DVAC officials arrest Paramakudi RDO, driver for taking bribe
The price of greatness: what the world did not see in Rafael Nadal
His rigid on-field habits were his mental shield, a way to drown out the white noise of pain so his mind could focus entirely on the next ball
In this weeks edition of Drop Shot, The Hindu Features brings you four stories from across India: Jaipurs heritage-inspired luxury watches, R. Madhavan on portraying forgotten Indian heroes, Siddharth on bringing Kargil War hero Squadron Leader Ajay Ahujas story to the screen in Operation Safed Sagar, and an inspiring bamboo plantation project working to restore Coimbatores lakes and ecosystems.
A series of meetings with student groups throughout Saturday (August 8, 2026) culminated in the Jharkhand government announcing fresh talks with aspirants
Woman, daughter arrested for housing fraud
The arrested were members of the TVK partys Adi-Dravidar Welfare wing. They took 7 lakh from the victim under the pretext of securing a house in Urban Habitat Development Board and failed to get an allotment and did not return the money either
Watch: Jharkhand protest: Students plan Assembly march on August 10 if demands unmet
Jharkhand student protesters held talks with the state government in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC-CGL exams. T
IAF Wing Commander arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Pakistan operative
An Indian Air Force Wing Commander was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive defence-related information with a Pakistan-based intelligence operative after being allegedly honey-trapped through social media. The Delhi Police said a charge sheet was filed in the case on July 30.
Punjab CM writes to Governor favouring parole for convict in Beant Singhs assassination case
Mr. Mann requested the Punjab Governor to consider granting 10 days' parole to Hawara at the earliest on humanitarian grounds
Vijay Vasanth seeks 500 crore to develop Kanniyakumari as world-class tourism destination
Chandigarh University Researchers Granted Patent for Attendance-Based Health Monitoring System to Monitor Three Vital Health Parameters
12 Value-Added Courses at Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh, AI, Business Analytics & More to Boost Student Skills
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the Kanwar Yatra as an unparalleled example of devotion, dedication, social and national unity and harmony
Uncertain about your career options? Low on self-confidence? This column may help
Former U.S. President Bidens cancer has spread, its very painful, says son
In May 2025, just four months after he left office as the oldest sitting President, Joe Biden revealed he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones
Watch: Venky Atluri interview: On Suriyas Vishwanath & Sons and portraying age-gap romance
In this interview, director Venky Atluri discusses his National Award-winning writing for Lucky Baskhar, his new film Vishwanath & Sons, Suriyas return to romance, and portraying an age-gap relationship with sensitivity.
Here is a select list of stories to start the day
Vidarbhas farm widows who refuse to remarry
Watch: Russia oil buyers face 100% U.S. tariffs under new Senate bill
The U.S. Senate has passed a bill that could allow President Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on countries that are among the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China
NEET doesnt need more security. It needs a better design
U.P. Opposition alleges police rowdy under BJP after row over Rampur SP remarks on cow slaughter
The SP said that that those involved in such practices are either scoundrels and not true Muslims, adding that teaching them a lesson is his job
The story of South Indian filter coffee
What goes into the making of the perfect cup of filter coffee?
Deadline passes, posters stay put on Ernakulam Collectorate walls
Five notice boards installed after service organisations agreed to use a common space for campaign materials; NGO Union says a single display point is impractical as employees use multiple entrances, while NGO Association says any deviation from the consensus would defeat the purpose of the initiative
Dangerous wildfire keeps crews from reaching helicopter crash in Utah
Pilot and crewmember were fatally injured in the crash
Four killed in helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro
The helicopter went down in Tijuca National Park, a mountainside forest with very dense vegetation
Amarnath Yatra suspended from both routes
Srinagar, Aug 08: The 57-day-long Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, which commenced on July 3, 2026, from the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route, willremainsuspended from both routes with effect from August 9in view ofongoing restoration and maintenance works on vulnerable stretches of the pilgrimage tracks and the forecast of adverse weather conditions over the coming days. The annual pilgrimage haswitnessed the participation ofmore than 4.8 lakhpilgrimsso far,whohave performed darshan at the holy cave shrine. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the decision to temporarily suspend the pilgrimagehas been taken keeping in viewthe safety of pilgrims and the condition of vulnerable stretches of the Yatra tracks following recent rains. More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at the Holy Shrine so far. However, dueto the recent rains, a necessity for the repair and maintenance of the Yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches has been felt, whichis being undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Garg said. He added thatadverse weather conditions have also been forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)over the next few days, making the temporary suspension of the pilgrimage necessary. Hence, the Yatra shall remain suspended from both routes with effect from 9th August, 2026, the Divisional Commissioner said. The suspensionwill cover both the Chandanwari-Pahalgam route in south Kashmirs Anantnag district as well asthe Baltal route in central Kashmirs Ganderbal district. The authoritiessaid the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrimsamid challenging weather and track conditions. The BROhas beenundertaking restoration and maintenance works on vulnerable portions of the Yatra tracks following the impact of recent rainfall.The works are aimed at ensuring thatthe pilgrimage routes remain safe and accessible for pilgrims once conditions permit. Despite the temporary suspension, the traditional culmination of the annual pilgrimage will take place as scheduled. The Chadi Mubarak, the holy mace associated with the annual pilgrimage, will proceed through the traditional Pahalgam route and mark the culmination of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 on August 28. The administration has repeatedly maintainedthat the safety and security of pilgrims remains its top priority, particularly in view ofthe challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions in the higher reaches of south and central Kashmir. The Divisional Commissioner appealed to pilgrims to strictly follow advisories issued by the competent authorities from time to time and cooperate with the administration. He urged devotees to avoid attempting to proceed towards the Yatra routesduring the period of suspension and to remain updated through official advisories regarding the resumption of the pilgrimage. The authoritiessaid the temporary suspension is aimed at facilitating necessary track restoration works and ensuring that the pilgrimage can continue in a safe and orderly manner wheneverconditions become conducive.
Women make up 74.73% of J&Ks agri workforce
Srinagar, Aug 07: Women account for 74.73 per cent of the workforce engaged in agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir, compared with the national figure of 59.81 per cent, while holdings operated by women account for 7.6 per cent of total operational holdings in the Union Territory, according to data tabled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the Rajya Sabha. The figures come from two different datasets. The workforce figure is based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025, while the figure for operational holdings operated by women comes from the Agriculture Census 2015-16. The national share of such holdings was 13.96 per cent. J&K recorded the fourth-highest share of women in the agricultural workforce among States and Union Territories, after Rajasthan at 78.12 per cent, Himachal Pradesh at 77.34 per cent and Jharkhand at 75.57 per cent. Bihar followed J&K at 74.58 per cent. The data was given in response to an unstarred question by MP Smt. Renuka Chowdhury on women engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur gave the reply. Support for women farmers Asked whether women engaged in agriculture without land titles are recognised as farmers for government schemes, institutional credit, crop insurance, compensation and other agricultural benefits, the government referred to various schemes being implemented to support women farmers. The Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development has also written to all States and Union Territories to introduce a gender column in the Record of Rights to help extend credit, insurance and other benefits to women farmers. Under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, female account holders accounted for around 22 per cent of the 5.4 crore beneficiaries receiving agricultural credit subsidy during 2024-25. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, 21 per cent of enrolled farmers were women during 2024-25. The government said the crop insurance scheme allows willing farmers, including sharecroppers, tenant farmers and women farmers, to enrol. Under the Agriculture Technology Management Agency scheme, at least 30 per cent of resources meant for programmes and activities are required to be allocated to women farmers and women extension functionaries. The government also said women beneficiaries under the Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing receive assistance at a higher rate of 33.33 per cent, compared with 25 per cent for other beneficiaries. Under the scheme for formation and promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations, special provisions have been made to include women farmers and women Self Help Groups as members. The government said 914 FPOs have 100 per cent women shareholders. Under the Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation, women farmers are eligible for financial assistance of 50 per cent of the cost of machinery. The government also said 2,18,66,774 women beneficiaries received benefits under the 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN. No specific legislative proposal On whether the government is considering legislative or policy measures to formally recognise women cultivators and tenant women farmers irrespective of land ownership, the reply did not mention any specific legislative proposal. It referred instead to existing schemes and the move to introduce a gender column in land records to improve womens access to credit, insurance and other agricultural benefits.
Letters to The Editor August 8, 2026
President confers national award on two Kashmir weavers
Srinagar, Aug 08: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, hasextendedcongratulations to two outstanding weavers, Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, from Kanihama, Budgam, whohave been conferred withthe prestigious National Handloom Award in recognition of their contribution tothe field ofKani weaving. They were conferredwith the National Awardfor their jointentry Chand-Daar Kani Shawl by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu,during aglittering function held at New Delhi to commemorateNational Handloom Day. In a press release issued here, a spokesperson of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department said this honour is a fitting tribute to the invaluable contribution of Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, who have distinguished themselves in the indigenous art of Kani weaving. By winningsuch aprestigious award, the master weavers have brought the Kani weaving technique to the forefront of the crafts sector, which will surely openupnewvistas ofbusiness opportunities for the high-value craft, the spokesperson added. The award, whichcarriesa citation and cash prize of Rs2.5 lakh,is fora rare form of Kani weaving technique guided by coded Talim scripts to ensure absolute precision, featuring nearly 20 distinct hues to recreate an antique masterpiece. The spokesperson further said that their exquisite craftsmanship has not only kept the centuries-old tradition alive but has also earned global admiration. They have become role models for thousands of weavers in Kashmir, and the entire craft community celebrates this joyous moment with great pride, he added.
The entire matter is suspicious, says Rahul Gandhi on E20
Amit Shahs absent from Parliament?: Rijiju rejects Oppositions charge
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said there was no direction from the Chair for Home Minister Amit Shah to be present in the Rajya Sabha, as Opposition MPs protested his absence and demanded a response over allegations of police excesses during protests over the NEET paper leak.
Four days of rain swell drains in Delhi; 18-year-old feared swept away
Youth was on his way home, say police; Safdarjung records 98.7 mm in 24 hours, third-highest August rainfall since 2011 though waterlogging, traffic less than Friday; light rain likely today: IMD
A large number of villages in the central Travancore region are left to decay as many in the younger generation, settled abroad, are unwilling to return. Hiran Unnikrishnan takes a road trip through the near-abandoned villages and takes a look at the lives of the elders in the region
The five principles for liberation
Citizens of nowhere: G.B. Roads sex workers at risk of exclusion in ongoing SIR
Association urges government to set up separate welfare board for people living with HIV/AIDS
LCC urges CM to grant government job to wife of doctor who died of COVID-19
Kalaburagi Rangayanas repertory to stage Shantarasas novel-based play Sannagowdasani
Fifty years ago | Second satellite model to be ready by next year
Farmers in Coimbatore Allege Pollution from Cast Iron Unit Threatens Crops and Groundwater
Coimbatore, August 9: Farmers from Appanayakkanpatti and Karadivavi villages in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu have raised serious allegations against a nearby cast iron unit. They claim that pollution emitted from the unit is adversely affecting their crops, groundwater, and the health of local residents, putting their livelihoods at risk. The villagers allege that ... Read more Farmers in Coimbatore Allege Pollution from Cast Iron Unit Threatens Crops and Groundwater
Tamil Nadu Rail Users Federation seek more train services, stoppages in Salem Division
Manidhaneyam students clear UPSC CAPF examination
Chaturveds heroics help Panthers ace record chase
The No. 3 batter smashes 121 off just 47 balls as the Madurai side achieves the 240-run target with three balls to spare against Kovai Kings; Rajkumar guides Grand Cholas to victory
Dravidian movement played a key role in temple entry struggles: Kanimozhi
She was speaking at the launch of The Peoples Sanctum, a book that documents the temple entry struggles over the last 100 years
Two forest staff suspended over removal of leopard remains near Anthiyur
Section 163 BNSS imposed at GHADC Tura
Shillong, Aug 8: Ahead of the GHADC Session scheduled for August 10, District Magistrate of West Garo Hills, Vibhor Aggarwal, has prohibited assembly of five or more persons for demonstrations, protests, rallies or gatherings within the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) office premises in Tura. In an order issued under Section 163 of the [] The post Section 163 BNSS imposed at GHADC Tura first appeared on Highland Post .
AIIMS Delhi terminates security guard after complaint ofmisbehaviourwith woman patient
Veteran journalist Rabiul Islam passes away
Shillong, Aug 8: Veteran journalist Rabiul Islam, who served as the first Executive Editor of Highland Post when the paper was launched in 2013, passed away at Apollo International Hospital in Guwahati in the early hours of Saturday. He was 69. He died of respiratory failure following pneumonia. Islam was a familiar name in newsrooms [] The post Veteran journalist Rabiul Islam passes away first appeared on Highland Post .
Har Ghar Tiranga to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram
Shillong, Aug 8: The Meghalaya government has finalized its plan of action for the observance of Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 at a state-level coordination meeting chaired by the Secretary of the Community and Rural Development Department at the Main Secretariat in Shillong. The campaign will be observed across the state from August 9 to August [] The post Har Ghar Tiranga to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram first appeared on Highland Post .
Foundation laid for new Meghalaya House in Navi Mumbai
Shillong, Aug 8: The foundation stone for the new Meghalaya House at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai was jointly laid on Saturday by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking a major step in interstate cooperation and in expanding Meghalayas institutional presence in the countrys commercial capital. The ceremony followed the [] The post Foundation laid for new Meghalaya House in Navi Mumbai first appeared on Highland Post .
Kerala Health dept. sounds caution over unsafe tattooing
Seven-point advisory calls for proper hygiene, sterilisation of equipment, use of single-use items and safe waste disposal; dermatologists warn against infections from unsafe tattooing as more people seek tattoo removal, often for employment purposes; tattoo artists back stricter safety standards but call for mandatory autoclave machines and regulation of studios
The court has directed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with all the departments concerned to ensure effective and time-bound implementation of the measures
Nambikkai Illam to be set up along Girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai
Officials said that the new centre will provide special education, early intervention services, including physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and vocational training for children aged three and above
Shillong Lajong thrash Mumbai FC to go top Group E
Shillong, Aug 8: Shillong Lajong FC put on a show at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday, cruising to a commanding 5-0 victory over Mumbai FC in a Group E fixture of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup. The result takes Lajong to the top of the group with six points from two games. Everbrightson Sana [] The post Shillong Lajong thrash Mumbai FC to go top Group E first appeared on Highland Post .
Fifty years ago | More students fancy snuff
A hundred years ago | A military revolt in Goa
YSRCP, farmers body allege bid to weaken Krishna Milk Union
Accusing the government of interfering in the affairs of Vijaya Dairy, they want it to protect the interests of dairy farmers and preserve the cooperative structure of the institution
Letters to The Editor August 6, 2026
Ukraine accuses Russia of war crime after video shows drone attacking vegetable seller in Kherson
Footage released by Ukrainian police shows the drone pursuing a man around a van being used as a street stand before exploding as he dives for cover behind the vehicle
Induction of woman Minister into State Cabinet likely to be completed soon, says Laxman Savadi
Minister Laxman Savadi says the issue of inducting a woman legislator into the State Cabinet is likely to be completed soon and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is considering it
Dont pay NICE toll, Kumaraswamy tells people; gives govt. two weeks to stop toll collection
Deworming tablets to be distributed through special camps on August 10 and 17
These camps are held annually by the State Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in connection with National Deworming Day
Farmers in flood-prone Kosi in Bihar see a pot of gold in E20
Maize cultivation has significantly boosted incomes in Bihar's Kosi plains. Farmers are now earning double their previous earnings from this crop. The ethanol industry and poultry feed demand are major drivers. This agricultural shift has spurred rural economic growth and development. Farmers now seek government support for assured procurement at MSP.
Iran, Oman working on plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz
The Trump administration has previously ruled out any deal that would give Iran control over the strait
Hidden Environmental Cost of Powering Growing Digital and AI-World
Despite the astronomical water footprint of data centres, some States, which already have difficulties in meeting their water needs, have announced huge data centre projects.
Collector participates in heritage walk
What can be done to curb paper leaks and ensure institutional accountability?
Despite the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, the fundamental need to fix accountability for detecting examination breaches, preventing them and preserving the integrity of public examinations remains
Crop insurance dues stuck, furious Afzalpur farmers warn of road blockade
Tomato price crash triggers highway blockade by angry farmers
T.N. MPs meeting convened by CM Vijay seeks freeze on 543 Lok Sabha seats
The meeting also decided that a government resolution should be adopted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly to protect the rights of Tamil Nadu and the southern States
Bangladesh proposes death penalty for enforced disappearances
A commission set up after her overthrow recorded at least 1,569 cases of enforced disappearances during her tenure, with 251 victims still missing and presumed dead
HR&CE dept. issues protocols for VIP visits to temples
A circular issued by the department stated that the sanctity and traditions of temples should not be disturbed during such visits
FSSAI warned Diageo that its whisky's 'matured in American oak casks' claim was misleading
The FSSAI announced on Sunday (August 2, 2026) it had prohibited sales of Diageos Royal Challenge Whisky made in the State of Madhya Pradesh and some whisky and rum brands made in some Indian States by Diageo and Indias Inbrew
Drone enters Bulgaria, explodes near pipeline at Romanian border
Turkish officials said a drone attack the previous day on two civilian vessels in the Black Sea left crew members injured.
Daily Quiz | On Indias performance at Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Test yourself on Indias performance at theGlasgowCommonwealth Games that concluded on Sunday
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple trust land case: fourth man arrested by Madurai City police
Arunachal: Over 5,200 kg of garbage removed from Yagamso River in clean-up drive
Guwahati: A clean-up campaign in Arunachal Pradeshs Itanagar along the Yagamso River on Saturday resulted in the removal of about 5,220 kg of waste as part of an effort to curb improper disposal of garbage and protect water bodies. The drive was conducted by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and the Abralow Memorial [] The post Arunachal: Over 5,200 kg of garbage removed from Yagamso River in clean-up drive appeared first on NorthEast Now .
BJP rule hurting Hindus, says SDPI national president M.K. Faizy
Govt brings public, private agencies under one umbrella to tackle Bengaluru traffic
Urban Mobility Mission Committee for Bengaluru has been formed to develop an integrated, efficient, sustainable, and technology-driven urban mobility system for the city.
Farmers thank Udhaya for raising Cauvery issues
How Parvez Rasool & Aquib Nabi Started a Cricket Revolution in J&K | Adil Reshi
Full Podcast | Adil Reshi says Parvez Rasool, Aquib Nabi and other J&K cricketers are inspiring youngsters, with more parents now encouraging their children to take up cricket, in conversation with Rising Kashmirs Ovaise Gul. He also speaks about the changing cricket culture in Kashmir, the growing competition among young players, the rise of cricket at the grassroots level and much more.
Letters to The Editor August 4, 2026
Corrections and Clarifications August 4, 2026
BJP to join Nikhils padayatra from Bidadi against township project
The Janata Dal (Secular) and the Bharatiya Janata Party will jointly flag off a three-day padayatra from Bidadi to Bengaluru, led by JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy, opposing the Bidadi Township Project championed by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Four arrested for assaulting delivery executive in Yelahanka New Town
According to the police, the incident unfolded near Vivekananda Park around 4 a.m. when Basavaraj was en route to deliver an online order.
Telangana Tourism wins Best Design Decoration Award at TTF 2026
The Chief Ministers Delhi visit assumes significance days before the Monsoon Session of the State Legislature, scheduled to begin on August 13
Ramanathapuram police seize 297 kg of ganja
Sudan army drone attack on Darfur court kills 35
The court session was being held under a tree with the participation of local community leaders, a witness from the area told on condition of anonymity for safety reasons
