The India Story adopts a very soap opera-like approach, piling on ham-fisted melodrama along with plenty of unevenness, sighs Sreeju Sudhakaran
EPFO said the measure could substantially improve retirement outcomes with nearly half its members expected to see an increase of up to 35 times in their old-age savings.
The investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has broadened to include private security personnel. Around 400 guards are under scrutiny for their roles in managing entry, exit, and offerings, with police examining duty records, CCTV footage, and potential negligence or complicity in theft. This follows the arrest of eight individuals and the resignation of two trust members after a Special Investigation Team was formed.
The Gujarat High Court has upheld the death sentences for 38 Indian Mujahideen operatives and life imprisonment for 11 others involved in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts, which killed 56 people. The court also directed the state government to pay significant compensation to victims' families and those grievously injured.
The EPF should remain a retirement nest egg, not be turned into an emergency fund.
The Sports Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, has announced stringent selection criteria for the upcoming Asian Games, capping the contingent at 600 athletes. The policy prioritises medal prospects, stating that the Games are not for "exposure tours" or securing jobs. This includes a "realistic chance of winning a medal" and being in the top six continental rankings. The ministry will scrutinise recommendations from National Sports Federations, with specific cases like equestrian Anush Agarwalla and table tennis player Manika Batra highlighting the new approach.
'If there are different laws governing the same subject, it can increase the compliance burden on platforms. The process would be easier and more transparent if there were a singular national-level law.'
The Bombay High Court has referred to a larger bench the question of whether the state can deny furlough to prisoners convicted under special statutes like MCOCA and POCSO, citing potential violations of fundamental rights.
A lavish midnight birthday celebration on Guwahati's Kumar Bhaskar Varma Bridge led to the detention of businessman Gautam Baruah, his wife Karabi Baruah, and 12 others, with four luxury vehicles seized, after viral videos prompted a police investigation into alleged traffic and public safety violations.
A 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development initiatives in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, concluded after police cleared the agitation site and dispersed protesters. While police denied arrests, protesters alleged their leader, Amit Bhatnagar, was detained amidst claims of project irregularities and corruption. The project aims to provide irrigation and drinking water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has filed a police complaint in Kolkata against a Facebook page and media platform, alleging they are spreading misleading and defamatory content to tarnish his image and reputation.
Dutch football players Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville were subjected to racist, discriminatory, and hateful online abuse after missing penalties in their World Cup shootout defeat to Morocco. The Dutch football association (KNVB) has condemned the abuse, calling it appalling, and plans to file a case with 'Meld Online Discriminatie' which could lead to a criminal investigation. Morocco won the thrilling Round of 32 match 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, advancing to face Canada.
'It was only after Aishwarya ran for 100 days and became a massive hit that Shah Rukh Khan signed Deepika Padukone.'
A Delhi Police constable allegedly shot his 30-year-old wife dead on her birthday in east Delhi's Vinod Nagar. The victim's family claims she was subjected to dowry harassment, and the accused has been absconding since the incident. Police are investigating the marital relationship and past complaints.
Despite decades of efforts towards energy transition, oil will remain the critical energy source for all nations for some decades. We can hope for peace opening the Strait of Hormuz, but must prepare for war closing it, points out former foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai.
The police sealed the room in the rented house of the accused. The police have taken the DVR of the CCTV camera installed at Mishra's rented house into their custody, official sources said.
India has lodged a 'strong protest' with Iran over recent strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to several others, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic engagement.
Police in Pune have registered a case against two officials of Antony Lara Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd following the collapse of a three-storey building at a waste-to-energy project, which resulted in nine deaths. The officials are booked for culpable homicide and negligence, as preliminary inquiries suggest a lack of safety measures despite heavy rains and the proximity of a large waste mound. The Maharashtra government has formed a high-level technical committee to investigate the incident and recommend preventive measures.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle land encroachment and unauthorised constructions in the capital. Following Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu's directive for "zero tolerance," the SOP mandates demolition within 72 hours of detection by dedicated Quick Response Teams and flying squads. The policy also incorporates technology like geo-tagging and drone inspections, alongside continuous monitoring to prevent re-encroachment.
Police investigating the murder of Pune-based realtor Ketan Agarwal suspect his fiancee Siya Goyal and her lover Chetan Chaudhary, both accused in the case, had secretly married a few months before the crime, with a probe underway to verify this claim.
Former Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha member Vinayak Raut, his son, and five others have been booked for allegedly physically, mentally, and financially torturing his daughter-in-law, Girija Raut, and subjecting her to black magic. The complaint details allegations of abuse, medical negligence, and occult rituals, which the Raut family vehemently denies, stating the accusations are an attempt to pressure them amidst ongoing divorce proceedings.
The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court judgment. The High Court ruled that individuals converting to Islam cannot claim reservation under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on conversion, striking down a state Government Order that allowed such benefits.
'When you are standing for what the Constitution guarantees you, you are not alone.'
By the time Ikka reaches its overblown finale, complete with a redundant trick ending, the verdict becomes clear: Melodrama wins, logic loses, observes Mayur Sanap.
West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.
The Gujarat High Court has ruled that the performance of customary rites and ceremonies, particularly 'saptapadi', is essential for the validation of a Hindu marriage, stating that registration alone is insufficient. The court emphasised that marriage is a sacrament and not merely a social occasion, highlighting the spiritual and legal significance of traditional rituals.
Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.
Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.
'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'
The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on the Madras High Court's directive that imposed a blanket ban on cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu, responding to an appeal from the State government.
RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has strongly condemned the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, stating it has deeply hurt sentiments. He called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those found guilty, while also urging patience from the Hindu community against "anti-Hindu" forces.
State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) has agreed to pay $600 million (about 5,700 crore) to settle litigation arising from the collapse of NMC Health, ending years of cross-border legal proceedings.
The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress has filed fresh police complaints against dissident leader Ritabrata Banerjee and his associates. The complaints accuse the rebels of illegally using the party's name, symbol, and designations to mislead workers, marking a significant escalation in the month-long internal struggle following the assembly poll defeat.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will make an additional provision of USD 70 million in Q1 FY2027, bringing its total provision to USD 220 million, after the US Supreme Court declined to review a lower court ruling in a trade secrets dispute with Computer Sciences Corporation (now DXC Technology).
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrupting a TMC protest march concerning the Baruipur rape and murder case, alleging that the police acted as an 'arm' of the saffron party by failing to enforce a Calcutta High Court order permitting the rally.
Global technology giant Google has announced the selection of 20 Indian AI startups for its 2026 Google for Startups Accelerator programme, marking the 10th anniversary of its accelerator initiatives.
An ex-assistant professor, Srinivas Louis, has been arrested for allegedly making over 1,100 hoax bomb threats across India and Pakistan. Police investigations revealed that Louis was motivated by resentment towards the legal system due to a family land dispute.
The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura. The adjournment comes as Hindu parties involved in the case are reportedly engaged in off-the-record talks to determine which lawsuit will serve as the lead case. The court was hearing a plea challenging an Allahabad High Court order that designated one Hindu party as the representative for all Lord Krishna devotees.
If Elle is to turn into its own franchise, it needs a lot more substance, notes Deepa Gahlot.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the disqualification petitions against rebel MPs from the Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Both parties have sought the disqualification of their defecting members under the anti-defection law, while the Speaker is consulting legal experts and examining precedents to ensure legally sound decisions.
