Lakshmi Yojana: Aadhaar Data Vault to store beneficiary info

To enhance Aadhaar security, Delhi's Women and Child Development department is implementing the Aadhaar Data Vault (ADV) for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, which provides ₹2,500 monthly to over 17 lakh women. The ADV uses reference tokens to protect Aadhaar details, aligning with UIDAI directives. The Education department plans to adopt this secure framework for additional beneficiary data.

DUSU elections for 2026-27 session to be held on Sept 18

Elections for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) for the 2026-27 session are scheduled for September 18, with nomination submissions due by September 10. The final candidate list will be published on September 11, and results announced after vote counting on September 19. The university has appointed officials to oversee the election process. DUSU comprises 47 of DU's 92 colleges.

Clear garbage across Chandigarh by September: High court to MC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has set a new deadline for the municipal corporation to clear garbage at the Dadumajra site and throughout Chandigarh by September. This follows progress reports on waste management efforts and the IOCL plant's development, despite concerns about ongoing dumping issues and the viability of proposed solutions. The legacy mining project began in 2019 to manage historic waste.

Buildings on either side of road: Delhi govt revises ITO secretariat plan

The Delhi government has revised its plans for a new Secretariat complex at ITO, opting for two separate buildings rather than interconnected towers, following discussions with the Income Tax Department. The revamped design will utilize 10 acres, consolidating numerous government offices. This marks a significant shift from previous proposals, aiming to create a world-class urban structure.

DDA signs agreement for five-star hotel in Dwarka Sector 23

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has partnered with Juniper Hotels Ltd to develop a five-star hotel in Dwarka, expected to draw over ₹1,000 crore in investment and create around 800 jobs. Set for a 2030 launch, the project aims to enhance hospitality in the region and is strategically located near key attractions. This marks the DDA's first formal licensing agreement for such developments.

JNUSU and JNUTA seek vice-chancellor’s ‘removal’

The JNUTA and JNUSU have called for the removal of JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, citing recruitment irregularities and demanding an independent inquiry from President Droupadi Murmu. In response, the JNU administration defended its recruitment process, highlighting merit-based appointments. MPs pledged to address these allegations in Parliament, underscoring accountability in public institutions like JNU.

3-year-old injured by kite string while riding pillion in Delhi

A three-year-old boy in northeast Delhi was injured by a loose kite string that wrapped around his neck while riding with his 17-year-old brother. This incident marks the second kite string injury in a week. The boy's family plans to file a complaint once he recovers, amid rising concerns over injuries related to Chinese manjha, which has caused multiple incidents this year.

Delhi HC refuses to order status quo over Central Secretariat Club plea challenging eviction

The Delhi High Court declined to maintain status quo for the 107-year-old Central Secretariat Club (CCS), which challenged the Centre's withdrawal of its recognition and eviction order over alleged violations. The Centre claims irregularities, while CCS argues the decision is unconstitutional. The case will continue on August 24, with the club established in 1919 for government employees.

Ceramics project brings training to jail inmates

Project Restart is empowering prison inmates across Haryana and Maharashtra through ceramics and vocational training, fostering rehabilitation. Launched by NID graduate Shreya Kedia, the initiative has involved over 100 participants, establishing a workshop in Nuh jail. Funded by crowdfunding efforts, it aims to expand to more prisons, using creativity as a means for dignity restoration.

Financier, 4 associates held for staging Kanjhawala murder as road accident

In Delhi, police arrested a financier and four associates for killing Deepak, 45, and staging the incident as a road accident nearly a month after the crime. Motivated by a grudge over alleged harassment of his sister, they initially attacked him on July 2 before fatally running him over on July 16. Background details reveal prior attempts on his life and evidence manipulation.

Instagram's new wordmark gets a modern makeover - and a cold response online

Instagram has unveiled its first logo redesign in ten years, updating the wordmark's font while retaining the iconic pink-and-orange gradient square. Despite initial enthusiasm from some users, backlash emerged on social media, with many criticizing the change as unappealing and poorly executed. The last redesign occurred in 2016 when the colorful gradient logo replaced the vintage brown camera.

DUAC rejects art proposal for 20 GPRA towers at Kasturba Nagar, seeks revised plan

The Delhi Urban Arts Commission has rejected a proposal to install artworks in 20 residential towers of the GPRA Kasturba Nagar project due to discrepancies and a lack of clarity. It requires a comprehensive public art master plan and improvements to proposed locations, visibility, and artistic themes for enhanced public engagement. The DUAC previously approved the project's redevelopment phases in 2020 and 2025.

Construction, redevelopment, rentals: Delhi’s 4 million house plan

Delhi faces a looming housing gap of nearly 4 million homes by 2047, necessitated by a population surge to 32 million. The Master Plan suggests a three-part strategy: new constructions in land-pooling zones, redevelopment of old neighborhoods, and an increase in affordable rental housing. Approved by the DDA, it aims to optimize infrastructure alongside housing growth.

Bengaluru CEO left helmet unlocked everywhere. What his experiment revealed

A social experiment by Siddharth Dialani and his wife in Bengaluru, where they've left unlocked helmets on their two-wheeler for five years, suggests that the city is a high-trust environment, as the helmets have never been stolen. While some dispute this due to income disparity, many agree that kindness is prevalent in Bengaluru.

MCG reviews cleanliness, monsoon preparedness and civic infrastructure

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) reviewed sanitation, monsoon preparedness, and infrastructure during a meeting led by Mayor Raj Rani Malhotra. Key developments include a new waste collection contract deploying 854 vehicles, improved drainage from pond revival and rainwater harvesting, and ongoing infrastructure mapping to enhance city services. Efficient coordination is vital for progress.

US names India a part of ‘shadow network’ helping China evade Trump tariffs

A White House report identifies India as a key player in a “shadow transhipment network” facilitating the entry of Chinese goods into the U.S. to evade tariffs, costing the government an estimated $60 billion. This practice, which surged after 2018 tariffs, displaces 450,000 jobs and reduces GDP significantly. The report calls for urgent penalties against enabling countries.

Who is Patrick Lawrence? LaTaivia Davis' shooter arrested

Patrick Lawrence, 37, was arrested by Fort Worth Police for murdering LaTaivia Davis, a school employee, in a road rage incident on Interstate 20 on August 13. After initially fleeing the scene, police apprehended him with assistance from various units. Davis received medical aid but died, prompting public condolences and reactions to the tragedy.

Man found murdered with inside friend’s house in Sector 13

A 26-year-old man, Sujeet Kumar Kharwar, was found murdered with his throat slit at a friend's house in Rajiv Nagar on Thursday. His two friends, now fugitives, were present when the body was discovered. Investigators found two blood-stained knives and five liquor bottles, with Kharwar last seen at a nearby shop. A murder case is forthcoming.

HSPCB seizes over 1.7K kg of single-use plastic in two-day drive

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board has confiscated over 1,700kg of banned single-use plastic during a recent operation in Gurugram. Inspections targeted markets to identify illegal practices, leading to significant recoveries from two firms. HSPCB aims to enforce environmental regulations and raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on health and the environment.

Pooja Bedi says she won't marry fiancé Maneck despite 8-year engagement

Pooja Bedi has decided against marrying her fiancé Maneck Contractor after eight years of engagement, citing an evolution in her views on marriage. She emphasizes that their commitment is sufficient and prefers independence, having experienced marriage and divorce. Bedi, daughter of actor Kabir Bedi, has two children and values personal freedom over legal formalities in relationships.

Locals flag illegal scrap burning in Faridabad’s Pali

Residents of Pali village, Faridabad, report significant air pollution from illegal waste processing at a nearby site, with unsegregated waste burning over the past year. The Haryana Pollution Control Board initiated action after complaints, yet residents claim no effective measures have taken place despite ongoing health hazards. Background indicates that the processing site lacks necessary permits and violates environmental laws.

Prahaar gets new release date after delay, may clash with another Rajkummar film

The teaser for *Prahaar*, showcasing Rajkummar Rao as public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, was released in June, emphasizing the trial of Ajmal Kasab from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Set for October 16, 2026, the film's intense visuals and Rao's physical transformation aim to capture the pursuit of justice. Directed by Avinash Arun, it faced scheduling shifts amid other releases.

DTCP issues notice to 688 houses owners in five private colonies

The DTCP's enforcement wing will take action against 688 houses in Gurugram for violating building norms and operating illegal commercial units. A recent survey uncovered multiple infractions across five private colonies, leading to issued notices. If no satisfactory responses are received, sealing and demolition will follow, with fines imposed. Violations also include illegal constructions impacting parking space and occupancy certificates.

Section of key water pipeline found missing, GMDA to conduct probe

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) will conduct a CCTV inspection of a pipeline from Central Peripheral Road to Almeida Chowk after discovering a missing 3.5-meter section essential for the operation of the Sector 72 water boosting station, which will benefit underserved areas. Previously, 23 leakages have been repaired in 15 km of testing. The pipeline project, initially awarded in 2012, faced delays due to land acquisition litigation.

Cabbie arrested for sexually harassing woman in Sec 29

A 34-year-old cab driver was arrested on Thursday for sexually harassing a female cab driver at a charging station in Sector 29, Gurugram. The suspect, from Bihar, allegedly watched an obscene video and directed it towards her while she charged her vehicle. The victim recorded the incident and filed a complaint leading to his arrest.

LBA sweeps titles as basketball championship ends

Ludhiana Basketball Academy (LBA) triumphed at the Punjab Youth State Basketball Championship, winning titles in both boys’ and girls’ categories at Guru Nanak Stadium. The LBA girls defeated Kapurthala 64–18, while LBA boys edged past Patiala 82–80. The event also served to scout talent for the Youth National Championship in Pune. Retired IPS officer Gurpreet Singh Toor attended the ceremony.

Cocktail 2 OTT release: Where to watch Shahid, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika's film

Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adjania and starring Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna, follows a couple's vacation in Sicily that tests their love and commitment after meeting Kriti Sanon's character. Released on June 19, 2026, despite negative reviews, it grossed Rs 147 crore worldwide. The film streams on Netflix starting August 14, 2026.

Air India made steady progress despite global uncertainty: CEO Campbell Wilson at townhall

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, in a recent employee town hall, asserted progress on the airline's transformation despite geopolitical and economic challenges. While he departs in September, he highlighted a $400 million fleet retrofit and plans for 16 new Boeing 787-8s by 2027, amid a supportive operational strategy. Recent salary increments for staff were also announced. Wilson emphasized the airline's commitment to long-term goals as transformation accelerates.

Servant for 15 yrs helps thieves target employer’s house in Ludhiana

A domestic help allegedly conspired with three others to steal ₹5 lakh, foreign currency, and valuables from a realtor's house after handing over the keys. Police arrested Sarwan Kumar and his associates, revealing a plan for quick financial gain. The burglary was discovered when the homeowner returned. Investigations continue to recover stolen items.

With full-dress rehearsal, PAU grounds set for I-Day event

As the city prepares for its 80th Independence Day, a full-dress rehearsal took place at Punjab Agricultural University, led by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain. The event featured a march past, a PT show, and patriotic performances by students. Jain emphasized the importance of meticulous planning for the August 15 celebrations, overseeing preparations and ensuring public convenience.