The Times of India

A SIT probe found nine critical lapses in donation handling procedures. These security and procedural failures allowed for alleged large-scale embezzlement of funds. Counting personnel were not frisked and pocketless uniforms were not enforced. Cash from various boxes was mixed, and no denomination inventory was prepared. Biometric attendance was also not effectively implemented, undermining accountability.

Eyewitnesses blamed crew negligence and delayed medical care for the Vietnam boat disaster. Rough seas and gusty winds caused the speedboat to overturn within seconds. Many tourists drowned while trapped beneath the capsized vessel despite wearing life jackets. Rescue boats arrived nearly three hours later, and emergency treatment was delayed. Authorities have not yet responded to the allegations made by survivors.

Official crop enumeration inspections were completed on time in less than half of the country's villages. Many village maps used for land tracing are over twenty years old and outdated. Crop-cutting experiments are being conducted by untrained personnel in several key states. These data collection issues affect national food security interventions and advance estimates. Policymakers face challenges due to these significant gaps in agricultural statistics.

An Iranian attack on a ship with Indian crew has heightened concerns. This incident raises worries about fuel and fertilizer supply disruptions. Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and seafarer advisories. The flare-up delays any plans for new ship movements from India. India has sufficient crude oil stocks and is monitoring global prices.

Smaller urban centers are leading India's rooftop solar adoption, surpassing major metropolitan areas. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana promotes rooftop solar installations for households. This government scheme has seen rapid progress and aims to benefit many households. Over 36 lakh rooftop solar systems have already been installed across the country. Efforts are now focused on expanding urban reach and assisting low-income households.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed frustration over the delayed restoration of statehood. He questioned the central government's stance on protests and assembly discussions regarding this issue. Abdullah announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. He reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his past assurance on the matter. The National Conference will continue its democratic campaign until statehood is reinstated.

Police arrested three publishers in Jammu and Noida over controversial books. These books, which glorified separatists, were supplied to government school libraries. Officials suspended education department staff and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Sub-committees had shortlisted titles, but these two books were flagged later. The investigation aims to determine how the books reached schools despite scrutiny.

A landmark study puts a dollar figure on India's forests at national scale and the number is staggering. Yet these ecosystems remain invisible in official accounts, driving decisions that quietly destroy billions in natural wealth.

Regulator steps up 'Be the Eyes of Food Safety' campaign, urges consumers to flag unhygienic kitchens and unsafe food through its Food Safety Connect platform

K Annamalai has launched his new movement, We The Leaders, which will focus on governance and public responsibility. This organization explicitly excludes religion from its scope and aims to make Tamil Nadu a leading state. The movement is not built through membership drives but as a collective platform for people. Women and young people form a significant share of the movement's composition.

The RSS voiced grief over alleged donation irregularities at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. They expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will soon reach a decisive turn. The organization also reviewed its training programs and centenary year initiatives. Discussions included population imbalance, the upcoming census, and drug abuse. Plans were also made to strengthen shakhas and engage volunteers in social work.

Arvind Kejriwal escalated his political attack on the BJP, linking opposition to Sundarkand recitation with demonic tendencies. He performed a Sundarkand Path, vowing punishment for those who allegedly looted donations. The BJP dismissed the event as a political gimmick and theatrics by a political Hindu. Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra stated Kejriwal invokes religion only during election periods.

Palash Sen, frontman of Delhi-based band, Euphoria, recounts his capital life and explains why the music changed

A Punjab BJP leader stated the Congress party is not in the race for 2027. He believes the party will struggle to retain its existing eighteen seats. Congress leaders themselves allege compromises with the current state government. Party officials deny any internal factionalism and express unity for upcoming polls. Unity is crucial for the party, but compromised leaders should be avoided.

Despite increasing awareness of mental health, public comprehension still lags behind scientific advancements. Misunderstandings surrounding schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, and bipolar disorder lead to widespread stigma. The media often dramatizes these issues, portraying affected individuals as violent or erratic. To combat this, we need to prioritize education and foster empathy, while robust support systems must aid patients and caregivers in their journey toward recovery and r

Uttarakhand government ordered action against officials for financial irregularities. An inquiry found advance funds released without proper approval from the temple corpus. Separately, a Special Investigation Team is probing alleged donation theft at Badrinath temple. CCTV footage shows a suspended employee suspiciously collecting cash from the donation room. The investigation continues with witness statements and evidence analysis.

Arvind Kejriwal alleged a cover-up in the Ayodhya temple donation theft case. He accused the system of shielding those responsible for the alleged theft. The Aam Aadmi Party organized a Sundarkand recitation program in Delhi. Kejriwal announced a nationwide signature campaign seeking strict punishment for the accused. The BJP criticized the event as a political gimmick to improve Kejriwal's standing.

Omar Abdullah criticized the BJP for repeatedly promising Jammu and Kashmir statehood. He alleged the party exploits divisions to gain power in various Indian states. Abdullah stated restoring statehood is a commitment, not a favor to the people. He challenged any BJP candidate to deny promising statehood restoration during elections. The National Conference leader highlighted the BJP's selective memory regarding election promises.

Prime Minister Modi mourned the passing of former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He remembered Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader who transformed the Gulf nation. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, voluntarily abdicating power. During his rule, Qatar became a global economic and diplomatic force. His tenure also saw the launch of Al Jazeera and the 2022 World Cup bid.

Enforcement Directorate agents are examining Dharmesh Sangani's recovered mobile phone. This businessman faces probes in the UK and US for alleged gold smuggling. The device was retrieved after Sangani threw it from his apartment as agents approached. Authorities suspect a larger gold smuggling and money laundering operation involving influential people. The ED is investigating violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act against Sangani's company.

A parliamentary panel noted concerns about the anti-corruption bill's arrest clause. Stakeholders found removing officials after thirty days constitutionally problematic. The draft report suggests a sunset clause for automatic reversal of barring. It also proposes using suspension instead of emoval to avoid stigma. The committee's recommendations will be tabled in Lok Sabha soon.

Swiggy Instamart received nine FSSAI notices for delivering unsafe and expired food products. Consumers complained about receiving rotten eggs and spoiled parathas from the platform. Expired whey protein and packaged snacks were also among the flagged items by customers. The food regulator seeks a detailed explanation and compliance report from the company. Failure to respond satisfactorily could invite action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

A sponsored Vietnam trip became a tragedy for several Indian families. A boat carrying thirty-two Indian tourists capsized off Phu Quoc Island. Several individuals from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala lost their lives. Families are awaiting the repatriation of bodies from Vietnam. The vacation was organized by a private medical company.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated Hindu law is not based on Manusmriti. Most of India follows the Mitakshara school, which is based on Yajnavalkya Smriti. This school, prevalent since before 700 AD, grants inheritance rights by birth. The Dayabhaga school, prevalent in Bengal and Assam, was more restrictive. Ancient wisdom devised prohibited degrees of relationships, approved by Parliament.

PM Modi, Luxon vow to double trade to Rs 35k crore in 5 years

Akash Dhar, a visually impaired Kashmiri Pandit, opened a restaurant in Langate. Local residents and his landlord have offered significant support and encouragement. The eatery has attracted customers from various communities and areas. This initiative hopes to inspire other Kashmiri migrants to return home. The restaurant's success highlights a positive community response and integration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his government's initiatives for the Sikh community. He mentioned FCRA clearance for the Golden Temple and bringing back Guru Granth Sahib copies. Work is ongoing to connect Hemkund Sahib with a ropeway for better pilgrim access. The government also decided on annual commemoration of Guru Gobind Singh's sons' martyrdom. These efforts aim to deepen BJP's acceptance among the Sikh community.

UN rapporteurs raised concerns about India's voter list revision process and alleged exclusion of minorities. Election Commission officials strongly refuted these allegations, calling them unfounded and unwarranted. The poll panel asserted that the special intensive revision process was transparent and constitutionally sound. They stated ample opportunities were given to electors to challenge any exclusions. The Supreme Court has upheld both the intent and process of this revision exercise.

'Part of the problem solved by setting up special courts'

An Interpol Red Corner Notice has been issued for Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo. This notice targets Kandoo for his alleged involvement in a deadly 2013 attack. The attack resulted in the deaths of four police officers in Sopore, Kashmir. Kandoo, a designated terrorist, is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan. The State Investigation Agency considers this a significant achievement in pursuing fugitives.

A 31-year-old BSF constable allegedly died by suicide in Jammu's Gadigarh camp. Constable Vanita Rani was found hanging from a ceiling fan with a dupatta. Her body was sent for a postmortem examination to establish the cause of death. This incident follows another woman constable's alleged suicide in Jammu on June 29. Both incidents are currently under investigation by authorities.

Arvind Kejriwal visited a Delhi petrol pump and service station. He spoke with vehicle owners about their E20 fuel experiences. Many consumers reported reduced mileage and mechanical issues with the blended petrol. Kejriwal stated the government's claims about E20 fuel are untrue. He emphasized that public grievances should be heard and addressed.

Educator Sonam Wangchuk rejects hero labels and urges citizens to take responsibility. He is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar for 14 days. Wangchuk is protesting examination irregularities and seeking accountability from the government. He has lost significant weight and feels tired but remains determined. Wangchuk appeals for public support in the ongoing movement and upcoming march.

An 18-year-old Hyderabad student's body was recovered from the sea in Helsinki. Finnish authorities confirmed the recovery of Manideep Reddy's body after two months. His family has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. They believe the case has not been properly investigated by Finnish authorities. The family urges the Indian government to facilitate their travel to Finland.

The Indian Navy proudly commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the latest addition to its fleet as the sixth Project 17A stealth frigate. This remarkable warship embodies India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, enhancing its maritime combat capabilities. With multifaceted roles including anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, INS Mahendragiri bolsters India's strategic foothold in the Indo-Pacific, aligning perfectly with the country's ambitious naval modernisation agenda.

Fifteen Indian tourists died in a tragic speedboat accident near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island. Several other tourists sustained injuries during the unfortunate maritime incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to affected families. The government is providing full support and coordinating with Vietnamese authorities. Search and rescue operations were conducted by local authorities after the boat capsized.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Navy's crucial role in safeguarding national interests. Recent operations in West Asia demonstrated the Navy's commitment to protecting vital economic interests. The Indo-Pacific region is now a global focus, with India playing a key role. India aims to be a net security provider and trusted partner across the Indo-Pacific. The nation is developing its shipbuilding capacity to become a global maritime defence hub.