SC rejects plea to halt 'Mahaprabhu Jagannath' release, upholds artistic freedom

The Supreme Court upheld artistic freedom on Wednesday, allowing the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath" to release despite objections. Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan rejected the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration's plea, emphasizing that creative expression should not be stifled by a few dissenting voices, as it reflects India's tradition of diverse storytelling and reverence in art.

DDA concludes three-day Yamuna Dialogues initiative

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) concluded its stakeholder consultation workshops under the Yamuna Dialogues, shaping recommendations for the forthcoming "Delhi Yamuna Compact" aimed at restoring the Yamuna floodplains. This initiative, prompted by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, involved diverse participants discussing effective strategies. The compact is set for circulation and deliberation on September 11.

Four Punjab-origin men arrested for abducting 3 compatriots in Thailand

Five Indian nationals were arrested in Thailand for allegedly abducting three fellow Indians and demanding ransom. The suspects, instructed by a Pakistani national linked via chat, planned to collect the ransom in cryptocurrency. Victims were lured to Pattaya under false pretenses and tortured. Police rescued them after the Indian Embassy alerted authorities following family concerns.

30-yr-old man stabbed to death, female friend severely injured in attack at Delhi park

A 30-year-old man named Sunil was fatally stabbed and his friend severely injured by a group of three to four men at Khimman Singh Park in northwest Delhi. A juvenile suspect has been arrested. The attack reportedly stemmed from harassment as Sunil intervened when the group made objectionable comments towards his friend. Police continue their investigation.

Student ‘assaults’ principal after reprimand, footage filmed, shared

A Class 11 student in Ludhiana allegedly assaulted his principal after being reprimanded for indiscipline, including sporting tattoos and an unconventional hairstyle. The student recorded the assault with a friend's help, and the video circulated online. The principal, who suffered no serious injuries, filed a police complaint, prompting an investigation into the incident.

Paid access curbs public use of LDA neighbourhood parks

Residents of Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar Extension are alarmed by the LDA's decision to lease neighbourhood parks to private operators, effectively commercializing public green spaces while many suffer neglect. Parks are now locked and charge fees for access, contradicting their original purpose of community recreation. Compounding the issue, several parks face encroachments and poor maintenance, with residents demanding immediate restoration of free access and maintenance improvements.

Punjab: Info panel smells rat in handling of teacher’s disability certificate case

The Punjab State Information Commission has directed an investigation into irregularities surrounding a Punjabi teacher's disability certificate after a 2024 Vigilance Bureau inquiry revealed discrepancies between an initial 42% and a subsequent 8% disability assessment. The commission questioned the former school education director's decision to clear the teacher and summoned officials for clarification on record handling. Further hearings are set for August 13.

NGT directs Pune Collector to disburse ₹2.70 crore compensation to Pimpri fire victims’ families

The National Green Tribunal has ordered the Pune District collector to distribute ₹2.70 crore in compensation to 14 workers' families affected by a candle unit fire in December 2023, with payment due within two months. The company responsible, M/S Shivraj Enterprises, claims financial incapacity. Previous state and relief funds were provided, but compensation was calculated based on Supreme Court guidelines.

India, 4 other nations face 100% tariffs as US Senate advances Russia sanctions bill

The US Senate advanced the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026” with an 86-12 vote, imposing tariffs up to 100% on India and others for Russian energy purchases. It aims to target China and India, key offenders in financing Russia's war. Opposition in the House fears expanded tariff powers for Trump. India is monitoring the situation closely.

Pune’s air quality shows little improvement: ESR

Pune's air quality is worsening as PM2.5 and NO₂ levels rise, especially in traffic-heavy areas like Shivajinagar and Lohegaon, per the Pune Municipal Corporation's 2025-26 Environmental Status Report. Key pollution sources include vehicular emissions and urbanization. Although vehicle registrations for electric mobility increased, stricter pollution controls are needed to combat health risks and improve air quality.

Punjab extends deadline to upload fee details after 40% schools fail to comply

Almost 40% of schools in Punjab missed a July 25 deadline to disclose fee structures under the new Punjab Regulation of Fee of Unaided Educational Institutions (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, prompting an extension to July 31. While Muktsar and Mansa led in compliance at 94%, Gurdaspur and Ludhiana lagged, with only 49% and 51%, respectively. The ordinance, approved on June 23, limits annual fee increases to 5%, requiring schools to detail their fee structures for the past four years. Deputy commissioner-led regulatory bodies will review submissions for irregularities.

PCMC suspends fire officer over Moshi garbage depot tragedy, orders departmental probe

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has suspended senior fire officer Rushikant Hiraman Chipade amid a departmental inquiry into his alleged misconduct related to a fire no-objection certificate for a collapsed administrative building, which killed nine. Chipade reportedly issued a certificate for an unauthorized multi-story structure without proper inspections, leading to serious safety violations. The incident occurred on July 8 at the Moshi garbage depot, prompting further scrutiny of PCMC officials.

Punjab: Sangrur court issues bailable warrant against Kharge

The Sangrur ACJM has issued a bailable warrant for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after his non-appearance in a criminal defamation case related to remarks on Bajrang Dal during the 2023 Karnataka elections. The complaint, filed by Hitesh Bhardwaj, alleges Kharge's statements harmed the group's reputation. The case will be heard on September 19, continuing under Bhardwaj's son.

Deploy 2 addl heavy excavators in Lippa village to remove debris: Himachal HC tells govt

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered immediate deployment of heavy machinery in Kinnaur’s Lippa village to clear debris and prevent flooding after recent incidents raised concerns. The court noted slow progress on GSI recommendations from February for long-term solutions. A ₹18.67 crore mitigation project is planned, with a status report due by August 31.

2027 UP polls: Akash Anand to kick-start BSP’s campaign from Hathras on August 10

Bahujan Samaj Party's national convenor Akash Anand will kick off the party's campaign for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in Hathras on August 10, aiming to energize its youth base amid competition from other parties. This marks his first public outing since his appointment as Mayawati's political heir in August 2025, as he embarks on a statewide outreach.

Decree on anti-sacrilege law: Mann govt gives 26-page reply, Takht calls it ‘unsatisfactory’

The Punjab government submitted a response to the Akal Takht regarding the controversial anti-sacrilege law, after a one-month ultimatum expired. Despite a 26-page document presented by officials, the Takht criticized it for lacking seriousness and clarity on contentious clauses. The law, passed in April, aims to deter sacrilege but faced backlash for its provisions.

Wettest July: City breaks 119-year-old rainfall record

Pune experienced its wettest July ever, with 508.9 mm of rain recorded at the Shivajinagar observatory, surpassing the 1907 record. This historic rainfall was noted after sustained monsoon activity, prompting the IMD to forecast a decrease in rainfall. Alerts for varying rainfall levels will ease, with a significant reduction expected by August 1, enhancing overall weather conditions.

141 Shalarth IDs created in a single day bearing former deputy director’s signature: Probe

Nashik police are investigating a ₹160-crore scam involving the issuance of fraudulent Shalarth IDs to 141 employees, with all orders processed on the same day in 2019, signed by then Deputy Director Nitin Bacchav, who is now absconding. The scheme, orchestrated by trustee Sanjay Garud, allegedly involved forged records to misappropriate state funds. Background checks indicate broader conspiratorial links across educational trusts.

Metro weekday ridership fell by 4.1% during central Delhi protests, shows data

Weekday ridership on the Delhi Metro dropped by 267,000, or 4.1%, amid protests near Jantar Mantar, with over 16 stations closed for security. Average journeys fell from 6.593 million to 6.326 million during the peak protest period, although DMRC deemed the decline nominal. In July 2025, ridership was notably higher, reflecting typical fluctuations during disruptions.

Delhi HC dismisses plea to deport illegal migrants

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking the deportation of alleged illegal migrants from areas like Batla House and Shaheen Bagh, citing vague and unsubstantiated claims. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav noted the petition lacked specific identities or evidence of wrongdoing. Background involved claims of criminal activities without police verification or formal complaints.

LG, CM review Delhi’s deregulation drive; pending reforms to be completed by mid-August

The Delhi government plans to complete all pending reforms under its deregulation and ease of doing business program by mid-August, following a high-level review meeting. Key reforms, including the draft Delhi Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, have been finalized. This initiative aims to improve business operations and living conditions in the Capital, under a task force led by the Prime Minister.

DJB clears ₹4.5K-cr for Yamuna rejuvenation project

The Delhi Jal Board has approved ₹4,500 crore for a comprehensive wastewater management initiative to enhance sewage treatment, including 15 new decentralized treatment plants (DSTPs) and expanded sewer coverage for 3.3 million individuals. Additionally, an e-KYC project will target 3 million illegal water connections to boost revenue and improve billing accuracy. This effort aims to significantly upgrade Delhi's sewage infrastructure and operational efficiency, addressing substantial non-revenue water issues.

2 arrested in arms-terror module: Police

Delhi Police's crime branch arrested two alleged members of an international arms trafficking and terror module, Mehfooz Ali and Mohammad Ahmad, linked to fugitive arms dealer Shahbaz Ansari operating from Bangladesh. They were part of a syndicate from which 16 others had been previously arrested. Ali has past connections to organized crime, notably facilitating key criminal activities.

Delhi court stays non-bailable warrants against student leader Aishe Ghosh in ’21 case

A Delhi court has stayed non-bailable warrants against student leader Aishe Ghosh, initiated for her involvement in a 2021 protest against police actions in Kolkata. This decision follows Delhi Police's controversial attempt to execute the warrants at the Communist Party's office. Ghosh's legal team cited her absence in court as the reason for the stay, highlighting ongoing tensions between opposition leaders and the government regarding police conduct.

Punjab: War-risk levy leaves Basmati exporters with a sinking feeling

Basmati exporters in Punjab and Haryana are struggling with disrupted shipments and declining exports to the Middle East due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, exacerbated by a “war risk surcharge” of $2,500 per container imposed by shipping companies as of August 1. The cost to transport a container has soared to $7,000, affecting trade logistics. This situation threatens India’s ₹50,000 crore basmati market, which has seen exports nearly halved since the conflict began, raising concerns among exporters about future sustainability and competitive pricing.

Intermittent rain causes traffic snarl on key Delhi roads

Intermittent rainfall in New Delhi led to significant waterlogging, causing major traffic snarls on the Ring Road and arterial routes during the evening rush hour. The worst affected was the stretch between Lajpat Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan, where delays extended to two to three hours. Civic agencies responded by deploying pumps, yet traffic remained heavy throughout peak hours.

Police file FIR over ‘defamatory’ social media posts against PM

The Delhi Police have filed an FIR against unknown social media accounts for posting objectionable content about Prime Minister Modi, urging X to take down the posts and reveal user details. This action follows an escalating trend of defamatory materials, including deepfake videos. Over 250 such posts have been removed recently, with more FIRs expected.

State, BMC, named respondents in legal notice on birth certificate corrections

Advocate Faiyaz Alam Shaikh has issued a legal notice regarding the freeze on birth certificate corrections in Mumbai since May, impacting residents’ school admissions and visa processes. The notice blames political interference from BJP ex-MP Kirit Somaiya for this halt, contrasting it with other states continuing to process genuine applications and demands restoration of correction powers and a fast-track clearance desk.

Engineering CAP: 2.16 lakh seats on offer

Pune: The Maharashtra CET cell has announced 216,552 engineering seats across 380 colleges for the 2026-27 academic year, with computer engineering offering the highest intake of 30,993 seats. The option form filling for the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) Round 1 is ongoing until July 30. A total of 244,355 students registered, with the first allotment list due on August 2.

Pedestrianisation project, Jama Masjid precinct revamp under consideration for Walled City redevelopment

The Delhi government is planning a redevelopment project for the Walled City, including a pedestrianisation initiative and enhancements to the Jama Masjid precinct. This follows a 2021 project that improved pedestrian pathways, and now aims to address civic infrastructure gaps. The effort balances heritage conservation with modern amenities, supported by the newly renamed Indraprastha Virasat Punarvikas Nigam agency.