Rupnagar: Row erupts as college sports ground ‘dug up’ for AAP’s religious event

A controversy in Punjab arose after the government college sports ground in Rupnagar was damaged for an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) religious event, prompting criticism from sportspersons and political leaders. The incident has disrupted athlete training and could take months to repair. Critics argue the government neglects sports infrastructure, violating its own commitments to promote athletics.

India and China share 34% of global cholesterol-related disease burden

Cholesterol-related diseases are surging globally, particularly in India and China, which together account for 34% of disability-adjusted life years tied to high LDL cholesterol, as detailed in a JAMA study. Though effective treatments exist, access remains limited. Despite declining age-standardized rates, total deaths have risen, underscoring the urgent need for improved health strategies.

Teen dies a day after assault in Gurdaspur

A 16-year-old boy, Ashok Kumar, died following an alleged assault during a clash among laborers at a Gurdaspur warehouse. After suffering internal injuries, he was initially discharged from the hospital but deteriorated overnight. Police are investigating the incident and have sent his body for a post-mortem. Ashok had been working in wheat logistics near his village.

Lifelike robot called ‘Sally’ was going to teach in US school. It’s not as weird as it sounds

A New York school district plans to trial a humanoid robot, "Sally," in high school classrooms as a teaching assistant. While offering 24/7 support, privacy concerns have paused the project. Though robots like Sally could enhance learning, experts assert they must complement rather than replace human teachers to ensure meaningful student interactions and safeguard privacy.

IN-SPACe approval now must for planned space objects re-entry

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) now mandates approval for all planned re-entries of space objects, ensuring safety and accountability under the new framework released on July 23. Entities must submit detailed technical data for evaluation, and non-Indians must partner with Indian entities for compliance. The guidelines respond to increased commercial space activity.

J&K Open 2026 golf tourney from August 4: Organisers

The J&K Open 2026 golf tournament will commence on August 4 at Srinagar's Royal Springs Golf Course, featuring a prize purse increased to ₹1 crore and attracting top Indian golfers and 14 international players. Supported by the J&K tourism department and DP World PGTI, the event reinforces Kashmir's status as a premier golfing destination and showcases world-class sporting events. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging layout.

AAP govt pushing state towards financial disaster, says Bittu

BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu accused the Punjab government of leading the state to a financial crisis, claiming it prioritizes political optics over economic stability, with outstanding debt projected to reach ₹4.47 lakh crore. He criticized the AAP government's failure to generate new jobs and investments, urging accountability and transparency regarding fiscal mismanagement and rising debt.

CAQM issues SOP on drones to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to track crop burning

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a standard operating procedure for drone use in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to monitor crop burning in real-time this winter, particularly during late afternoon to evening hours. This measure aims to enhance enforcement against stubble burning, particularly as previous surveillance relied on satellite data that missed late burn incidents. The initiative follows a successful pilot and entails centralized data collection to aid timely interventions.

‘Wake-up call for govts, MPs’: NDA ally backs student protests

In Parliament, MP Indra Hang Subba stated that recent student protests over exam irregularities should prompt reforms in India’s examination system, labeling them a “wake-up call.” Supporting the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, he emphasized the detrimental effects of organized exam cheating on disadvantaged students. Opposition MP Hanuman Beniwal echoed these concerns, advocating for stronger legal measures against paper leak syndicates.

One killed, five injured in Manipur gunfight

One person was killed and five, including two CRPF personnel, injured during a gunfight in Bitiang amid a shutdown called by a Naga organization protesting alleged CRPF actions. The violence erupted during a search operation targeting a Naga Village Guard camp. Additional security has been deployed, and a police case has been registered. Background tensions stem from ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.

ATS arrests mastermind of fake Aadhaar racket in West Bengal

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Saddam, the alleged mastermind behind a fraudulent racket producing forged Indian identity documents for foreign nationals, including Rohingya and Bangladeshi individuals. The racket exploited the Aadhaar system, employing VPN technology for unauthorized access. Seventeen members have been arrested previously. Investigators are examining Saddam's mobile for more leads.

Habitat loss key challenge in conservation: Yadav on Gloal Tiger Day

India's tiger conservation faces critical challenges including habitat fragmentation and prey loss, necessitating systemic capacity building, according to a new Environment Ministry report. Released during Global Tiger Day 2026, the report highlights the need for proactive conservation. India, home to nearly 70% of global tigers, aims to enhance conservation efforts through community engagement and science-based strategies.

How sugarcane lends its sweetness to verse

During Aashadi, Bengaluru's neighborhoods come alive with festive shoppers seeking sarees and indulging in community celebrations, marked by the aroma of traditional sweets and pulao. Deeply ingrained in Kannada culture, sugarcane symbolizes sweetness and prosperity, enriching folk music, culinary practices, and festivals. Historical ties to sugarcane highlight its significance, from ancient folklore to contemporary recipes.

Ramayana trailer decoded: 4 major mythological details you need to know

The trailer for *Ramayana: Part One*, releasing globally on November 8, highlights key mythological elements, including Jatayu, voiced by Anupam Kher, who embodies righteousness. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi as Sita, showcasing grand visuals and foreshadowing epic battles, while echoing themes from the original Ramayana epic.

Lawyers’ unavailability biggest cause of pendency in UP courts

Delays in Uttar Pradesh's subordinate courts, with over 1.19 crore pending cases, are largely due to the absence of lawyers, affecting approximately 27.01 lakh cases. Administrative hurdles and witness non-availability also contribute. New laws allow trials in absentia to address these issues. Criminal cases dominate the backlog, highlighting the urgent need for judicial reform.

Doda man death in police firing: Assar SDM records family’s statements

A 35-year-old e-rickshaw driver, Arif Hussain, was fatally shot during a police confrontation with alleged cattle smugglers in Doda's Jai Valley on July 16. A magisterial probe and SIT have been initiated following protests triggered by the incident. While police reported Hussain's involvement in smuggling, his family strongly denies these claims, insisting on his innocence.

Missing Bareilly seaman: Uncertainty hangs as pall, family awaits official word

An Indian seaman from Bareilly, Deepak Kumar Gupta, is missing after an attack on the MV AGN Ragnar at Odessa Port, leaving his family desperate for news. Despite ongoing rescue efforts, no official updates have been provided. Relatives have sought help from officials, amidst conflicting reports about others being found safe. Government contacts are underway to locate him.

Object removed from one and a half year old boy’s food pipe without surgery

Doctors at the Post Graduate Institute of Child Health in Noida successfully removed a metal nut and bolt from the food pipe of a one-and-a-half-year-old boy who accidentally swallowed them, averting serious complications. The procedure, performed under general anesthesia, involved rigid oesophagoscopy. Experts urge parents to keep small objects out of reach and seek immediate medical help if a child swallows a foreign object.

Zendaya dazzles at Spider-Man Brand New Day London premiere with Tom Holland

Zendaya dazzled at the London premiere of *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, wearing a stunning white gown by Tamara Ralph, styled by Law Roach. The dress featured a fitted bodice, plunging neckline, and a mermaid skirt with gold embroidery, complementing her wavy tresses and glossy makeup. The film, premiering July 30, 2026, stars Tom Holland and features a new villain.

70-year-old man dies after falling into open drain in Noida Sector 66

A 70-year-old man, Rumal Singh, died after falling into a partially open 2.5-feet-deep drain in Noida’s Sector 66 on Wednesday. Witnesses attempted to rescue him, but he drowned. The incident highlights safety concerns, with the Noida Authority investigating the conditions of local drains. This marks the second such incident in a month involving similar circumstances.

52 of 60 MU distance-learning MMS students fail, demand re-evaluation

In a significant setback, 52 of 60 students in the University of Mumbai's MMS program have failed first-semester exams, triggering demands for re-evaluation. Students allege administrative failures, such as late study materials and inadequate faculty support. Despite assurances from university officials for improved systems and clarification on the NEP rules, many remain dissatisfied and seek transparency on grading changes.

‘This is the last battle’: Jarange Patil sets August 29 deadline for fresh Maratha quota stir

Quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil plans a fresh hunger strike starting August 29, demanding the Maharashtra government fulfill promises regarding Maratha reservation, claiming his community’s ten demands remain unmet. He urges Marathas to join the protest, criticizing the government for inaction on caste certificates and development funds. Background includes his previous hunger strike in 2020, which ended without results.

Process of land acquisition for New Noida project set to kick off

The Noida authority is set to begin the land acquisition process for the New Noida project (DNGIR) next week, engaging four revenue officials for surveys and consent-based acquisitions from farmers. The project covers 209.11 square km across 84 villages. A development plan includes infrastructure improvements and industrial plot allocations, with land acquisition occurring in four phases by 2041.

Residents flag faulty streetlights in Sector 43, Noida

Residents in Noida's Sector 43 report that over half of the streetlights have been non-functional for two to three months, creating safety hazards for approximately 140 households in blocks A, B, and C, according to their welfare association. Despite multiple complaints, the Noida authority claims unawareness but will investigate the matter, citing past repairs and potential wiring issues.

State to decide on PM Modi’s eco-friendly Ganesh idol appeal at July 31 meeting: Govt to HC

The Maharashtra government will consider Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols at a meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on July 31, following a public interest litigation highlighting pollution from idol immersion. Previous court directives mandated immersion in artificial ponds and recycling processes for Plaster-of-Paris idols to mitigate environmental impact.

CBI adds 4 more accused in PNB fraud case against Mehul Choksi

The CBI has implicated four additional individuals in the ₹13,578 crore fraud connected to fugitive Mehul Choksi, including PNB’s internal auditor Bishnubrata Mishra. A special court has recognized the supplementary charge-sheet detailing their roles in facilitating fraudulent Letters of Undertaking for Choksi’s firms without credit limits, mirroring another high-profile case involving Nirav Modi.

FDA targets junk food sales near schools, canteens

The CBI has implicated four additional individuals in the ₹13,578 crore fraud connected to fugitive Mehul Choksi, including PNB’s internal auditor Bishnubrata Mishra. A special court has recognized the supplementary charge-sheet detailing their roles in facilitating fraudulent Letters of Undertaking for Choksi’s firms without credit limits, mirroring another high-profile case involving Nirav Modi.

Gautam Budh Nagar enforcement drive: Six booked for power theft

NOIDA: The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has booked six consumers for electricity theft and disconnected power to three premises with dues over ₹10 lakh in Gautam Budh Nagar. This enforcement drive aimed at combating power theft included inspections at multiple locations. Ongoing action under the Electricity Act reflects UPPCL's commitment to curbing revenue losses.

Ghaziabad: Heavy material loaded on truck hits passengers of passing vehicle, 3 dead

Three family members were killed and four injured when heavy equipment from a loader truck struck a mini pickup’s roof on Upper Ganga Canal Road, Ghaziabad, late Tuesday. The truck was reportedly speeding and on the wrong side. Two men, aged 18 and 38, have been arrested. Victims were traveling to Haridwar for Kanwar Yatra.

NMMC warns of demolition, legal action against illegal structures as HC tightens scrutiny

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has issued a warning against illegal constructions, stating that unauthorized structures will face demolition and legal action, as mandated by the Bombay High Court. Following three hearings on political interference, NMMC plans to recover demolition costs from landowners. This comes amid scrutiny of 12,687 identified illegal constructions and ongoing encroachments in Navi Mumbai.