Student organisations disown vandalism, seek release of detainees

Ten individuals were arrested in Prayagraj for vandalism during student protests on July 25, prompting student organizations to distance themselves from the violence. They demand the release of peaceful protesters but not those involved in property damage, acknowledging that such acts tarnish their movement. Background indicates protests were against alleged paper leaks, with several FIRs filed.

Chandigarh to get online tenancy portal

The Chandigarh administration will launch an online tenancy portal to simplify rental agreement registrations under the Tenancy Rules, 2026, enhancing access to services like unique identification number generation and grievance redressal. A recent review meeting led by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav emphasized user-friendliness and data privacy. The rules aim to regulate the rental housing sector effectively.

Lucknow University installs jammers for BBA LLB entrance exam to prevent cheating

Lucknow University will use jammers for the first time in its entrance exam for the new five-year Integrated BBA LLB programme to prevent cheating. Over 800 applications have been received for 180 seats. Candidates must adhere to strict guidelines, including a dress code and prohibitions on electronic devices. The Vice-Chancellor emphasizes the importance of transparency and integrity.

Ludhiana: 18 months after jewellery shop ransacked, FIR filed against 2

Police have registered an FIR against Balkar Singh and Balraj Singh for allegedly ransacking a jewellery shop in Sidhwan Bet, following a dispute. The incident, which occurred on February 20, 2025, involved damage to property and theft of valuables. The investigation continues, including reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional suspects.

HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 29 July in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram

Multiple events are scheduled for July 29 in Delhi, including "Staged" at Trialogue Studio, Hindustani classical vocal "Aarambh XXXVI" at India Habitat Centre, and the cinematic exploration "Responding from the Mountains" at Instituto Cervantes, all offering free or ticketed entry. A range of activities from art workshops to standup comedy will take place throughout the city.

Prayagraj’s new six-lane Ganga bridge set to open in November

Vehicles are expected to start using the six-lane bridge over the Ganga in Prayagraj by mid-November, enhancing road infrastructure and mitigating traffic congestion during major religious events. Costing over ₹1,947 crore, 94% of the bridge is completed, with final work ongoing. The project began in February 2021, marking a milestone for Uttar Pradesh.

Chandigarh: Emission monitoring system proposed in Dadumajra in F&CC meet

A ₹42 lakh proposal for an online continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) at Dadumajra dumping ground will be discussed in the upcoming finance and contract committee meeting. This system aims to ensure compliance with environmental standards through real-time data transmission. It follows a directive from the Central Pollution Control Board to enhance environmental monitoring and transparency at waste management facilities.

72 tourists rescued after stream swells near Zenith Waterfall

Seventy-two tourists, including children and seniors, were rescued near Zenith Waterfall in Khopoli after heavy rain caused rapid water level rises. The two-hour operation involved police, firefighters, and volunteers responding to a 112 emergency call, preventing the stranded from crossing the dangerous stream. Such incidents are frequent as visitors ignore safety warnings during monsoon season.

Ludhiana: ‘2 pvt bank officials booked for ₹96L forex fraud’

A Ludhiana exporter has accused two private bank officials of cheating, leading to losses of Rs 96.7 lakh through unauthorized foreign exchange trading. After an investigation prompted by Varun Kumar Arora, an FIR was filed against Kamal Kishore and Himanshu Jain for criminal breach of trust and conspiracy. The transactions allegedly occurred in 2025, despite Arora's firm lacking exposure to the currencies traded.

Arab Spring to Jantar Mantar: The global playbook behind political protests

Between 2024 and 2026, protests toppled elected governments across various countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, and India. Mobilized by generational grievances such as unemployment and inequality, these waves often lacked formal political leadership yet displayed coordinated tactics. A significant pattern suggests foreign influence facilitated these uprisings, underscoring a template established from prior movements in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

UP identifies Jewar for setting up ₹5,000-cr regional medical hub

Uttar Pradesh has earmarked Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar for a ₹5,000 crore regional medical hub to enhance medical value tourism. Spanning nearly 200 acres, the facility will integrate healthcare, education, and research. Funded by the World Bank, it aims to improve healthcare access and create jobs while leveraging Jewar's infrastructure growth.

Chandigarh: High court asks UT, how quickly project can be expedited

The Punjab and Haryana high court mandated the Chandigarh administration to expedite two key reports for the court expansion project crucial for UNESCO approval. Delays could hinder project progress, worsening space constraints for litigants. The holistic development plan suggests new buildings and amenities within the UNESCO-designated Capitol Complex, vital for meeting growing demands of over 10,000 daily visitors.

HC quashes PMLA case against DB Realty

The Bombay High Court has quashed the ED's money laundering case against DB Realty and promoter Vinod Goenka, overruling earlier court orders related to the Maharashtra Sadan contract irregularities. The court found the allegations lacked a basis after the accused contractors were discharged, stating the PMLA case's foundation—existence of "proceeds of crime"—was absent. This ruling highlights critical failures in the case's underpinning.

Trump's Tic Tac moment at Lindsey Graham funeral sparks social media frenzy

Donald Trump faced backlash after a viral “Tic Tac moment” at Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, where he was seen passing Tic Tacs to Vice President JD Vance. Clips showed Trump attempting and failing to toss one into his mouth, sparking debate over his behavior during a solemn ceremony attended by world leaders. Previously, Tic Tac condemned Trump's controversial remarks about women.

Ludhiana HPV campaign sees poor turnout; only 1,600 girls vaccinated so far

Nearly five months into Punjab's free HPV vaccination campaign, Ludhiana has achieved only about 1,600 vaccinations out of a target of 30,000 girls aged 14-15, hampered by misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. The campaign aims to protect against cervical cancer. Health officials stress ongoing efforts to counter myths through awareness programs and encourage parental participation in the vaccination drive.

UP ex-minister dies after fall from 7th floor of MLA residence in Lucknow; probe on

Former Uttar Pradesh minister Nanak Deen Bhurji died after falling from the seventh floor of the New MLA Residence in Hazratganj, with police investigating the incident's circumstances. Aged 55 and previously serving in the Samajwadi Party, Bhurji was reportedly suffering from depression. Eyewitness statements and CCTV footage are being reviewed to determine the cause.

Ludhiana: CHB workers call off strike after talks, outsourced staff continue agitation

In a bid to restore services, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) complaint handling bike (CHB) employees ended their strike after negotiations with management. However, outsourced staff at various consumer service centers are still protesting, demanding direct employment. While management is optimistic about resolving issues, outsourced workers remain firm in their agitation until formal notifications are issued.

5 FIRs over ‘anomalies’ in arms licences linked to Mukhtar Ansari network

A verification of arms licences linked to gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari revealed significant irregularities, with original records missing from the Ghazipur DM’s office, leading to five FIRs and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The probe targets wrongful issuance and use of weapons by Ansari’s associates and implicates several officials. Previously, Ansari faced numerous criminal charges.

524 school vehicle drivers flagged in Lucknow police verification drive

A series of alleged sexual abuse cases involving school vehicle drivers in Lucknow has heightened concerns about transport safety norms, with police verification revealing 524 drivers had adverse reports under Mission Bharosa. Despite efforts, compliance issues persist; many vehicles lack necessary safety equipment. Experts urge stricter enforcement and regular audits to ensure children's safety during commutes.

Ludhiana: Overflowing sewage, garbage heaps eyesore for EWS Colony residents

Residents of EWS Colony, Ward No 17, report severe neglect, leading to overflowing sewage, garbage piles, and contaminated surroundings, worsened during monsoons. Locals face water shortages and safety concerns due to an abandoned market filled with waste and anti-social activity. Despite repeated complaints, authorities remain unresponsive, increasing residents’ frustration and health risks.

23 years on, justice for railway commuter who lost a leg

A Bombay High Court ruling has favored Dhiraj Solanki, who lost his leg in a train accident at Santacruz station in 2003, reversing the Western Railway's stance that deemed him a “trespasser.” The court increased his compensation interest to 9%. Solanki's traumatic experience disrupted his education and employment, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars.

Ludhiana: PAU to host agri-startup stakeholders’ connect

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) will host the Agri-Startup Stakeholders Connect on August 18, aimed at fostering collaboration among startups, policymakers, and investors to boost innovation in agriculture. The event will feature workshops, networking sessions, and showcases of agricultural technologies, building partnerships within the agri-startup ecosystem. PAU is recognized for its agricultural research and incubators supporting entrepreneurship.

Kin seek official account after Kanpur seafarer’s death in Russia-Ukraine conflict

A 30-year-old merchant navy officer, Sagar Gupta, was killed in a drone attack while onboard MV OMORFI in the Black Sea. His family, lacking official communication from his employer or the government, fears further mishaps. Survived by his wife and children, they seek the swift return of his remains and clarity on the incident.

BMC panel clears revival of SevenHills Hospital under reworked PPP with Capri Global

The BMC Improvements Committee has approved the revival of the SevenHills Hospital project in Marol through a public-private partnership with Capri Global Holdings, despite opposition objections. This follows the NCLT's approval of a resolution plan after prior delays and failures. The project, initiated in 2004, aims to enhance healthcare services with a 1,500-bed facility.

24-year-old dies shielding mother from father’s knife attack

A 24-year-old man, Abhay Soni, was fatally stabbed while trying to protect his mother from his father, Bindeshkumar Soni, during a domestic dispute in Bhayander. The argument escalated when Bindeshkumar attacked Poonam with a kitchen knife. Despite immediate medical attention, Abhay succumbed to his injuries. Bindeshkumar has been arrested on murder charges.

CWG 2026 | The Golden 40s: All about Haryana's Sharmila Dhankar, India's first

Para athlete Sharmila Dhankar made history by winning India's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Para-Athletic Games in Glasgow, achieving a remarkable 9.81m in the women's F57 shot put. Overcoming a challenging childhood and domestic abuse, Sharmila entered para-athletics at 34, rising to prominence through sheer determination and support from her second husband. This victory fulfills her and her mother’s dreams.

10 women arrested for running fake matrimonial call centre in Varanasi

Ten women, including a call centre operator posing as a marriage bureau in Varanasi, were arrested for defrauding approximately 600 individuals by publishing forged matrimonial ads. They misled victims into paying fees for lifetime subscriptions under false pretenses and then blocked their contact numbers. Police recovered various electronic devices and documents related to the scheme.

Delhiwale: Tree with wings

A bare tree on Lodhi Road in Central Delhi hosts hundreds of black kites, replacing leaves with avian guests. Amidst a dump yard's scraps, the birds feast after a butcher tosses meat remains, creating aerial contests. Nearby, a former beggar's home vanished with another tree's removal. Most commuters remain oblivious to this avian spectacle above them.

Drugs meant for free distribution to patients found dumped in garbage, CMO orders probe

A significant amount of government-supplied medicines, valued in lakhs, was discovered discarded in garbage near Manmohan Park in Katra, raising concerns over public healthcare resource mismanagement. Intended for free distribution to patients, the unexpired drugs included treatments for various ailments. The chief medical officer has ordered an inquiry to determine their source and ensure accountability.

HC sends 82-year-old murder convict back to jail after nearly 40 years

The Allahabad High Court has ordered 82-year-old Babu Lal to serve the remainder of his life sentence for murdering his brother in 1984, dismissing his appeal for sentence reduction. The court found no mitigating circumstances to reclassify the conviction under IPC. Babu Lal’s long bail period does not alter the verdict’s integrity. The initial conviction involved a blunt agricultural tool.