CNG crisis: Low pressure triggers long queues, dealers seek urgent MNGL action

CNG users in Pune face severe disruptions due to low gas pressure, leading to long queues and traffic congestion at fuel stations, impacting the livelihoods of transport operators and private motorists. The Petrol Dealers Association Pune has urged Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited to address the crisis rapidly, emphasizing the need for expanded infrastructure and collaborative solutions.

Youth unrest over paper leaks adds to BJP’s election challenges in UP

The BJP in Uttar Pradesh faces mounting challenges ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, particularly from a burgeoning youth movement protesting paper leaks and recruitment delays. With significant public support, Opposition leaders are mobilizing to hold the BJP accountable, while the ruling party promises strict actions against corruption. This agitation could critically influence young voters, reshaping electoral dynamics as dissatisfaction with government accountability grows.

Punjab gharial rescued after straying into Rajasthan canal

A rescued gharial from Punjab, measuring over 12 feet, is set for rehabilitation before being released into the Beas River Conservation Reserve after five months of coordinated efforts. The operation, which involved Rajasthan and Punjab forest departments alongside wildlife experts, started on March 14, highlighting the significance of inter-state collaboration in conserving this critically endangered species.

Alert railway staff save disabled passenger at Lonavla

A Central Railway pointsman and a Railway Protection Force constable prevented a tragic accident at Lonavla station when a physically challenged passenger attempted to board the moving Koyna Express. The duo's swift action saved him from being dragged under the train. Railways praised their courage, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in ensuring passenger safety.

Ailing elephant rescued from forced labour in Barnala, 4 booked

The Punjab forest department rescued a captive female elephant named Laxmi in Barnala, previously used for religious processions despite severe health issues. Owner Jai Ram and three mahouts face charges for mistreatment. Complaints from locals led to the rescue, violating laws protecting elephants under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Pune doctor booked for allegedly practising sans medical registration

Pune's Kondhwa police have filed an FIR against Dr. Keshav Dara Wadia, 62, for illegally practicing electro-homeopathy without registration with any medical council, violating the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961. The complaint arose following a PMC inspection revealing no legal medical qualifications. The investigation continues, focusing on potential regulatory violations by the practitioner.

85 FIRs filed over Soybean seed complaints: Maharashtra agriculture minister

The Maharashtra government will maintain the current crop insurance scheme for the 2026 Kharif season to support farmers amid reports of poor soybean seed germination. Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne announced actions against seed companies after receiving 73,337 complaints. Soybean cultivation spans 47.32 lakh hectares in the state, facing significant seed quality issues this season amid adequate seed supply.

‘If Israel does not implement…’: What Hamas said after Trump's Gaza announcement

President Trump announced a historic Israel-Hamas peace deal, focusing on Hamas disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Senior Hamas officials confirmed the agreement, linking disarmament to Israel's withdrawal and the establishment of the National Committee for Administration of Gaza. Six months of negotiations preceded the deal, aimed at ensuring peace and security.

Haryana records over 3k new breast cancer cases annually: Rohtak PGIMS director

Haryana sees 3,000 to 3,500 new breast cancer cases annually, with many women seeking care only in advanced stages, hindering recovery chances. Prof Dr SK Singhal of PGIMS highlighted breast cancer's prevalence among women in Haryana. A new initiative, Cancer Mukta Haryana Samiti, aims to enhance awareness and early detection, building on the foundation's successful screening programs.

SPPU official arrested in fake degree case

Pune police arrested Ramesh Mukhekar, a suspended Savitribai Phule Pune University official, in a fake BCom degree racket. An internal inquiry uncovered discrepancies in academic documents, triggering the FIR, which includes charges of forgery and cheating. NCP MLA Rohit Pawar called for a comprehensive probe, citing potential broader issues within the university's operations.

1 killed, at least 7 feared trapped after building collapses in Maha's Bhiwandi

One person died and seven to eight remain trapped after a portion of the Kohinoor Building in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, collapsed on Thursday night during repairs. The structure, deemed dangerous by municipal authorities, had 48 rooms across four floors. A major multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing, involving local and national disaster response teams, following reports of loud cracking before the collapse.

JKSA urges Rahul Gandhi to raise issue regarding recruitment scams in Parliament

The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) urged Rahul Gandhi to address ongoing recruitment scams and irregularities in Parliament, emphasizing their erosion of public trust and aspirations among youth. JKSA highlighted concerns over examination cancellations, paper leaks, and the lack of accountability in public recruitment processes, calling for clarity on investigations and safeguards against future misconduct.

Indian students face tougher Australia visa approvals

Indian students are facing increased challenges in securing Australian student visas, with a 16% drop in higher education visa grants reported for the 2025-26 financial year. Visa approvals are down sharply, particularly for Indian applicants, whose approvals fell 75% in June 2026. Rising application fees further complicate the situation, threatening Australia’s international education market viability.

Haryana intensifies crackdown on spurious drugs, FDA records 16 arrests in 10 months

Haryana's FDA has arrested 16 individuals for counterfeit drug offenses in the past 10 months, with 12 arrests occurring in Gurugram, where authorities dismantled interstate syndicates and seized fake medicines worth Rs 70 lakh. The agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy against spurious drugs, investigating various cases, including a notable counterfeit Mounjaro injection bust in April 2026, tracing other counterfeit products to unlicensed sources.

PMC orders action over illegal tree felling at PL Deshpande Garden

The Pune Municipal Corporation's standing committee has ordered strict action against those involved in the illegal felling of a tree at PL Deshpande Garden, with a citywide review of municipal garden security underway. This follows a police case against a tree inspector and three others, prompted by environmental activists who intercepted timber transport. An internal inquiry is ongoing.

EOW files challan against four in fake cooking oil company fraud

The Economic Offences Wing of the J&K crime branch has filed charges against four individuals for selling fake cooking oil and fraud. They are accused of cheating a complainant out of ₹15 lakh after falsely presenting themselves as representatives of a non-existent company, M/s Assured Agro Food Industries. Investigations revealed their conspiracy, leading to legal proceedings.

Legal Aid Defence Counsel System: Striking lawyers to resume work from Monday

Lawyers have deferred their agitation against the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS) policy, resuming court work in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh starting Monday. The decision follows a meeting with the high court's acting chief justice, who pledged to address the policy's deficiencies. The LADCS, introduced by the National Legal Services Authority in 2022, aims to assist those unable to hire lawyers; however, lawyers contend it undermines their roles.

UHBVN to hold consumer grievance redressal forum in Panchkula in August

The Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) will conduct sittings of the Panchkula Zonal Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum on August 3, 10, 17, and 24. Consumers from five districts can present grievances, including billing and meter issues. The forum handles disputes between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, excluding theft and accident cases. Prior financial deposit and certification of non-pending cases are required.

LG approves 23 heritage sites in Ladakh as ‘protected monuments’

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has declared 23 heritage sites in Ladakh as “protected monuments” under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, emphasizing their historical, archaeological, and cultural significance. This initiative aims to safeguard Ladakh's civilizational heritage, enhancing conservation and promoting responsible tourism. The sites include ancient caves, forts, and rock carvings vital to local identity.

Spider-Man Brand New Day box office collection day 1: Beats The Odyssey

**Spider-Man: Brand New Day** opened to critical acclaim on July 30, led by Tom Holland and Zendaya, collecting Rs 60.60 crore net in India, outperforming previous releases like *The Odyssey*. The film marks the 38th entry in the MCU, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, showcasing Spider-Man's anonymous battle against rising powers. The successful launch bodes well for future earnings.

BJP leader’s alleged audio clips targeting women colleagues go viral; FIR registered

Pune: Controversy erupts as two audio recordings of Maharashtra BJP's Vijay Chaudhari, allegedly disparaging senior women leaders, go viral, prompting an FIR by police after a complaint from Heena Gavit’s brother. Chaudhari resigned amid claims of AI fabrication. Eknath Khadse plans to escalate the issue to national BJP leaders, citing declining party discipline.

Haryana urea consumption exceeds 21% of kharif target despite govt push to cut fertiliser use

Farmers in Haryana are increasingly reliant on heavily subsidised urea, with kharif season consumption soaring to 7.17 lakh metric tonnes, surpassing the 5.93 LMT forecast by nearly 21%. This trend has raised concerns among agricultural scientists regarding nutrient balance. While the state’s efforts to reduce fertiliser use are underway, reliance on urea remains pronounced amidst ongoing monitoring initiatives.

Himachal CM’s principal adviser Ram Subhag Singh gets 2-yr extension

The Himachal Pradesh government has extended Ram Subhag Singh's tenure as principal adviser to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for two years, effective August 1. Singh, a seasoned IAS officer, is instrumental in achieving financial independence for Himachal and implementing key reforms. His recent achievements include securing financial aid from the Centre and advancing the social welfare scheme "Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar."

PMC earmarks ₹114.89 crore for Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2027 infrastructure

Pune Municipal Corporation has approved reallocating ₹114.89 crore for upgrading road and electrical infrastructure ahead of the international Pune Grand Challenge Tour 2027 cycling event. The funds will come from ongoing road projects, as the 2026-27 budget lacks separate allocation. Concerns were raised over previous road repairs, prompting a demand for an independent audit to ensure quality.

Sanitation workers’ bandh call hits normal life across Punjab

Normal life in Punjab was severely disrupted on Thursday due to a state-level bandh called by sanitation workers demanding better wages, job regularization, and police accountability after a violent lathicharge incident. While some regions maintained service, others faced complete shutdowns, with protests escalating across multiple districts, echoing longstanding grievances amid ongoing strikes since July. The turmoil underscores tensions between workers and the government.

Union minister Bandi Sanjayseeks probe into diversion of central funds

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay has called for an impartial inquiry into allegations of misuse of ₹2,293 crore from the 15th Finance Commission grants to Telangana's gram panchayats, claiming funds are being diverted from village development to cover salaries and bills. The Telangana government refuted these claims, citing statutory obligations for maintenance expenses.

How to clean makeup brushes the right way, Katrina Kaif's MUA shares his tips

Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes is crucial for skin health and flawless application, according to experts like Daniel Bauer. Use gentle cleansers like baby shampoo and wash foundation brushes weekly to avoid breakouts. Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, impacting makeup quality. Simple maintenance extends brush life, enhancing your artistry and maintaining hygiene at an affordable cost.

HC stays HSGMC decision on constitution of board for Miri Piri medical institute

The Punjab and Haryana high court has temporarily stayed the September 2024 notification from Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee regarding the Miri Piri Institute of Medical Sciences in Shahbad, which has been operational since 2006. The court’s decision acts on an appeal after a prior dismissal by a single judge, pending a hearing on October 16. The HSGMC argues jurisdiction over the institute's functions, citing the Haryana Sikh Gurdwaras (Management) Act, while the trust claims independence. The trust's assets, however, are asserted to be linked to the SGPC, with court observations highlighting this connection.

Expert panel suggests ₹802-crore plan to beat El Niño impact in Telangana

The Telangana government's expert committee proposed an ₹802.92-crore contingency plan to address drought conditions, exacerbated by El Niño, recommending subsidy-driven irrigation, drought-tolerant crops, and fodder banks. With a 30% rainfall deficit affecting 26 districts and reducing cultivated land, urgent measures are essential for livestock and crop resilience. This initiative aims to support agricultural sustainability and water management.

J&K Police attach land of 5Pak-based terrorists in Reasi

Jammu and Kashmir Police, under DGP Nalin Prabhat's directive, attached properties of five Pakistan-based terror handlers from Mahore, following a thorough investigation linked to illegal activities. The properties included various land parcels owned by individuals allegedly operating terrorist activities from Pakistan. This move aims to dismantle financial support systems for terrorism, reinforcing the police's commitment to security in the region.