Calls to tax billionaires are growing. Is there a better way to tax the rich?

In November, Californians will vote on a billionaire tax, sparking discussions globally about taxing extraordinary wealth. Australia should join this debate, as billionaires often face lower tax rates due to unrealised capital gains. Addressing tax inconsistencies across wealth types could ensure a fairer system, benefiting all Australians beyond just targeting billionaires.

Vijayan alleges harassment, politically motivated transfers of public servants under UDF govt

Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the UDF government for creating a "frightening situation" for state employees, linking the suicide of clerk Ashalatha to mental stress from compulsory transfers. He condemned political motivations behind mass transfers and alleged hostility towards workers, including dismissed temporary staff. Vijayan refuted claims about the previous Left government and urged protests against perceived injustices.

Regulating foreign funds sovereign step; US has similar laws: Kwatra

India's US Ambassador, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, defended amendments to the Foreign Contribution Act (FCRA), describing them as necessary for transparency and national security, echoing global practices. While addressing concerns about government control over charities, he emphasized that the law applies equally across communities, ensuring foreign aid continues for numerous NGOs engaged in humanitarian work since 1976.

Why you barely hear the traffic but you feel kanwar boombox even in a highrise

Countries like Germany and the Netherlands have established specific standards to address low-frequency noise, contrasting with India's lack of regulations for such disturbances, which are common in urban environments, particularly from boombox trucks. While low-frequency sounds have significant health effects, India's noise framework fails to adequately measure or enforce limits on bass-heavy noise sources, resulting in distress among residents.

Filmmaker Shakeel Noorani held after aspiring actor alleges rape

Bollywood filmmaker Shakeel Noorani, 73, has been arrested for allegedly raping and threatening a 33-year-old aspiring actor. She claims Noorani assaulted her over four years, spiked her drink, and threatened to circulate an intimate video. He was located at his Mahabaleshwar farmhouse after going into hiding. Noorani is known for directing films like "Joru Ka Ghulam."

VVS Laxman opens up on India coach job before Gambhir, reveals why he said ‘no’

VVS Laxman declined the head coach position of the Indian men's cricket team in 2023 due to personal reasons, allowing Rahul Dravid's tenure to continue until 2024. Recently considered again, Laxman chose to focus on his role at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, where he aims to establish processes before his two-year term ends, rejecting further coaching opportunities.

Education minister Pralhad Joshi chairs first meeting over NTA-related concerns

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, newly appointed to the education ministry, held his first meeting addressing issues with the National Testing Agency (NTA), emphasizing the need for a transparent examination system. The meeting followed protests demanding his predecessor's resignation over a NEET paper leak. Concerns over delayed UGC-NET results were not discussed. Joshi aims to enhance student support.

T'gana govt's 'Varuna Yagam' seeking bountiful rains begins at Nagarjuna Sagar in Nalgonda district

Telangana's Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy and MLA N Padmavathi participated in a 'Varuna Yagam' in Nalgonda to invoke bountiful rains amid monsoon shortages. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will attend the yagam's conclusion. With reservoirs like Nagarjuna Sagar below capacity, experts recommend irrigation subsidies. BRS's K T Rama Rao urged actionable relief for farmers.

‘She hurls abuses and I take it’: Govinda on Sunita Ahuja’s cheating claims

Bollywood actor Govinda refuted allegations of infidelity made by his wife, Sunita Ahuja, questioning her motives for attracting attention through criticism. Despite past claims, Govinda acknowledged Sunita's role in raising their children and suggested that bad-mouthing for success is unnecessary. The couple, married since 1987, kept their relationship private for years.

Did Elizabeth Waddell drown? Missing North Carolina woman's husband weighs in

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Waddell, 44, likely drowned after going missing in Grenada while vacationing on July 22, according to her husband, Cailen Waddell. Despite extensive search efforts, no evidence indicates she intended to disappear. Surveillance footage showed her swimming but not returning. Waddell had traveled from North Carolina with friends, and her family is seeking answers.

Amruta Khanvilkar issues legal warning over reports of separation from Himanshu

Actor Amruta Khanvilkar has issued a legal notice against media reports claiming she and her husband, Himanshu Malhotra, have been living separately for 18 months, emphasizing that they remain on good terms despite their different addresses. She asserts any defamatory claims about their relationship could lead to legal action and highlights the couple's history since their meeting in 2004.

Adnan reveals doctor’s 6-month warning in front of his father about his health

Adnan Sami's remarkable journey of losing 120 kg stemmed from a dire medical warning that he had only six months to live due to his weight. Overcoming moments of discouragement and intense effort, he attributed his transformation to strict discipline and a high-protein, low-carb diet, rejecting surgery rumors. Sami’s father played a pivotal role in motivating him to reclaim his life and health.

Gujarat to build 100-hectare enclosure for lions involved in attacks on humans

The Gujarat government will create a 100-hectare enclosure at Ambardi Safari Park for lions involved in recent human attacks, responding to nine incidents in two months. Initially housing five to six lions, the initiative aims to separate them from human settlements while maintaining a natural habitat. Ambardi Park, established in 2017, emphasizes lion conservation ahead of World Lion Day.

HC: Courts must exercise greater caution in cyber fraud bail matters

The Punjab and Haryana High Court denied bail to Sushil Kaushik, a key figure in a cyber fraud syndicate, citing serious allegations and concerns about repeat offenses. His involvement included supplying bank accounts and SIM cards for fraudulent activities linked to a ₹1.53 lakh theft. This case highlights the court's need for vigilance in rising cyber crimes.

Mohali: Axed three days ago, Kumbhra school headmaster succumbs

A 48-year-old headmaster, Gursewak Singh, died following an axe and kirpan attack outside his home in Kharar. The police added Section 103 (murder) to the FIR after his death. Singh, who had previously survived another attack, leaves behind a wife and son. The motive for the assault remains unclear as investigations continue.

Fatehgarh Sahib: Three Kanwariyas mowed down by car, driver held

Three Kanwariyas were killed, and one injured in a tragic accident on Sirhind GT Road in Fatehgarh Sahib early Sunday, when a speeding car struck the group. The driver, Tarlochan Singh, has been arrested. The pilgrims were returning from a pilgrimage to Gangotri. This incident has sparked protests as authorities investigate the circumstances. The pilgrimage continues until August 11.

Surjewala attacks Haryana govt over new property tax system

The Congress party condemned the Haryana government's new property tax system, warning it would burden residents by linking taxes to inflated collector rates, set to increase by up to 75% from April 2026. Criticizing rising taxes amidst public financial strain, Congress leaders also highlighted deteriorating law and order, urging accountability and immediate action for the safety of citizens.

Enumeration phase: At 82%, Mohali records lowest SIR completion rate in Punjab

SAS Nagar district in Punjab has the lowest completion rate (82.01%) in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) house-to-house enumeration, with 1,53,714 forms uncollected due to reasons like migration and deaths. The district increased polling stations to enhance voter facilitation. The draft electoral roll will be published on August 13, with finalization set for October 12.

Candace Owens plans to file police report over ‘protect Erika Kirk’ chat group

Candace Owens plans to file a police report against Clarissa Goldemberg, the admin of a group chat, alleging doxxing related to her family. This chat supported Erika Kirk amidst Owens’ criticism regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Critics countered her claims, stating the group is merely a support network, not criminal activity, and accused Owens of hypocrisy. Charlie was shot in 2025.

2 criminals held after encounter in Ferozepur

Police apprehended two wanted criminals, Harjit Singh and Dilbagh Singh, after they opened fire at a checkpoint in Zira on Sunday. Following a brief gunfight, both suspects sustained injuries and are currently hospitalized. Officers recovered two pistols and the motorcycle used in their escape. Investigations will explore their connections to organized crime.

Woman shares the ‘quiet side’ of WFH: ‘It has killed my social life’

A Delhi woman's Instagram video highlights the impact of remote work on social life, stating that working from home has diminished everyday interactions and opportunities for friendship. Users echoed her sentiments, recognizing the hidden downsides of flexible work. The article emphasizes the importance of workplaces in fostering adult connections and the challenges of socializing outside this environment.

Haryana BJP chief flays Deepender over CWG remarks

BJP Haryana state president Archana Gupta emphasized the pride of potentially hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games but insisted that proper infrastructure is essential. She defended Haryana’s commitment to sports, citing gymnasiums and stadiums being built, contrasting current developments with the previous Congress era's neglect. Gupta argued for significant investment in sports facilities in Haryana.

₹7 crore since 2024: Crackdown against squatters boosts Chandigarh MC’s revenue

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has generated nearly ₹7 crore in revenue by issuing 64,806 challans to encroachers since 2024, with roadside vendors being the primary targets. Revenues surged due to intensified anti-encroachment campaigns and the allocation of 498 vending sites. The MC issued over 16,770 challans in the first half of 2026, reflecting a significant enforcement effort.

Punjab CM lays foundation stone of Guru Ravidas study centre

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the Sri Guru Ravidas Bani Adhyayan Centre at Dera Sachkhand Ballan, aimed at studying Guru Ravidas's teachings. Built on 10.4 acres for ₹37 crore, the project is part of the 650th Parkash Purb celebrations. Mann emphasized education as key to overcoming poverty, amidst ongoing political rivalry surrounding the centre's funding and significance to the Dalit community.

Chandigarh: Teachers seek MP Tewari’s intervention on promotions

The Chandigarh Aided College Teachers’ Association (CACTA) urged local MP Manish Tewari to address the Panjab University administration's decision limiting UGC Regulations, 2018, benefits for Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions to April 1, 2022. CACTA argues this unjustly excludes eligible teachers whose promotions were due from July 18, 2018, onwards, seeking prompt resolution to rectify administrative delays.

Chidambaram slams TN parties for skipping delimitation meet

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram criticized Tamil Nadu's political parties for boycotting a crucial meeting on delimitation, which he believed could have showcased regional unity. Opposition parties, including DMK and AIADMK, dismissed the meeting as unnecessary despite the Centre's plans for a special session. Chidambaram urged clarity on party stances as Tamil Nadu's political response evolves.

Factionalism worries: BJP observer Poonia tasked with quelling dissent in Punjab unit

The BJP high command is addressing rising dissent within its Punjab unit by sending party observer Satish Poonia to engage with disgruntled leaders amidst concerns over recent organizational changes and upcoming assembly polls. Discontent follows rapid replacements of district presidents and controversial appointments, prompting intervention from central leadership due to potential impacts on electoral performance after an unsuccessful solo contest in 2022. The BJP aims to strengthen its political base in Punjab following the breakdown of its alliance with SAD in 2020.

BJP spokesperson Khiala backs parole for Hawara

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has requested Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to grant parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, serving life for Beant Singh's assassination, to visit his ailing mother. BJP spokesperson Sarchand Singh Khiala supports this, emphasizing the need for compassion within legal frameworks while ensuring decisions remain impartial and based on law, not emotion. Hawara's mother is 81 and in declining health.

MHADA Lottery 2026: 13 years, countless attempts and finally a home

Sarika Lokhande won an MHADA apartment after 13 years of annual applications, finally finding success in the 2026 lottery, while Sunil Kadam also secured a 1 BHK in Vikhroli. The current lottery offers 1,762 apartments in various Mumbai locations, with prices ranging from ₹29 lakh to over ₹4 crore, reflecting the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in the city.

Submit report in a day: Haryana minister to dept after dip in sex ratio at birth

Haryana's sex ratio at birth (SRB) has sharply declined, prompting Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Choudhry to request a comprehensive report by Monday. The SRB fell below 900 in 11 districts, with Charkhi Dadri experiencing the steepest drop. This alarming trend reverses six years of improvement, requiring urgent analysis and remedial measures.