedicated to technology absorption. After 2025, we expect to produce 70,000 rifles annually,” said Maj Gen SK Sharma, CMD, IRRPL.

The AK-203 assault rifle, chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge, combines the legendary durability of the AK platform with advanced upgrades to dominate modern combat environments. It offers versatile firing modes, switching between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting. The rifle features a folding buttstock, an ergonomic foregrip, and a tactical three-point sling for enhanced mobility. Additionally, it is equipped with full-length Picatinny rails and under-barrel grenade launchers, transforming it into a mission-specific weapon system.

The AK-203 can engage targets up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres. It boasts a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg.

The rifles have performed flawlessly in service, with no reported issues. IRRPL officials attribute this reliability to rigorous design, quality control, and testing at the Amethi facility. Each rifle undergoes evaluation based on over 120 parameters and is tested with 63 rounds at the facility’s range.

Maj Gen Sharma stated, “We are committed to completing deliveries by 2032, but I am confident we will achieve this by 2030. Several other services and forces have approached us for these rifles, and we have received requests from multiple countries. We will evaluate these requests and plan to supply rifles to nations friendly to both Russia and India.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/when-sher-will-roar-fully-indigenised-ak-203-rifles-set-to-arm-indian-army-9449459.html

The arrested individuals are currently being questioned, and legal procedures are underway to bring them to Patna for further investigation, the sources told CNN-News18.

The Bihar Police arrested over five suspects linked to the murder of gangster Chandan Mishra at Patna’s Paras Hospital during raids conducted in West Bengal, according to sources.

Mishra, who had multiple criminal cases against him, was out on parole for medical treatment and admitted to the hospital when five armed men entered the high-security premises and shot him dead in broad daylight.

Sources told CNN-News18 that arrested individuals are currently being questioned, and legal procedures are underway to bring them to Patna for further investigation.

While an official confirmation from police is still awaited, sources said the number of arrests may rise as raids continue in various locations.

During preliminary interrogation, police reportedly identified several shooters believed to be linked to the case. Among them are Tausif alias Badshah, Balwant, Abhishek, Mannu Singh, Nilesh, Suryamaan, and Neeshu.

Once information surfaced about the suspects hiding in West Bengal, a special team was flown in under the direct supervision of senior Bihar Police officials. The investigation into the high-profile firing case remains ongoing.

Paras Hospital Shooting

Officials said six men arrived on two motorcycles at Paras Hospital to carry out the murder.

Five of them, armed, entered the premises while one waited outside, reportedly to assist in their escape.

CCTV footage captured the group assembling in a nearby lane before the attack. The man positioned outside wore a helmet and stayed near the motorcycles.

The shooters were initially stopped at the hospital’s emergency gate for not having entry passes, but later entered through the OPD section.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/patna-hospital-shooting-bihar-cops-identify-shooters-arrest-over-5-accused-from-bengal-9449827.html

Ananya Panday casually confessed her Labubu doll is a fake “Lafufu,” sparking laughs online. Here’s all you need to know about the same!

In this day and age when brand names and labels are quite literally everything, leave it to Ananya Panday to remind us that it’s okay to not take trends too seriously. In a recent video, the actress could be heard telling social media sensation Orry that the Labubu she’s been sporting on her Chanel bag is in fact – a Lafufu. And honestly? It’s the kind of nonchalant fashion confession we didn’t know we needed.

All about Labubus and Lafufus

Unless you have been living under a literal rock, you’re probably aware of the Labubu craze that has the internet in a chokehold right now. As for the unversed, Labubus are those adorable, wide-eyed gremlins that have been hanging from everyone’s bags. Originally designed by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart, these vinyl dolls have gone from collectible toys to the latest “It” accessory. They’re cute, a little creepy, and somehow look amazing hanging from a Rs 3 lakh handbag.
Now let’s introduce you to – Lafufu
An ultra-fake version of the Labubu, Lafufus are counterfeit goods that you can buy in place of Labubus. They come at a fraction of the cost and unless you are looking closely, there is hardly any difference between the two dolls.

In the video quickly going viral, Ananya revealed that the Labubu everyone spotted clipped to her Chanel bag wasn’t, well…a Labubu. “It’s fake,” she said with a smile, adding, “But it’s on a Chanel, so no one’s going to know.”
As it happened, a friend of hers wanted to start a Labubu business and ended up ordering 100 Lafufus by mistake. Instead of swapping it out for the real deal, Ananya just rolled with it.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/fashion/ananya-pandays-ultra-expensive-chanel-bag-is-sporting-a-fake-labubu-and-its-kinda-iconic-article-152306338 

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s plea against Delhi High Court’s refusal to stay trial court proceedings against him in the land-for-jobs scam case.

Yadav had moved the High Court seeking quashing of the First Information Report (FIR) registered against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation in 2022. He had urged the Court to stay the trial court proceedings during the pendency of the plea.

On May 29, the High Court issued notice to the CBI but found no compelling reasons to stay the proceedings before the trial court.

Yadav then moved the top court, arguing that trial cannot proceed without mandatory sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh after hearing brief arguments in Yadav’s plea said it would ask the High Court to decide the main petition that seeks quashing of the CBI case.

The Court then proceeded to direct the High Court decide the matter expeditiously.

Meanwhile, in a relief to Yadav, the Court said that his presence before the trial court may be dispensed with.

CBI has alleged that various residents of Bihar during 2004-2009 were given jobs after they or their family members transferred their land in the name of family members of Lalu Prasad Yadav, then Railway minister.

Before the top court, he has argued that “the very registration of the PE and FIR/RC requires a prior sanction/approval of the competent authority” and the CBI “failed to obtain the legal bar/sanction before registration.”

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-high-court-orders-blocking-of-ai-generated-porn-of-social-media-influencer

Currently touring England for broadcasting duties, Dinesh Karthik has brought a refreshing blend of cricket insights and offbeat humor, with this latest post drawing laughter and attention from fans across social media. The video has since gone viral, with many agreeing that the resemblance between Pujara and Noble is hard to ignore.

In a lighthearted moment amid the ongoing high-stakes Test series between India and England, former Indian cricketer and current commentator Dinesh Karthik unearthed a surprising doppelganger of veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara. The amusing revelation came through a video posted on Karthik’s official Instagram handle, offering a fun break from the on-field intensity of the five-match series.

In the video, Karthik introduced the moment with a cheeky teaser: “What I’m going to show you right now is one cricketer and another person who looks so similar, from a completely different part of the globe. That’s a proper doppelganger.” He then revealed side-by-side visuals of Cheteshwar Pujara and a man named Alex Noble, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Indian cricketer.

The scene quickly turned delightful as Karthik introduced both men and asked them if they could see the resemblance. Both Pujara and Noble, clearly amused, shared a hearty laugh, making for an endearing exchange.

Currently touring England for broadcasting duties, Dinesh Karthik has brought a refreshing blend of cricket insights and offbeat humor, with this latest post drawing laughter and attention from fans across social media. The video has since gone viral, with many agreeing that the resemblance between Pujara and Noble is hard to ignore.

In a surprising yet energizing moment ahead of the fourth Test match against England, India’s vice captain Rishabh Pant was captured showcasing impressive football skills during a training session. The footage, shared by Star Sports, reveals Pant demonstrating smooth ball control, deft touches, and swift interplay while engaging in a casual football drill.

The offbeat training session took place at the Manchester practice venue, where the team incorporated light football exercises to enhance reflexes, coordination, and team bonding. Pant, known for his fearless approach with bat and gloves, stood out with his agility and ball-handling skills.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/thats-a-proper-doppelganger-dinesh-karthik-shares-hilarious-clip-of-cheteshwar-pujaras-lookalike-video

While the incident of the AI-171 crash is still afresh in people’s minds, the passengers of Thai Lion Air’s flight no. SL-212 were taken aback after the aircraft’s AC stopped functioning shortly after take-off.

A woman fell unconscious mid-air on a Thai Lion Air flight from Bangkok to Ahmedabad after the aircraft’s air conditioners stopped functioning due to a technical snag soon after take-off. The flight was diverted back to Bangkok where the passengers were shifted to another aircraft, resulting in a significant delay.

While the incident of the AI-171 crash is still afresh in people’s minds, the passengers of Thai Lion Air’s flight no. SL-212 were taken aback after the aircraft’s AC stopped functioning shortly after take-off. The flight operated by Thailand’s low-cost carrier had departed from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) for Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) at 10.03pm with around 140 passengers.

According to sources, the flight reported a technical snag soon after lift-off and caused the shutdown of the aircraft’s AC system. While multiple passengers felt dizzy, sources said that a female passenger felt unconscious a few moments after the ACs stopped working. Following the incident, the flight was diverted to its origin airport DMK where the aircraft was announced to be not fit to fly.

After the passengers created a scene at the airport, the airline arranged for an alternate aircraft to complete the journey to AMD. However, the passengers were not told about the technical issue faced by the aircraft.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/thai-lion-air-flight-returns-to-bangkok-after-ac-failure-mid-air-woman-passenger-unconscious-journey-to-ahmedabad-delayed

Amid restrictions on usage and immersion of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, ahead of the Ganpati festival, the BMC has distributed a record 900 metric tonnes of shadu clay to 486 artisans in Mumbai. To encourage the artisans to use eco-friendly materials to make idols, the BMC distributes clay free of cost.

Amid restrictions on usage and immersion of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, ahead of the Ganpati festival, the BMC has distributed a record 900 metric tonnes of shadu clay to 486 artisans in Mumbai.

To encourage the artisans to use eco-friendly materials to make idols, the BMC distributes clay free of cost. By the time the festival arrives, a total of 1000 metric tonnes of clay is expected to be distributed. Last year, only 613 metric tonnes of clay was distributed.

“The shadu clay is distributed on first-come-first basis at the ward level to artisans who apply online. This year, the applications are much higher than last year, which is a positive sign towards celebrating the festival in an environmentally friendly manner,” said a civic official.

Across 24 wards in Mumbai, a maximum of 96 metric tonnes of clay for Ganpati idols so far has been distributed in K-East ward (Andheri, Jogeshwari, Vile Parle East), followed by 91 metric tonnes in G-North ward (Dadar, Mahim), 77 metric tonnes in P-North ward (Malad), and 73 metric tonnes each in D (Grant Road, Malabar Hill) and N ward (Ghatkopar). (Pointers)

The Bombay High Court in January had put a complete ban on the usage of PoP idols following the Central Pollution Control Board guidelines; however, last month the court reversed its order and allowed the manufacture of PoP idols and banned immersion in natural water bodies. The immersion can be done only in artificial ponds set up by civic bodies.

Environment activist who had filed the petition to ban the manufacture and immersion of PoP idols said, “The court reversed it’s order of a blanket ban on PoP idols, thus many sarvajanik mandals will continue using PoP. However, it is positive that there is rise in clay idols. It’s a partial success as atleast these the PoP idols will not be immersed in sea, river and lakes thereby polluting the nature water bodies”

However, BMC’s plan to distribute natural colours to paint the Ganpati idols does not seem to be materialising as maximum artisans have already made the idols.

“The idea to distribute natural colours was to encourage artisans to make clay idols wholeheartedly. However, the tender has not been allotted yet,” said an official from BMC environment department. (can be used as Box)

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-distributes-record-900-metric-tonnes-of-shadu-clay-to-artisans-to-promote-eco-friendly-ganpati-celebrations

Defence minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Army, DRDO, and industry partners for the successful demonstration.

Soaring above 4,500 metres in the rarefied air of Ladakh, India’s indigenous Akash Prime missile struck with precision on Wednesday, taking down two aerial high speed unmanned targets in a successful test that marks a major boost to the country’s air defence capabilities.

The trial not only showcased the missile system’s ability to perform under extreme altitude conditions but also demonstrated the growing strength of India’s homegrown defence technology.

The weapon system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), features notable technological upgrades, including an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker to enhance accuracy and response time.

These tests were part of the first of production model (FoPM) firing trials and mark a critical step toward the timely induction of Akash Prime into operational service.

“Based on the operational feedbacks from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system,” defence ministry said in a statement.

It added that the successful trial enhances India’s air defence potential in high-altitude frontier areas, a strategic priority given current regional security dynamics.

The Akash Prime system has been developed with support from defence public sector undertakings such as Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, along with private industry partners. The weapon incorporates feedback from earlier operational deployments, showcasing the maturity of India’s indigenous weapons ecosystem.

This achievement also comes in the backdrop of the stellar performance of Indian air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, further underlining India’s growing self-reliance in missile technology and increasing global interest in its defence exports.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Indian Army, DRDO, and industry partners for the successful demonstration. “This is a significant boost to India’s air defence capabilities, particularly in meeting high-altitude operational requirements,” he said.

Dr Samir V Kamat, secretary, Department of Defence R&D and chairman of DRDO, also congratulated the teams involved. He said that Akash Prime has successfully fulfilled the nation’s critical requirements for a high-altitude air defence solution.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/watch-how-india-s-akash-prime-missile-downs-aerial-targets-in-ladakh-101752767748153.html

The US designated The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a “foreign terrorist organisation” over the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

US Department of State on Thursday designated The Resistance Front (TRF), group behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as a terrorist organisation.

In a statement issued by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the statement acknowledged the fact that the organisation claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

The US, therefore, accorded the TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).

“Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024,” the statement read.

The statement said that this action demonstrated the US President Donald Trump administration’s commitment of countering terrorism.

“These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,” the statement said.

“TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT’s designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, respectively. The Department of State has also reviewed and maintained the FTO designation of LeT. Amendments to FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register,” the statement added.

Earlier on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed the importance of taking an uncompromising stance against terrorism, citing the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack in India, which was condemned by the UN Security Council.

The Minister was speakting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin.

He highlighted three evils – terrorism, separatism and extremism, which often occur together in his X post.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/us-designates-group-behind-pahalgam-attack-foreign-terrorist-organisation-8897538?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

From January 2023 to June 2025, an astonishing 67,389 cyber fraud complaints were filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

As India’s digital transformation accelerates, Chhattisgarh is emerging as one of its most alarming cautionary tales. With smartphones in every hand and banking at every fingertip, digital convenience has quietly opened the door to an epidemic of cybercrime. Data presented during the latest assembly session has sent shockwaves through the state. From January 2023 to June 2025, an astonishing 67,389 cyber fraud complaints were filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

That’s roughly one victim every 20 minutes – or three every hour – falling prey to scammers siphoning off crores through phishing links, fake apps, fraudulent calls, and social engineering tactics.

The total amount of money involved – a staggering Rs 791 crore.

What’s worse, the scale of enforcement and redressal doesn’t even come close to matching the scale of the crime.

In Raipur alone, the digital crime capital of the state, over 16,000 cases have been registered. Yet, only 107 victims have received refunds, accounting for barely 0.2 per cent of those who came forward. And when it comes to bank-related fraud, just three cases have led to arrests, and only seven individuals have been jailed.

These figures, made public in response to pointed questions raised by BJP MLAs Sunil Soni and Gajendra Yadav, highlight an urgent need for both stronger digital safety mechanisms and public awareness.

The human cost behind these numbers is harrowing. MLA Sunil Soni, speaking in the state assembly, warned that the financial losses were so devastating that some victims had been pushed to the brink, even contemplating suicide.

“Cybercrime is not just theft-it’s psychological warfare,” Mr Soni said, calling for immediate ramping up of cyber literacy across the state.

The government has acknowledged the crisis, with Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma saying cybercrime is “a global challenge” and laying out the administration’s ongoing response.

Chhattisgarh has established cyber police stations in five divisions, with nine more approved in the budget. A cyber cell is now present in every police station, and a dedicated cyber building has been set up in Raipur.

Additionally, 129 personnel have been freshly appointed at the police headquarters, and a Cyber Commando scheme is in progress to create a specialized, tech-savvy police force. Officers are being trained at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Academy and institutions like C-DAC I4.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cyber-fraud-every-20-minutes-in-chhattisgarh-over-rs-700-crore-lost-in-2-years-8897078

The execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, convicted of murdering a Yemeni national, has been postponed from its original date of July 16. But her fate hangs on ‘Qisas’, or ‘God’s law’, and nothing else.

The execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, convicted for the murder of a Yemeni national, has been temporarily postponed. Originally scheduled for July 16, last-minute efforts to secure her pardon through humanitarian and diplomatic channels helped delay her execution, but her future remains far from certain.
The Kerala-born nurse, who is facing the death sentence in Yemen, has only one option left—clemency from the victim’s family. But that too seems unlikely.
In an interview with BBC, the victim’s brother, Abdelfattah Mahdi, said, “Our stance on the attempts at reconciliation is clear; we insist on implementing God’s Law in Qisas [retaliation in kind], nothing else.”

He further stated, “Any dispute, whatever its reasons and however big, can never justify a murder —let alone dismembering, mutilating and hiding the body.” Reiterating the family’s position, he made it clear they would not accept any offer of blood money or settlement, stating that the demand for execution stands unchanged.

Indore tops India’s cleanliness survey for the eighth year, followed by Surat and Navi Mumbai. Ahmedabad leads in the ‘Swachh Shahar’ category; awards promote sanitation, public participation, and sustainability efforts nationwide.

Indore: Indore has once again been named India’s cleanest city, keeping its top spot for the eighth year in a row. It was followed by Surat and Navi Mumbai in the ‘Super Swachh League’ category of the government’s annual cleanliness survey. In the ‘Swachh Shahar’ category, which looks at cities with over 10 lakh people, Ahmedabad came first, while Bhopal and Lucknow took second and third places. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced the results on Thursday. Over 14 crore people took part in the survey across over 4,500 cities, using face-to-face interviews, the Swachhata App, MyGov, and social media, reported PTI.

The post, originally written in Kannada to mourn the death of veteran actor B Saroja Devi, was mistranslated into English, prompting sharp criticism from Siddaramaiah.

In a major gaffe, Meta’s automatic translation tool wrongly declared Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dead while translating a condolence message posted by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Facebook.

The post, originally written in Kannada to mourn the death of veteran actor B Saroja Devi, was mistranslated into English, prompting sharp criticism from Siddaramaiah and an official missive to Meta.

“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah passed away yesterday multilingual star, senior actress B. Took darshan of Sarojadevi’s earthly body and paid his last respects,” the post’s faulty translation read.

‘PAUSE KANNADA AUTO-TRANSLATION’

Reacting strongly to the faux pax, the Chief Minister asked social media platforms to act responsibly and urged Meta to suspend its Kannada auto-translation feature until it is accurate.

“Faulty auto-translation of Kannada content on Meta platforms is distorting facts and misleading users. This is especially dangerous when it comes to official communications. My media adviser, KV Prabhakar, has formally written to Meta urging immediate correction,” Siddaramaiah tweeted.

“Social media platforms must act responsibly. I caution citizens to be aware that translations shown are often inaccurate. Such negligence by tech giants can harm public understanding and trust,” he further said.

Meta seemed to have corrected the translation later.

LETTER TO META

The Chief Minister also shared the letter written by his media adviser to Meta, asking the Mark Zuckerberg-led tech giant to work with Kannada language experts “to enhance the quality and contextual accuracy” of translations from Kannada to English.

“We have noted with concern that the auto-translation from Kannada to English is frequently inaccurate and, in some cases, grossly misleading,” it said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/siddaramaiah-dead-facebook-translation-error-karnataka-chief-minister-meta-2757497-2025-07-18

Monsoon floods have severely disrupted life across Uttar Pradesh, with over 5 lakh people surrounded by water in flood-hit parts of Prayagraj alone. Rising water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers have submerged more than 15 neighbourhoods, including cremation grounds, forcing last rites to be performed on roadsides.

Monsoon floods have severely disrupted life across Uttar Pradesh, with over 5 lakh people surrounded by water in flood-hit parts of Prayagraj alone. Rising water levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers have submerged more than 15 neighbourhoods, including cremation grounds, forcing last rites to be performed on roadsides.

In Varanasi, all 84 river ghats have gone under water, along with nearly 1,000 adjacent temples. The Ganga is reported to be just 1.56 metres below the danger mark. Mirzapur, Jaunpur, and Sonbhadra districts have shut schools as a precaution, while similar measures are in effect in parts of Prayagraj as well.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a rainfall alert across all 75 districts, forecasting very heavy rain in 26 and heavy rain in 49 districts. Intermittent rainfall was reported on Thursday morning in cities including Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. The forecast includes the possibility of lightning and strong winds.

Flood conditions continue to deteriorate in Chitrakoot, where the Mandakini river overflowed, submerging riverside temples. Two children were swept away in the rising water. In Sonbhadra, water was released from eight gates of the Kanhar Dam as the water level reached 256 metres. Similar action was taken at the Govind Sagar Dam in Lalitpur.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uttar-pradesh-news-monsoon-floods-worsen-over-5-lakh-affected-in-prayagraj-ghats-submerged-in-varanasi

According to Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials the Uttar Pradesh police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP-ATS), and other agencies, the racket operated across multiple states including U.P and Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur) and extended into Nepal and the Middle East.

In one of the most sensational cases of illegal religious conversion in India’s recent history, intelligence agencies have dismantled a powerful syndicate allegedly spearheaded by Jamaluddin Shah (70) , also known as Chhangur Baba, a self-styled Sufi-type spiritual leader. He stands accused of orchestrating a nationwide religious conversion operation, reportedly fueled by foreign funding, radical operatives, and deceptive front NGOs.

According to Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials the Uttar Pradesh police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP-ATS), and other agencies, the racket operated across multiple states including U.P and Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur) and extended into Nepal and the Middle East. The network is believed to have been deeply embedded, with links to hawala operators and foreign-based funders.

From a modest beginning as a taweez-seller in Balrampur district in UP, to emerging as a self-styled spiritual “peer baba” with overseas reach, Chhangur’s empire is now under intense scrutiny by the ED, the UP-ATS and other state agencies.

Originally known as Jamaluddin Shah, Chhangur Baba hails from Rehra Mafi village in Balrampur district. He is popularly called “Chhangur” due to having six fingers on one hand. Officials say he began his journey by selling religious amulets (taweez) in his village, before moving to Mumbai in the early 2010s. In Mumbai, he regularly visited the Haji Ali Dargah, one of the city’s most frequented religious sites, where he sold gemstone rings and charms. Investigators claim he used the dargah’s high footfall to connect with vulnerable individuals, promoting his supposed spiritual powers. These interactions gradually helped him build a loyal base of followers. By 2020, Chhangur had rebranded himself as a ‘peer baba’ (spiritual guide), attracting a sizable following and accumulating unexplained wealth. He transformed from a roadside vendor into a self-styled ‘peer’ with nationwide influence, establishing ashrams, acquiring properties, and expanding his operations across several states. He reportedly undertook over 50 foreign trips, primarily to Gulf countries. His name surfaced prominently when Mumbai-based businessman Naveen Rohra, his wife Neetu, and their daughter allegedly underwent religious conversion under his influence.

Neetu, originally a Sindhi Hindu from Mulund, Mumbai, was allegedly indoctrinated by Baba and converted to Islam along with her husband and daughter in 2015.The couple subsequently moved to Balrampur in 2020 to actively engage in conversion network.

Central to Chhangur Baba’s inner circle were Naveen Rohra and his wife Neetu Rohra, who converted to Islam and adopted the names Jamaluddin and Nasreen. Their conversion was reportedly certified in Dubai in 2015, following which Neetu travelled to the UAE at least 19 times between 2014 and 2019. The couple, originally from Mumbai, moved to Utraula, Balrampur, where they became landowners and close aides to Chhangur.

Neetu played a critical role as a recruiter and indoctrinator persuading Hindu women to convert through emotional manipulation, financial promises, and spiritual pretexts.

Chhangur Baba, along with Neetu aliash Nasreen and Naveen are accused of orchestrating a covert operation that allegedly targeted over 4,000 economically vulnerable individuals across Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra for conversions targeting vulnerable Hindu women especially those from Scheduled Castes , Other Backward Classes , and financially weaker background.

According to sources in the UP-ATS, the operation used honey-trapping, cash offers, marriage promises, and spiritual manipulation to persuade individuals to convert. A rate card allegedly maintained by the group suggested specific monetary incentives for converting people of different castes.
# Rs 15–16 lakh for Brahmin women

# Rs 10–12 lakh for OBC women

# Rs 8–10 lakh for SC and other communities
officials state that this caste-based pricing was designed not only to financially reward those executing the conversions but also to strategically undermine the social fabric of Hindu society by targeting its perceived pillars. The deeper objective, according to UP-ATS sources, was to project the conversion of upper-caste women, especially Brahmins, as a symbolic “victory,” thereby lending the syndicate ideological leverage and legitimacy within radical networks operating both domestically and abroad. Investigators believe these significant funds were sourced through a combination of hawala networks, foreign NGO donations, and illegal property dealingsOfficials also unearthed code words like “project,” “mitti palatne” (turning soil), and “kajal” for internal communication, and recovered ledgers allegedly listing over 1,500 names of converted individuals.

An India Today RTI query revealed that about 1.17 crore Aadhaar cards of deceased persons were deactivated in the last 14 years, whereas more than 16 crore died in that period. A staggering gap that, UADAI says, it is trying to bridge with technology.

An Right to Information (RTI) application filed by India Today TV has revealed that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated just 1.15 crore Aadhaar numbers since the programme’s inception 14 years ago, a figure that falls dramatically short when compared to the country’s mortality rates.

As of June 2025, India has 142.39 crore Aadhaar holders. According to the United Nations Population Fund, the country’s total population stood at 146.39 crore in April 2025. In contrast, official data from the Civil Registration System (CRS) shows that India recorded an average of 83.5 lakh deaths every year between 2007 and 2019.

Despite this, UIDAI’s deactivation numbers remain staggeringly low — less than 10 per cent of total estimated deaths have led to Aadhaar numbers being cancelled. Officials admitted the process of deactivation is cumbersome and largely dependent on external data such as death certificates issued by state governments and updates from family members.

The victim’s brother alleged some people were trying to exploit the tragedy for political gains and named four people in connection with the defamatory content in his complaint

The elder brother of the 20-year-old woman student in Odisha, who died after she set herself on fire in protest against sexual harassment by a professor, has filed a police complaint seeking protection for the family from cyber harassment.

The woman was a student of Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore.

The victim’s brother alleged some people were trying to exploit the tragedy for political gains and named four people in connection with the defamatory content in his complaint.

The Odisha Police have launched an investigation into the allegations of cyber harassment.

“On social media, people are making derogatory remarks and posting filthy posts and comments. In our bad times, we are being made to bear this unnecessary trolling and abuse online,” he said.

“I have sought the help of police and administration and filed a first information report (FIR) against some people,” he said. He added the family needs proper protection and free and fair investigation.

“We will all die by suicide if we don’t get justice,” he said.

The police are verifying the social media accounts of people named in the complaint filed by the victim’s brother.

The woman, a second-year integrated BEd student, had set herself on fire on July 12 after allegedly being denied justice in the sexual harassment case filed by her against the professor, Samira Kumar Sahoo.

The woman suffered 95 per cent burn injuries. She died on Monday night after battling for her life for almost 60 hours at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/will-die-by-suicide-brother-of-odisha-woman-flags-trolling-goes-to-cops-8889795

The man was detained at Mumbai International Airport by immigration authorities based on a Look Out Circular issued by the Hyderabad police.

A key accused in a high-profile “digital arrest” fraud case was arrested by the Cyber Crime Police in Hyderabad. Aludasu Sudhaker was detained at Mumbai International Airport by immigration authorities based on a Look Out Circular issued by the Hyderabad police.

The 43-year-old is alleged to have been part of an elaborate impersonation scam that targeted a 48-year-old Hyderabad woman. The fraudsters, including Sudhaker and four others previously arrested, posed as officials from government agencies such as the CBI and TRAI. They meticulously constructed a false narrative, implicating the victim in a fictitious money laundering case.

The scam began on November 12, 2024, when the victim received an automated call threatening suspension of her Airtel service. Upon pressing “9,” she was connected to a fake call centre. Over a harrowing two to three-hour period, multiple impersonators, including a woman officer, a fake Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), and a man posing as “CBI officer Rajesh Mishra,” subjected her to intense pressure. They accused her of links to money laundering via fabricated FIRs and coerced her into transferring substantial amounts of money from her fixed deposits, gold loans, and personal loans via RTGS.

The accused also extracted her Aadhaar details and other sensitive personal information, maintaining continuous control through hourly video calls and severe threats of job loss and imprisonment. The victim realised she had been defrauded only later and promptly filed a complaint, leading to the registration of Cr. No. 2808/2025 under the IT Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Cyber Crime Unit has now arrested a total of five individuals in connection with the case, all of whom are alleged to be “account suppliers” – individuals who provide their bank accounts to facilitate the fraudulent transactions. A debit card linked to an absconding accused, Ashok Kumar Javvaji, who is believed to be in Dubai, has also been seized, along with a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/key-accused-in-hyderabads-high-profile-digital-arrest-fraud-case-arrested-8889769

Out of 13,000 student claims submitted by coaching centres, only about 3,000 could be verified, alleged Delhi minister Ashish Sood.

The Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana, a scheme meant to fund free coaching at private institutes for underprivileged students during the Aam Aadmi Party government, is now at the centre of a political and financial controversy.

Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday ordered an Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) probe into an alleged Rs 145-crore scam linked to the scheme during the Covid period.

The announcement was made by Delhi’s Home and Education Minister Ashish Sood and SC/ST Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh while addressing a press conference, alleging large-scale irregularities under the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

“The Jai Bhim scheme was started to help SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Minority students prepare for competitive exams like UPSC and NEET, but during the pandemic, it became a tool for embezzlement,” Mr Sood said. He added that coaching institutes prepared a bill payment of Rs 145 crore between July 2021 and August 2022-far beyond the scheme’s original budget of Rs 15 crore.

Out of 13,000 student claims submitted by coaching centres, only about 3,000 could be verified, Mr Sood said, adding, the rest allegedly lacked documentation, signatures, or any record of attendance.

“The average coaching cost is Rs 1 lakh for IAS, Rs 50,000 for MBA/CLAT, Rs 30,000 for SSC/LIC, Rs 25,000 for Group-C exams and Rs 10,000 for interview preparation,” he said.

“Even if we consider that all 3,000 verified students took IAS coaching, the maximum cost would be around Rs 30 crore. How did it become Rs 145 crore?,” Mr Soon added. He alleged that AAP has insulted Dr Ambedkar’s legacy and turned a welfare scheme into a nexus of corruption.

Following a recommendation from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the LG approved a detailed probe by the ACB into what is now being referred to as an “alleged coaching scam.”

The investigation will focus on 35 coaching centres that failed to provide verified data for even 100 students, SC/ST Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh said.

He said the scheme, which began in 2018, was intended to create educational opportunities for Dalit students. “Instead, it was allegedly turned into a money-making racket. We owe it to the students to investigate this thoroughly,” Singh said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-orders-probe-into-rs-145-crore-scam-in-jai-bhim-coaching-scheme-8889354

According to the police, a total of five threatening emails were received; authorities then launched security drills to ensure public safety

Amritsar Police registered an FIR and launched an investigation after receiving a series of bomb threat emails, officials said on Wednesday.

Speaking to ANI, Amritsar police commissioner GPS Bhullar said, “Since the day the authorities received these emails, we have been working very closely with them. We lodged the FIR on the same day only, and we are also investigating the subsequent emails.”

According to the police, a total of five threatening emails were received. The authorities then launched security drills to ensure public safety.

“We have also received replies from the concerned companies and obtained some IP addresses. In the coming days, it will be clear who the sender of these emails is. After looking at the content, it is indicating towards South India,” Bhullar told ANI.

To ensure no threat materialised, the police sought assistance from Border Security Force. High-level security checks were carried out at sensitive locations across Amritsar city, and bomb squads were kept on standby.

However, officials said that they are ensuring full security for the people, and there is no need to worry.

A day earlier, the Golden Temple received another bomb threat. A dog squad has been deployed at the Golden Temple premises as part of a security check.

The holy site for Sikhs received a bomb threat via email for the second consecutive day. Pratap Singh, Secretary of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), demanded strict action against the miscreants.

Pratap Singh told reporters, “Golden Temple is the centre of faith of the world, and we received an email threatening a blast in the Golden Temple. It is the responsibility of the police officials to take strict action against those involved in it.”

“We received an email threatening a blast in the Golden Temple yesterday. Also, we have written a letter to the Punjab CM and DGP also,” Singh said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/golden-temple-threat-emails-probe-points-towards-senders-being-in-south-india-says-amritsar-police-chief-101752683278225.html

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reunited with his family after an 18-day ISS mission, sharing emotional moments on Instagram.

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla reunited with his family just a day after returning to Earth following his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the heartwarming images of their reunion have struck an emotional chord with Indians online.

The astronaut shared the images on Instagram, showing him embracing his wife and son after being apart for over two months. He said hugging his family after quarantining for several weeks felt like “home.”

“Space flight is amazing but seeing your loved ones after a long time is equally amazing. It has been 2 months since I entered quarantine. During the quarantine, family visits we had to be 8 m apart. My little one had to be told that he had germs on his hands and that is why he could not touch his father. Coming back to Earth and holding my family back in my arms felt like home,” he wrote in the caption.

Shubhanshu Shukla made history after he became the first Indian to go to the International Space Station and only the second Indian to travel into space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Nicknamed Shux by his crewmates, Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 onboard SpaceX’s Dragon space capsule.

In the pictures, Shukla’s wife, Kamna, was seen embracing him with tears streaming down her face. His son leapt into his father’s arms and hugged him tight. The astronaut shared how the young boy was taught about quarantine protocols when he met Shukla in the weeks leading up to his space flight.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/first-images-of-shubhanshu-shukla-s-emotional-reunion-with-family-after-iss-return-felt-like-home-101752687586771.html

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said that Domestic Violence Act makes no distinction between a first and subsequent marriage when it comes to maintenance.

The Delhi high court has held that a husband is legally obligated to maintain his wife, even if it is her second marriage.

In his plea, the husband had asserted that the woman was not entitled to maintenance since it was her second marriage.(Representative image)
In his plea, the husband had asserted that the woman was not entitled to maintenance since it was her second marriage.(Representative image)
In her ruling delivered on Tuesday, justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said that Domestic Violence Act makes no distinction between a first and subsequent marriage when it comes to entitlement to maintenance.

The verdict was delivered in a plea filed by the husband against a family court’s order directing him to pay an enhanced maintenance of ₹1 lakh to his wife.

In his plea, the husband had asserted that the woman was not entitled to maintenance since it was her second marriage, and that she voluntarily abandoned him despite him accepting her along with her two sons from first marriage.

On the other hand, the woman had asserted that she married the man based on his assurance and promises of care and fatherly affection for her children. However, she alleged that she was compelled to leave due to his insults directed at her children and acts of physical abuse.

Rejecting the husband’s contention, justice Sharma in her ruling said, “The Domestic Violence Act does not distinguish between a first or subsequent marriage for the purpose of entitlement to maintenance. Once the petitioner voluntarily entered into the marriage and accepted the respondent and her children, he cannot now use that as a defence to resist his statutory obligations of maintenance.”

The husband had approached the high court against the family court’s April 2024 order directing him to pay ₹1 lakh to her as maintenance, enhanced from ₹33,000.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/second-marriage-no-ground-to-deny-maintenance-to-wife-delhi-high-court-101752711181521.html

For the first time in UK Parliament history, Hanuman Chalisa was recited during Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s visit, with officials and lawmakers joining in devotion.

For the first time in the history of UK‘s Parliament, the verses on Hanuman Chalisa were recited inside the Parliament House during Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s visit to the European country.

As per the video shared by Bageshwar Dham’s X handle, several people, officials and lawmakers were seen reciting the verses with devotion in the presence of Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Dham Baba.

“For the first time in the history of London’s Parliament… Shri Hanuman Chalisa recitation by the revered government… All guests present in the Parliament recited with devotion…,” Bageshwar Dham said in a post on X while sharing the video.

This is the first time that an Indian religious text has been recited in the British Parliament.

Earlier this year in April, Indian diaspora gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission and recited “Hanuman Chalisa” after protests broke out between Indian and Pakistani diaspora following Pahalgam terror attack which claimed the lives of 26 individuals.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/hanuman-chalisa-echoes-in-uk-parliament-during-dhirendra-shastris-visit-video-ws-l-9445121.html

For the cover shoot, Vidya Balan slipped into a bold flamingo pink outfit, embellished with shimmering sequins and delicate beadwork.

Hold up, Internet – Vidya Balan just broke the glam-o-meter and how! Taking a stunning U-turn from her traditional Indian silhouettes, Vidya has just dropped jaws with her striking new avatar on the cover of The Peacock Magazine’s July 2025 edition. TBH, this is not the saree-clad Vidya we’re used to seeing during public gatherings and award functions. It is “Nayi Fantasy” unlocked, as fans said after looking at her latest photos.

For the cover shoot, Vidya Balan slipped into a bold flamingo pink outfit, embellished with shimmering sequins and delicate beadwork. Adding a dramatic flair, she elevated the look with a feather-trimmed stole, perfectly blending with the ombre tones across her arms. Even in the accessories department, she nailed it like a pro. Not letting attention divert from her outfit, she wore a gemstone-studded choker and a chunky statement bracelet on her wrist.

The highlight — her short, ombre hair, which is nowhere close to Vidya we have seen before.

Internet Goes Ooh La La

Draped in high fashion, confidence and a bold attitude that commands attention, Vidya’s new look has left fans and enthusiasts nostalgic. The minute the cover hit social media, it reminded fans of the character Vidya played in the film The Dirty Picture. From “Ooh La La vibes” to “Nayi Fantasy” — reactions came pouring in and it is clear that the Internet is drooling over the beauty.

Even Dolly Singh, the popular content creator, could not hold back herself and immediately took to the comment section to react to Vidya’s look. Nostalgic, she wrote, “Are we back in 2005?” Another demanded, “Upload the BTS moments of this beautiful photoshoot, thank you.” Impressed by Vidya’s reinvention, veteran actress Shabana Azmi also commented on the post, writing, “Ooh la la!” Shahana Goswami also joined the list of stars to praise Vidya’s undeniable beauty. “Ooooo bloody gorgeous and sexy,” read her comment.

One of the fans reiterated Vidya’s iconic dialogue from The Dirty Picture and added, “Entertainment Entertainment Entertainment aur Vidya Entertainment hai.” A noteworthy comment read, “Oh lala tu hai nayi fantasy. Ladki tu hai badi boombart.”

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/vidya-balan-transformation-has-desis-rewrite-her-songs-ooh-la-la-tu-hai-nayi-fantasy-ws-l-aa-aa-aa-9443522.html

A Goa-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi made an emergency landing in Mumbai due to a mid-air engine failure, causing the pilot to declare ‘PAN PAN PAN’, a report claimed.

As the Goa-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi was to make an emergency landing in Mumbai on Wednesday, the pilot of the plane declared ‘PAN PAN PAN’, Hindustan Times reported, quoting officials.

The report also claimed the incident happened when the IndiGo flight was flying about 100 nautical miles north of Bhubaneswar.

“The pilot declared ‘PAN PAN PAN’ (an urgent message indicating a non-life-threatening emergency) due to a malfunction in engine number 1,” an official told HT.

The Goa-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi made an emergency landing in Mumbai on after it was diverted to the city due to a mid-air engine failure.

Later, the airline, in a statement, said a “technical snag” forced the aircraft to be diverted to Mumbai.

“Full emergency was declared for IndiGo flight 6E-6271, operating on Delhi-Goa route after it was diverted to Mumbai due to one engine failure,” news agency PTI quoted a source as saying.

“A technical snag was detected on flight 6E 6271 while flying from Delhi to Manohar International Airport, Goa on July 16. Following procedures, the aircraft was diverted and landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai,” the IndiGo spokesperson said.

The airline did not share the number of people on board or the nature of the snag.

“While the aircraft will undergo necessary checks and maintenance before resuming operations, an alternative aircraft has been arranged for completing the journey, which will depart shortly with the customers,” the spokesperson said.

In a separate statement, a spokesperson from the Mumbai airport said, “Following the diversion of a Delhi–Goa flight due to a technical snag, a full emergency was declared at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (CSMIA) at 21:35 hours on 16 July 2025. The flight landed safely at 21:52 hours. The full emergency status was withdrawn at 21:57 hours.”

“Passengers were safely deboarded and assisted by terminal staff. While the airline coordinates alternative onward travel for the passengers, CSMIA’s Terminal Operations team remains on standby to provide all necessary support,” the spokesperson said.

“There has been no impact on overall airport operations. At CSMIA, safety always remains our highest priority,” they added.

On Tuesday, an IndiGo flight from Delhi had a harrowing experience when the aircraft took off immediately after touchdown at Patna’s Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport.

There were 173 passengers onboard the flight at the time of the incident.

The incident took place at 9 pm due to an unstable approach.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/indigo-flight-mumbai-emergency-landing-pilot-declaredpan-pan-pan-engine-failure-delhi-to-goa-flight-9445368.html

A nine-year-old girl, a class 4 student at Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Sikar, died after suffering consecutive heart attacks within hours.

A nine-year-old girl died of a heart attack while she was opening her lunch box at school in Rajasthan’s Sikar, officials said Wednesday.

The victim was a student of class 4 at Adarsh Vidya Mandir School. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, around 11 am, during the school’s lunch break.

According to school principal Nandkishore, all the students were eating lunch inside their classrooms when the girl suddenly fell unconscious while opening her tiffin box.

“It happened around 11 am on Tuesday. She dropped her lunchbox and collapsed spilling her food onto the floor. We were all on school grounds at the time, so we rushed her to the hospital,” the principal said, adding that for kids to faint in school is not uncommon.

The school staff immediately rushed the unconscious child to the Dantaramgarh Community Health Center (CHC). Doctors provided initial treatment and decided to refer the girl to SK Hospital in Sikar for further care.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nine-year-old-girl-dies-heart-attack-rajasthan-school-lunch-break-2756911-2025-07-17

35-year-old Ashok, while intoxicated, put a live snake in his mouth and began chewing it. He also swallowed parts of the snake after breaking it into several pieces.

You must have often heard of incidents related to snake bites, but an unusual incident has come to light from Uttar Pradesh’s Banda, where 35-year-old Ashok, while intoxicated, put a live snake in his mouth and began chewing it. He also swallowed parts of the snake after breaking it into several pieces. His family members were left stunned by the scene and rushed him to a community health centre.

According to reports, Ashok was drunk and wandering around the house when he caught a snake. He then put it in his mouth and started chewing. His mother, Siya Dulari, screamed in fear and managed to remove the snake from her son’s mouth, but by then, Ashok had already consumed two pieces of it.

A video from the community health centre has surfaced, showing Ashok looking visibly uneasy while sitting in the waiting area.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bizarre-drunk-up-youth-chews-live-snake-in-banda-rushed-to-hospital-video 

Pithoragarh District Disaster Management Officer Bhupendra Singh Maher said that all eight bodies were recovered. He said that prima facie, the cause of the accident appears to be driver negligence and overloading of the vehicle.

Eight people were killed and five others injured when a jeep plunged into a deep gorge in Suni village in the Thal area of Pithoragarh district on Tuesday, officials said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance to the families of the deceased.

The incident occurred when the vehicle, carrying passengers to Bokta village from Muwani market, lost control and fell into a gorge, Station House Officer of Thal police station Shankar Singh Rawat said.

He said the deceased include five women and three men, all local residents, and the driver is among those killed.

Upon receiving information, a police team and personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rushed to the spot and, with the help of local residents, launched a rescue and relief operation. The injured were pulled out of the gorge and admitted to a hospital in Muwani for treatment, officials said.

Pithoragarh District Disaster Management Officer Bhupendra Singh Maher said that all eight bodies were recovered. He said that prima facie, the cause of the accident appears to be driver negligence and overloading of the vehicle.

District Magistrate Vinod Goswami also said that the vehicle appeared to be carrying more passengers than its capacity.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, “The condolences expressed by the Prime Minister on the Pithoragarh road accident and the financial assistance provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will give strength to the bereaved family in this difficult time.”

He added that the state government would also provide Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttarakhand/eight-killed-five-injured-as-jeep-falls-into-gorge-in-uttarakhand-cm-announces-aid-3632160 

The event will feature 24 curated stalls displaying rare, GI-certified textiles from over 20 states and union territories.

Aiming to promote climate-conscious fashion and India’s textile heritage, the Delhi government will organise a large-scale public event on August 6 to mark the National Handloom Day.

The event, Vastra Katha, is being held by the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB) under the Industries Department.

Announcing the event on Tuesday, Environment and Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the event will blend tradition, sustainability, and youth-led innovation through a curated exhibition, promoting Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged handlooms and handmade or natural fabrics over fast fashion.

A GI-tag is used to mark the authenticity and uniqueness for products that are native to specific regions.

“Handloom is rooted in nature, environmentally friendly, and sustains rural livelihoods – especially for women. It’s not just cultural heritage; it’s climate action,” Mr Sirsa said, adding, “The fashion industry is a major contributor to global warming.”

What to Expect at Vastra Katha

The event will feature 24 curated stalls displaying rare, GI-certified textiles from over 20 states and union territories – including Assam’s Muga silk, Telangana’s Pochampally Ikat, Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram, Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi and Maheshwari, Kerala’s Kasavu, and West Bengal’s Kantha, among others.

A fashion ramp walk themed on the Vedic civilisation will reimagine these textiles in contemporary silhouettes, with participation from both professional models and students.

More than 150 students from top institutions – including LSR, Miranda House, Hindu College, Pearl Academy, and others – are expected to take part, curating exhibits and walking the ramp in handloom wear.

Well-known designers like Rahul Mishra, Sanjay Garg, Surekha Jain, Rina Dhaka, and Pernia Qureshi will also participate in the event to mentor young artisans.

A Turnaround Plan for DKVIB

The event comes at a time when the Delhi Government has been trying to restructure the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board.

“We are bringing in long-overdue reforms to make DKVIB sustainable by the end of this year and profitable by 2026. The government had already allocated Rs 50 crore for skilling and capacity-building in the handloom sector. We need platforms to showcase the work of our artisans, and Vastra Katha is one of them,” Mr Sirsa said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/handloom-meets-climate-action-delhi-to-host-vastra-katha-on-august-6-8882264

He demanded that the state government treat the case as a murder and punish all those involved.

The father of the victim who died from self-immolation in Odisha’s Balasore on Tuesday claimed that his daughter did not die by suicide but was murdered.

He demanded that the state government treat the case as a murder and punish all those involved.

Speaking to ANI, the victim’s father said, “Everyone together forced my daughter to die. Isn’t that murder? I believe it was a conspiracy because she used to raise her voice in college, and they didn’t like it.”

Referring to her last visit to the college principal’s office, the victim’s father questioned the circumstances leading to her death.

“They all conspired to force my daughter to commit suicide. Why did she commit suicide right after coming out of the Principal’s room? Something must have happened inside. What happened inside? Why was she called in alone? Why wasn’t I or my son called? I request the government to acknowledge that my daughter didn’t die, she was killed, and everyone should be charged with murder,” he said.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will organise a protest rally on Wednesday in response to the death of a 20-year-old student, who died after setting herself on fire following repeated complaints of sexual harassment by a college teacher that were allegedly ignored.

The party has also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for the victim’s family and a judicial inquiry into the incident.

BJD MLA Goutam Buddha Das told ANI, “It is very unfortunate news that a girl from our constituency died due to self-immolation. The student was being harassed by her teacher. She complained to the college principal, went to the MPs, and tweeted the same to the CM and the education minister. No one listened to her. The government is responsible for this.”

“We have decided to close Balasore tomorrow. We will organise a protest rally. We demand that the family of the victim should get the compensation of Rs 1 crore, and a judicial inquiry should happen,” he added.

The 20-year-old student had allegedly faced prolonged sexual harassment by the Head of Department (HoD) at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore. Despite filing a formal complaint and seeking help from the college principal, her grievances reportedly went unheard, leading her to take the extreme step on campus last Saturday.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/she-was-murdered-father-of-odisha-woman-who-set-self-ablaze-8882218

This incident follows a similar wave of bomb threats received by multiple schools in Delhi last week, which turned out to be hoaxes.

Delhi continues to reel under a wave of bomb threats, with at least five schools reporting fresh alerts today across different parts of the national capital. The threats were received via email and prompted swift responses from authorities.

According to reports, the latest alerts were received by schools in Dwarka at 5:26 am, Vasant Kunj at 6:30 am, Paschim Vihar at 8:11 am, and Hauz Khas at 8:12 am. Bomb disposal squads, local police, and cyber experts were deployed to each location for thorough checks, but nothing suspicious has been found so far.

The two schools, St. Thomas in Dwarka and Vasant Valley School in Vasant Kunj, had already faced similar threats earlier, prompting evacuations and detailed inspections.

On Tuesday, St. Stephen’s College and St. Thomas School also received bomb threats via email. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia, St. Stephen’s reported receiving the threat at 7:15 am. “The mail claimed that four IEDs and two RDX bombs had been planted on the premises and in the library of the college. It further claimed they would explode by 2 pm,” he said.

Following the alert, teams from Maurice Nagar Police Station and other agencies swiftly cordoned off the area and conducted a comprehensive search. Officials later confirmed that nothing suspicious was recovered.

On Monday, bomb threats were sent to three schools in Delhi: CRPF schools in Sector 16, Dwarka and Prashant Vihar, and the Navy Children School in Chanakyapuri. These, too, were declared hoaxes after security personnel found no explosives on the premises.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/two-delhi-schools-receive-bomb-threats-via-email-both-evacuated-9443029.html

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at him, saying he is “now running a full blown circus aimed at destroying India’s foreign policy”.

The Congress on Tuesday intensified its criticism of the Centre’s China policy, accusing External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of “destroying India’s foreign policy” and demanded a full-fledged discussion on the issue during the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament.
Reacting to Jaishankar’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top officials during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi took a sharp dig at the minister, saying, “The EAM is now running a full blown circus aimed at destroying India’s foreign policy.”
“I guess the Chinese foreign minister will come and apprise Modi about recent developments in China-India ties,” Gandhi posted on X, tagging a report on Jaishankar’s meeting with Xi.

Jaishankar and his counterparts from the SCO member nations on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi.
The attack by Congress came a day after Jaishankar, during his talks with Yi, said India and China should build on “good progress” in normalising bilateral ties to address border-related issues, including de-escalation. Jaishankar also held talks with the Chinese Vice President Han and conveyed to him that continued normalisation of bilateral ties can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the government continues to downplay China’s aggression, despite India’s Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Raju Singh confirming that China supported Pakistan with real-time inputs during Operation Sindoor.
“Perhaps we should remind the EAM of recent developments… China gave total support to Pakistan… turning it into a testing ground for network-centric warfare and weapon systems,” Ramesh said in a statement.
He pointed out that Pakistan may soon acquire Chinese J-35 stealth fighters, while India remains heavily dependent on Chinese imports across sectors like electronics and telecoms. He also flagged China’s restrictions on critical exports and the departure of Chinese workers from Apple supplier Foxconn’s India facilities.
Ramesh asked when the government would “take the people of India into confidence” and hold a debate in Parliament on the status of bilateral ties. “If Parliament could debate the border situation in November 1962… why cannot we discuss now?” he said.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate added that Jaishankar’s past comments, including saying India was a “small economy,” showed he routinely downplayed China’s threat.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/full-blown-circus-congress-slams-jaishankar-over-china-outreach-demands-parliamentary-debate-on-bilateral-ties-article-152283949

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya’s execution scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, has been postponed, top sources told Times Now.

Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya’s execution scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, has been postponed, top sources told Times Now. The development comes after reports that senior Sufi clerics in both India and Yemen had held talks to prevent her hanging. The intervention was reportedly spearheaded by renowned Yemeni Sufi scholar Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz, following an appeal by influential Indian Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to earth Tuesday at 3 PM IST, after 18 days aboard the ISS. Watch the moment the Dragon spacecraft with the Axiom-4 crew aboard touched down off the coast in San Diego.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla returned to earth Tuesday at 3 PM IST, after 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Watch the moment the Dragon spacecraft with the Axiom-4 crew aboard touched down off the coast in San Diego. After completing more than 300 orbits during his 1.3-crore-km journey, and completing all seven microgravity experiments and other planned activities, Shubhanshu Shukla and three other Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission astronauts completed their 22.5-hour journey back to Earth.

Piloted by Shubhanshu Shukla, the Axiom Mission 4, or Ax-4, undocked from the ISS on Monday, after an 18-day stay at the International Space Station, or ISS. By around 2.11 pm Monday, Shukla and mission commander Peggy Whitson were fully suited and in their seats inside the spacecraft — dubbed ‘Grace’ — which made a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean, NASA said.
At 2.50 pm the entire hatch closing process, which had started at around 2.38 pm, was complete. Following this, the Nasa and SpaceX teams began procedures for depressurisation of Grace and also conducted leak tests and other checks before the capsule could be given a go-ahead for undocking.

At 4:45 pm, the spacecraft separated from the ISS, marking the beginning of the 22.5-hour homeward journey.
Minutes after the undocking, mission commander Peggy Whitson radioed “Godspeed” and hoped for a safe return to Earth.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/first-visuals-shubhanshu-shukla-splashdown-marks-end-of-21-day-space-mission-article-152282976

The accused, identified as Veer Nayak, allegedly broke the lock on the temple’s back door and entered the premises with the intent to steal.

A man, who allegedly broke into a temple at night with the intention of stealing valuables, was caught red-handed by the police and priests in Jharkhand on Tuesday after he accidentally fell asleep inside the premises.

After receiving information from the local residents in the morning, police arrived at the scene, woke the thief and took him into custody along with the stolen items.

The incident took place at Kali temple in the marketplace area of West Singhbhum, when the accused, identified as Veer Nayak, allegedly broke the lock on the temple’s back door and entered the premises with the intent to steal.

According to police, Nayak collected several valuables from the sanctum, including gold and silver ornaments and the deity’s crown. However, instead of escaping with the stolen items, the suspect reportedly fell into a deep sleep inside the temple.

The priest was the first to spot the man and was shocked to find him asleep near the idol, with the stolen items lying close by. The priest immediately alerted the locals and called Badajamda police station.

Station in-charge Baleshwar Oraon confirmed the arrest and said an investigation is ongoing. During questioning, the accused admitted to the attempted theft but claimed he did not know when he had fallen asleep.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jharkhand-man-arrested-temple-theft-falls-asleep-inside-kali-temple-2756353-2025-07-16

An influential organisation in Assam has demanded that the state government release the long-awaited report of the judicial enquiry commission that investigated the deadly rat-hole coal mine tragedy at Umrangso in Dima Hasao district earlier this year.

On January 6, 2025, nine workers were trapped inside a flooded coal mine in Umrangso. After a gruelling 44-day search and rescue mission involving multiple agencies, including the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), all nine bodies were recovered — the final five on February 19.

Following the disaster, the state government constituted a judicial commission headed by retired Gauhati High Court judge Justice Anima Hazarika. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had assured the public that the report would be submitted within three months. Six months on, the report remains under wraps.

Daniel Langthasa, convenor of the Sixth Schedule Protection Committee and former member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), criticised the delay, calling it a betrayal of the victims’ families.

“The commission was given three months. Six months have passed, but the government has not shared the report. There is no update, and those responsible for the illegal mining that caused this tragedy are yet to be punished,” Langthasa said.

Rat-hole coal mining, a primitive, hazardous and banned practice, continues to thrive in the hilly district despite a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban imposed in 2014. A post-tragedy survey revealed that at least 220 such mines operate illegally in the Umrangso area alone.

Langthasa questioned how so many illegal mines could function undetected under the watch of the NCHAC, which is ruled by the BJP. “How could the council be unaware of 220 mines? This is blatant negligence, if not complicity,” he alleged.

One person, Punish Nunisa, has so far been arrested in connection with the incident, but activists fear he is merely a scapegoat while the bigger network behind the illicit coal trade remains untouched.

The Chief Minister had earlier announced that the Mines and Minerals Department would identify and shut down all illegal rat-hole mines in coordination with central agencies but local communities say no visible progress has been made.

Langthasa also linked the mining mafia to wider governance failures in the insurgency-hit district, pointing out a rise in mysterious deaths, kidnappings and drug abuse.

He accused the council of ignoring its mandate to protect tribal land rights, alleging that protected land is quietly being transferred to private players for coke plants and other industries without the consent of local village authorities.

Calling the situation a “social crisis”, Langthasa warned that continued illegal mining, unchecked corruption and lack of accountability could push more youth into drugs and crime.

“People commit crimes when they lose hope in those in power,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-demands-release-judicial-enquiry-report-umrangso-rat-hole-coal-mine-tragedy-2756373-2025-07-16

Fauja Singh Hit-And-Run Case: An NRI was arrested in Kartarpur for fatally hitting veteran marathoner Fauja Singh. He confessed to hitting Singh with his SUV.

Fauja Singh Hit-And-Run Case: In a major breakthrough in the veteran marathoner Fauja Singh hit-and-run case, the police arrested one Amritpal Singh Dhillon late on Tuesday. Identified as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Amritpal Singh was arrested in Kartarpur, his home town.

Amritpal Singh Dhillon had recently returned from Canada and was the one driving the SUV at the time of the accident.

It was also known that Amritpal had purchased the Fortuner from Ravindra Singh of Rurhampur two years ago.

Sources told CNN-News18 that during interrogations, Amritpal Singh admitted that the world’s oldest marathoner, Fauja Singh, was hit by his car in Punjab’s Jalandhar district.

He told the police that the accident happened while he was returning home after selling his phone in Bhogpur on Monday afternoon.

Since the car was moving at a high speed, it hit Singh. Amritpal Singh fled the scene as he got scared, he told the police.

On Tuesday, the police had said that the accused in the case had been identified and that he would be arrested soon.

“We have identified the vehicle from CCTV footage. It is a Punjab-registered Toyota Fortuner. From the accident spot, we recovered some fragments of the vehicle’s headlight. After that, we tracked down the vehicle,” Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, Harvinder Singh, told news agency PTI.

“In the CCTV footage, the part of the vehicle, which was found at the accident spot, was missing. It was a left-side headlight fragment. The registration number was readable, which we tracked. It’s a vehicle whose owners have changed more than once (probably resale),” he added.

“Now, our teams will nab the driver soon and recover the vehicle,” the SSP said.

Marathon runner Fauja Singh was 114 and was hit by a vehicle in his native village while walking down the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway. He succumbed to his injuries Monday evening.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against an unknown driver under BNS Sections 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way) and 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), soon after the accident.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/fauja-singh-marathoner-hit-and-run-case-kartarpur-resident-amritpal-singh-dhillon-arrested-9443038.html

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his crew conducted over 60 scientific experiments during their historic Axiom-4 mission aboard the ISS, marking India’s first human presence there.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow crewmembers conducted over 60 scientific experiments during their 18-day stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. This milestone mission not only marked India’s first human presence on the ISS but also focused heavily on microgravity research and technology demonstrations.

Air India is going to restore some international flights that it paused after the June 12 Ahmedabad crash, from August 1, an official statement said on Tuesday. The full restoration of flights is planned from October 1, 2025.

A total of 260 people, including the crew, died after Air India flight AI 171 crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on June 12. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed into a hostel near the airport.

“The partial resumption will see restoration of some frequencies from 1st August, relative to July, with full restoration planned from 1st October 2025,” the statement said.

That pause enabled Air India to perform additional precautionary checks on its Boeing 787 aircraft as well as accommodate longer flying times arising from airspace closures over Pakistan and the Middle East, the Tata Group-owned airline added in the statement.

Air India also announced that it will reduce the number of flights operating on certain routes. From August 1 to September 30, Air India will operate three weekly flights from Ahmedabad to London’s Heathrow Airport, as compared to the earlier five flights between Ahmedabad and London’s Gatwick Airport.

The airline also reinstated the previously curtailed 24 weekly flights between Delhi and London’s Heathrow Airport from July 16 onwards.

Also, from August 1, Air India will operate five weekly flights instead of the earlier four, from Delhi to Zurich in Switzerland.

Additionally, the number of Air India flights to several North American cities, including Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Toronto and Vancouver, remains slightly reduced.

Apart from them, Air India flights to two Australian cities, Melbourne and Sydney, will remain reduced from seven to five weekly flights.

“As the schedule reductions taken as part of the Safety Pause had been implemented until 31 July 2025 and the restoration to full operation is being phased, some services initially planned to operate between 1 August and 30 September 2025 will be removed from the schedule,” Air India added.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-india-to-restore-some-international-flights-paused-after-ahmedabad-crash-from-august-1-2756271-2025-07-15