U.P. oldest MLA Alam Badi Azmi dies, leaders express grief
He represented the Nizamabad constituency five times between 1996 and 2007 and again from 2012 until now.Leaders from across parties expressed grief over the death
Coast Guard arrests four arms smugglers off Sundarbans
The operation led to the recovery of a cache of illegal weapons and was executed inclose coordination withthe Sunderbans Forest Departmentand intelligenceagencies
Activist on hunger strike over Ken-Betwa river link project ends fast after 18 days
Mr. Bhatnagar of Jai Kisan Sangathan had been on a hunger strike for 18 days and was leading the protest, where several people from Chhatarpur and Panna districts had been demonstrating since July 4 against the 44,000-crore project of the Union Government by tying nooses around their necks and lying on makeshift pyres in the river in a symbolic protest
The war has had no clear mission, no strategy, no end goal, said Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat who led the resolution on the House floor
U.S. slaps 10% tariffs on goods imported from India over issue forced labour
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the new tariffs on 60 countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act on July 24, a day before the expiration of 10% additional levies on all countries
The controversy unfolded at 10-10 in the second game between Indias two top womens paddlers. As Chitale, with the Jaguars playing only for pride, tossed the ball up to serve, Mukherjee was heard calling TTR aloud in an attempt to seek a Table Tennis Review
News from the world of Education: July 24, 2026
Information on admissions, scholarships, competitions for students, events for educators and more
Russia warns U.S. against Ukraine arms sales in Manila meeting
Mr. Lavrov and Rubio's meeting on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit, their first since September 2025, came as Washington's focus has switched from mediating in Ukraine to dealing with war in the West Asia
U.S. unveils new tariffs on 60 partners as Trump rebuilds trade agenda
The levies, which take effect July 24, range from 10% to 12.5% and impact major economies like China, India and the European Union
Warning signals for India from NATOs Ankara summit
Europes defence revival and commitments may create new challenges for Indias defence needs
Escalation trap: On the U.S. and the war with Iran
Trump should change course if he wants to end the war with Iran
Core upgrade: On the Index of Core Industries
The updated Index of Core Industries rounds out economic data upgrades
Three days since July 20 violence, Delhi Police, MHA yet to acknowledge police excesses
Eenesh, a resident of Chhattisgarh, who took part in the protest, refuted the police claim that protesters threw bricks at them
CPI criticises Kerala Chief Minister on Waqf issue
The reconstitution of the Board by including two non-Muslims had grown into a conflict issue between the Kerala Waqf Board and the State government
A hundred years ago | The Middle East vote
Governor emphasises need for coordination of tradition and technology
Governor of Karnataka Thawar Chand Gehlot has emphasised the need for coordinating heritage with modern technology so as to introduce and popularise Ayurveda at the global level
PM Modi promises 'more strict actions against paper leaks' amid CJP protests
In a self-recorded video shared on X, the Prime Minister announced that the Union Cabinet will take up a draft Bill providing for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. he said, I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts
All roads continue to lead to Jantar Mantar
Students see familiar playbook as DU, colleges endorse govt. action
Shops, eating joints in CP close early, count losses
Volunteers scan crowd for unwanted elements, police in plainclothes
Sonam Wangchuk has broken his fast, says co-convenor Leh Apex Body
He broke the fast in the presence of two Union Ministers on certain conditions, he says; Govt gave a written assurance that cases against students will be taken back, if they are not violent, Mr. Dorjay says
NHAI begins demolishing encroachments on service lanes of Chennai-Bengaluru Highway in Vellore
VijaysJanaNayaganhits the screens across State; cinemas see good footfall
Cinema owners in the southern districts report a noticeable increase in womenturning up for first day shows. For Friday, most cinemas in Chennai say occupancy levels are around 70%-75%
Protests over NEET paper leak intensify nationwide
Student outfits, civil society groups, and political parties hit the streets demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan; protest marches turn confrontational in several districts of Kerala; police stop protesters in A.P.; security personnel resort to baton-charge in Bihar
Singai Ramachandran quits AIADMK; Velumani, Viswanathan absent at meeting chaired by Palaniswami
World Hepatitis Day webinar to be held on July 27
Experts will discuss causes, transmission, prevention, early detection and advances in treatment, while addressing common misconceptions about viral hepatitis
Fifty years ago | W. German programme for medicos from third world
Protests demanding NEET ban gather momentum across city
Filmmaker Pa. Ranjith-led Neelam Students Movement staging a protest at Rajarathinam Stadium on Thursday, demanding educational reforms and the abolition of NEET.
Doctors treat baby born at 24 weeks and weighing 530 g at city hospital
Five forest staff suspended in Tirupattur over red sanders theft
Allot Indiramma Indlu free of cost: BRS
Spotted deer mauled by stray dogs in Madhavaram dies
Book by Southern Railways General Manager launched
Three held for possession of painkiller tablets
Residents of parts of south Chennai flag disruptions in piped water supply
J&K Eco-tourism policy in final stages, Assembly panel reviews progress
Srinagar, July 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Eco-Tourism Policy is in the advanced stages of formulation and will provide a framework for conservation, regulated tourism and community-based livelihoods, officials informed the Assembly Committee on Environment on Thursday. MLA, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami chaired a meeting of the Committee on Environment here at Legislative Assembly Complex to assess the implementation of the J&K Eco-Tourism Policy and environmental safeguards across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Legislators Professor Gharu Ram, Dr Sajjad Shafi, Showkat Hussain Ganie and Javaid Riyaz Bedar. The Chairman laid special emphasis on the preparation of destination specific Master plans for all eco tourism destinations in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure planned development, regulation of carrying capacity, scientific waste management and protection of biodiversity. The Committee directed that these Master Plans be finalized in consultation with the experts, local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure environmentally sustainable tourism growth across the UT. The Committee undertook a comprehensive appraisal of major eco-Tourism destinations, revenue trends over the last five years and environmental challenges confronting the sector. The Chairman reviewed the measures taken to promote eco-friendly tourism, including declaration of tourist and religious destinations as plastic and polythene-free zones. The Department informed that awareness programmes are being conducted under national campaigns such as Travel for Life: Tourism for Tomorrow and Swachhata Hi Seva. Besides, enforcement mechanisms have been strengthened at destinations like Dodhpathri and Youmarg. He directed all CEOs of Tourism Development Authorities to submit destination-wise details on plastic-free initiatives and its enforcement. The Committee reviewed environmental compliance by Tourism Development Authorities, the status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), including proposed mini-STPs, water quality, pollution control, solid waste management, carrying capacity of tourist destinations and implementation of tourism master plans. The Committee reviewed the status of encroachments on wetlands, lakes, water bodies and tourism department land. It stressed for protection of environmentally sensitive areas in coordination with the District Administration, Revenue and Police departments. Further, the Committee directed that all cases of unauthorized occupation be monitored regularly and retrieval actions be expedited. The Committee also examined the preventive and remedial measures undertaken by the Department including installation of waste segregation facilities, scientific waste management, restriction on single-use plastics, promotion of eco-friendly mobility solutions and strengthening community participation in conservation. Taking cognizance of the incessant rains currently prevailing across Jammu and Kashmir, the Chairman of the Committee directed the Flood & Irrigation Department to take all requisite measures and ensure full preparedness to deal with any emergent situation arising out of continuous rainfall.
The entire Opposition stands with you: Rahul Gandhis message to student protesters
Though departmental action was initiated against some Registration Department officials, the role of the supervisory officers and other public servants involved in the processing and registration of the document had not been effectively examined, she says
Use of force against student protesters in Tamil Nadu flayed
Kejriwal targets PM; AAP to join CJP protest today
J&K Ujjwala beneficiaries cross 12.8 lakh: Centre
SRINAGAR, July 23: The Centre on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that all LPG connections provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) remain active, with the number of beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir increasing to 12.81 lakh as of July 1, 2026. Replying to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 734, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said the flagship scheme, launched in May 2016 to provide deposit-free LPG connections to adult women from economically weaker households, has expanded to around 10.58 crore beneficiaries across the country. The minister was responding to a question raised by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. According to the government, Jammu and Kashmir had 12,80,546 PMUY connections as of April 1, 2026, compared with 12,30,997 on April 1, 2020, reflecting a steady increase in coverage over the past six years. In neighbouring Ladakh, the number of PMUY connections stood at 11,081 as of April 1, 2026, marginally lower than 11,083 recorded in 2020. The government said it had reviewed refill consumption patterns and found that the average annual LPG consumption among PMUY beneficiaries was 4.71 cylinders per consumer during 202526. Based on this assessment, it considered a targeted subsidy for up to four refills annually to be appropriate while ensuring efficient utilisation of subsidy expenditure. The minister said international LPG prices had risen sharply following the recent West Asia crisis, with the Saudi Contract Price reaching USD 796 per metric tonne in June 2026. Despite the increase, the retail price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder was kept unchanged at Rs 942. PMUY beneficiaries, he said, continue to receive a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder, reducing the effective purchase price to Rs 642. In addition, consumers are benefiting from an implicit subsidy through under-recoveries exceeding Rs 500 per cylinder in July 2026, the reply stated. State-wise refill data placed before the House showed that during 202122, as many as 1,44,314 PMUY beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir did not purchase any refill, while 8,52,934 availed between one and four refills and 2,41,599 purchased more than four refills. In Ladakh, 696 beneficiaries did not purchase any refill, 7,573 availed between one and four refills, and 2,830 purchased more than four refills.
Cloudburst triggers flash floods in Boniyar village
Srinagar, Jul 23: A cloudburst in the upper reaches of Mayan village in Boniyar tehsil of north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Thursday triggered flash floods, washing away culverts, disrupting essential services, and prompting rescue and restoration operations by the district administration and police. Officials said four culverts were washed away in the flash floods, snapping road connectivity and hampering restoration efforts. The cloudburst also caused widespread disruption to electricity and drinking water supply, leaving residents of Mayan and adjoining villages facing considerable hardship. Tehsildar Boniyar, Mohammad Najbullah Shah, said restoration work has been launched on a war footing. We are hopeful that power and drinking water services will be restored by Friday, provided the weather remains favourable, he said. The Jal Shakti Department, Uri, issued a public advisory stating that the cloudburst had severely impacted the Neela Nag water source. The department said raw water transmission pipelines were extensively damaged, resulting in disruption of drinking water supply to several villages. The department urged residents to use water sparingly, boil drinking water before consumption, and extend cooperation to field staff engaged in restoration work. It assured the public that efforts were underway to restore the damaged infrastructure and resume water supply at the earliest. In a separate development, Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with the Civil Administration, rescued a woman who was trapped inside her house after flash floods inundated parts of Mayan in the Lachipora-Bijhama area. Officials said the cloudburst caused a sudden surge of water and debris in a local stream, leading to flash flooding and panic among residents. Acting swiftly, Tehsildar Boniyar, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Uri, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Bijhama, along with rescue teams, reached the spot and safely evacuated the woman without any loss of life. Authorities said the administration and police are continuously monitoring the situation in the affected areas and remain on alert to tackle any further emergencies. Residents living near vulnerable locations have been advised to stay vigilant, avoid venturing close to flooded streams and water channels, and strictly adhere to advisories issued by the authorities.
Kerala High Court quashes sexual harassment case against Boby Chemmanur
Court granted Chemmanurs plea to quash the proceedings after the actor expressed her willingness to resolve the matter amicably, citing his public apology.
Three killed in accident near Tirupachethi
NIA court convicts three in CPI(Maoist) terror conspiracy case
Thoothukudi police firing: HC seeks reports from State
Interview | Sai Sudharsan: The satisfaction from scoring runs in Tests is unparalleled
The 24-year-old says even a small weakness or flaw will be challenged in the longest format; the Tamil Nadu batter adds that his priority now is to work on his fitness and game against spin bowling ahead of the Sri Lanka series; the southpaw explains he is not worried too much about not being in the T20I scheme of things
Over 3 lakh expected to attend Bhogapuram airport inauguration
Govt. to sell quality rice at subsidised prices through rythu bazaars from August 1
Steady increase in rice prices prompts government to intervene, says Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar
Police should better equip themselves to deal with changing nature of crimes: CM
The tendency of some anti-social elements to create unrest in society by making abusive and inflammatory comments on social media platforms has to be curbed, says Chandrababu Naidu
Bengaluru rallies behind Delhi student protest, demand resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan
Raising slogans, the protestors lit candles and switched on their mobile torches as night descended, in an expression of solidarity. They held placards with clever puns and word play
18-storey building of an apartment complex to be demolished
Womens reservation should be implemented without delimitation: Justice Hariparanthaman
If the increase in Lok Sabha seats is based on population, southern States will stand to lose adequate representation in the Lower House, says former Madras High Court judge
Delhi Polices preventive detention power under NSA extended till October 18
Statement says the order is a routine extension/renewal of powers under the NSA, which is issued every three months
Literary critic M. Leelavathy chosen for Prof. M.K. Sanoo award
Kerala University Syndicate scraps 2-crore sculpture park project
The sculpture park, proposed in the universitys 2025-26 budgetby the previous Left-dominant Syndicate, was expected tofeature statues of eminent personalities including Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Socrates,and Rabindranath Tagore
Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman invited to BRICS summit in Delhi
Bangladeshs Minister for Foreign Affairs says the Indian government has invited Mr. Rahman to participate in the summit as a guest
Western Ganga theme chosen for Lalbaghs Independence Day flower show
Cipla Q1 net dips 39% to 785.55 crore as North America business drags
We expect continued sequential growth in North America, supported by upcoming product pipeline, MD and Global CEO Achin Gupta said
Over 6.17 lakh Waqf properties approved on UMEED portal
The portal is part of governments ongoing initiative to digitise and streamline Waqf property records
Maruti Suzukis New Brezza receives 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating
Marutis 5-star Bharat NCAP-rated vehicle portfolio includes Dzire, VICTORIS, Invicto and e VITARA.
Weichai Group: 40 years in Vietnam, working together to create a new green and intelligent future
Weichai Group: 40 years in Vietnam, working together to create a new green and intelligent future
The ASEAN Championship: A regional tournament that became a cultural institution
Iran vows to continue strikes in West Asia war
The armed forces' retaliatory attacks will continue as long as the U.S. attacks on the country's infrastructure and coastal areas continue, says Iran's army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia
Government eases FDI rules for e-commerce companies aimed at export, first big relaxation in years
While some trade experts say the move has provided much-needed clarity, others have said it will benefit foreign firms such as Amazon and will eventually hurt Indias small traders
Will the CJP change how India votes?
Rising Jhelum Water Level Under Close Watch; Public Urged Not to Panic: Div Com Kashmir
Srinagar, July 23: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Thursday said that the administration is closely monitoring the rising water levels in the River Jhelum amid continued vigilance by field teams across the Valley. In a post on X, Garg said that Control Rooms at both the divisional and district levels are functioning round the clock to coordinate preventive and remedial measures in view of the evolving situation. He urged residents living near the river embankments not to panic, but to remain alert and strictly follow advisories issued by the local administration. The Divisional Commissioner also advised the public to contact the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), Srinagar, at 0194-2740003 for any assistance or emergency support.
WATCH: CJP Protest gets backing from film stars, writers & musicians
The CJP Protest has received support from across Indias entertainment industry. What began as a student-led movement has now drawn backing from film stars, writers, musicians, television personalities and artists, bringing the protests into the national spotlight.
Nursing student killed, two classmates injured in accident near Coimbatore
Parliament stalled again as Opposition continues to seek Dharmendra Pradhans resignation
Rajya Sabha functions for less than 10 minutes on Thursday morning before being adjourned twice; Leader of the House J.P. Nadda terms the Oppositions conduct highly irresponsible; Opposition members continue to raise slogans in the Lower House, forcing repeated adjournments
IndiGo, Air India oppose Adanis airline entry
It is a recipe for conflict of interest as well as squeezing other players; such a consolidation across the value chain not only kills competition but also results in fewer jobs, said an Air India official
Watch: India rallies behind the CJP Protest
The CJP protest that began as a march in Delhi has rapidly transformed into a nationwide movement. Following police action against CJP protesters and activist Sonam Wangchuk, demonstrations erupted across India, with students, political parties, and civil society groups taking to the streets.
Probe launched into fire at Shrimp farm shed at Payyannur in Kerala
Nandini butter, ghee price hiked
Go and ask Pradhan when he will resign: Priyanka
Kashmir-Rooted Film Tasrufdaar Draws House full at Srinagar Premiere
Srinagar, Jul 23: The red-carpet premiere of the Kashmiri feature film Tasrufdar Djinns of Kashmir was held at INOX Cinema Srinagar on Thursday, bringing together filmmakers, actors and cinema enthusiasts to celebrate a story rooted in Kashmir's folklore and shared cultural heritage. Written, directed and produced by Kapil Mattoo under Mattoo Mania Productions in association with Walnut Creative Ideas Pvt Ltd and Safdar Arts, Tasrufdar draws inspiration from Kashmiri folklore and the mystical concept of Tasrufdar (jinns) to narrate a deeply human story of friendship, memory and reconciliation. The film follows Mir, a middle-aged Kashmiri Muslim, who is haunted by the spirit of his late father's childhood friend, Shamboo Nath, a Kashmiri Pandit, nearly 35 years after they were separated during the turmoil of 1990. Waiting between two chinar trees, the spirit seeks answers about the night that changed both their lives, leading to an emotional conversation on loss, memory and healing. Blending Kashmirs mystical folklore with the timeless vakhs of mystic poetess Lal Ded, the film explores themes of empathy, coexistence and the regions composite cultural legacy. The film stars Ashwath Bhatt, Bashir Lone, Shafia Maqbool, Aurooba Javed and Mir Sarwar, who also serves as associate producer under Safdar Arts. Umar Nisar has worked as the assistant director and data manager. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, filmmaker Kapil Mattoo described the film as a homecoming. It is great to bring such a story to Kashmir. I think Kashmiris need to speak to each other, and that is what this story is all about, he said. Calling it a completely local production, Mattoo said, It is a hundred per cent Kashmiri film. Everything has been done by Kashmiris. Regional cinema needs stories like these, and such films will help strengthen the local film industry. Actor Ashwath Bhatt said he was drawn to the project because of its honesty and its connection to his homeland. I have worked in different languages, and I felt it was time to work in Kashmiri, especially when the story is about my own home. The script was powerful, rooted, free of propaganda and full of honesty, he said. Bhatt said the Srinagar premiere was an emotional milestone in his career. It is an important day in my life because this is the first film of mine to be screened in Srinagar. It is a deeply emotional moment, he said. Actor and associate producer Mir Sarwar said he initially faced scheduling conflicts but eventually joined the project because of its compelling script. My dates were not matching initially, but we found time during Eid. The story was beautifully written, and the entire team has done wonderful work, he said. Emphasising the importance of regional storytelling, Sarwar added, We have to tell our own stories and move forward. At the same time, audiences also need to come forward and support such films. Assistant director RJ Umar Nisar described the project as an emotional journey and expressed hope that films like Tasrufdar would help revive Kashmir's film industry. We often say that we don't have a film industry here, but making such films will give a boost to developing Kashmir's own cinema, he said. The film is about two friends who come together to talk despite their differences. I believe conversations always lead to solutions. Seeing my own work on the big screen is a dream come true, he added.
Kerala Tourism to set apart 20% of marketing funds to woo Arab tourists, says Tourism Minister
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to inaugurate Indo-Arab Connect 2026 tourism summit on August 31
It takes only one game or critical moment to regain confidence: Srinath on Gukeshs lean patch
After tragedies at sea, A.P. strengthens tracking of fishing vessels
EU locks in oil price cap in new Russia sanctions
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU for the latest measures, saying it was crucial to preserve our unity and keep up this pressure on the Kremlin.
India plans Phase-2 of strategic petroleum reserves under PPP model at estimated 14,527 crore
Phase-I of the SPR program added cumulative capacity of 5.33 MMT of crude in Vishakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), Mangaluru (1.5 MMT) and Padur (2.5 MMT).
UTT: Manav Thakkar reflects on UP Prometheans disappointing debut campaign
There were things beyond our control; I became sick after the first match; being the captain, I had to play six sets including singles and mixed doubles, and suddenly I couldnt play, said Manav Thakkar
Infosys posts 12% rise in Q1 net profit; namesAshiss Kumar Dash CEO-designate
Salil Parekh said that he enjoyed leading Infosys from $10 billion in revenue to over $20 billion in revenue through during his tenure of two terms spanning nine years which would conclude on March 31, 2027
Congress, INDIA bloc MPs pay homage to students who died over NEET paper leaks at Gandhi Smriti
Mr. Gandhi carried a small copy of the Constitution with him while opposition MPs Mahua Majhi and Mahua Moitra were seen holding the national flag
Sirajudheen Ellathodi to represent Kerala on Centres MSME policy panel
He will be one of the seven experts from across the country in the committee, which will focus on strengthening financial support systems for small traders, traditional traders and MSME entrepreneurs
Watch: CJP plans friday protest; cancels talks with Centre| Above the Fold| 23.07.2026
The CJP has called for nationwide protests and rejected the Centres offer for talks, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases.
Hundreds hospitalised in Japan heatwave 'disaster'
A total 453 people had hospital treatment for heat-related issues on Wednesday, the most since records began in 2010, the Tokyo Fire Department said. Emergency callouts were also at the highest level since at least 1963.
