21-year-old gangraped in Baramulla, two arrested

Two men, Shakir Ahmad Lone and Mohammad Ashraf Dar, have been arrested for allegedly raping a 21-year-old woman in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, following a complaint on July 25. The police reported that the men stalked and assaulted the woman and her male friend during an outing on July 3, subsequently restraining and raping her. The investigation revealed that both accused were school dropouts from Jalshree and Ashraf is married with children.

Over 40% academic posts vacant in Punjab’s teacher training institutes

The Union Ministry of Education has flagged a critical shortage of qualified educators in Punjab, with over 40% of academic posts unfilled in teacher education institutions like SCERT and DIETs. The ministry emphasized urgency in addressing these vacancies for fund release under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which aims to enhance teacher training quality. Historically, the staffing issue has persisted, impacting curriculum development and overall functioning.

No paper leak in Punjab, BJP making false allegations: CM

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has asserted that there has been no examination paper leak under his administration, accusing the BJP of attempting to defame Punjabis for political gain. Despite Opposition claims regarding a pharmacy exam incident involving cheating, Mann emphasized his government's merit-based job placements. He urged the BJP to focus on political discourse rather than spreading false allegations, while the SAD has called for a high court inquiry into examination integrity issues.

Five of family among 7 killed in twin Himachal road mishaps

Seven people, including five family members, died in separate road accidents in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday. In Chamba, a car carrying a family, returning from a child's treatment, plunged into a gorge, resulting in five deaths. In Kangra, a truck fell from a bridge, killing two. Authorities are investigating both incidents, while the Chief Minister expressed condolences.

Elections in Pak-occupied J&K effort to cover up illegal occupation: India

India has dismissed the recent elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as a facade to obscure illegal occupation and human rights violations, highlighting violent protests due to economic exploitation by Islamabad. The ongoing clashes, which have claimed about 40 lives since June, demonstrate the severity of local discontent. India affirms that Jammu and Kashmir remain integral parts of its territory.

India coordinating with Ukrainian authorities to search two missing Indian seafarers

India is collaborating with Ukrainian authorities to find two Indian seafarers missing after an attack on the MV AGN Ragnar in Odesa port last week. The external affairs ministry confirmed that two crew members are safe, while it condemned attacks on civilian vessels and emphasized the need for safe maritime navigation. India advocates for a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding its significant seafarer community.

1.7mn farmers in Maha first list of beneficiaries for loan waiver

The Maharashtra government announced a loan waiver for 16.96 lakh farmers under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Samman Yojana, totaling ₹13,600 crore. Farmers must complete Aadhaar authentication to receive benefits, with 3.96 lakh already processed. Discrepancies in beneficiary details have been reported, prompting assurances of corrections as the scheme aims to benefit 56 lakh farmers overall.

Who is V Kamakoti? IIT-Madras head Priyanka Gandhi called a ‘gaumutra’ expert

IIT-Madras director V Kamakoti has been appointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's exam reforms task force, facing political backlash from Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, who mocked his expertise. The task force aims to address integrity issues in competitive exams following protests over NEET paper leaks. Kamakoti, an accomplished scientist, emphasizes trust among question paper setters as crucial for reform.

Central capital goods scheme: Punjab secures just ₹4.28 cr over past 2 fiscals

Punjab has received only ₹4.28 crore under the Centre’s capital goods promotion scheme in the past two years, primarily funding a single project in Ludhiana. This minimal support contrasts sharply with the government's manufacturing ambitions and highlights the need for enhanced infrastructure funding. The scheme operates on a demand-driven basis, lacking state-specific allocations.

Himachal turns to AI to boost green cover

Himachal Pradesh has pioneered AI applications—WhereToPlant and WhatToPlant—aimed at enhancing forest restoration and disaster resilience by aiding local communities in selecting suitable plantation sites and native tree species. The initiative addresses ineffective budget allocation in plantation efforts, with early trials showing an 82-85% success rate, promoting sustainable ecological resilience alongside infrastructure development in the state.

Centre caps sugar stockholding to 4,000 quintals amid surge in prices

Amid rising sugar prices, the Centre has imposed stockholding limits on dealers, restricting them to 4,000 quintals for 30 days, effective from August 1 to November 30, to combat rising costs. Retail prices hit ₹49 per kg as of July 28, influenced by tight supplies and a 16% rainfall deficit this monsoon season, with the last sugar imports occurring in 2017-18 due to drought.

Two prosecutors assigned to fast-track court

Two prosecutors, VK Pathak and Arjun Anand, have been assigned to the newly established fast-track court for paper leak cases after the first hearing was adjourned due to prosecution absence. The court, designated by the Delhi High Court, will exclusively handle cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with related offences.

Atiq-linked benami properties worth ₹110 crore attached in Prayagraj

Prayagraj police have attached alleged benami properties worth around ₹110 crore linked to slain gangster Atiq Ahmed under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act. The 44 land parcels, acquired through criminal proceeds, were registered under another person's name. The investigation continues, with authorities committed to addressing additional assets and penalizing those involved in concealing them.

Define digital arrest as a standalone offence: SC

The Supreme Court called for defining digital arrest fraud as a standalone offence, urging severe penalties and asset attachment for accused individuals. This recommendation arose during a suo motu petition examining cyber fraud responses by an inter-departmental committee. The court emphasized the need for legislative changes to adapt existing laws, particularly concerning technology-infused criminal activities.

Haryana’s anti-paper leak law must deliver swift justice: INLD

Former Haryana finance minister Sampat Singh emphasized that legislation alone won't eradicate organized examination fraud without swift investigations and strict accountability, stressing the need for a merit-based recruitment system. He noted poor implementation of the Haryana anti-paper leak law and urged amendments for expedited investigations and trials to enhance transparency and protect deserving candidates' rights.

Gurugram most polluted in Haryana with 458 bad air days from 2023-25: Central govt in Lok Sabha

Haryana faces acute air pollution challenges, with Gurugram ranking as its most polluted city, logging 458 “bad air days” from 2023 to 2025. Faridabad followed with 335 days showing a slight decline. Despite the National Clean Air Programme, unhealthy air persists, affecting numerous urban areas while stubble burning efforts yield limited improvements, maintaining a significant pollution burden.

Chandler plane crash: Piper Cherokee N9062J crashes after takeoff from Arizona

A small Piper Cherokee plane crashed shortly after taking off from Chandler Municipal Airport in Arizona on Tuesday, with initial reports confirming registration N9062J. Videos posted online captured smoke billowing from the crash site shortly after the incident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash and assessing any potential injuries or casualties.

Rohtak court acquits seven men of minor’s rape due to lack of evidence

A local court acquitted seven men accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, citing insufficient evidence. The case began as a molestation complaint on October 1, 2020, later escalated to rape allegations. Delays and inconsistencies in evidence contributed to the six-year trial. The defense argued personal enmity fueled the complaint, leading to the acquittal.

Congress urges SC panel to probe Barnala lathicharge

A delegation of Punjab Congress MPs submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) seeking intervention over police violence against sanitation workers in Barnala during a protest last week, where 22 were injured. The MPs requested accountability and justice for the workers, who demand job security and better wages, condemning excessive force used by police. Background includes ongoing protests since July 8 and government actions against police officials post-incident.

Bypoll campaigning in Bihar, MP and Gujarat ends with last-minute rallies

Campaigning for Bihar's Bankipur, Madhya Pradesh's Datia, and Gujarat's Manjalpur bye-elections concluded ahead of the July 30 polls, with intense rallying observed. In Bankipur, Neeraj Kumar Sinha (BJP), Prashant Kishor (JSP), and Rekha Gupta (RJD) vie for attention. Datia sees BJP's Ashutosh Tiwari facing veteran Congress leader Kunwar Ghanshyam Singh amidst internal dissent, while Gujarat's Manjalpur mourns the late Yogesh Patel.

Council of ministers’ meet: Haryana’s new MSME policy to target ₹55,000-crore investment

The Haryana council of ministers approved the Haryana Progressive MSME and Export Promotion Policy 2026, aiming for over ₹55,000 crore in investments, creating five lakh jobs, and doubling exports. The policy supports MSMEs through subsidies, credit guarantees, and infrastructure improvements. Additional approvals include new property tax methodologies and rules for residential development, enhancing transparency and regulation in urban planning.

Haryana cabinet nod to 20% horizontal quota for ex-Agniveers in fire, wildlife, police roles

The Haryana cabinet has approved 20% horizontal reservation for ex-Agniveers in fire services and other departments, building on previous Group C and D reservations. Additionally, the cabinet relaxed compassionate appointment rules for dependents of battle casualties, allowing three applicants to seek Group-C posts after reaching adulthood, despite missing the three-year application deadline.

Haryana cabinet approves bill to set up statutory minorities commission

The Haryana council of ministers approved the Haryana State Commission for Minorities Bill, 2026, establishing a statutory commission to protect minority rights and promote their development. It will comprise a chairperson and five members, conducting research and monitoring government policies. Additionally, the cabinet approved exemptions on stamp duty for PMAY-U 2.0 homes and proposed Kusum International University.

Ludhiana: One arrested for stabbing Nihang to death at gurdwara

A 57-year-old Nihang, Sohan Singh, was arrested for allegedly killing Sonu, a 45-year-old Nihang, during Miri Piri Diwas celebrations at a gurdwara in Paddi village near Ludhiana. The confrontation arose from an argument, leading to Sohan attacking Sonu with a kirpan, resulting in critical injuries. Both belonged to the same group, and a murder investigation is underway.

Haryana cabinet nod to 100% tax exemption on EVs costing up to ₹30 lakh

Haryana's council of ministers has approved a 100% motor vehicle tax exemption for new electric vehicles under ₹30 lakh, aimed at promoting cleaner transportation. Vehicles above this price will receive a 50% exemption. This initiative expands upon an existing 20% rebate, enhancing affordability, reducing emissions, and encouraging sustainable mobility, particularly benefiting women vehicle owners.

Man robbed of ₹8 lakh after assailants spray substance on his face

A 42-year-old liquor shop employee was robbed of ₹8 lakh in cash on Sunday night on Sinhagad Road when four unidentified men sprayed a substance in his face, disorienting him. The assailants fled with the employee's motorcycle, carrying the day's cash collection. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and call records to track the suspects.

Two held for hurling petrol bomb at Sangrur BJP office

Sangrur police arrested two men with alleged cross-border ties linked to the July petrol bomb attack on the BJP office, based on human and technical intelligence. Identified as Happy Singh and Jaspreet Singh, they were found with a motorcycle and mobile phone used in the crime. The attack is connected to a broader pattern of violence against BJP leaders in Punjab.

State issues SOP on custodial deaths

The Maharashtra government implemented a new SOP to prevent custodial deaths, mandating that all such cases in Mumbai be investigated by the Crime Branch and by the CID elsewhere. Key measures include post-mortem by three doctors, audio-visual recording of inquests, and preservation of evidence. Compensation for negligence is set at ₹1 lakh, rising to ₹1.5 lakh if criminal charges are filed, marking a significant shift in custodial death protocols.

Ludhiana: Rights panel takes suo motu notice of mortuary incident

The Punjab State and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission has initiated proceedings following the incident of a body left outside the mortuary at Samrala Civil Hospital, prompting public outrage. A detailed report from the civil surgeon is due before the next hearing on August 20, as the commission emphasizes the importance of dignity in healthcare, even for the deceased. This case involves Juna Pandey, whose family criticized the hospital for negligence. An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident.

Attempts will be made to weaken India through social media: Yogi

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warned that adversarial forces might undermine India's progress through social media and misinformation aimed at creating societal divisions. Speaking at a Bar Association event, he emphasized India's economic ascent and called on lawyers to uphold integrity amidst challenges. He announced enhancements for advocates, including increased financial support and improved legal infrastructure, reinforcing their role in justice.