Maharashtra may witness mixed monsoon pattern in August

Maharashtra is forecasted to experience mixed rainfall patterns in August, with below-normal precipitation expected in September, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Central Maharashtra and Marathwada may see normal to above-normal rainfall, while Konkan and Vidarbha could face deficits. Notably, evolving El Niño conditions are likely influencing rainfall variability, complicating predictions for the region.

PPCB enforces lead limit in paint for safer homes

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has mandated all paint manufacturers to ensure compliance with lead content limits in household and decorative paints, obtaining certification from recognized laboratories before marketing their products. This directive aims to enhance public health protections against lead, a chemical identified by WHO as a major health risk, particularly for children. Compliance with these regulations is essential for safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Punjab high on immigration frauds, low on prosecution

Punjab has seen a significant rise in immigration fraud complaints, escalating from 18 in 2024 to 80 in 2025, yet no prosecutions have been sanctioned in three years, as reported by the MEA. Increased investigations by Punjab Police failed to lead to legal action, contrasting with responses from other states. Complaints mainly originate from Doaba districts, fueled by aggressive marketing by unauthorized agents targeting young job seekers.

Two booked for bid to kidnap, assault jeweller over loan dispute

A 47-year-old Zaveri Bazaar jeweller, Kailash Raigar, has reported an assault and attempted kidnapping by Hitesh Jain and Kehul Jain in Bandra after seeking repayment of a ₹35 lakh loan. Police intervened during the attack, leading to an FIR against the duo under relevant legal sections. Raigar and Saurav Jain had known each other for six months prior to the incident.

Not eyeing CM’s post, Warring tells workers

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has excluded himself from the chief ministerial race, emphasizing his commitment to reestablishing Congress in Punjab ahead of the assembly elections. Warring criticized internal discord within the party but highlighted the capabilities of senior leaders. The Aam Aadmi Party refuted his claims about its MLAs, exposing ongoing factional tensions as Congress aims to recover from its 2022 defeat.

Jharkhand BJP MPs protest at Parliament House over exam irregularities

BJP MPs from Jharkhand are demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, criticizing the JMM-led government for endangering students’ futures. Protests, including sit-ins at Parliament, highlight student unrest over supposed paper leaks and the use of blacklisted companies for exam conduct. Allegations of consistent malpractice over years prompt calls for accountability and action against corruption.

Man booked for illegally confining protected animals in Ludhiana

A joint operation by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, wildlife department, and Punjab Police rescued two black kites and a jackal from influencer Ranjit Singh Rana's home in Sekhdaun after his Instagram posts revealed illegal captivity of protected animals. This prompted an investigation into potential violations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with a case filed against Rana.

Ludhiana buckles under weight of mounting garbage as sanitation staff stir continues

Ludhiana is facing a crisis with nearly 8,800 metric tonnes of garbage piling up due to a sanitation workers’ strike over demands for criminal proceedings against police officers involved in a July incident. The 6,000 workers’ absence has disrupted waste management, worsening sanitation issues amid monsoon concerns. The municipal corporation is attempting to address the impasse but progress is stalled.

Want a 35-year-old heart at 50? Cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj shares 3 habits

Improving your health doesn't always start with a strict diet or an intense workout plan. Sometimes, the biggest changes come from the smallest daily habits repeated consistently. Highlighting this idea, cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj shared a practical August challenge, urging people to focus on one simple habit for the next 30 days.

Ludhiana: Students seek fair probe into ‘cheating racket’

Students from various academic backgrounds protested in Ludhiana, demanding a fair investigation into an alleged cheating scandal during the pharmacy officer recruitment exam. They urged the Punjab government for transparency and accountability, voicing concerns over integrity in examinations. The protest follows the arrest of 31 individuals linked to cheating during the July 19 exam for 454 posts by Baba Farid University.

Ghaziabad man kills brother over tractor dispute; arrested

A 26-year-old man, Sukhbir Singh, was arrested for allegedly murdering his 42-year-old brother, Monu Singh, by hitting him with stones and hiding the body near a rail-over-bridge in Ghaziabad. The incident, arising from a dispute over a tractor, occurred on July 25, with locals discovering the body the next day. Police traced the suspect through CCTV footage and mobile surveillance.

Ludhiana: State basketball tourney opens with one court still under repair

The sub-junior Punjab state basketball championship commenced at Guru Nanak Stadium, despite one court under repair due to recent waterlogging and defects in the imported maple flooring. Originally set for Kirpalsagar Academy, matches proceeded amidst ongoing repairs. The stadium, constructed at increased costs, has faced delays and quality concerns since its 2023 inauguration, raising issues over its construction integrity.

Jharkhand Govt concerned over students’ fate: Governor

Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar emphasized the government's commitment to addressing students' concerns regarding irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations, likening the situation to recent student protests in Delhi that were resolved. Celebrating two years in office, he highlighted ongoing educational reforms, aiming to enhance academic quality and support student futures.

Ghaziabad: 30-year-old held for live-in partner’s murder

A 30-year-old man was arrested in Ghaziabad for allegedly murdering his live-in partner, a 45-year-old from Bihar, after a foul smell led to the discovery of her decomposed body. The police found evidence of strangulation and recovered incriminating photos on the suspect's phone. A fight over his daughters' living arrangements escalated into the fatal altercation on July 24.

Gr Noida: Minor with impaired speech sexually harassed by school bus driver; held

A 25-year-old school bus driver was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a 15-year-old student with disabilities for months at a Greater Noida school. The girl, a Class 7 student, disclosed the harassment after appearing distressed. Investigations revealed threats and inappropriate touching. The school responded swiftly after being informed, terminating the driver’s employment. The case is under police investigation.

Noida Sector 12 residents flag ‘recurring’ power cuts

Residents of Noida's Sector 12 have reported daily power outages lasting three to five hours, impacting thousands due to faulty supply lines. This issue particularly challenges vulnerable groups and damages appliances. While UPPCL cites maintenance and monsoon disruptions, residents demand immediate solutions as outages persist despite claims of short duration during heavy rain and ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding.

Two friends shot at outside shopping mall in Ludhiana

Two friends were shot after an altercation outside a shopping mall in Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, with police suspecting an old rivalry between two groups as the cause. The victims, Aryan Ghumman and another Aryan, are stable after being treated for injuries. The investigation includes reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements. The incident follows another shooting over a loan dispute.

Suraksha Group completes work on 7,913 flats in Noida’s Wish Town

Suraksha Group has successfully built 7,913 flats in Noida's Wish Town, with plans to complete remaining homes by 2028. Structural audits and safety certifications are underway, while infrastructure upgrades include enhanced power supply and Ganga water connectivity. Acquired in 2024, Suraksha is committed to resolving delays impacting thousands of homebuyers awaiting possession.

Consumers face brunt as deadlock deepens in Ludhiana

Hopes for normal services at Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) offices diminished as a meeting between management and outsourced employees ended without resolution. The ongoing strike affects hundreds of customers seeking assistance at Suvidha Kendras, with employees demanding government action on long-standing issues. Services remain disrupted despite assurances from management about future discussions on resolutions.

GMDA to monitor waste trucks using CCTV cameras

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has integrated the city's garbage dumping vehicles with its integrated command and control centre (ICCC) for real-time monitoring via CCTV, enhancing sanitation accountability and efficiency. This system tracks all 31 municipal waste vehicles, aiding in identifying littering. GMDA is also collaborating with traffic police for AI-enabled enforcement of lane violations.

Two workers electrocuted during sewer line excavation in Faridabad, house owner booked

Two workers, Manish Kumar, 55, and Shehanshah, 34, were electrocuted in Faridabad while excavating a sewer line after striking an underground power cable. Investigators suspect negligence, as three witnesses claimed the house owner knew about the cable but failed to inform the workers. Police have filed an FIR against the owner and contractor for negligence.

Pollution Board plans fresh case against MCG over Bandhwari violations

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) will prosecute the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) for ongoing solid waste management violations at Bandhwari landfill, marking its second case against the civic body. The new case targets specific officers for the breaches. HSPCB has fined MCG ₹30 lakh for multiple fire incidents at the site amid National Green Tribunal scrutiny. Background includes a total penalty of ₹7 crore since April 2020, with a court order requiring MCG to present a waste management plan.

Kanwar Yatra: 4.5K security personnel deployed in Ggm and F’bad

Over 4,500 police personnel are deployed in Gurugram and Faridabad for the Kanwar Yatra, ensuring safety and traffic management. Surveillance drones and quick response teams will oversee the pilgrimage, while emergency services and volunteers will support participants. Different routes monitored by CCTV will feature checkpoints to counter anti-social elements, reinforcing security measures for the annual event.

GMDA to widen key city drain to curb waterlogging

To combat persistent waterlogging issues in Gurugram, the GMDA plans to widen a 5 km section of the Leg 2 storm water drain at a cost of ₹20 crore. This initiative aims to enhance drainage capacity, preventing flooding in residential areas and key routes. The project follows successful drainage improvements made earlier this year. The total drain extends 21 km, connecting vital city areas.

Brajmandal Yatra: Seven CRPF units, drones deployed in Nuh

On August 3, around 2,500 police personnel, including seven CRPF companies and drones, will ensure safety during the Brajmandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Nuh, nearly three years after communal violence claimed seven lives. Extensive video recording will monitor the event, as schools and liquor shops close. Heavy vehicles are banned, and police will enforce strict measures to maintain peace.

CJP protest: Kin of injured cops seek action against suspects

Family of injured Delhi police personnel from the Cockroach Janta Party protest demand arrests and investigations into attacks on officers, as over 128 sustained injuries during clashes. The families criticized the Delhi government's decision to limit legal actions against protesters, fearing it hinders justice. Accounts reveal severe injuries sustained by several officers amid escalating violence at Jantar Mantar.

DU increases 1-year PG seats; faculty flags infra crunch

The University of Delhi has increased seats in several one-year postgraduate programs from 45 to 126 for disciplines such as M.A. in English and Economics, addressing long-standing student and faculty demands. However, concerns about inadequate infrastructure have been raised by faculty, suggesting the increase may strain resources. This program, previously two years, will commence in the 2026-27 session.

Barapullah phase III corridor ready decade of delay, likely to open this month

The 3.5-km Barapullah Phase III elevated corridor in New Delhi is completed nearly a decade after inception, set for inauguration in August. It offers a signal-free link from Mayur Vihar to AIIMS, cutting travel time to 15 minutes and reducing congestion. Initially approved in 2014, delays were caused by land acquisition and disputes, with costs rising to ₹1,330 crore.

NGT slams Centre over lack of tree-felling rules

The National Green Tribunal criticized the Union Ministry of Environment for its failure to establish a regulatory framework for tree felling on non-forest lands, highlighting illegal cutting cases like the recent unauthorized removal of 29 trees from a Sirsa school. Local officials must comply with environmental norms as the MoEFCC develops necessary guidelines. Background concerns about tree safety have emerged amidst a lack of stringent regulations in Haryana.

Jagatpuri woman stabbed to death, husband on the run

A 50-year-old woman, Komal Singh, was fatally stabbed with scissors at her northeast Delhi home, prompting police to search for her missing husband. Discovered by her elder son, she was found in a pool of blood. Investigators believe a domestic dispute linked to infidelity may have led to the attack. Efforts to locate her husband continue.