The Times of India

The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. This bill seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges. The legislation will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its consideration. The government argues this increase will improve judicial efficiency and speed. The sanctioned strength was last increased in 2019.

The Supreme Court stated police using excessive force and hardened criminals will not be protected. States can withdraw FIRs against students from the NEET-UG protest as per law. The court may issue guidelines on pellet gun usage during protests. Criminal antecedents will only cover grave and heinous offences, not minor cases. The matter has been listed for further hearing on August eighteenth.

New Orleans is giving used Christmas trees a second life by dropping them into coastal marshes to help slow land loss. The bundled trees trap sediment, reduce wave energy and support marsh grass growth. Scientists say the method helps restore wetlands in selected areas but is only one part of Louisiana's broader coastal protection efforts.

Jeff Bezos commented on New York City's proposed pied--terre tax, calling it a fine thing for the city. He cautioned against aggressive tax increases, which could deter tourism and economic competitiveness. Bezos rejected targeting individuals like Ken Griffin, calling it a villain strategy. He argued that government spending inefficiencies are a greater concern than taxation levels. Bezos previously criticized New York City's public school spending and economic policies.

Google Earth removed its new AI image generation tool within twenty-four hours. Researchers and experts raised concerns about potential disinformation risks. The feature allowed users to create AI visualizations on satellite imagery. Google stated it is implementing stronger safeguards for the tool. This rollback occurred after initial concerns were voiced by users.

An independent MP, Pappu Yadav, faced an alleged attack during a news conference. A man threw a slipper while another reportedly brandished a knife at the event. The incident is believed to be linked to his recent protest outside Parliament. Police have detained one suspect and are investigating the other's involvement. The MP's team claims he had received prior death threats.

Prime Minister Modi launched a campaign for drug-free youth for a developed India. He emphasized that families should seek expert help and foster open communication. Youth overcoming addiction are considered warriors and deserve societal respect and second chances. Enemy nations use drug supply as part of terror plans targeting the country's future. The campaign will run for 100 weeks, organizing various de-addiction activities.

Despite significant investment, court infrastructure and technology have not reduced decades-old case pendency. Over ten thousand cases remain pending in the Supreme Court for more than ten years. High courts across India have over eighty thousand cases pending for over three decades. The law minister cited judicial responsibility and judicial vacancies as reasons for the delays. New laws and committees have been established to address the growing backlog of cases.

Exiled author Taslima Nasreen believes Bangladesh's student movement misled people. She drew parallels between past protests and recent demonstrations in Delhi. Nasreen stated that Islamic fundamentalists were behind the Bangladesh movement. This experience reinforced her concerns about the consequences of such actions. The developments in Bangladesh should serve as a cautionary lesson for others.

The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh requested a special preview screening of the upcoming Ramayana film. This demand aims to prevent any scenes that might offend Hindu sentiments. The organization warned of protests if their preview request is not accepted. The film's trailer features Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Yash as Ravana. Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.

Exiled author Taslima Nasreen urged India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to adopt a Uniform Civil Code. She stated this law is essential for eliminating discrimination, particularly against women. Nasreen highlighted that Hindu women in Bangladesh lack equal inheritance rights. She also expressed disappointment over disruptions at her felicitation ceremony. The author emphasized the importance of freedom of expression for all individuals.

Pappu Yadav remains defiant after police filed a case against him and other opposition leaders. The FIR stems from a Parliament skit which depicted alleged theft of Ram Temple donations. Yadav stated he is ready to face death to protect people's faith and religious sentiments. Varanasi Police registered the case following a complaint by a religious leader. Another complaint was filed against the MP in the national capital.

Over 150 recruitment exam irregularity cases await trial, some dating back two decades. The CBI will ask high courts to move these pending matters to new fast-track courts. Dedicated prosecutors and resources will be provided to expedite the conclusion of these trials. The new anti-paper leak law mandates day-to-day hearings and trials within three months. This initiative follows recent student protests and calls for examination system reforms.

Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar views the Mekedatu dam project as a permanent solution. He stated the Supreme Court and central government have already responded to the proposal. Shivakumar urged all stakeholders to move forward without further delays or wasting time. This project aims to bring both states to the table for amicable discussions. The Cauvery water dispute centers on sharing river waters during periods of low rainfall.

Indian diaspora members voiced concerns over anti-India content and visa issues. Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami assured actions were being taken to address these matters. Visa requirements for Chinese citizens traveling to India will be eased soon. The embassy plans to establish a legal assistance framework for professionals. Cultural outreach programs will also be expanded to promote Indian diversity.

Resident doctors face significant psychological distress from long working hours. The National Medical Commission acknowledged these demanding schedules impact their health. The commission stated reasonable working hours are essential for doctor and patient wellbeing. However, NMC expressed inability to enforce this, citing health authorities' domain. A doctors' group highlighted rising suicide cases due to these conditions.

The CBI has filed a cheating case against Reliance Capital and Anil Ambani. This action stems from an alleged Rs 1,816 crore loss to the Employees Provident Fund Organisation. EPFO invested Rs 2,500 crore in Reliance Capitals debentures which later defaulted. While the issue was settled earlier, ED findings prompted a new fraud case. Anil Ambani denies any wrongdoing in this matter.

Arvind Kejriwal announced a march to the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday. He demanded consumers have a choice between pure petrol and E20 fuel. Kejriwal also called for E20 fuel to be priced lower than pure petrol. He challenged the government to release scientific studies supporting the E20 fuel policy. The AAP leader advised consumers to consider electric vehicles for future transportation needs.

India faces a risk of below-normal monsoon rainfall due to El Nio. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole may offer some relief to the country. This oceanic pattern could improve rainfall conditions in southern India. It might prevent the monsoon from slipping into a deficient phase. International forecasts suggest a positive IOD could develop soon.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan questioned the Supreme Court collegium's lack of transparency in judicial appointments. He noted that recent collegium resolutions provided no reasons for their decisions. This opacity, he argued, could allow unsuitable individuals to enter the judiciary. Citizens possess a right to know deliberations concerning judicial elevations and transfers. The JALDI report highlights varying transparency levels across India's higher courts.

Goods and Services Tax collections rose 15.4 percent to Rs 2,11,205 crore in July. This increase was largely due to a 29 percent jump in integrated GST on imports. Strong economic activity and higher commodity prices also contributed to the robust tax collections. Central GST mop-up increased 12.3 percent while state GST grew 8.7 percent. Net collections after refunds went up 15.8 percent, reflecting continued economic resilience.