Will show scholarship letter if PM shows his degree: Dipke amid US education row

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), challenges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly verify his degree, pledging to disclose his US education documents if Modi does the same. Responding to a probe into his finances, Dipke cites a scholarship and loan that financed his studies at Boston University, emphasizing his degree's authenticity.

Schools, colleges shut for Kanwar Yatra till Aug 12 in Ghaziabad

Authorities have closed all educational institutions in Ghaziabad from August 4-12 due to an influx of Kanwariyas. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway's closure, advanced from August 5, surprised commuters and caused extensive traffic jams. Officials stated the closures aim to manage the high movement of devotees during Kanwar Yatra, affecting daily commutes. This tradition often disrupts normal traffic flow.

Noida discom directed to step up power infrastructure

Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) has been ordered to accelerate infrastructure projects and enhance the electricity distribution network in Gautam Budh Nagar due to rising demand from expanding residential and industrial areas, particularly around Jewar. A proposal for a workshop and a major substation is underway, ensuring timely transformer replacements and prompt consumer service.

Aerotropolis project: GMADA launches faceless online land pooling system

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has launched a faceless online system for land pooling applications for the Aerotropolis Project, following significant land acquisition awards totaling ₹23,457.74 crore. The new portal simplifies applications, allowing plot amalgamation and individual video uploads, while dedicated help desks assist those unfamiliar with digital processes. Enhanced verification safeguards ensure transparency.

Nishikant seeks Zuckerberg’s apology over PM reel removal

In a committee meeting, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Communications warned Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to apologize for temporarily removing PM Modi's Facebook Reel, or risk losing “safe harbour” protections under Section 79 of the IT Act. The incident raised questions about content moderation and cybercrime, highlighting concerns over social media regulation and impact on national stability.

Disha Salian case: HC questions police over refusal to register FIR despite murder allegations

The Bombay High Court has challenged the Mumbai police over their refusal to register an FIR regarding the death of celebrity manager Disha Salian, with her father alleging gang-rape and murder rather than suicide. Despite conflicting evidence, including a lack of visible injuries, the police maintain it was an accidental death, leading to calls for a CBI probe. Disha died in 2020, shortly before Sushant Singh Rajput.

‘Wake-up call’: Prashant Kishor has a message for PM Modi after big Bankipur win

Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party secured a significant victory in Bankipur's bypolls, defeating BJP's candidate by over 19,000 votes, sending a clear message to Prime Minister Modi about the need for improved governance in Bihar. Kishor, rejecting any alliances, emphasized his commitment to the state's development and highlighted the influence of student protests in the election outcome. This win follows JSP's earlier struggles in the 2025 assembly elections.

TDRF jawan dies in pothole crash on Mumbai-Nashik highway

Thane: Vikas Gore, a 31-year-old jawan of the Thane Disaster Response Force, died in a motorcycle accident after hitting a pothole on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. Riding to report for duty following a building collapse rescue operation, he crashed into a barrier and succumbed to injuries. Concerns about hazardous road conditions had been raised prior to the tragedy. Gore leaves behind his wife, twin daughters, and parents.

SC summons top Arunachal govt officials in probe against Khandu

The Supreme Court has summoned the chief secretary and principal secretary of Arunachal Pradesh for failing to cooperate with a CBI probe into allegations tying Chief Minister Pema Khandu to nepotistic contract awards. The court questions the lack of progress, demanding explanations on non-compliance and directing an investigation into potential misconduct in public procurement practices linked to Khandu's family. This follows an April ruling spurred by public interest litigation alleging corruption in contract awards.

Malaysia closes Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School after 2 years: What happened?

Balaji Srinivasan's Network School, a startup community in Malaysia, has closed due to licensing issues amid complaints of mold and a skewed gender ratio. Srinivasan emphasizes the focus on self-improvement and innovation rather than nightlife. With plans to relocate to Kazakhstan, he criticized the media portrayal, insisting that the campus prioritized productivity and community over leisure.

Pune Airport eyes new flights to better utilise additional slots

Pune airport plans to prioritize new domestic and international flights following increased flight slots supported by the Indian Air Force. Union minister Murlidhar Mohol announced ongoing coordination with airlines to launch new routes and enhance frequency. Recent resumption of services to Dubai and Bangkok has improved capacity utilization. The airport aims to become a key aviation hub, accommodating more passengers and destinations.

HC dismisses civic body’s plea over compensation for land acquired in 1951

The Bombay High Court upheld an interim arbitral award of ₹14.15 crore to the heirs of Dinshaw Doongriwalla for land acquired in Thane in 1951 for pipeline protection, dismissing the BMC's challenge. The court emphasized the prolonged wait for compensation, marking the LARR Act’s role in modernizing valuation. The BMC’s denial of property value claims was deemed insufficient.

Police book 16 for midnight bullet bike nuisance, seize 11 modified motorcycles

The Kalepadal police took action against 16 individuals, including 13 motorcycle riders and three garage operators, for public nuisance caused by motorcycles with modified silencers that disrupted neighborhoods late at night. Following resident complaints from various areas, police seized 11 motorcycles and dismantled illegal silencers, while authorities continue to investigate the garage operators involved in the modifications.

Four states saw deadly water outbreaks: Centre

Recent outbreaks linked to water contamination in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh have resulted in hundreds of hospitalisations and fatalities. Key incidents included 459 cases in Indore and 224 in Srikakulam. Urban water distribution issues contribute to these outbreaks, prompting the Centre to support state-led assessments under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

TN moves top court to enforce Cauvery water release order

The Tamil Nadu government has petitioned the Supreme Court for Karnataka to comply with a July 30 decision by the Cauvery Water Management Authority, demanding the release of 3,500 cusecs of water daily for 15 days due to Karnataka's alleged non-compliance. Tamil Nadu argues that Karnataka has sufficient water storage yet failed to meet its obligations. The state highlights historical issues with Karnataka’s adherence to water release agreements.

Reel rivalry leads to kidnapping, assault; four arrested

A Pune-based content creator, Pratik Shinde, and three accomplices were arrested by Powai police for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting rival Mumbai content creator Chetan Devalkar over criticisms of a betting app. The assault occurred on July 26, 2023, after Shinde had warned Devalkar against his content. The accused are now in police custody.

CJP rules out political plunge, to chart roadmap at first core committee meeting

Mumbai's Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed that the organization will remain a people’s movement rather than becoming a political party, citing a loss of public faith in the electoral process. The CJP, formed in 2026 as a response to derogatory remarks against activists, successfully organized protests addressing educational issues and now plans future expansions and initiatives.

Rohit Sharma's emotional farewell to behind-the-scenes architect T Dilip

Rohit Sharma honored outgoing fielding coach T Dilip, praising his contributions during a transformative five-year tenure that included two T20 World Cup titles. Dilip's innovative ideas elevated India’s fielding standards, notably introducing a fielding medal tradition. He thanked key figures and reflected on his journey, while reports indicate Subhadeep Ghosh is set to replace him.

Auto driver injured in metro slab crash awaits compensation six months on

Mumbai's Rajkumar Yadav, an autorickshaw driver injured in a Metro slab collapse six months ago, now struggles to rebuild his life. With severe injuries and no income, his family faces escalating expenses and debt. Despite prior help from the contractor, compensation remains unresolved, leaving them uncertain about their future. The tragedy has disrupted their education and livelihood.

No women included as Karnataka cabinet under DK Shivakumar gets 19 new members

Karnataka's cabinet expansion on Monday saw 19 ministers inducted, led by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, increasing the council's strength to 33. Critics lamented the absence of women, with backlash from Congress legislators after notable omissions. The expansion aimed for social balance but faced dissent, particularly over gender representation, echoing concerns voiced by BJP leaders and prominent Congress figures.

Despite uptick in July rainfall, Kharif sowing remains below 2025 levels

Sowing of India's kharif crops is down 3.6% year-on-year at 105.2 million hectares, due to delayed monsoon and uneven rainfall, raising concerns about food output this season. Despite a slight recovery in July, most regions, particularly eastern and southern India, experienced deficits. Experts warn of reduced agricultural production, potentially increasing dependence on imports.

‘Cluster redevelopment will make Navi Mumbai unlivable’: Naik takes a swipe at Shinde

Navi Mumbai's Forest Minister Ganesh Naik fiercely criticized Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s cluster redevelopment policy, warning that increased floor space index (FSI) would render the city "unliveable." He challenged the motivations behind the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), asserting the initiative jeopardizes urban planning. His allegations were met with counterclaims from Shiv Sena leadership regarding personal motivations and city development delays.

Govt tables Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha

The Union government introduced the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026, in Lok Sabha, seeking to replace the 67-year-old ISI Act and shift governance to a government-accountable Board of Governors. While aimed at modernizing ISI and enhancing its global stature, faculty and staff opposition highlights concerns over autonomy and centralization of decision-making. Founded in 1931, ISI has been pivotal in shaping India’s statistical landscape.

Lok Sabha passes bill to raise Supreme Court judges’ strength to 38

The Lok Sabha approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, increasing the sanctioned judges from 34 to 38 due to a backlog of over 96,000 cases. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized the need for prompt justice. The Supreme Court's strength has evolved since its inception in 1950, addressing rising litigation demands.

Space earmarked for Dilip Kumar museum in his Bandra house to be sold

Veteran actress Saira Banu is reportedly selling part of her late husband Dilip Kumar’s bungalow, now named ‘The Legend By Ashar’, which was initially intended for a museum. The ground floor, measuring 1,696 square feet, has drawn interest as the sale could help repay a refundable deposit of ₹350 crore from redevelopment agreements, addressing past legal disputes.

Damage to load-bearing structure led building to come crashing down in Industrial Area Phase 2 tragedy: Probe

A recent inquiry revealed that a damaged load-bearing wall during renovations likely caused the collapse of a nearly 50-year-old building in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area, resulting in two fatalities. Experts confirmed the building’s reliance on weak brick walls. Modifications, particularly to the front wall, were made prior to the incident, highlighting negligence in structural evaluations. The building housed a new two-wheeler dealership.

Guard strangled, body dumped in water tank of Juhu residential building

A 34-year-old security guard, Manojkumar Yadav, was found strangled with his hands tied in a water tank in Juhu, prompting police to register a murder case against unknown suspects. Seven teams have been formed for the investigation, suggesting he was killed late Sunday night, with unclear motives. Yadav had worked at the building, which is under redevelopment.

BMC launches drive to clear 320 km of footpaths

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a citywide campaign called Pedestrian First to remove footpath encroachments, focusing on high-traffic areas. With plans to clear 320 kilometers of footpaths, the drive addresses unauthorized hawkers and debris. BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide emphasizes the campaign's urgency, aiming for improved safety for Mumbaikars who walk 50% of their daily journeys.

Poor BCom, BA results in distance education flagged

MUMBAI: The University of Mumbai's Centre for Distance and Online Education faces scrutiny after alarming pass rates in first-year BCom (17.97%) and BA (20.68%) programs. University senate members demanded a review over concerns of teaching and evaluation issues affecting mainly working professionals. Officials clarified the “unsuccessful” designation doesn’t imply total failure; ATKT exams commence August 25.

Drop charges against student protesters, state tells police chiefs

The Maharashtra government has ordered the withdrawal of cases against students protesting alleged NEET-UG paper leaks to facilitate their visa and admission processes. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized swift action from police, prioritizing case resolutions. With minor charges filed, the process aims to conclude quickly, reflecting similar actions by states like Assam and Bihar.