'Uorfi given ₹1L': Influencer claims Dipke a Pak agent, paid celebs to back CJP

Social media influencer Faizan Ansari has accused Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke of being a “Pakistani agent” and has called for his immediate arrest after claiming he was attacked twice by Dipke’s associates. Ansari alleges that Dipke incites unrest and unlawfully pays celebrities to support protests, including Uorfi Javed and Poonam Pandey.

Aanchal slams Shivangi Joshi after Harshad Chopda's latest Lock Upp 2 twist

Television actor Aanchal Khurana addressed accusations of seeking fame amid the Lock Upp Season 2 controversy surrounding Harshad Chopda's selfless act for Shivangi Joshi. Aanchal claimed Shivangi’s off-camera persona is deceptive, sharing a past incident where Shivangi warned her to avoid her then-boyfriend. Supporters praise Harshad, while critics debate Shivangi's behavior, adding fuel to the controversy.

Is Nolan Wells' toxicology report out? Ben Crump asks public to focus on ‘facts’

A fraudulent toxicology report regarding Nolan Wells has surfaced online, prompting Mississippi officials to warn against misinformation. Commissioner Sean Tindell and family attorney Ben Crump emphasized the need for truth and integrity in the ongoing investigation. Wells, a teen found dead on July 6, has not yet had his official autopsy results publicly released as authorities urge patience during the inquiry.

Parliament panel maintains high approval rate for wildlife projects in 10 years

In its latest meeting, the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife approved 99 out of 107 projects, continuing a trend of high approval rates for developments in wildlife areas. Despite concerns from conservationists regarding reckless project clearances, the committee refers to ecological considerations, noting a decade-long pattern of nearly 97% project approvals. The high volume of infrastructure proposals has prompted scrutiny of the committee's functioning.

Indian-origin man among 25 persons facing revocation of US citizenship

Authorities are revoking the US citizenship of 25 individuals, including Indian-origin Narinder Singh, for alleged serious crimes such as identity fraud and child sexual abuse. Singh, 65, is accused of using a fraudulent identity since 1996 and obtaining naturalization in 2008. The initiative reflects a significant push by the Justice Department to uphold citizenship integrity.

US: 25 Democratic states move court against Trump's forced-labour tariffs

A coalition of 25 Democratic-ruled states has sued President Trump over tariffs imposed on 60 economies, asserting these will increase consumer costs. The lawsuit in the US Court of International Trade argues that the tariffs violate legal requirements and are a pretext for higher taxes. Critics contend the administration misuses trade laws to justify its actions.

Fadnavis orders anti-drug lessons in Maharashtra school curriculum

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has mandated the inclusion of drug de-addiction lessons in school curriculums to combat student drug abuse. The state aims to enhance its educational framework, uphold Marathi culture, and improve safety measures. Maharashtra ranks second nationally for school education, boasting over 108,000 schools and innovative programs to boost student success.

Ariana Grande withdraws from London musical and will take a break from the public eye

Ariana Grande has withdrawn from a London production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park With George” to take a break from public scrutiny after her tour ends. Empire Street Productions confirmed her departure, noting they support her decision. Grande, feeling intensified public attention recently, aims to focus on her health and well-being. She gained fame on Nickelodeon and has won three Grammy Awards.

Former '60 Minutes' correspondents Pelley, Alfonsi go from newsroom to classroom

Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley, recently ousted from "60 Minutes," will join Columbia Journalism School as Journalists in Residence, mentoring students and contributing to the Columbia Journalism Review. The appointments highlight their extensive experience in impactful journalism. This transition follows CBS News leadership changes that affected the show's direction, leading to their dismissal just months ago.

Punjab: ₹13-crore SGPC dues not recovered, says SAD (Punar Surjit)

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) alleges that over ₹13.5 crore from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee remains unrecovered, blaming the SGPC leadership and Punjab government. They claim ₹6 crore is owed by PTC for Gurbani broadcasts, question the SGPC's actions on the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission, and demand a standardized Gurbani broadcasting policy. Background reveals ongoing financial concerns impacting Sikh education funding.

Be vigilant against challenges to Sikh traditions: Akal Takht

Akal Takht's acting jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, urged the Sikh community to defend their traditions amidst rising skepticism, following criticism of the Miri-Piri Khalsa March by AAP MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand. The march seeks to promote Sikh heritage amid contemporary issues. Meanwhile, the Damdami Taksal criticized SGPC for allegedly disrespecting scriptures shipped to Canada, but SGPC clarified adherence to regulations.

Despite concerns, Punjab wraps up SIR with 90% elector participation

The house-to-house enumeration for Punjab's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls concluded with 90.4% participation, collecting forms from 1.94 crore of 2.14 crore voters. Fewer than 10% were marked absent or untraceable. Despite some political distrust, the exercise aimed to update voter rolls ahead of the draft publication on August 13 and has shown comparatively high engagement.

Punjab: 71 Rupnagar stone crushers served notices for violating norms, PPCB tells NGT

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) reported to the National Green Tribunal that significant environmental violations were found at 71 of 153 inspected stone-crushing units in Rupnagar, prompting notices under pollution control laws. Non-compliance issues included inadequate dust suppression and poor wastewater management. The report follows the NGT's April 2025 mandate to assess environmental compliance.

Bikaner heroin, weapons haul points to Punjab prison nexus

In Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, police seized 10 kg of heroin and 11 foreign-made pistols, uncovering links to a cross-border smuggling network allegedly run by inmates in Punjab prisons. One suspect has been arrested, while the mastermind remains at large. Drone-based smuggling from Pakistan poses significant national security risks, with investigations revealing a sophisticated trafficking operation targeting organized crime.

Punjab: ‘Duped’ by self-styled godman, man ends life

A Ludhiana resident died after allegedly setting himself on fire in a public washroom outside Khanna police station following a complaint against self-styled godman Charan Das. The victim accused Das and his associates of defrauding him of ₹73,000 through false religious rituals. Previously, he had sought police help for similar harassment issues. Now, the accused face abetment charges.

Despite dip, Punjab’s joblessness rate far above national average, Centre tells Parl

Punjab’s youth unemployment has decreased from 19.1% in 2022 to 17% in 2025 but remains significantly higher than the national average. The Centre attributed this improvement to MSME support and industrial incentives, despite a decline in traditional industries. Educated youth unemployment stands at 9.3%, above the national 6.5%. Continued investments and policies aim to boost job creation.

Mild rain relief for Lucknow, 51 UP districts face monsoon blues

Lucknow experienced relief from a prolonged dry spell with 16.1 mm of rain, reducing its seasonal deficit from 45% to 42%. However, the city still falls short of the average rainfall since June 1 with only 196.7 mm. The IMD predicts ongoing heavy rain and thunderstorms across multiple districts, as many areas remain significantly below normal levels due to the El Niño effect.

52-yr-old woman swept away after flash flood in Kupwara

A woman was tragically washed away during flash floods in north Kashmir's Kupwara district caused by multiple cloudbursts, leading to her body being recovered 1 km downstream. Hundreds were evacuated as heavy rains also damaged homes and agricultural fields in Shopian and Anantnag. The Srinagar-Jammu highway was closed due to slushy conditions, with more rain forecasted.

Punjab: Seeking regular jobs, public bus staff begin 3-day strike

Contractual employees of Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC initiated a three-day statewide strike on Monday, demanding job regularization after years of service and improved working conditions. The union has cited ongoing government inaction and plans a march toward the Vidhan Sabha. Commuters faced disruptions, with many seeking alternative transport amid the heat, highlighting the strike's impact.

Man held after wife, 2 children found dead in Hisar

Amit Kumar has been arrested in Malapur, Hisar district, after the bodies of his wife, Mukesh Rani (33), and their two children were discovered in a water body at their home. Allegations from Mukesh's family cite ongoing domestic abuse that led to the triple murder. The police are currently investigating the case after the family reported their disappearance.

21 suspected illegal Bangladeshis detained in Ramban

Jammu and Kashmir Police detained 21 suspected illegal immigrants from Bangladesh on Saturday, including three women and seven minors, during a verification drive in Banihal. They were found without valid documents while traveling towards Kashmir. An FIR was registered, and the group will be moved to Hiranagar sub-jail, which holds many illegal immigrants, including 275 Rohingyas since 2021.

Question Hour: Bitumen shortage has hit road projects in state, says Khudian

State road construction projects are delayed due to a bitumen shortage linked to the US-Iran conflict, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed the House. He noted 13 link roads near Haryana are affected. Additionally, Revenue Minister Hardip Singh Mundian addressed 414 pending land consolidation cases, while Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains provided teacher vacancy statistics in various cadres.

Haryana freezes SC quota in group A, B promotions pending HC verdict

The Haryana government has suspended the implementation of reservation in promotions for Scheduled Caste employees in Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts until the Punjab and Haryana High Court rules on its appeal against a prior judgment. Vacancies for SC employees will remain reserved, but eligible employees can still be promoted based on seniority-cum-merit. This decision follows an April 2025 ruling upholding 20% reservation but excluding the "creamy layer."

Haryana: Vigilance books 5 horticulture officials for ‘embezzlement’

The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed an FIR against five horticulture department officials for alleged embezzlement since 2007, resulting in significant government losses. Actions stemmed from a 2013 complaint citing inflated procurement costs and nonexistent crops. The officials are accused of manipulating records to secure illegal subsidies, notably in a 2007-08 case.

“Act with urgency”, Tibetan Parl-in-Exile calls for global action against China’s new law

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile has called for international vigilance regarding China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, citing its threats to Tibetan culture, language, and fundamental rights. The law, enacted July 1, has been deemed a tool for forced assimilation. The Parliament urges global bodies to address its implications, reinforcing commitments to human rights and cultural diversity.

Factionalism surfaces as BJP replaces six district presidents

Factionalism erupted within the Bharatiya Janata Party's Punjab unit after the appointment of six new district presidents, leading to resignations from senior leaders including Tikshan Sud, who criticized the "authoritarian" tactics of general secretary Manthri Srinivasulu. This upheaval highlights rising discontent among party stalwarts, as loyalty seems increasingly disregarded, threatening the party's stability and growth in the state.

Mrunal Thakur issues stern legal warning over AI deepfakes: ‘Stop immediately’

Several Indian celebrities, including Mrunal Thakur, are taking legal action against the misuse of AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes, to protect their image and identity rights. Thakur issued a warning against such acts, labeling them “illegal and unacceptable.” Growing concerns about AI misuse have prompted various actors to file lawsuits to combat identity theft amid rising incidents.

Bhiwani’s women pack a punch at CWG, lead India’s boxing gold rush

Haryana's Bhiwani district reaffirmed its boxing prominence by producing five of India's seven gold medallists at the Commonwealth Games, including four women, despite its historically skewed sex ratio. Leading champions like Sakshi Chaudhary and Preeti Pawar exemplify Bhiwani's spirit. The district’s athletes contributed to Haryana's tally of 11 medals, representing a significant achievement in both boxing and athletics.

MBBS interns at RMLIMS stage protest over low stipend, seek hike

MBBS interns at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences protested Monday, demanding a stipend increase from ₹12,000 to ₹30,000. As tensions rose, police intervened to prevent their march. Citing low pay relative to their work hours, the interns seek support from the state government for stipend revision, highlighting inequalities in their compensation.

Out of shadows: When the mountain ghost chose to be seen in Dhauldhar Wildlife Sanctuary

For the first time, a snow leopard has been photographed in Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary, a significant milestone in wildlife conservation. Captured by a camera trap at 2,836 meters on December 21, 2025, this rare sighting underscores the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. The survey, conducted between 2023 and 2026, confirms an increasing snow leopard population in the region.