Get up to 77 percent off NordVPN two-year plans for Labor Day

VPN users are overwhelmed with choice , and there are as many bad options out there as there are good ones. Luckily, NordVPN sits in the latter category, and right now Nord is offering discounted plans across its various tiers. If you take out a two-year NordVPN Plus plan (the company's most popular plan) itll cost you $108 for the duration of the contract, with Nord throwing in three extra months at no extra cost. Thats 73 percent off the usual rate. As well as Nords VPN service, a Plus plan also includes the Threat Protection Pro anti-malware tool, password management and an ad- and tracker-blocker. A Prime plan additionally comes with encrypted cloud storage or NordProtect, which insures you against identity theft and monitors dark web activity. That's also on sale down to $189 on the same two-year commitment with those three additional months thrown in, which works out to a 77 percent savings on the regular price. When Engadgets Sam Chapman reviewed NordVPN earlier this year, he praised its excellent download speeds, exclusive features and extensive server network. Less impressive is its clunky interface and inconsistent design when jumping between different platforms running a NordVPN app. While it doesn't quite make the cut in our guide to the best VPNs available right now, it generally performed well in speed tests and Threat Protection Pro is really worth having. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-up-to-77-percent-off-nordvpn-two-year-plans-for-labor-day-151807565.html?src=rss

Indian Fan Zones Sold Out 50 Days Ahead Of White-ball Tour Of Australia, Says CA

Executive General Manager Events: Cricket Australia (CA) on Saturday announced that fan zones dedicated to Indian fans during the white-ball series between Australia and India have been sold out 50 days in advance, highlighting the soaring demand and excitement for the high-profile matches. CA also said public tickets for the Sydney and Canberra matches have been sold out, and has urged fans to book their tickets for the remaining matches, as they are also selling fast. We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the Indian fan zones selling out across all eight venues. We are excited to see the momentum building around this series and the strong passion fans continue to display for the game. Were looking forward to a vibrant atmosphere in the stands and a world-class contest on the field between two great cricketing nations, said Joel Morrison, CAs Executive General Manager Events & Operations, in a statement. Indias white-ball tour of Australia starts with the ODI series opener on October 19 at Perth Stadium, and is followed by matches at Adelaide Oval and Sydney Cricket Ground on October 23 and 25 respectively. Batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma are expected to play in the ODI series, the only format they play internationally after stepping away from Tests and T20Is. We are excited to see the momentum building around this series and the strong passion fans continue to display for the game. Were looking forward to a vibrant atmosphere in the stands and a world-class contest on the field between two great cricketing nations, said Joel Morrison, CAs Executive General Manager Events & Operations, in a statement. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The last time India toured Australia for a bilateral ODI series, the visitors lost by a 2-1 margin in 2020/21, but managed to win the subsequent T20I series by the same margin. Article Source: IANS

NordVPN two-year plans are up to 77 percent off right now

There are dozens of VPNs to choose from, but to think they're all created equally would be a mistake. Some are better than others, and NordVPN sits squarely in the better category. Now, you can save up to 77 percent on most of NordVPN's plans. Arguably the best plan for most people is the NordVPN Plus plan , which you can get two years of access for only $108 right now. That's 73 percent off the usual rate, and NordVPN throws in an addition three months for free, so you're actually getting a 27-month subscription for the sale price. As well as Nords VPN service, a Plus plan also includes the Threat Protection Pro anti-malware tool, password management and an ad- and tracker-blocker. A Prime plan additionally comes with encrypted cloud storage or NordProtect, which insures you against identity theft and monitors dark web activity. That's also on sale down to $189 on the same two-year commitment with those three additional months thrown in, which works out to a 77 percent savings on the regular price. When Engadgets Sam Chapman reviewed NordVPN earlier this year, he praised its excellent download speeds, exclusive features and extensive server network. Less impressive is its clunky interface and inconsistent design when jumping between different platforms running a NordVPN app. While it doesn't quite make the cut in our guide to the best VPNs available right now, it generally performed well in speed tests and Threat Protection Pro is really worth having. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/nordvpn-two-year-plans-are-up-to-77-percent-off-right-now-151807263.html?src=rss

The best VPN deals: Get up to 77 percent off NordVPN, ProtonVPN, Surfshark and others

A virtual private network (VPN) can save you a lot of money if you use it right. By changing your virtual location, you can use one streaming service to see shows that might be scattered between three or four in your home country. You can also trawl the world for discounts that only show up in a few select regions. And of course, you can't put a price on the joy of taking back your online business from intrusive ads and trackers. VPN providers are all competing to boost their subscriber counts, so they frequently offer massive discounts to anyone willing to sign up for one or two years at a time. Most of the deals below fit into that category. Before you jump into the list, make sure you're OK with a longer-term commitment. Best VPN deals NordVPN $83.43 for a two-year subscription with three months free (77 percent off): NordVPN gets the most important parts of a VPN right. It's fast, it doesn't leak any of your data and it's great at changing your virtual location. I noted in my NordVPN review that it always connects quickly and includes a support page that makes it easy to get live help. Although I'm sad to see it shutting down Meshnet , NordVPN still includes a lot of cool features, like servers that instantly connect you to Tor. This deal gives you 77 percent off the two-year plan, which also comes with three extra months but there's no expiration date, so you have a little time for comparison shopping. ExpressVPN $85.42 for a two-year subscription with four months free (61 percent off): This is one of the best VPNs, especially for new users, who will find its apps and website headache-free on all platforms. In tests for my ExpressVPN review , it dropped my download speeds by less than 7 percent and successfully changed my virtual location 14 out of 15 times. In short, it's an all-around excellent service that only suffers from being a little overpriced which is why I'm so excited whenever I find it offering a decent deal. This deal, which gets you 28 months of ExpressVPN service, represents a 61 percent savings. It's the lowest I've seen ExpressVPN go in some time, though like NordVPN, it's not on a ticking clock. Surfshark Starter $53.73 for a two-year subscription with three months free (87 percent off): This is the asic level of Surfshark , but it includes the entire VPN; everything on Surfshark One is an extra perk. With this subscription, you'll get some of the most envelope-pushing features in the VPN world right now. Surfshark has a more closely connected server network than most VPNs, so it can rotate your IP constantly to help you evade detection it even lets you choose your own entry and exit nodes for a double-hop connection. That all comes with a near-invisible impact on download speeds. With this year-round deal, you can save 87 percent on 27 months of Surfshark. Surfshark One $61.83 for a two-year subscription with three months free (87 percent off): A VPN is great, but it's not enough to protect your data all on its own. Surfshark One adds several apps that boost your security beyond just VPN service, including Surfshark Antivirus (scans devices and downloads for malware), Surfshark Alert (alerts you whenever your sensitive information shows up in a data breach) and Surfshark Search (a private search engine with no ads or activity tracking). This evergreen deal gives you 87 percent off all those features. If you bump up to Surfshark One+, you'll also get data removal through Incogni, but the price jumps enough that it's not quite worthwhile in my eyes. CyberGhost $56.94 for a two-year subscription with two months free (83 percent off): CyberGhost has some of the best automation you'll see on any VPN. With its Smart Rules system, you can determine how its apps respond to different types of Wi-Fi networks, with exceptions for specific networks you know by name. Typically, you can set it to auto-connect, disconnect or send you a message asking what to do. CyberGhost's other best feature is its streaming servers while it's not totally clear what it does to optimize them, I've found both better video quality and more consistent unblocking when I use them on streaming sites. Currently, you can get 26 months of CyberGhost for 83 percent off the usual price. Private Internet Access $79 for a three-year subscription with three months free (83 percent off): It's a bit hard to find (the link at the start of this paragraph includes the coupon), but Private Internet Access (PIA) is giving out the best available price right now on a VPN I'd recommend using. With this deal, you can get 39 months of PIA for a little bit over $2 per month an 83 percent discount on its monthly price. Despite being so cheap, PIA almost never comes off as a budget VPN, coming with its own DNS servers, a built-in ad blocker and automation powers to rival CyberGhost. However, internet speeds can fluctuate while you're connected. What makes a good VPN deal Like I said in the intro, practically every VPN heavily discounts its long-term subscriptions the whole year round. The only noteworthy exception is Mullvad, the Costco hot dog of VPNs (that's a compliment, to be clear). When there's constantly a huge discount going on, it can be hard to tell when you're actually getting a good deal. The best way to squeeze out more savings is to look for seasonal deals, student discounts or exclusive sales like Proton VPN's coupon for Engadget readers . One trick VPNs often use is to add extra months onto an introductory deal, pushing the average monthly price even lower. When it comes time to renew, you usually can't get these extra months again. You often can't even renew for the same basic period of time for example, you may only be able to renew a two-year subscription for one year. If you're planning to hold onto a VPN indefinitely, check the fine print to see how much it will cost per month after the first renewal, and ensure that fits into your budget. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice . This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-vpn-deals-120056041.html?src=rss

Indian Navy warships INS Tamal, INS Surat dock in Jeddah to boost Indo-Saudi ties

NEW DELHI: Aiming to strengthen ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, INS Tamal, a Talwar-class stealth frigate, and INS Surat, the latest indigenously constructed guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, arrived at Jeddah on 27 and 28 August 2025, respectively. The Indian Navy (IN) in its statement said, During the port call, the crew will engage with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) and Border Guards through sports fixtures, familiarisation with naval facilities and discussions towards fostering Indo-Saudi Arabian relations. The Navy said the visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening defence collaboration and friendly ties with Saudi Arabia. It will also provide an opportunity for both navies to share best practices and explore avenues for further engagement. The Indian side will host a cultural exchange for senior dignitaries of the RSNF, Border Guards, diplomats, prominent members of the diaspora and local government officials, the IN added. Indian Navy commissions latest frigate INS Tamal As reported in detail earlier by The New Indian Express , INS Tamal (F71), a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned in July at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the series of Project 1135.6 and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships. The first ship of the Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned on 09 December 2024 in the presence of the Defence Minister. TNIE reported on INS Surat, which was commissioned this January, is the latest indigenous guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai, and designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, the ship is a shining example of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and boasts an indigenous content of over 75%.

Kabaddi Legend Anup Kumar, Fazel Atrachali Inducted In U Mumba's First-ever Hall Of Fame

Pro Kabaddi League: Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchise U Mumba have made history by becoming the first PKL team to launch a dedicated Hall of Fame.The inaugural inductees are two of the teams greatest icons, Anup Kumar, the captain who led the team to its maiden championship in 2015, and Fazel Atrachali, the defensive powerhouse regarded among kabaddis most successful captains. The Hall of Fame begins by honouring two figures who defined U Mumbas identity, the captain who led the team to its maiden title and the defender who set new standards of dominance and leadership. Together, they symbolise the values of resilience, excellence, and fearlessness that continue to shape the franchise. Anup, fondly known as Captain Cool, was the driving force behind U Mumbas early dominance, leading the team to its maiden PKL title in Season 2 and three straight finals. He amassed 546 points for the franchise, cementing his legacy as one of kabaddis greats. On being inducted into the first ever U Mumba Hall of Fame, Anup said, I feel truly lucky to have led U Mumba. Season 1 was heartbreaking for all of us, but that pain made the Season 2 championship even more special and unforgettable. The most beautiful part of this journey is that the starting 7 of then are still in touch. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame brings all those memories back and I will always carry this team, those moments and our fans in my heart. Anup was the MVP of Season 1, topping the charts for raid points, total points, Super 10s, Super Raids and successful raids. He continued to lead from the front as U Mumbas highest raider in Seasons 2 and 3, his calm leadership laying the foundation for the franchises golden era. Fazel began his journey with U Mumba in Season 2, but it was his return as captain in Season 6 that defined his legacy. That season he registered 83 points, finishing as the third-best defender while emerging as U Mumbas top tackler. Playing for U Mumba was one of the most special chapters of my PKL career. The faith of the management, the bond with my teammates and the love of the fans gave me strength every time I stepped on the mat. To be remembered in the teams very first Hall of Fame is a huge honour. I dedicate this to my teammates and coaches who stood by me. I will always carry this recognition with pride, Fazel said. Fazel began his journey with U Mumba in Season 2, but it was his return as captain in Season 6 that defined his legacy. That season he registered 83 points, finishing as the third-best defender while emerging as U Mumbas top tackler. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Anup Kumar and Fazel Atrachali are not just legends of the game, they represent the ethos of U Mumba and are synonymous with our legacy as a sporting franchise. Through our Hall of Fame, we aim to create a tradition where our history becomes the foundation of our future and we can't have two better stalwarts and captains than them, to be inducted first, Suhail Chandhok, CEO of U Mumba, said. Article Source: IANS

Google is setting up a verification process for all Android app developers

Android said that developer verification was being added in order to protect people from bad actors spreading malware and scams

ADGP Mahipal Yadav, who was set to retire on August 31, dies while undergoing treatment in Jaipur

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:Former Excise Commissioner and 1997-batch IPS officer, ADGP Mahipal Yadav, passed away in Jaipur on Wednesday. Set to retire on August 31, Mahipal was diagnosed with brain tumour recently following which he went back to Rajasthan for treatment and joining his family. A native of Alwar, Mahipal was recently transferred as ADGP Crimes. But he was reluctant to join a new wing towards the fag end of the career. Following his request, he was allowed to continue as Excise Commissioner until he went on leave after his health deteriorated. Mahipal returned to the state from central deputation two years back. He had previously worked in the CBI where he investigated sensational AgustaWestland chopper bribery scandal case and corruption case of late Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav. The police department was planning to arrange a virtual sent off for the outgoing officer on August 27. However, the relatives informed the senior officers about his demise.

Rahul Gandhi's voter yatra reaches crescendo as Priyanka joins

PATNA: The Voter Adhikar Yatra reached a crescendo when Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the rally, which entered its tenth day on Tuesday. Priyankas participation in the yatra on the auspicious occasion of Teej is being viewed as a morale booster for the INDIA bloc supporters, especially women, who, like in previous elections, will play a crucial role in the upcoming state assembly elections. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy also joined the 16-day, 3000-km Yatra, covering 23 districts of the state. Rahul, along with Priyanka, Revanth, Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI-ML), and Mukesh Sahani (VIP), travelled from Supaul to Madhubani in an SUV, waving to the people waiting for hours on the roads in long queues and bracing the scorching sun. The 51-km stretch from Hussain Chowk in Supaul and Lohia Chowk in Madhubani district was adorned with welcome arches and flags representing the INDIA allies. Young people carrying flags accompanied the cavalcade, while women and girls welcomed the leaders from the rooftops and balconies of multi-storied buildings. Priyanka, dressed in a blue kurti and white salwar, carried a black handbag, as she greeted the crowd from the SUV. Rahul, in his usual white T-shirt and trousers, shook hands with the supporters. Standing in the middle of the Gandhi siblings was Revanth, who also greeted the gathered people. During the yatra, Rahul interacted with a youth named Prem Sagar Kumar, who introduced himself as someone who has undergone one year of training at ISRO. Kumar lashed out at the state government for its poor education system, expressing his aspiration to become a scientist despite facing financial constraints. As the rally reached Lohia Chowk, Phulparas (Madhubani), for breakfast, a large number of supporters gathered to meet their leaders, raising Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod slogan at regular intervals. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav also joined the yatra later. Security personnel had a tough time managing the crowd.

Rain lashes Jammu for third consecutive day, traffic on Jammu-Srinagar NH suspended

JAMMU: Moderate to heavy rains lashed Jammu division for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, leading to suspension of traffic along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, officials said. Almost all the rivers and streams are flowing above or close to the danger mark, submerging a number of low-lying areas and roads in the city and elsewhere, they said. The officials said the traffic on the 250-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended as a precautionary measure this morning following the shooting of stones from the hillocks at Chanderkote, Kela Morh and Battery Cheshma in Ramban district. The vehicular movement on the highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with rest of the country, was suspended at Udhampur in Jammu and Qazigund in Kashmir, they said, adding it was raining heavily all along the highway when last reports were received. The officials said a portion of the Padder road near Traith Nallah was washed away in Kishtwar district, while Ramnagar-Udhampur road in Udhampur and Jangalwar-Thathri road in Doda were closed following landslides at Konga and Thathri, respectively. Reports of damage to nearly a dozen houses and cowshed were also received from higher reaches of Kishtwar, Doda and Rajouri districts. As Jammu battles incessant rains, MeT forecasts more intense downpour; warns of cloudburst, flash floods The officials said the overflowing Modhopur barrage has crossed one lakh cusec mark and is continuously rising, triggering heavy flooding in several low-lying areas along the Ravi river in Kathua district. The officials said water levels in the Taranah River, Ujh River, Maggar Khad, Sahar Khad, Ravi River, and their tributaries in Kathua are simultaneously rising and nearing the danger mark The Tawi river has crossed the 20 feet danger mark in Udhampur district, while downstream in Jammu it is flowing currently below the alert level, the officials said, Chenab is also flowing close to the warning level in Jammu. Basanter River in Samba also crossed the danger mark of 4.5 feet this morning, they said. According to meteorological department, Kathua district recorded the highest 155.6 mm of rainfall during the last 24 hours ending 8.30 am followed by Bhaderwah in Doda at 99.8 mm, Jammu (81.5 mm) and Katra (68.8mm). Authorities have already issued advisories, asking people to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas amid the weather forecast predicting moderate to heavy rainfall at many places in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts with possibility of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in high altitude areas till August 27.

The cultural echoes of Madras

Founded on August 22, 1639, the city of Madras stands proudly on its rich history, nourished by narratives, layered by relentless human activity, and looking at a glorious future. As the city celebrates its birthday, those who have been a significant part of its cultural landscape, share their thoughts with artist, Jitha Karthikeyan C DOUGLAS, Artist My memories of the city took root at the Madras College of Fine Arts. Every day, I felt the red building, the library, the wooden steps, and the teachers waiting for me. Walking was an integral part of my life then. Strolls to Moor Market in search of second-hand books and to St Andrews Church (The Kirk) next to the college, where the trees in the premises were a subject for our landscape paintings in watercolours, are all unforgettable. The Udupi restaurants with their strong coffees in steel tumblers, the libraries, the musical concerts at Music Academy will all remain etched in my memory. Its hard to believe how time went by so quickly and silently, and how much the city has changed since. RM PALANIAPPAN, Artist As someone who has lived and worked in this city for decades, I have personally witnessed the evolution of artistic practices in Chennai. In the earlier years, intimacy bound the artists. Ideas and philosophies were exchanged whenever artists met. Composition and concepts were discussed. The human touch was paramount. Today, I find a stark transformation. Styles are global, technological aid and AI have enhanced the artists skill, the connectivity provided by the internet has resulted in international collaborations, and visibility is now paramount. I have been a part of this transition period, and although I do look back with fondness at the days when the system was not so commercial, I also feel happy that Chennai now offers better opportunities for young artists. PRAVIN KANNANUR, Artist, Theatre personality Madras gave me the languages I have since thrived in Tamil and French. Eventually, I also learnt the languages of contemporary art and theatre, abstraction, and the absurd. It was a fabulous city to be in as a young person, if you were scientifically or culturally oriented. Culture was easy to access, although classical arts had primacy. I was able to partake in a lot of action. Rock groups were creating waves while folk forms were also flourishing. Koothu-p-Pattarai, operating out of the Alliance Franaise of Madras, the crucible for culture, had already blazed a strong contemporary idiom melding the traditional and the modern, the classic and the vernacular. I was lucky enough to be able to walk into these worlds and was amazed to find myself in a non-hierarchical relationship with stalwarts in the art scene. The irrepressible Na Muthuswami allowed me to direct my first professional play with his group when I was barely 22. Artist John Tun Sein painted a 15-foot x 20-foot abstract canvas for this play. There was a lot of fluidity between the various fields, much lively debate, ferment, and collaborations. Today, the Chennai Sangamam is a yearly window to engage with the finest of our folk artists in a truly contemporary setting. It gives us a taste of what has gone into shaping our cultural landscape. Chennai still has so much to offer, although one has to make space for oneself as a youngster. PARVATHI NAYAR, Artist, Author Chennai, for me, is not just where I live, but the city that continually shapes my art. I have had my studio here for over sixteen years, and the rhythms of the city speak to my practice. Stories of water, the environment, and the people that coexist in Chennai flow into the way I think and create my art. As a Chennai-based artist, it was a privilege to present my six-year project, Limits of Change, to the city earlier this year. The work explores war, violence, identity, and reconciliation, bridging personal memory with geopolitical history. Audiences were guided through nine rooms of the fictional Story Museum created at Lalit Kala Akademi, each room filled with art installations, videos, drawings, archival texts, and objects. At its heart lies a nearly forgotten chapter of history: the Custodian Force India (CFI), which sailed from Madras in 1953 to help bring peace in Korea after the Korean War. They conducted their mission in the dangerous Demilitarised Zone, then returned in 1954. The emotional core of the work comes from my father, Gen TNR Nayar, who was part of the CFI. The work uses archival videos shot by my father that include scenes of the Madras Port in 1954, with such luminaries as C Rajagopalachari welcoming the returning soldiers. Madras is, thus, a vital cartographic marker. GITA HUDSON, Artist, Curator, Filmmaker Growing up in Chennai, my parents, who had very liberal views, exposed me to all faiths. The sculptures I discovered in the temples I visited, and the vibrant colours of the city, found their way into my canvases in abstract forms. These aesthetics have also influenced my films. When the hand-drawn hoardings on Mount Road gave way to digital ones, I made a film on banner artists. My biggest learning has been from two sources. One was my visits was to the studios of artists like Achuthan Kudallur, whose collection of art books was a treasure trove. The other was my experience as a curator at DakshinaChitra. All the senior artists I met then and whose practices I have documented were driven by passion, and shows were never a destination. Today, the younger crowd needs gallery support to gain national recognition. In my view, what the city needs is a platform that can serve to be a meeting point for all art forms dance, music, theatre, literature, and art. H MADHU, Proprietor, Lakshana Art Gallery and Framers Ever since the inception of Lakshana in 1984, the space has been a hub for art lovers in Chennai. My fondest memory is of the inaugural show at my new gallery that opened in December 2004. MF Husain kindly consented to inaugurate the show with his painting of the renownedCarnatic musician, MS Subbulakshmi, which was a turning point in my life. He remained a friend and mentor since then, until his death. My bond with most of the artists in the city has encouraged me to be a part of Chennais artscape.

J&K government bans use of USBs, pen drives in government offices

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the use of USB and pen drives on official devices across all administrative government departments in the Union Territory to protect sensitive government information and minimise risks of data breaches. According to an official order issued by M Raju, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, the move is aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity posture of the Union Territory of J&K. To enhance cyber security posture of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, protect sensitive government information, and minimize the risks of data breaches, malware infections, and unauthorized access, it has been decided to prohibit the use of pen drives on official devices across all Administrative Government Departments in Civil Secretariat Jammu and Srinagar, Deputy Commissioner Offices in all districts of UT, the order read. In exceptional cases where operational needs justify their use, controlled whitelisting may be permitted for up to 2 to 3 pen drives per department, upon formal request routed through the respective Administrative head to the State Informatics Officer (SIO), National Informatics Centre. After approval pen drive must be physically submitted to the respective NIC Cell for reconfiguration, authorisation, and ownership registration prior to use. As a secure alternative, the government departments have been directed to adopt ( https://govdrive.gov.in ) GovDrive, a cloud-based, multi-tenant platform offering every Government official 50 GB of secure storage with centralized access and synchronisation across devices. As per the government order, the use of public messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or unsecured online services like iLovePDF for processing, sharing, or storing official or confidential materials is strictly prohibited to uphold data sovereignty and prevent security breaches. All sensitive technical information, including ICT architecture diagrams, system configurations, vulnerability assessments, IP addressing schemes, and strategic technology plans, must be classified as confidential and handled exclusively through approved secure channels in accordance with Information Security Best Practices by MHA, CERT-In directives, and departmental data classification policies, added the order. The government has warned that failure to adhere to the instructions shall be viewed seriously and may invite disciplinary action under relevant rules governing official conduct, IT usage andadministrative responsibility. All departments have been asked to accord top priority to the implementation of the guidelines in the interest of the secure and safe e-Governance.

Opposition VP candidate to meet CM Stalin, DMK allies in Chennai on Sunday

Chennai: Retired Justice Sudershan Reddy, the Oppositions Vice-Presidential candidate, is in Chennai on Sunday to kickstart his campaign in Tamil Nadu. He will begin the day by meeting Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at his Alwarpet residence. During the meeting, Stalin is expected to felicitate Reddy and host a tea reception in his honour. Reddy will Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

CPI stalwart Suravaram Sudhakar Reddys body to be donated to medical college

Hyderabad: The mortal remains of former Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary and two-time MP Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy will be donated to the Gandhi Medical College on Sunday, August 24, for the purpose of students medical research.. His mortal remains will be brought from Care hospitals in Gachibowli to Makdhoom Bhavan on Street Number Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

India Tops Global Malware Attack Chart As AI Drives Ransomware Surge: Report

India has emerged as the most-targeted nation for malware attacks, topping global charts, with Artificial Intelligence fuelling a surge in ransomware, a new report by cybersecurity firm Acronis has said.

India Tops Global Malware Attack Chart As AI Drives Ransomware Surge: Acronis Report

AI is empowering cybercriminals to operate at scale and with higher precision.

Beware traffic challan msg onWhatsApp, it could be a malware

Salwar torn, signs of struggle: Haryana hands 19-year-old teachers death probe to CBI; family consents for last rites

The death of a 19-year-old teacher in Bhiwani, initially ruled as suicide, is now under scrutiny due to discrepancies in the first postmortem report, which indicated signs of struggle and a torn salwar. Amid public outcry and family demands for a fair investigation, the Haryana government has decided to hand over the case to the CBI for an impartial probe.

Saw Them Putting Papa's Body In Drum: Son Of Man Killed By Wife, Lover

Days after a man's rotting body was found in a blue drum in Rajasthan's Alwar, his 8-year-old son has emerged as a crucial witness to the case in which his mother and her alleged lover are the prime accused.

Rajasthan Teacher Dies As Hospital Delays Treatment Over Aadhaar

A school lecturer died at the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital in Alwar, Rajasthan, after staff allegedly delayed treatment demanding an Aadhaar card

Man's Body Found Rotting In A Drum In Rajasthan, Wife And Children Missing

A man's rotting body has been recovered from a drum on the first floor of his rented home in Rajasthan's Alwar, said the police Sunday.

Seventh death anniversary of Vajpayee: PM Modi leads nation in paying tributes

Several other dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu, Union Ministers and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, visited his memorial 'Sadaiv Atal' to pay tributes to the BJP stalwart

Pakistan-Based Malware Network Targeting Millions Globally: CloudSEK

The criminals posted links to cracked versions of high-demand software such as Adobe After Effects to attract victims.

Sangeetha Adbalwar Founder & CEO, Vroutes HR

Sangeetha Adbalwar, Founder & CEO of Vroutes HR, transforms HR into a growth engine with her proprietary Three-Layer 360 HR Model, delivering scalable, compliant, and culture-driven solutions. The post Sangeetha Adbalwar Founder & CEO, Vroutes HR appeared first on Startup Success Stories India - News & Updates for Indian Entrepreneurs .

BJP Demands NIA Probe Into Alleged Murder Of A Hindu Activist in Koppal

According to BJP leaders, a Hindu activist Gavisiddappa was allegedly murdered by Sadiq Kolkar using machetes, swords and talwar and stated the murder of Gavisiddappa was brutal one and heinous considering the accused severed the head of the deceased

Country In Safe Hands: Ahmed Patel's Son Praises Narendra Modi Government

Congress stalwart late Ahmed Patel's son Faisal has praised the Narendra Modi government and said the country is in safe hands, but clarified that he is not upset with the Congress and has taken a break from public life

Sourav Ganguly backs Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharmas continued ODI careers

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has addressed swirling media speculation about the future of Indias white-ball stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Australia A inflict 114-run defeat on India A in second Womens T20

MACKAY (AUSTRALIA), Aug 9: Australia A bowlers, led by pace-bowling stalwart Kim Garth, ran roughshod as India A suffered a demoralising 114-run defeat in the second unofficial T20I as the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. For the second consecutive match of the multi-format series, India A won the toss and chose to field, a decision that backfired big time with Australia A batting stalwart and the Southern Stars skipper, Alyssa Healy played a superb 70-run [] The post Australia A inflict 114-run defeat on India A in second Womens T20 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Germany suspends military exports to Israel for use in Gaza war

Berlin: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday said his country will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza until further notice. Germany has been a stalwart supporter of Israel for decades. In a statement, Merz emphasised that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas terror and said Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Amit Shah Becomes Countrys Longest-Serving Home Minister, Surpasses Advanis Record

New Delhi, Aug 5: Amit Shah has become the longest-serving Union Minister of Home Affairs of India on Tuesday. With 2,258 days in office since assuming the role on May 30, 2019, Shah has now surpassed the previous record held by senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani. Shahs tenure has also overtaken that of Congress stalwart Govind Ballabh Pant, cementing his position as a key pillar in the current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Coincidentally, Shah achieved this milestone on [] The post Amit Shah Becomes Countrys Longest-Serving Home Minister, Surpasses Advanis Record appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Environmental activists gather at Jantar Mantar to demand cancellation of STR rationalisation plan

NEW DELHI: Eminent environmental activists from across the country gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand the cancellation of the Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) rationalisation plan, which could potentially reopen more than 50 mines that were previously closed by a Supreme Court order in May 2024. People from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan appealed to the Chief Justice of India and the Union Minister of Environment to intervene and cancel the rationalisation plan for STR to protect Indias national animal. On June 26 meeting, Indias top wildlife body approved a proposal to redraw the boundaries of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of the STR in Rajasthan. It involved the exclusion of about 48.5 sq km area, primarily from the southern and south-western parts of the Sariska CTH. In compensation, the state will designate around 91 sq km as quality tiger habitat, mostly in the STRs north. As a result, the CTH area will increase from 881.11 sq km to about 924 sq km, while the buffer zone shrinks from 245.72 sq km to 203.2 sq km. The protesters called for the immediate revocation of the National Board for Wildlife's approval for the boundary changes in the STR. Sariska boundary rationalisation: A recipe for conservation disaster? They also demanded full transparency in all Environmental Impact Assessments and public hearings related to mining in and around protected areas, as well as recognition of local community rights and their involvement in conservation decisions. Akhil Chandra, a former director of the World Wildlife Fund, expressed shock that both the National Board for Wildlife and the National Tiger Conservation Authority approved the plan to redraw the boundaries of Sariska's Critical Tiger Habitat, which would allow previously shut mining operations within a one-kilometre radius of the reserve's boundary. He stated, Allowing mining in an eco-sensitive zone such as Sariska can have serious long-term harmful impacts on its flora and fauna. Sneha Solanki from the Tiger Trails Trust in Alwar highlighted the threat posed to the Aravalli hills and surrounding forests, referencing a 2018 report by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee. This report indicated that 31 hills in the Alwar district had disappeared over time. The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee revealed in 2018 that out of the 128 hills sampled in Alwar district, 31 hills have vanished since the Survey of India topographic sheets were prepared in 1967, Solanki stated. She added, This move to redraw the boundaries of Sariska is unacceptable to the citizens of Alwar district, as it will end up rewarding violators of the law and set a dangerous precedent for allowing similar illegalities in other protected areas across India.

Shah Rukh Khan thanks Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, Juhi Chawla for their wishes after his first-ever National Award win

Shah Rukh Khan, who won the National Film Award for his movie Jawaan, receives heartfelt wishes from industry stalwarts such as Mohanlal, Kamal Haasan and Juhi Chawla

Mukul signals end of road for TMC in Mlaya

SHILLONG, Aug 3: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) which made a grand entry in Meghalaya in November 2021 by roping in twelve sitting MLAs, including the likes of Mukul Sangma and Charles Pyngrope, is now staring at a dead end with no plans of its revival in the state. Leader of Opposition and TMC stalwart Mukul [] The post Mukul signals end of road for TMC in Mlaya appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Mukul slams GHADC over alleged misuse of Rs 100-cr central funds

Fund misuse derailed fiscal future of all councils in state By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Aug 2: Leader of Opposition and TMC stalwart Mukul M Sangma has come down heavily on the NPP-led Executive Committee in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) over alleged misappropriation of Rs 100.71 crore from the Centres first-ever special assistance [] The post Mukul slams GHADC over alleged misuse of Rs 100-cr central funds appeared first on The Shillong Times .

All about Turla, the elusive Russian spy group hacking diplomats computers

Turla, a sophisticated Russian cyber espionage unit linked to the FSB, is targeting foreign diplomats and embassies through compromised Moscow-based ISPs. This long-standing group, also known as Venomous Bear, employs advanced techniques like spear-phishing, living-off-the-land tactics, and unique malware such as KRYPTON for data theft from air-gapped systems.

Prakash Hinduja On The Science Behind Water Revival In Alwar

Their goal is to build a water-literate society where people understand the risks and solutions clearly.

Communist Stalwart v s Achuthanandan Played a Major Role in Shaping Kerala Politics

By Pinarayi Vijayan The life of Comrade VS Achuthanandan who passed away at the age of 101 on Monday is a remarkable chapter in the history of Kerala in general and the revolutionary movement here in particular. Comrade VS Achuthanandan was a symbol of a brilliant tradition of struggle, extraordinary determination and uncompromising fighting stance. His century-long life, which took on the problems of the people and stood with the people, is inextricably intertwined with the modern history of [] The post Communist Stalwart v s Achuthanandan Played a Major Role in Shaping Kerala Politics appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jodhpur police cremated Muslim youth despite missing report, family learns truth after DNA test

JAIPUR: Jodhpur police are facing backlash for allegedly cremating, instead of burying, the body of a 20-year-old Muslim youth, Ismail, despite a missing persons report being filed days earlier. The body, found in Gulab Sagar, was labelled unclaimed and cremated, a violation of Islamic burial practices. It was only after a DNA test that the body was confirmed to be Ismails, leaving the family devastated and angry. Ismail, who lived in Chimanpura Gali-4, went missing on 17 June. His family reported his disappearance to the Sadar Bazar police station on 20 June. Just a day later, on 21 June, the body of a young man was recovered from Gulab Sagar and placed in the mortuary at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, falling under the jurisdiction of the nearby Sadar Kotwali police station. Despite the fact that Sadar Bazar and Sadar Kotwali police stations operate from the same premises, they allegedly failed to coordinate. On 25 June, the Sadar Kotwali police treated the body as unidentified and cremated it. It was not until 26 June that Ismails sister-in-law came across visuals and information about the body recovered from the reservoir. Suspicious that it could be her missing relative, she informed the family. They contacted the Sojati Gate police and demanded verification. A DNA test was ordered. The following day, on 27 June, Ismails mother, Malka, provided a blood sample. The results from the Forensic Science Laboratory later confirmed that the cremated body was indeed Ismail's. On receiving the confirmation, Malka broke down, grieving not only her sons death but also the denial of religious burial rites. She accused the police of both carelessness and deep insensitivity. He should have been buried, not cremated, she said, struggling to hold back tears. Assistant Sub-Inspector Nemichand from Sadar Bazar police station acknowledged that the body was badly decomposed when found, making identification difficult. It was considered unclaimed at the time. After we were informed of the missing report, we proceeded with DNA testing, he said. This is not the first time such a mistake has allegedly occurred in Rajasthan. A similar incident was reported in 2019 in Bhiwadi, Alwar, where police cremated the body of a Muslim youth before confirming his identity. That event had triggered protests by the Meo community, with community leader Sher Mohammad accusing the police of serious insensitivity. The latest Jodhpur incident has reignited concerns about police protocol in handling unidentified bodies. It has raised questions about accountability, coordination between departments, and the respect of religious practices, especially when families have already reported someone missing. The case has drawn strong reactions from locals, who are demanding clear procedures and strict action to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Boycott or play? India-Pakistan WCL 2025 semi-final under cloud after top sponsor withdraws

This firm stance follows the cancellation of the two teams' group stage encounter earlier in the tournament, where several Indian players, including stalwarts like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina, had refused to participate.

IND vs WI, WCL LIVE: Pollard Left To Fight Alone For 8-Down WI; Gayle, Bravo Flop

India Champions vs WI Champions LIVE Score, India Legends vs West Indies, WCL 2025: WI stalwarts Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo have disappointed with the bat.

10-month-old infant orphaned during Himachal flash floods declared 'child of state'

CHANDIGARH: 10-month-old infant Neetika who lost her parents in flash floods in Himachal's Mandi district has been declared a child of the state under the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Yojana of the Himachal Pradesh Government. Authorities have pledged to support her education and upbringing. Neetika's mother Radha Devi (24) and grandmother Purnu Devi (59) are still missing while her father Ramesh (31) was found dead after a cloudburst struck Talwara village in Chachyot Tehsilof Mandi district on the intervening night of June 30 and July 1. The infant was found alone in the house by their neighbor Prem Singh, who informed her relative Balwant, a personal security officer for former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. The infant is currently living with her aunt Kirna Devi, the younger sister of her deceased father, in Shikauri village, about 20 km away from Talwara village. Following 'Shudi' rituals on the 13th day of the familys death, relatives decided that the child will be raised by her aunt. On that fateful night, Ramesh had stepped out of the house to divert the flow of water entering the house, while his wife and mother followed to help but they did not return. Many people had come forward to help the infant and thus two bank accounts were opened in her name in the Himachal Co-operative Bank and Punjab National Bank. Sources said that the money deposited in these accounts will be reserved for her education and she can access it when she turns 18 year old. Additionally, the child has also been offered admission in Sainik School after Class VI. Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said that the state government has taken full responsibility of the infants education and future as part of a long-term plan. Whatever this girl wants to become in the future, a doctor, an engineer or an officer, the government will bear all expenses, he said. Sources said that benefits are given to the orphans (children of the state) under the Sukh-Ashray scheme launched by the state government in 2023. The scheme provides food, shelter, clothing, higher education and skill development to unmarried orphans between 18 and 27 years of age who are unhoused and are unemployed. The children get clothing and festival allowance, inter or intra-state annual exposure visits, stipend to meet personal expenses while pursuing higher education, vocational training or skill development, funds for startup and grants for building a house. A senior official said that following the directions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu the children who lost either their parents during the natural disaster are being ensured the benefits of the welfare schemes. Thus under Sukh-Aashray Yojana, Neetika will get Rs 4,000 per month from the government and already Rs 8000 has been sanctioned for July and August and credited to her savings bank account. This financial support from the government will continue until she turns 27 years old, he added. He further said that five children from two families in Sanarli panchayat of Karsog have been enrolled under this scheme. Three children (Kritika Verma (14) and Anshika (10) both daughters and eight-month-old son Raghav Thakur) of Lalit Kumar of Bhutti village under this panchayat who died will get Rs 1000 each per month for their education. Meanwhile, two children of Jeet Ram of Surmu village, Paramjeet (15) and Ranjit (12), will also get this financial support will continue until they turn 18 years old and will be deposited in a joint bank account with their mother, he added.

Bomb threat to Stalins residence turns out to be hoax

Chennai: In the early hours of Sunday, an unidentified caller rang the Chennai Police Control Room claiming that a bomb had been planted at the residence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Alwarpet. The alarming call triggered a swift and high-level security response. Immediately after receiving the threat, the police dispatched a bomb Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Opposition loses more than government when Parliament is disrupted: Kiren Rijiju

NEW DELHI: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that frequent disruptions in the House hurt the Opposition more, as they lose the crucial opportunity to hold the government accountable. The remarks came after the first week of the ongoing monsoon session was largely washed out due to repeated protests by Opposition MPs. Speaking at the Sansad Ratna Awards event organised by Prime Point Foundation, Rijiju recalled how bureaucrats sometimes express relief when Parliament is adjourned. Let me tell you, officers are relieved when Parliament doesn't function because they escape the grilling. The government can be held accountable in Parliament. When the House runs, ministers face tough questions. When it adjourns within minutes, those questions don't even get raised. Opposition loses more than the government when Parliament is disrupted, he said. Those who stall the House think they are damaging the government, but in truth, they are weakening their own role in a democracy, Rijiju added. Reinforcing the importance of parliamentary accountability, the minister said, In any democracy, the government must answer to the people through Parliament. That is why allowing the House to run is essential for a functioning democracy. Reflecting on his journey in Parliament, Rijiju said he never considered Opposition MPs as adversaries. We are all colleagues. Before 2014, most of my parliamentary career has been on the Opposition benches. Political rivalries may exist, but there is no enmity, he said. Drawing from a quote by Winston Churchill, Rijiju said, A new MP once asked Churchill about the people sitting across the aisle, and he said they were political opponents. But when asked about those sitting on his side, he said they were our political enemies. That is politics, but we are not enemies. Rijiju also said there is undue burden on Indian legislators compared to their counterparts in developed countries. There, one MP represents approximately 66,000 people. Here, it is over 20 lakh. They are not asked to fix drains or get someone out of jail. But our MPs deal with personal grievances, infrastructure and law enforcement issues and are still expected to perform in the House, he said. 32-hr debate on Operation Sindoor kicks off from Monday Despite all this, they are often criticised. Every elected MP deserves respect; it is not an easy job. Recalling his own early experiences, Rijiju shared a humorous but telling anecdote. The first time I met Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, I had gone to request a room for MPs who smoke. He scolded me, saying, 'This is your first meeting with the Speaker and this is what you've come for?' I got a good scolding that day and learned I should approach such offices with more purpose. He also reflected on how senior leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani set examples of decorum. Back then, we would think twice before speaking because stalwarts were listening. Now disruptions begin on day one. Maybe social media has changed the game. Calling for more constructive media reporting, Rijiju said, Earlier, journalists would arrive at 9 am and cover parliamentary debates till night. Good speeches got coverage. Today, headlines go to who created the most ruckus. I remember Sharad Pawar once presented an excellent agriculture policy, but the next day not a single paper mentioned it. So now, MPs chase headlines because good work is neither reported nor recognised. Negative news drives TRPs, not constructive action. It is a vicious cycle -- both the MPs and the media are trapped in it, he said. Rijiju congratulated all the recipients of this year's Sansad Ratna Awards, including Supriya Sule, Bhartruhari Mahtab, N K Premachandran, and Shrirang Appa Barne, who received special jury awards for consistent performance in the 16th, 17th, and the current Lok Sabha. Whenever any parliamentarian is recognised for good work, we should all celebrate together, cutting across party lines, Rijiju said. National Commission for Backward Classes Chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir took a swipe at the Opposition, saying, Those who claim to be followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar bring disrepute to the country by speaking against it abroad. Monsoon Session: Opposition uproar over Bihar SIR stalls Parliament for fifth consecutive day

Of over 27 million Indians facing infertility challenges, 4050 per cent are men, say experts

NEW DELHI: India has approximately 27.5 million people facing infertility challenges, with male infertility accounting for 4050 per cent of the total cases, experts said here on the occasion of World IVF Day on Friday. This growing prevalence of infertility in both women and men is driven by lifestyle changes, environmental exposures, and undiagnosed medical conditions, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, destigmatization, and inclusive treatment approaches, they said. For too long, infertility has been viewed through a lens focused only on women, while male infertility, now contributing to nearly half of all cases remains shrouded in silence, said Dr. Pankaj Talwar, President of the Indian Fertility Society (IFS), at the 6th National IVF Summit & Awards 2025, hosted by the Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Council in collaboration with the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) and supported by the IFS. With rising cases linked to factors like stress, obesity, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol use, and even medication side effects, the issue is more complex than ever. Addressing it openly is critical to building a truly equitable and evidence-based approach to reproductive health in India, he said. According to Dr. Ameet Patki, President of the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), Indias IVF market is set to grow from USD 750 million in 2020 to USD 3.7 billion by 2030, but behind these numbers are real people, real struggles, and often silent pain. Nearly half of all infertility cases involve male factors, yet the focus remains largely on women. Its time we change that, by replacing stigma with support and ensuring every fertility journey is met with empathy, science, and dignity. Kamal Narayan, CEO of the IHW Council, said that male infertility is no longer a silent issue, as it is a shared reality for millions of families across India. With male factors contributing to around 4050% of infertility cases, this is not a marginal concern; its a national health priority. We recognise that fertility care must evolve to reflect this truth. We cant achieve true inclusivity without addressing male reproductive health head-on. Our goal is to build a medically sound, emotionally sensitive, and socially inclusive ecosystem where care is guided by science, not stigma. Clinicians, researchers, embryologists, hospital leaders, legal experts, and patient advocates participated in the summit. At the event, Dr. Gunjan Gupta, Medical Director of Gunjan IVF World, launched a book titled How to Freeze Your Biological Clock . The book serves as a comprehensive guide for women navigating fertility planning, and also contributes to the broader dialogue on empowering individuals, both men and women with timely, evidence-based fertility choices.

India moves to shield power grid from solar equipment malware

India has introduced new rules for solar power equipment. These rules aim to protect against cyberattacks. The focus is on inverters, which convert direct current into electricity. Suppliers must connect inverters to a national software platform. This platform will be managed by a government agency. The move addresses concerns about China-made parts and grid security.

India Moves To Shield Power Grids From Solar Equipment Malware

As power grids become more automated and digitally connected, they face growing cybersecurity threats, prompting governments worldwide to tighten safeguards.

Dubai returned couple held at Surat airport with over 20 kg of gold hidden under clothes

SURAT: A couple arriving from Dubai was apprehended at Surat airport on July 20 for allegedly smuggling over 20 kg of gold concealed in paste form under their clothes, officials said. The incident occurred around 10 pm when a plainclothes officer from the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) intelligence unit noticed the duo behaving suspiciously after deboarding an Air India flight. Their unnatural gait and visible bulges around the abdomen raised suspicion, a senior CISF official said. The officer alerted Customs personnel, who subsequently intercepted the coupleboth Gujarat residentsand carried out a thorough physical check. The man was dressed in a shirt and trousers, while the woman wore a salwar suit. Officials discovered 28 kg of gold paste strapped around their midsections and upper torsos16 kg on the woman and 12 kg on the man. Based on concentration levels, officials estimate the net gold content to exceed 20 kg. This is possibly the biggest gold seizure in the history of Surat airport, said an official involved in the investigation. The operation, officials noted, underscored the effectiveness of behavioural profiling and the seamless coordination between CISF and Customs.

CPI(M) loses a stalwart with the demise of VS: Therambil Ramakrishnan

V.S. Achuthanandan: Comprehensive coverage on former Kerala CMs life and times

A compilation of stories on the communist stalwart in Kerala who passed away at the age of 101. V.S. Achuthanandan rose above the cut and thrust of provincial politics

VS Achuthanandan, former Kerala CM and left stalwart, passesawayat101

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V.S. Achuthanandan passes away at 101, leaving behind a legacy of clean politics and social justice.

Andhra Pradesh to be a Green Hydrogen Valley - Declared Honourable CM Sri Chandrababu Naidu at the Green Hydrogen Summit 2025, SRM AP

The Green Hydrogen Summit 2025, jointly organised by SRM University-AP , Government of Andhra Pradesh, IIT Tirupati, IISER Tirupati, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India, New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. and the SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, explores the research and development, innovation, commercialisation of green hydrogen. Keynote addresses, plenary sessions and conclaves with industry stalwarts, research organisations, and policymakers aim to open new frontiers in the green hydrogen sector.

Transgender Bangladeshi national lived in India for decade, traced in Bhopal

BHOPAL: A transgender Bangladeshi national, Abdul Kalam, had been living in Bhopal for the past ten years under the assumed identity of Neha Kinnar. Surprisingly, during this time, the Bangladeshi national had even managed to get valid identity documents to legitimise herself as an Indian citizen. Acting on specific intelligence inputs from a specialised unit tracking foreign nationals residing illegally in the state, Abdul Kalam alias Neha Kinnar was recently traced to the Mangalwara locality in old Bhopal. The Mangalwara and Budhwara areas of old Bhopal are home to a significant transgender population, and Abdul Kalam, living under the identity of Neha Kinnar, had also taken up residence there. The third gender individual was recently traced and has since then been questioned by a dedicated team of cops. Initial questioning has revealed that Abdul Kalam, who is aged around 30-32 years presently, entered India illegally, while aged 17 years and since then has lived in various parts of the country, including West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra and MP. Abdul Kalam has been residing under the assumed identity of Neha Kinnar in Bhopal since the last ten years, a senior Bhopal police official told TNIE . Abdul Kalam managed to get the new identity of Neha Kinnar by getting various identity proof documents to give legal sanctity to the false identity. However, it remains unclear whether these documents were procured in Madhya Pradesh or elsewhere to legalsie seld as an Indian citizen. According to sources the individual was also involved in a case of physical assault with another transgender around five years back and the final court hearing in the matter is slated shortly. According to Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra, the dedicated verification campaign is currently underway to trace foreign nationals who are living illegally in the MP capital. As per sources, the process of Abdul Kalam aka Neha Kinnar deportation to Bangladesh is likely to start over the next few days, once the entire probe about the 10 year long illegal stay in Bhopal is over.

Modi to inaugurate major development projects in Bihar and Bengal today

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stones and inaugurate major projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore in West Bengal and poll-bound Bihar on Friday. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat trains from different parts of Bihar. He will visit Motihari in Bihar and Durgapur in West Bengal for this purpose and will also address public meetings at both venues, according to a statement from the PMO. In Bihar, Modi will inaugurate a new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) facility in Darbhanga, alongside a state-of-the-art Incubation Facility at STPI in Patna. He will flag off four Amrit Bharat trains between Rajendranagar Terminal (Patna) and New Delhi, as well as between BapudhamMotihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar), and between Darbhanga and Lucknow via Bhagalpur. The projects worth Rs 7,200 crore for the state form part of a broader initiative across the oil and gas, power, road, and rail sectors. He will dedicate several railway projects to the nation, including the automatic signalling system between the Samastipur-Bachhwara rail lines to enhance efficiency in train operations. The doubling of the Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur rail linespart of the Darbhanga-Samastipur doubling projects valued at Rs 580 crorewill also be inaugurated. The Mithilanchal region, comprising electorally significant districts such as Darbhanga and Samastipur, will benefit from these developments. Modi will also lay the foundation stone for a Vande Bharat train maintenance facility at Patliputra. The Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line doubling project is estimated at `4,080 crore. In the road sector, the PM will lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Ara-Mohania NH-319 and the Patna-Buxar NH-92, to reduce travel time. He will also inaugurate the four-lane Parariya to Mohania section of NH-319, valued at Rs 820 crore, which is a critical link connecting Ara town to the Golden Quadrilateral (NG-02). The Prime Minister will inaugurate a series of fisheries development projects. He will hand over keys to 12,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin scheme. In West Bengals Durgapur, the PM will unveil projects worth Rs 5,000 crore. He will lay the stone for the oil and gas infrastructure to be developed by BPCL and gas distribution project in Bankura and Purulia.

Man held for setting fire to wifes two-wheeler in Alwarthirunagar

Pro League was a good wake-up call ahead of next years Asian Games and WC: Sreejesh

New Delhi, Jul 17: Former India captain and goalkeeping stalwart P R Sreejesh believes the just-concluded FIH Pro League was a good wake-up call for the mens national hockey team ahead of next years Asian Games and the World Cup. India struggled in the European leg of the Pro League and finished eighth out of nine teams to avoid relegation by a whisker. But Sreejesh, who was part of Indias bronze medal winning sides in Tokyo and Paris Olympics, felt [] The post Pro League was a good wake-up call ahead of next years Asian Games and WC: Sreejesh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rajasthan Woman Kidnapped From Outside House,Gang-Raped By 7 Men For 11 Days

A woman in Alwar, Rajasthan, was allegedly gang-raped by seven men for 11 days after being kidnapped on April 24. An FIR was filed on June 2, 2025, after a court order.

Rajasthan Minister raises questions govt's Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya poverty alleviation scheme

JAIPUR: In Rajasthan, strong opposition is emerging against the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department's Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Garibi Mukt Gaon Yojana. Besides critics and activists, the special feature of this opposition is that in the cabinet meeting, the minister of the department and one of the senior stalwarts of the BJP in Rajasthan Kirodi Lal Meena, raised questions on this scheme and registered his strong objection. Meena said that government assistance should be given to those families who are needy and who do not have pucca houses. He also reportedly questioned the wisdom of the move to give money as incentive to those people who are well-off and are not included in the BPL. There is no point in wasting money on ineligible people, Meena is said to have asserted according to sources. Under the Deendayal Upadhyaya Garibi Mukt Gaon Yojana, the government has recently made a provision of Rs 300 crore to provide better livelihood to families living below the poverty line. According to the list of BPL Census 2002, the survey was conducted in the first phase from April to June 2025. 122 villages were selected from each district in 41 districts and a total of 30631 families were surveyed in 5002 villages. Shocking figures came out in the survey. 72 percent of the selected families--22076 families--have by now come out of the poverty line. The state government claimed that the families above the poverty line are out of BPL. The question is that the BPL list belongs to the central government and according to this list, the benefits of many schemes like food security schemes are being given. In such a situation, will these families who have come out of the poverty line continue to get the benefits of central schemes or not? According to the first phase survey report, 6524 families are living below the poverty line. Out of these, 122 families do not have electricity-water connection, let alone food to fill their stomach. 758 do not have money for treatment and 726 families do not have gas connection, 1580 families do not have land lease, 1277 have house, 1056 have toilet. At the same time, 728 families are not getting pension. Each family coming out of the poverty line is given an incentive amount of 21 thousand and a self-reliance family card. In this way, the government has to give a total amount of 46.35 crores to 22076 families as incentive. The department has also paid the amount to many families. 77545 families from 5000 villages have been identified for the second phase survey. This phase will be completed by December. It is a different matter that this disagreement of the minister was not recorded in the meeting, but the fresh opposition of Meena, who has been a headache for the Bhajan Lal government for a long time, has again created a stir in the power corridors from Jaipur to Delhi.

TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna alleges threat to his life

Mr. Arjuna alleged that a series of suspicious incidents took place on July 10 outside his office on Kasthuri Rangan Road, Alwarpet.

Fervour marks Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam in Tirumala

Move to redraw boundaries of Sariska Tiger Reserve to facilitate mining draws flak from experts

A coalition of environmentalists has made urgent appeals to the Union government, Rajasthan government and Tiger Conservation Authority, voicing their concerns over the proposal to alter the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) in order to facilitate mining activities in the Aravalli hills. They emphasized that this decision could set a troubling precedent and have a negative impact on wildlife conservation efforts across the country. In early July, Indias wildlife authority approved changes to the boundaries of the STR as part of a conservation plan that also accommodates mining activities. The adjustment affects both the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) and the buffer zone, aiming to enhance wildlife conservation while taking into account the development needs of nearby regions. Experts warn that if the proposed rationalization plan is implemented, it could have disastrous consequences for the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region. The environmental group People for Aravallis submitted representations to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), expressing concerns about the recent proposal to redraw the boundaries of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. According to the group, the decision to redraw the boundaries aims to allow the reopening of at least 50 marble, dolomite, limestone, and masonry mines that were closed following a previous Supreme Court order. Activists argue that this could set a dangerous precedent across the country, legitimizing similar illegal activities. The group submitted three representations on July 14 to Indias Environment Minister, the Additional Director General (Project Tiger), and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, urging them to abandon the proposal to redraw the boundaries of the STR, as it is flawed from both an ecological and legal standpoint, said Kay Nair, Co-Founder of People for Aravallis. Joy as tigress at Sariska gives birth to four cubs A significant concern in the proposed plan is its potential to reopen around 50 marble, dolomite, limestone, and masonry stone mines near the new boundaries of the reserve, Nair added. As per the guidelines for declaration of eco-sensitive zones around protected areas, an area of up to 10 km radius may be included as a shock absorber. The buffer zone is currently established to be a radius of 1 km around the boundaries of STR. Uma Shanker Singh, retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forest from Uttar Pradesh, who is one of the 37 retired IFS officers who wrote to the Prime Minister in February 2025 highlighting the damage to the Aravalli range as a result of mining and other activities, urged the government at the Centre and in the four Aravalli states to take urgent steps to protect Aravalli. Allowing mining in an eco-sensitive zone such as Sariska can have serious long-term harmful impacts on its flora & fauna. Blasting and mining activities hugely put the wildlife at risk, said Singh. In 2004, poaching resulted in the killing of 28 tigers in Sariska, and their number was reduced to zero. Later, tigers were relocated to Sariska from Ranthambore. After many years of successful conservation efforts, the tiger count in Sariska stands at a historic high of 49. In 1992, the government regulated development activities in the Aravallis spanning across the Gurgaon and Alwar districts of Haryana and Rajasthan through notifications. Later, in 2018, the Centrally Empowered Committee report had revealed that mining had razed 31 Aravalli hills of Alwar district to the ground. The government and the Supreme Court must scrap the ecologically disastrous proposal to redraw boundaries of Sariska which is not in the interest of protecting our national animal and instead benefits the miners, said Dr Rajendra Singh, a water conservationist from Rajasthan.

Watch: Umayalpuram explains how to play for the stalwarts of Carnatic music

Recalling his experience with Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, he said the veteran often sang in madhyama kalam, and sometimes the mridangam player had to establish the tempo before he began the kriti.

Haryana govt orders suspension of mobile internet, ban on non-veg ahead of Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra

CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Government ordered suspension of mobile internet and the bulk SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours and a complete ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food ahead of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra on Monday, The orders have been issued by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Haryana. The internet services will be suspended for twenty hours from 9 pm on July 13 till 9 pm on July 14. The SMS facility related to baking and mobile recharge will continue as before. As per orders issued by the district administration, a complete ban has been imposed on the sale, display, and public handling of meat, fish, or any kind of non-vegetarian food items along the yatra route from Nalhad Mahadev Temple to Jhir Keshwar Mahadev Temple (Ferozepur Jhirka) and up to Singar Temple (Singar). A ban has also been ordered in the areas surrounding these three religious sites. This restriction will be effective only on July 14. All concerned shopkeepers, vendors, and food establishments are directed to strictly comply with this order. Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena said the district administration has held meetings with the organising committee, the district-level peace committee, trade associations, and prominent individuals to communicate all arrangements and contingencies for the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. He said that, to ensure smooth conduct and law and order during the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra on July 14, major traffic changes are expected in several parts of the Nuh district. All the schools in the district will be closed as a precautionary measure. In the interest of student safety and convenience, all government and private schools in the Nuh district will remain closed on Monday, July 14. The District Education Officer has been directed to ensure compliance with the orders, he said. Meena informed that 24 Duty Magistrates have been appointed at various locations, with 12 kept in reserve. Along with each DSP, one Duty Magistrate has been deployed. The heavy vehicles coming from Alwar (Rajasthan), Gurugram, Delhi, Tawadu, and Hodal will be rerouted on July 14. One duty magistrate has been appointed at each of the district's 14 police stations, two at each of the three temples, three with the yatra procession, one at every toll plaza and five magistrates have been kept in reserve. A ban has been imposed on the use of drones, microlights, aircraft, gliders, power gliders, hot air balloons, kite flying, Chinese microlights, and fireworks on July 13 and 14. He further said that orders have been issued to prohibit the open sale of petrol and diesel during the yatra throughout the district. Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said that 22 units of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in the district for the Yatra, which include mounted police, dog squads, and bomb squads. Night-vision drones will be used for nighttime surveillance. Cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi, who was also accused in the 2023 Nuh violence, has been denied permission and his social media accounts have been suspended. On July 31, 2023, two home guards were killed, and at least 15 others including several policemen, were injured as a mob in Nuh tried to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession, pelting stones and setting cars on fire. The BJP government in the state then led by Manohar Khattar, had drawn sharp criticism from the opposition parties over the violence.

Gallery Gs On the Go Opens in Hyderabad with Rare Masterworks, Modern Icons, and a Talk by Manu S. Pillai

Running until July 13, the exhibition features over 40 artists across genres, schools, and regions. The Hyderabad edition offers a particularly compelling representation of regional stalwarts whose nuanced palettes and expressive forms resonate deeply with the citys discerning audience.

Mandi cloudburst: Family dead or missing, 10-month-old baby lone survivor

In a tragic cloudburst in Mandi district's Talwara village, ten-month-old Neetika is likely the sole survivor of her family. Her father's body was recovered, while her mother and grandmother remain missing. A neighbor found the infant, and authorities are opening a bank account for her as people offer assistance.

Unidentified girl found dead in Thane; police suspect murder

THANE: The body of an unidentified minor girl has been found near a construction site in Maharashtra's Thane city, police said on Sunday. A case of murder has been registered and a probe is on into it, they said. Some persons spotted the body, with a hood tightly wrapped around the girl's neck, near a road in front of a construction site in Kasarvadavali area on Saturday afternoon and alerted local authorities, an official from the police control room said. The deceased, about four feet tall and believed to be in the age group of 15 to 17 years, was dressed in a green salwar-kurta and had bangles on her wrists, the official said. The body has been sent for postmortem and photographs of the deceased have been circulated among the law enforcement agencies to aid in her identification. The Kasarvadavali police have registered a case under sections 103(1) (murder) and 238 (destruction of evidence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the official said. Thane crime branch sub-inspector Tushar Mane is leading the investigation and can be reached on the number - 9082150306 - for any information pertaining to the deceased, the police said.

Avoid littering, abstain from alcohol and caffeine, wear trekking gear: Amarnath shrine board advises pilgrims

SRINAGAR: Ahead of the 38-day-long annual Amarnath Yatra starting from Thursday, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has issued an advisory to yatris, asking them to respect the environment, abstain from alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, and cautioned women pilgrims to avoid wearing sarees during trekking. The 38-day-yatra will start from both routes --- traditional Pahalgam route in south Kashmir and shortest Baltal route in central Kashmir --- on July 3 and conclude on August 9. The first batch of pilgrims was flagged off from base camp in Jammu by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday morning. The pilgrims will reach base camps in Baltal and Pahalgam today, and will begin their journey to the Amarnath cave tomorrow. The SASB issued Dos and Donts for the pilgrims. In its advisory, the SASB has advised the pilgrims undertaking the yatra to respect the environment. Please respect the environment and do nothing whatsoever to pollute the Yatra area. Please do not throw used plastic bottles and other garbage in the open, the advisory stated. In the first 20 days of Amarnath pilgrimage last year, about 200 tonnes of waste was collected from both the yatra routes. Do not do anything during your entire forward/return journey which could cause pollution or disturb the environment of the Yatra area. Use of plastics is strictly banned in the State and is punishable under law, the SASB advised the pilgrims. The pilgrims were also asked not to drink alcohol, caffeinated drinks or smoke during the yatra. The pilgrims have also been advised not to commence yatra on an empty stomach. Please do not overexert during the Yatra beyond your normal capacity. Free food facility is available in the entire Yatra area at the langars. Please consume plenty of carbohydrates and follow the prescribed food menu during the yatra, the SASB told the pilgrims. The women pilgrims have been advised to avoid wearing Saree during trekking. Women should wear Salwar Kameez, Pant-Shirt, Track suit or any recommended clothing suited for trekking on high altitude during the yatra, the SASB advisory read. The pilgrims were requested to wear appropriate trekking garments because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Amarnath Cave and asked pilgrims to wear trekking shoes only. Do carry an umbrella, wind cheater, raincoat, and waterproof shoes as the weather in the Yatra area is unpredictable, the pilgrims have been advised. The yatris have also been asked to not attempt any shortcuts and walk only on the track and never stop at places which are marked by warning notice. Travel in groups with porters, horses, ponies and ensure they remain in your sight. Please help your fellow Yatris on the tracks. The Amarnath cave is located at around 12,800 feet, please take precautions in view of high-altitude sickness and avoid overnight stay at the Cave. Do not ignore the symptoms of high-altitude sickness. Walk slowly while ascending, relax at regular intervals and descend immediately to lower elevation in case of any symptom of sickness, discomfort during the Yatra and seek nearby Medical help, the pilgrims have been advised. The yatris have been asked to wear a Unique RFID tag on their neck at all times during the yatra for safety and security.

Anderson Peters pulls out of Neeraj Chopra Classic

The 27-year-old Grenada stalwart, who had taken the bronze medal behind Neeraj at the Paris Olympics last year, has been replaced by Poland's Cyprian Mrzygd in the event schedule for Saturday

Indian Navy commissions latest frigate INS Tamal

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned INS Tamal(F71), a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate in the series of Project 1135.6 and the second of the additional follow-on Tushil class of ships. The first ship of Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned on 09 Dec 24 in the presence of the Defence Minister. The Indian Navy in a statement said, All seven ships inducted thus far are part of the Western Fleet - 'The Sword Arm' of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command. This ceremony marks the formal induction of INS Tamal into the Indian Navy. The ship is commanded by Capt Sridhar Tata, a gunnery and missile warfare specialist. Vice Admiral (VAdm) Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command was the Chief Guest at the commissioning ceremony. In his address, the Chief Guest, V Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh noted that the commissioning of Tamal into the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in the country's maritime defense capabilities and Indo-Russian Cooperation. Vice Admiral Singh commented that INS Tamal joins the illustrious list of Talwar, Teg, and Tushil class of ships, renowned for their dependability and prowess. Though being built in Russia, the ship has 26% indigenous components , including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile and Humsa-Next Generation (NG) Sonar system, Singh added. Tamal is the 51st ship being produced under India, Russia collaborative effort in the past 65 years. The construction of the next two ships of the class in India further enhances the scope, potential and wide horizon in harnessing and synergising mutual strengths and joint capabilities. He concluded his address by emphasising that the Indian Navy stands as a credible, capable, cohesive, and future-ready force ready to meet any challenges anytime, anywhere. As per Navy, INS Tamal is a formidable moving fortress at sea and is designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions ie. air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic. The construction of the warship began with its launch on 24 February 2022. She sailed for her maiden sea trials Nov 2024, and completed an exhaustive schedule of Factory Trials State Committee Trials and the Delivery Acceptance Trials, both in harbour and at sea, by Jun 2025. The ship has successfully carried out trial firing of all her Russian weapon systems including the vertical launched surface to air missile Shtil-1, artillery weapons and torpedoes. Elaborating on the weapons systems, Indian Navy said, Tamal punches well above her weight with Dual role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, vertically launched surface to air missile with extended ranges, the standard 30 MM Close in Weapon System, the 100 MM Main gun and very potent Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) rockets and heavyweight torpedoes. Tamal is an amalgamation of Indian and Russian technologies with a host of state of the art communication and network centric operational capabilities. The complement of advanced electronic warfare suite and advanced EO/IR systems adds ears and eyes to this potent platform. The highly versatile combat management system fuses all weapons and sensors into an effective fighting machine. The ship is also capable of embarking the upgraded Anti-submarine and Airborne Early Warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31, which are formidable force multipliers, the Navy added. The ship has been equipped with complex automated systems for nuclear, biological and chemical defence, including damage control and fire-fighting that can be operated centrally from sheltered posts. These complex systems aid in minimising casualties, achieve rapid restoration of combat effectiveness, enhancing combat capability and survivability. INS Tamal is manned by a crew of about 250 sailors and 26 officers. The officers and sailors of this ship embody the ships motto - Sarvatra Sarvada Vijaya (Victory always everywhere) , signifying Tamal's undying commitment to operational excellence in every mission, complementing Indian Navy's motto 'Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Force Safeguarding National Maritime Interests - Anytime, Anywhere'. The ship will soon embark on her maiden passage back to her homeport of Karwar in Karnataka. Tamal will touch various ports enroute and showcase her combat prowess. It would reach India in combat-ready conditions set to dominate maritime space.

Congress leader Kunal Patil joins BJP

MUMBAI: In a blow to the Congress in north Maharashtra, former MLA Kunal Patil, a third-generation leader who hails from a family of staunch Congress loyalists and son of ex-minister the late Rohidas Patil, on Tuesday joined the BJP. Patil, who hails from Dhule, asserted that his decision was voluntary and backed by the people. There is no pressure on me to join the BJP. I come from a tradition of public service. My supporters and voters have supported my decision. I am joining the BJP to serve the people more effectively, he told reporters after senior BJP leaders Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Ravindra Chavan, and Girish Mahajan welcomed him into the party fold. Patil lost the assembly election in November 2024 on a Congress ticket. He had previously served two terms as an MLA. His defection is seen as a significant loss for the Congress, given his family's deep-rooted association with the party for over three generations. He is the son of the late Rohidas Patil, a Congress stalwart and former state minister who held key portfolios, across successive Congress governments. In a sign of the family's importance within the party, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had visited Rohidas Patil at his residence when he was unwell in March last year and even arranged a phone conversation between him and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Kunal Patil's grandfather, Chudaman Patil, also served as a three-time MP from the Dhule Lok Sabha constituency between 1962 and 1971. Maharashtra Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal criticised the move, calling it self-sabotaging. Patil's decision is self-harming. The BJP cannot nurture its own cadre into leadership roles, which is why it is stealing leaders from other parties. Kunal Patil comes from a proud Congress legacy. His father and grandfather were both prominent Congress figures who held key posts. They would be deeply hurt by this decision, he said. Leader of the Congress Legislature Party, Vijay Wadettiwar, said whoever wants to leave the Congress is free to do so. We will continue to work hard and strengthen the party in Maharashtra. Patil's exit follows that of former Pune MLA Sangram Thopte, another Congress loyalist, who switched to the BJP in April, further reflecting the growing attrition within the Congress's traditional base.

More than 100 illegal waste sites flagged in Haryana Aravallis, citizens demand No-Go-Area designation

CHANDIGARH: Demanding the declaration of No-Go-Area zones for waste dumping, burning and landfills, over 100 geo-tagged locations across five districts of Haryana, Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh, Rewari and Charkhi Dadri, have been highlighted in the second part of the State of the Haryana Aravallis: Citizens Report . The Aravalli mountain range, estimated to be over two billion years old, is under serious threat due to rampant violations, according to the report submitted by the People for Aravallis group to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Neelam Ahluwalia, Founder Member of People for Aravallis, said the report underscores how illegal industrial waste burning continues in several villages despite a blanket ban imposed by the Nuh Deputy Commissioner in early May this year on open waste burning within the ecologically fragile Aravalli region. The report highlights how, in direct violation of the blanket ban imposed by Nuh Deputy Commissioner in early May this year on open waste burning within the ecologically fragile Aravalli region, alleged illegal industrial waste burning continues in Khori Khurd, Khori Kalan, Sonari, Gurnawat, Rangala, Naharpur, Sewka and other villages in Tauru, which is resulting in severe air, soil and groundwater pollution, she said. It also throws light on the pollution being caused in the eco-sensitive Aravalli region as a result of the infamous Bandhwari landfill and a landfill site near ITI Colony on the old Sohna-Alwar road, where mixed waste is being dumped daily. Regular fires at both landfill sites in the Gurugram Aravallis emit dangerous toxins, as organic waste, e-waste, plastic, chemicals and hazardous waste are all burnt together, adding to Delhi-NCRs and Haryanas air pollution, heat index and climate sensitivity, she claimed. She further said, The report also highlights how, over the last few years, hazardous solid waste from the Bandhwari landfill and other kinds of waste have been dumped in mining quarries and forest areas across many locations in the Gurugram and Faridabad Aravallis, contaminating the soil, surface and groundwater in NCRs lifeline for clean air, water recharge and wildlife habitat. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had tested samples of the solid waste from the Bandhwari landfill dumped in one of the Aravalli forest areas near the landfill and found a high concentration of pathogens and toxic metals. Dumped waste lying in 100-plus locations across five districts of the state where the Aravalli range runs, as mentioned in the report, must be removed from these eco-sensitive areas immediately and disposed of in a responsible manner. It is critical to establish a mechanism for strict monitoring and accountability, which is completely lacking at this point, in order to bring any positive change to the current extremely dismal health of the Aravallis, she said. Neelam added, We urge the government to constitute Aravalli Protection Task Force Committees in all the Aravalli districts, headed by the DC of each district under the supervision of the Chief Secretary. Strict accountability with severe consequences is a must to ensure that government officials do their job without neglect and in a proactive manner to safeguard the Aravallis, so that our cattle, wildlife and people in the Aravalli districts in Haryana can live with dignity, without gasping for breath, drinking toxic water and being sick. Dr Rajendra Singh, the globally renowned water conservationist, said, Aquifers lying beneath the Aravallis are interconnected and any disturbance or alterations in the pattern due to toxic landfills and waste dumping can significantly alter the purity of the groundwater table. Aravallis need to be declared as a No-Go area for waste dumping, burning, landfills and waste plants, as we cannot afford to pollute our green lungs, critical water recharge zones and wildlife habitats any further. Dr Shyamala Mani, Senior Waste Management Expert who works as Senior Advisor at the Centre for Chronic Disease Control and is a former professor at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, said, Sustainable waste management is the need of the hour. No fresh, mixed waste should go to the existing landfill sites in the Aravallis. Focus must be on decentralised waste management, source segregation and maximum resource recovery from waste, so that minimal waste goes to the landfills, which must be set up outside the eco-sensitive Aravalli region. The use of single-use plastic items must be banned in all the Aravalli districts. Earlier, a month ago, Part 1 of the Citizens Report, which focused on the worrying state of the Aravallis due to rampant mining, deforestation and illegal encroachments, was submitted.

Journalism stalwart Dasu Krishnamoorty turns 100 today

Hailing from a family of journalists, Krishnamoorty belonged to the first batch of journalism students at Osmania University in 1954-55

Government strengthens cybercrime crackdown as cases surge nationwide

NEW DELHI: With internet usage and online financial transactions rising sharply over the past two years, cybercrime cases involving phishing emails, financial fraud, and ransomware attacks have seen a corresponding surge. Cybercriminals are deploying increasingly sophisticated and evolving techniques to defraud unsuspecting individuals across the globe. These crimes often have cross-border implications, prompting international cooperation among law enforcement agencies, a senior CBI official said. Identifying human error as the primary enabler of cyber fraud, the official noted, Criminals use social engineering tactics to manipulate people into revealing sensitive information. Many individuals are unaware of common scam methods, making them easy targets. Fraudsters exploit emotions such as fear (threats of legal action), excitement (fake lottery wins), or urgency (bogus emergency fund requests). They frequently impersonate trusted sources, including banks, government agencies, and even close friends. Cybercriminals are also exploiting online payment systems through fraudulent UPI requests and QR codes, card skimming, SIM swaps, and scams involving cryptocurrency and fake investment schemes. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has regularly issued advisories about ransomware threats. It noted that the dark web has become a marketplace for stolen data, hacking tools, and illegal services. Organised cybercriminal groups now engage in activities such as identity theft, data sales, and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS). In response to this growing threat, the government has significantly strengthened its cybercrime defence infrastructure. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has been established and integrated with law enforcement agencies nationwide. Over 50,000 Cyber Commandos have been deployed across police stations, and a dedicated portal has been launched for reporting cybercrime especially cases involving women and children ensuring rapid response by authorities. To further this effort, the CBI has launched Operation Chakra-V, a comprehensive initiative encompassing intelligence gathering, case registration, raids, arrests, and prosecutions targeting cybercriminals. Since the operation's launch earlier this year, the CBI has conducted searches in multiple states including Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh focusing on perpetrators of digital arrest scams. The agency is also cracking down on so-called kingpins and individuals involved in the SIM card supply chain, which fuels these crimes. Officials have mapped key cybercrime hotspots beyond traditional centres like Jamtara (Jharkhand) and Nuh (Haryana), identifying new hubs in Kolkata and Purulia (West Bengal), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), and Bharatpur and Alwar (Rajasthan). In a major recent crackdown, the CBI arrested nine individuals linked to the operation of approximately 8.5 lakh mule accounts across over 700 bank branches nationwide. These accounts were allegedly used in digital arrest scams and to launder proceeds of cyber fraud. Based on intelligence inputs, coordinated searches were carried out at 42 locations across Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. A CBI spokesperson said, The mule accounts were being operated by organised cybercriminal networks involved in impersonation, fraudulent advertising, investment frauds, and UPI-based scams. He further noted that these fraudsters often receive assistance from rogue bank officials, agents, intermediaries, and e-Mitras, who help facilitate the opening and use of mule accounts by bypassing Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations and due diligence protocols. Earlier this month, the CBI searched 10 locations across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, arresting a man in Mumbai accused of supplying pre-activated SIM cards and mule accounts to criminal networks. Last month, in two separate cases, the agency arrested 11 cybercriminals. In the first, six individuals were taken into custody for defrauding Japanese citizens, following raids at 19 sites across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. In the second case, raids were conducted at 42 locations across Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, resulting in the arrest of five individuals for selling unauthorised SIM cards used in cyber fraud. Since the launch of the financial fraud reporting portal in 2021, over 10 lakh complaints have been registered, helping authorities recover nearly 4,000 crore. Officials at I4C credit this success to the portal's ability to enable immediate reporting and rapid intervention in cases of financial fraud.

Congress takes dig at BJP's 'Alwar double engine' over plan to 'redraw' Sariska reserve's boundary

The Congress party has criticized both the central and Rajasthan governments over a proposed redrawing of the Sariska Tiger Reserve's boundaries. This move, allegedly aimed at reactivating over 50 previously shut mining operations, is seen as ecologically devastating. Jairam Ramesh highlighted the successful tiger revival efforts in Sariska and warned against the fragmentation of critical tiger habitat for mining benefits.

Congress takes dig at BJPs Alwar double engine over plan to redraw Sariska reserves boundary

The Opposition party also said that with the Rajasthan and Union Environment Ministers both being from Alwar, this double engine cannot be supporting such a move.

Pushkar Singh Dhami becomes longest-serving BJP CM in Uttarakhands 25-year history

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday cemented his position as the longest-serving BJP Chief Minister in the state's 25-year existence. This achievement places him as the second longest-serving Chief Minister overall since the state's formation, a record still held by the late Congress stalwart, Pandit Narain Dutt Tiwari, who completed a full five-year term. Dhami's remarkable tenure surpasses that of all his BJP predecessors, including Bhuvan Chand Khanduri (who served twice), Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, and most notably, Trivendra Singh Rawat (TSR). The path to this milestone began following the abrupt ouster of TSR, who was asked by the party high command to resign just a week shy of completing his four-year term on March 10, 2021. Former Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat The sudden demand for his resignation came while the budget session was in full swing in the summer capital, Gairsain - a decision that reportedly continues to sting Rawat, who occasionally vocalises his dissent with sharp, uncomfortable statements against the current state government. The BJP's unexpected decision to remove TSR left political analysts in the state bewildered. The party swiftly replaced him, not deeming it fit for Rawat to remain in office even for an hour. In another surprising move, the BJP handed over the reins to Tirath Singh Rawat, then a Member of Parliament from Pauri Garhwal. He became the state's 12th Chief Minister and the fifth from the BJP. Although Tirath had earlier served as Education Minister in the Uttarakhand cabinet in 2007, his tenure as Chief Minister was short-lived, lasting just 116 days from March 10, 2021, to July 4, 2021, prompting the party high command to swiftly rethink its strategy. Subsequently, Pushkar Singh Dhami, a three-time MLA and a known protg of former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, was entrusted with the state's leadership. The very genesis of Uttarakhand, carved out of Uttar Pradesh, was to ensure holistic development in its challenging mountainous regions. Senior political analyst and historian Jai Singh Rawat highlighted the state's precarious political landscape since its inception. Nityanand Swami of the BJP took oath as the first Chief Minister of the interim government on November 9, 2000, Rawat told TNIE . Nityanand Swami, the first CM of Uttarakhand. Unfortunately, political instability has plagued Uttarakhand since its formation. Swami was replaced in just 354 days due to opposition from within his own party rivals. Following him, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, deeply associated with the RSS, took charge on October 30, 2001, but he too lasted only 122 days. The first elected government was formed in 2002, with the Congress securing a majority, and the state's leadership fell to party veteran Pandit Narain Dutt Tiwari. Despite traditional factionalism and internal discord within the Congress, Pandit Tiwari successfully completed a five-year term, an unprecedented feat that remains his record to this day, Jai Singh Rawat told TNIE . Chief Minister Dhami completed three years and 358 days in office on Friday, surpassing Trivendra Singh Rawat's tenure of 3 years and 357 days. BJP's State Media In-charge, Manveer Chauhan, attributed Dhami's achievement to the culmination of dozens of public-welfare decisions taken under his leadership, including the stringent anti-copying law, land law, anti-conversion law, and the Uniform Civil Code.

Lord Murugan conference: AIADMK remained silent on video clip criticising Annadurai fearing BJP, says Chidambaram

Mr. Chidambaram said the AIADMK dignitaries who attended the conference should have walked out of the venue when a video clip criticising the Dravidian stalwarts was played at the event held in Madurai on June 22.

Resignations pile up in Punjab Congress as party rift deepens after Ludhiana West loss

CHANDIGARH: All is not well within the faction-ridden Punjab Congress following the partys defeat in the Ludhiana (West) by-election, as senior leaders Pargat Singh and Kushaldeep Dhillon have resigned from their posts as state unit vice-presidents. This comes close on the heels of former cabinet minister and party candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu quitting his post. The knives are now being unsheathed within the grand old party, albeit carefully and in a calibrated manner. Both leaders have sent their resignations to All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal and general secretary in-charge for Punjab Bhupesh Baghel. Party sources said both Pargat and Dhillon, who had actively campaigned for Ashu, felt the election result called for honest introspection and that it would be wrong to interpret it as an individuals defeat. Punjab Congress president and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa had largely stayed away from canvassing, appearing only in the final days of the partys campaign. Ludhiana district Congress chief Sanjay Talwar and former MLAs Surinder Dawar, Kuldeep Singh Vaid and Rakesh Pandey also stayed away from Ashus campaign. Sources further revealed that Ashu had categorically told the party high command that Warring and Bajwa should not campaign for him due to his differences with both top leaders. The resignations reflect the deepening fault lines within the party. The campaign for the Ludhiana (West) by-election was spearheaded by a group of senior leaders, including former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, MLAs Rana Gurjeet Singh and Pargat Singh. Rana is the same leader who had earlier described Warring as a selfish leader and had shown a strong interest in becoming the state Congress president. The developments come a day after Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who was appointed working president of the Punjab Congress on April 11, 2022, resigned from his post. He stated, I take full moral responsibility for this defeat. The state Congress president and the Leader of Opposition were nowhere in the campaign. He added that he had sent his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel. Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said he was not aware of the development as the resignations had not been sent to him. It is for the party high command to see, he said. Meanwhile, the tussle between Simarjeet Singh Bains and Bharat Bhushan Ashu has also come out into the open, with Bains calling Ashu arrogant, while Ashu responded by saying he did not consider Bains a Congressman.

SMVDSB directs BRO to complete Shiv Khori helipad by Oct this year

LG reviews, inaugurates various projects Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, June 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the historic 75th meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), at Spiritual Growth Centre, here today. The meeting was attended by the newly constituted Board, comprising members including Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Dr Mandeep K. [] The post SMVDSB directs BRO to complete Shiv Khori helipad by Oct this year appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Chennai power cut today, June 24: From Pallavaram to Adyar & more, check full list

Planned maintenance will cause a temporary power outage in several areas on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The disruption will affect Guindy, Pallavaram, Adyar, KK Nagar, Porur, Alwarthirunagar, and Tambaram, including specific streets and colonies within these regions. Power will be restored earlier if the maintenance concludes ahead of schedule.

INS Tamal, stealth warship with BrahMos, coming next week: Why it matters, specifications, weapons, and Indian Navy's future plans

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Tamal, a Talwar-class frigate from Russia, on July 1, 2025, marking the end of foreign frigate acquisitions. This move emphasizes India's shift towards domestic shipbuilding, with future warships being constructed in Indian shipyards. INS Tamal is equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors, enhancing the Navy's capabilities for long-range strikes and maritime defense.

Indian Navy Set To Commission Its Latest Stealth Frigate 'Tamal' In Russia

The ship is christened as Tamal and is the eighth of the series of Krivak class frigates inducted from Russia over the past two decades, with Tamal itself being the second ship of the Tushil Class, which are the upgraded versions of their predecessors, Talwar and Teg classes, having three ships each

Beware Britons! scammers are using QR codes in car parkings to trick you; heres how you can protect yourself

A surge in QR code scams, dubbed 'quishing,' has cost UK residents millions, Action Fraud warns. Criminals are exploiting QR codes in car parks and online platforms, tricking victims into visiting fraudulent websites or downloading malware. Over 780 cases were reported in a year, with scammers also targeting online sellers and impersonating government entities.

Minecraft players target of online criminals posing as coders, why its a big concern and how can gamers stay safe

Minecraft users are facing a new threat. Criminals are posing as game coders and are using malware to steal data. This malware targets bank accounts and crypto wallets. Gamers modify Minecraft, creating an opportunity for hackers. The malware hides in game modifications. Users should use strong passwords and update software. They must also monitor account activity to stay safe.

China-Russia trust erodes as Beijings hackers go rogue, launch cyberattacks to steal Ukraine war secrets

China hackers targeting Russia have secretly launched cyberattacks on Russian defense systems since the Ukraine war began, despite public claims of a strong alliance. Cybersecurity experts say Chinese groups linked to the state are digging into sensitive military dataranging from drone warfare to nuclear submarine tech. Hackers like Mustang Panda and Sanyo have targeted major Russian firms, using tools like Deed RAT malware. A leaked Russian FSB document now labels China an enemy, exposing growing mistrust. These silent cyber intrusions show that even so-called allies are spying for battlefield secrets. The story reveals a deeper conflict beneath the surface friendship.

Kalaguru was an extraordinary teacher: Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury

Guwahati, June 20 :The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) observed Rabha Divas today with a glowing tribute to Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, the legendary cultural stalwart of Assam, marking his 56th death anniversary. The commemorative event was organised by the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Creativity at RGU, bringing together doyens of art, literature, and [] The post Kalaguru was an extraordinary teacher: Prof Amarjyoti Choudhury appeared first on The Shillong Times .

16 billion passwords exposed in unprecedented cyber leak of 2025, experts raise global alarm

A massive breach has exposed over 16 billion login credentials, creating unprecedented risks of phishing, identity theft, and account takeovers. The stolen data, gathered by infostealer malware, includes URLs, logins, and passwords for various online services. Experts advise immediate password changes, multi-factor authentication, and the use of password managers to mitigate potential damage.

TAPMIs induction programme in Udupi on June 21

Induction program for 2025-27 MBA batch with industry stalwarts, is designed to give a glimpse of management studies, says TAPMI director

Iran threatens U.S: Analysts warn of potential sneak attack by Tehran on America as tensions soar

Amid escalating tensions, cybersecurity experts warn of potential Iranian cyberattacks targeting critical American infrastructure. Banks, hospitals, and power grids are vulnerable, with malware possibly already embedded in U.S. systems. While a complete collapse is unlikely, Americans are advised to strengthen their online security and prepare for short-term disruptions.

Farmers protesting against borewell project near Siliserh Lake stopped from entering Alwar city

JAIPUR: Tension flared in Alwar as hundreds of farmers protesting a government boring project near Siliserh Lake were stopped by police while attempting to enter the city with a 500-tractor convoy on Wednesday. For the past 20 days, farmers have been staging a sit-in protest on the outskirts of the city, opposing the governments move to construct 30 borewells around the Siliserh Lake. Ultimately, the protest escalated as the convoy attempted to enter the city. In response, the administration set up barricades at key locations and deployed a heavy police force to maintain law and order. Farmer leaders have declared they are willing to face arrest if necessary. If 35 borings are installed, the lake will dry up completely. This Silisreh Lake is a tourist spot. They want to destroy it, there is water at 200 feet here. By boring at 1000 feet, they will dry up the farmers' land. Neither will there be farming nor milk. Bhupat Baliyan, one of the protesting farmers, said. The borewell project, aimed at improving Alwar citys water supply, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on May 20. The state government has already approved the budget and begun groundwork. However, locals from the Siliserh region argue that the boring will significantly lower groundwater levels, leaving their agricultural land dry and unfit for cultivation. Our farming will be destroyed. This is a fight for survival. The administration considers farmers terrorists. They will ruin the country, they will ruin the farmers. Do not destroy Silisreh, we are ready to be lathi-charged but will not give up the agitation, said a farmer at the protest site. The protesters insist that instead of boring, the government should channel water through the existing canal system. We are from the Siliserh Lake area. We will not allow boring to happen here. There is already a canal; water should be supplied through that, a farmer said. Despite the rising tension, talks between the administration and farmer representatives remain inconclusive. Security continues to be tight across Alwar, as authorities keep a close watch on the situation.

9-year-old boy witnesses father's murder; mother held for plotting with lover in Alwar

The incident took place on the night of June 7, when Veeru Jatav, who ran a tent business, was allegedly killed by Kashiram Prajapat, a street vendor and the lover of Veeru's wife, Anita, with the help of hired accomplices.