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The Times of India

National / The Times of India

BJD opposes proposed nuclear plant in Odisha, warns of mass agitation

Addressing a press conference, BJD senior general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar claimed that a nuclear power plant would pose a serious threat to the health and safety of people living in the state. She accused the BJP's double-engine government of ignoring public welfare in favour of corporate interests. Samantsinghar added that the consequences of those disasters were still being felt and argued that nuclear power carries significant risks to human life.

5 Aug 2026 10:36 pm
In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg's wife Priscilla Chan founded a school; 10 years later and after more than $125 million in funding, board voted to close it

The Primary School, a tuition-free institution, will close in June after a decade of operation. This school provided education, healthcare, and family support to low-income children. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will not continue funding beyond the upcoming academic year. Academic results remained below state averages, prompting the board's decision. The initiative pledged fifty million dollars to aid the transition for affected students.

5 Aug 2026 10:11 pm
With all eye on delimitation & FCRA, Parliament monsoon session sinks deeper into deadlock

Parliament has hit yet another impasse as the opposition protests continue for the thirteenth day. Despite this, the government succeeded in passing important legislation, including the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill and a bill concerning Supreme Court judges. In an effort to resolve the deadlock, minister Kiren Rijiju met with opposition figures, while Prime Minister Modi focused on discussing strategies with BJP Members of Parliament.

5 Aug 2026 9:50 pm
IMA threatens nationwide strike over Maharashtra move to register CCMP-trained Homeopaths

In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, IMA Headquarters termed the governments August 3 Government Resolution (GR) illegal and urged its immediate cancellation, arguing that it undermines medical education, violates established legal principles and poses a risk to public health. The IMA further pointed out that the issue is already pending before the Bombay high court.

5 Aug 2026 7:46 pm
Nearly 2,000 RSS volunteers assist over 40,000 flood-affected families in Assam

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers aided over forty thousand families in Assam's flood-hit regions. They provided rescue, food, and essential supplies to affected villagers in three districts. Medical camps were organized by the organization in collaboration with the National Medicos Organization. Volunteers also assisted with post-flood rehabilitation, including cleaning and agricultural support. These efforts focused on helping communities recover after the recent devastating floods.

5 Aug 2026 7:10 pm
Evening news wrap: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologises to Centre; Rahul Gandhi meets student protesters, targets PM Modi & more

Meta's CEO apologized to the Indian government regarding content moderation and platform issues. Rahul Gandhi met student protesters and criticized the Prime Minister and Home Minister. An India-flagged ship was hit and sank in the Red Sea, though its crew was rescued. Parliamentary affairs minister met Rahul Gandhi to discuss breaking the ongoing Parliament deadlock. Trump's immigration crackdown has reportedly detained parents of active-duty US military personnel.

5 Aug 2026 6:35 pm
Sambhal violence 2024: Probe panel claims unrest 'pre-planned', links Samajwadi MP, MLA

Last year, three-member panel had met the CM and submitted its report concerning the violence that erupted near the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 in 2024 during an ASI-monitored survey of the mosque. The unrest resulted in four fatalities and injuries to several others. In the document, a sharp demographic shift is observed.

5 Aug 2026 5:43 pm
Watch: Indian cargo ship engulfed in flames and smoke after projectile strike off Yemen

An Indian-flagged cargo vessel was struck by a projectile in Yemeni waters. The ship caught fire and sank off Yemens western coast near Hodeidah. All fourteen crew members, including thirteen Indians, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard. The National Resistance Forces blamed Houthi rebels for the unprovoked attack. India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident and called for unimpeded navigation.

5 Aug 2026 5:21 pm
'Grave security threat': CJP's Saurav Das alleges media 'breaking into' his house

The Cockroach Janta Party began as a satirical online response to a statement by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant but later developed into a broader youth-led campaign. The movement has focused on issues including exam security, administrative reforms and employment-related concerns. Das became one of CJP's most visible representatives due to his background in journalism and his ability to present arguments through data, documents and legal references.

5 Aug 2026 3:49 pm
'Remake of Dravidian model': Ex-Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin calls Vijay government's budget a 'waste'

Tamil Nadu's opposition leader M.K. Stalin criticized the TVK government's budget as a waste. He stated the budget repackaged old schemes and lacked new vision. The finance minister presented a budget aiming for a $1.5 trillion economy by 2031. Opposition parties also pointed out unfulfilled election promises and debt concerns. The budget included allocations for schools, higher education, and welfare initiatives.

5 Aug 2026 3:11 pm
Kolkata opens its doors after 19 years: Where does Taslima Nasreen go next?

Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata after nineteen years of exile and received a civic felicitation. The writer expressed gratitude for the new government's assurance of security and her right to visit. Her return highlights the city's evolving political landscape and its stance on free expression. The article explores whether this visit signifies a permanent homecoming or a ceremonial occasion.

5 Aug 2026 2:31 pm
Jharkhand student protest: Mahto takes water after Sonam Wangchuk's appeal, to continue hunger strike

After four days without food or water, Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto drank water following an appeal from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk but said his indefinite fast over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations would continue.

5 Aug 2026 1:12 pm
J&K, Ladakh have entered 'a decisive new chapter': PM Modi on Article 370 anniversary

Prime Minister Modi marked seven years since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. This move ushered in a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The region has seen wide-ranging transformation and expanded opportunities for its citizens. Constitutional rights have been ensured for all, empowering previously marginalized communities. The government reaffirms its commitment to the progress of these regions.

5 Aug 2026 12:33 pm
In 1994, Alabama sank 100 retired M60 battle tanks in the Gulf, giving obsolete military machines a 50-year second life as fish reefs

Obsolete M60 battle tanks now rest on the Gulf of Mexico seafloor. These decommissioned military vehicles serve as artificial reefs for marine life. The Reef-Ex program began in 1994, repurposing 100 tanks for habitat. This initiative benefits local economies by attracting anglers and divers. The tanks provide a second life, offering valuable marine habitat.

5 Aug 2026 10:32 am
Quote of the day by Arnold Schwarzenegger: What is the point of being on this Earth if you - a timeless lesson on being unapologetically yourself

The life of Arnold Schwarzenegger is a testament to the importance of challenging limits and embracing ones uniqueness. By transcending norms in bodybuilding, film, and politics, he achieved greatness. His experience serves as a reminder that originality fuels innovation and self-improvement. While comparing ourselves to others can hinder personal discovery, choosing an authentic path opens new avenues to success and fulfillment.

5 Aug 2026 10:26 am
Day 12 of Jharkhand students' protest: Hemant Soren says govt taking exam row 'very seriously'

In response to mounting allegations of irregularities in recruitment exams, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren reassured students of a fair resolution under the law. He emphasized that investigations into reported paper leaks are already in progress by government agencies. Meanwhile, students persist in their protests, calling for exam cancellations and significant reforms. A final decision from the government will follow the completion of these investigations.

5 Aug 2026 8:17 am
West Bengal to fast-track land acquisition to take trains close to Doklam

West Bengal government has approved land acquisition for a new railway line. This project aims to improve connectivity to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction area. The new rail link will boost tourism in the Jhaldhaka-Bindu-Todey Tangta region. Railways and the forest department will conduct a joint survey after the monsoon. This strategically important project was previously stalled due to state government non-cooperation.

5 Aug 2026 5:14 am
Child rights body takes up with Meta issue of CSAM ads on Instagram

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken action against Meta, prompted by allegations regarding advertisements associated with child exploitation materials on its platforms. Seeking accountability, the commission requested clarification from Meta about these grave concerns. After assessing the company's response, a formal investigation is now underway. This decision aligns with growing attention on child safety practices across digital platforms.

5 Aug 2026 5:10 am
WA tests optional age verification pilot, says user privacy will be protected

To comply with the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, WhatsApp is piloting new privacy-focused age verification methods for Indian users. This initiative is completely voluntary, allowing users to choose their participation. With the new law's emphasis on stricter regulations for children's personal data, WhatsApp is taking care to safeguard user privacy during this important verification process.

5 Aug 2026 4:56 am
Government to grill Meta brass on child abuse, AI content

In an important meeting scheduled for this week, government officials will confront Meta executives regarding pressing issues. The discussions will center around the presence of child sexual abuse material, the rise of AI-created content, and the measures in place for takedowns involving notable personalities. Compliance with local laws and the efficiency of Meta's content moderation efforts, particularly in monitoring synthetic content, are also poised to be key topics of concern.

5 Aug 2026 4:49 am
Government may allow fees on UPI payment above Rs 2k

The government may allow a small charge on UPI payments exceeding two thousand rupees. This levy would apply to transactions made to businesses and not individuals. Official estimates suggest this change will impact only five percent of all UPI transactions. Most daily purchases like groceries and taxi fares will remain unaffected by this potential fee. Industry experts anticipate a possible ceiling on the absolute amount charged for these transactions.

5 Aug 2026 4:40 am
Over 30 operatives killed by 'Indian agents' since 2020: LeT commander

Rizwan Hanif, a commander affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, has alleged that Indian agents have systematically killed more than thirty individuals in different Pakistani locations since 2020. He characterized these murders as acts of religious persecution and rejected the authority of foreign entities. This statement comes amid heightened rhetoric from Pakistan's military, and experts suggest it serves as a strategic narrative amidst rising tensions.

5 Aug 2026 4:34 am
Computer-based NEET? Govt tells SC decision after Nilekani report

The government informed the Supreme Court about considering NEET's shift to computer-based testing. This decision awaits the Nandan Nilekani task force's report on public examination systems. Measures are being taken to make the exam more secure and prevent unfair means. The National Testing Agency has already moved seven major exams to computer-based formats. NEET (UG) currently remains the only major pen-and-paper examination conducted by the NTA.

5 Aug 2026 4:26 am
'100% pure'? Stop misleading products' sale, FSSAI tells Dabur

Dabur India has been instructed by the FSSAI to halt the sale of items claiming to be '100% pure.' This decision stems from a violation of food regulations deemed misleading to consumers. The FSSAI identified unauthorized organic claims on various products. Despite Dabur's assertion that its labels meet regulatory standards, the company will eliminate '100%' references from its marketing efforts.

5 Aug 2026 4:16 am
Census phase 2 likely to accept half-filled forms

Census authorities are considering allowing partially filled online forms for self-enumeration. This change aims to ease the process for respondents and enumerators alike. Previously, blank fields prevented form submission, discouraging self-enumeration. The population enumeration exercise is scheduled nationwide for February 2027. Select snow-bound regions will conduct enumeration earlier, from September 1 to 30.

5 Aug 2026 4:12 am
274 fugitives brought back from 36 nations since 2019

Government brought back 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019. Assets worth over Rs 17,874 crore were attached during this period. This contrasts with the UPA government's record of fewer extraditions annually. Legal frameworks were updated, and diplomatic efforts intensified for fugitive recovery. This approach reflects a coordinated whole of government strategy for justice.

5 Aug 2026 3:47 am