The Indian government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations for field trials, aiming to enhance durability. This move comes as the Finance Minister also addressed Parliament on declining retail inflation, GST reforms, and other fiscal measures taken to support the economy and household consumption.
BMW India CFO Carsten Lammers has expressed surprise at the extensive scale and prolonged duration of tax and Customs litigation in India, advocating for faster dispute resolution and simpler procedures to ensure business stability.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a fresh investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision follows a request from the victim's mother, now a BJP MLA, and includes a separate probe into alleged cremation irregularities. Adhikari criticised previous police handling and vowed to ensure justice, despite a CBI investigation having already led to a conviction.
The mother of the RG Kar hospital rape-murder victim on Monday rejected Trinamool Congres MLA Kunal Ghosh's comparison between the Rs 10 lakh given to the family of a party worker who died in police custody in Halisahar, and the same amount of compensation announced after her daughter's death.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the Muslim side regarding the non-compliance of its directions to provide an alternative site near the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for Friday prayers. The Muslim side alleges the proposed site is unsuitable and too far, while the Solicitor General claims another location has been identified.
A student leader, Rahul Kranti, on a hunger strike against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, has drawn attention from political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who visited the hospitalised students. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and comprehensive reforms in state recruitment bodies.
Mexico and Argentina's football associations have publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, despite a significant backlash over his abandoned proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, with other confederations and national bodies expressing strong opposition.
The Supreme Court has clarified its interim order regarding the sharing of audio and video clips of court hearings, stating that it does not prevent news organisations from reporting on judicial proceedings. The court emphasised that while media outlets can report on legal developments, they are restricted from using audio or video recordings of the proceedings without prior permission. This clarification addresses confusion over a previous July 24 order.
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by the Lok Sabha, introduces significantly stricter punishments for individuals and organised groups involved in paper leaks and other unfair means in public examinations. The legislation aims to enhance the integrity of exams conducted by various central government agencies.
Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.
The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea to modify an order allowing the release of the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath". The court emphasised that creativity, art, and culture should not be curtailed due to sensitivities regarding deity depictions, especially for children's animation.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activities and initiated procedures to place him on the international wanted list, according to Russian state-run news agency TASS.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced a Rs 100 crore allocation for sports infrastructure and athlete development during a Sports Conclave in Raipur. The state government is focused on promoting sports, nurturing talent, and providing employment opportunities for outstanding sportspersons, alongside organising major sporting events like the Bastar and Surguja Olympics.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to withdraw a controversial Rs 3 crore tender for upgradation works around her official heritage bungalow in Byculla. The tender, issued by the BMC's zoo department, faced strong objections from the opposition, particularly Shiv Sena (UBT), which alleged misuse of public funds. Tawde clarified that the works were for the surrounding area, not the bungalow itself, and cited the tender's mention of the Mayor's bungalow as the reason for its withdrawal.
Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) President Lise Klaveness has called for the immediate resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating he 'does not have the institutional trust required to govern FIFA stably' and that 'there is no going back for Gianni Infantino'.
The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the Centre's HPV immunisation campaign, noting that data on 5.5 million administered vaccines showed no 'instant harm'. However, the court emphasised that 'half-baked vaccines' should not be given to the public and raised 'serious issues' regarding past protocol violations in vaccine testing and certification.
The Gujarat government has imposed a state-wide ban on the production, transportation, and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter. Citing public health concerns and the need to protect consumers and the dairy sector, the decision follows detections of substandard artificial dairy products during inspections. Legal action will be taken against violators.
The Maharashtra FDA has suspended the food business licences of five prominent Mumbai clubs, including the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and MIG Cricket Club, due to severe violations of food safety and hygiene norms, such as unsanitary kitchens, pest infestations, improper food handling, and unauthorised catering operations.
Indian crypto exchanges and companies have expressed strong support for the Central Board of Direct Taxes' (CBDT) new Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), which mandates reporting and due-diligence obligations for crypto service providers on all transactions starting 2026.
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.
Assam's flood toll has climbed to 87 with two new fatalities, even as water levels recede in most inundated areas, affecting nearly 1.3 lakh people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, which could impact several bordering Assam districts.
The mortal remains of Merchant Navy chief officer Sagar Gupta, who was killed in a Black Sea attack amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, were brought to his native place in Kanpur on Wednesday, 18 days after the incident, with his family demanding 'martyr' status and compensation.
As the agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 14th day, talks between the state government and student protesters on Friday failed to break the deadlock, with students deciding to continue their protest and hunger strike until their demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, are met.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met with a World Bank delegation to discuss advancing Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, and skill development in the state. The discussions focused on leveraging technology to enhance citizen services, with plans to showcase Haryana's AI Sandbox globally and develop a dedicated AI model for the state.
Construction of the approved reactor projects is expected to take five to six years after receiving financial approval.
Meet the man who is on mission mode to enforce hygiene standards in eateries and restaurants.
Uttar Pradesh authorities have implemented extensive security and logistical measures for the annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on Thursday and concludes on August 11. These include AI-enabled surveillance, additional security personnel, medical camps, dedicated control rooms, and traffic diversions, all aimed at ensuring a "zero incidents and zero accidents" pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.
GDN has a fascinating genius at its centre, but Madhavan's terrific performance is let down by a repetitive, overly familiar biopic treatment.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk released a video detailing his experience at Safdarjung Hospital, where he alleged he was prevented from leaving despite a Delhi High Court order. Hospital authorities claim the video was recorded before they received the official court order and in a no-videography zone. Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike for examination reforms, later ended his fast at Medanta Hospital after government assurances.
The US is reportedly considering a USD 100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas, which allow international students to work in the US after graduation. This move by the Trump administration follows a rejected H1-B visa fee proposal and could significantly impact foreign graduates and tech companies. The Department of Homeland Security is also exploring a USD 100,000 bond for green card applicants.
Haryana is institutionalising drone technology as a key governance tool, deploying AI-powered surveillance and high-resolution geospatial mapping. This initiative aims to detect illegal constructions, monitor mining activities, map civic infrastructure, and track pollution across the state. The Chief Secretary reviewed progress on various projects, including an AI-powered Change Detection Application and digital mapping of municipal assets, highlighting the state's commitment to evidence-based governance and improved public service delivery.
An 11-year-old rape survivor in Yamunanagar, Haryana, has given birth to a baby girl at the District Civil Hospital. Both the mother and baby are in stable condition. The minor's pregnancy was discovered in May, leading to the arrest of the accused under the POCSO Act. The family has consented to hand over the newborn to the Child Welfare Committee.
US President Donald Trump has announced a "historic" agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, coupled with a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. The deal, part of Trump's 20-point Gaza plan, involves an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force, with Gaza eventually administered by a new Palestinian government. Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye were thanked for their mediation efforts.
Subedar Hokato Sema lost his leg in a mine blast on the Line of Control. Today he is a champion para shot-putter and among the most decorated para soldier-athletes.
'After announcing that she will return to Bangladesh, if she does not, her credibility will suffer.'
The Delhi high court on Tuesday said the right to protest does not extend to damaging the "seat of sovereignty," and a police officer's image cannot be "tarnished" over an alleged "overuse of power" during the July 20 march to Parliament against the NEET paper leak.
Go once. You will know, even before you board the flight home, that you will return.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. This new position aims to strengthen administrative and financial management following alleged embezzlement concerns. The CEO will be appointed for a three-year term, overseeing various aspects from finance to pilgrim facilities, and must be an actively practising Hindu with specific managerial experience.
Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg has issued an apology for the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, while company executives acknowledged significant content moderation failures, including issues with child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, and the paid boosting of certain content.
