Over 5,200 applications: Ram Temple trust defers CEO selection by a month
In second meeting amid donation theft row, trust announces reconstituted committee of seers to oversee religious affairs of temple; secretary to be appointed on interim basis until CEO is picked
BJP, Oppn. take divergent view of police action on protesters
Mondays march was not peaceful and its organisers must be held accountable, says Delhi Minister; BJP MP says Centre acted with sensitivity; AAP highlights instances of women being assaulted; cadre standing with Rahul: Delhi Cong. chief
Fifty years ago | Uniform European passport: colour & symbol stand in the way
Fit cause, valid demand: Haryana musicians back protesting students
Diesel generator at textile showroom in Katpadi catches fire
The police said that it was around 2.30 p.m. when a few workers in the showroom noticed thick smoke coming from the diesel generator
Two-day Thiruvasagam conference to be held in Tiruvannamalai
As part of the event, around one lakh participants worldwide will participate, mainly virtually, in writing 10 compositions from Thiruvasagam
In Puducherry, a budget without a proper government
In Puducherry, Ministers are yet to be assigned clear portfolios
Commuters rail as metro station closures disrupt their schedule
Panchadarla mining row: YSRCP creating a conspiracy out of nothing, says JSP MLA
Town Official Language Committee holds first meeting in 2026
City hospital launches integrated robotic surgery programme
The initiative brings robotic-assisted surgery across multiple specialties under a common clinical framework
Six drug peddlers arrested in Tiruvannamalai
A hundred years ago | The golden car festival at Tuticorin
FIR count in CJP protest rises to 10
Truck owners association alleges traffic police harass drivers
Greater awareness needed on blood stem cell donation: experts
Activists, celebrities join Kochi protests in solidarity with Delhi students
Writers, filmmakers, actors and activists back agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action in Delhi; solidarity protests held across Kochi, with marches, public meetings and a candlelight vigil drawing students and youngsters; speakers criticise alleged police excesses and call for wider public support for the student movement
BU manages surge in hostel admissions after commissioning new building with 58 rooms
Many farmers in Pochampalli SIPCOT not compensated according to records, says survey report
A total of 215 persons were interviewed in the survey conducted by the Forum for Indian Women Intellect in 18 villages adjacent to the SIPCOT complex
Yastika Bhatia the leftie who is right up there
The top-order batter endured tough times after suffering an ACL injury but managed to bounce back with a bang; the entry into the Lords honours board was the fruit of her grind
Youth, student organisations in Kerala extend support to Operation Toofan
Did not refuse to meet KSU leaders, says Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
Chief Ministers comments came in response to reports that he had refused to meet KSU president Aloshious Xavier amid controversies over the appointment of an individual with alleged past links to the Students Federation of India as government pleader
GCCs property tax drive nets 133 crore, defaulters names to be published soon
The GCC is also preparing to publish the names of major property tax defaulters on its website.
Apollo Hospitals signs MoU with UK college
SFI demands that UDF government rid the Kerala Governor of Chancellor power
Other demands include free bus travel for students, permanent Vice-Chancellors, free education till degree level, political freedom on campuses, permanent Principals in government colleges, regulating fees in private and self-financing institutions, and a unified examination system
Madras High Court dismisses Senthilbalajis plea to prevent police from harassing him and his brother
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan says, no such direction can be issued when the brothers had obtained anticipatory bail in pending cases and it is premature to issue such a direction with respect to future cases
Man held in alleged 4.5-crore deposit fraud
The accused had been absconding since June 26, 2026, say police
Government allays fears over FCRA Bill, clarifies on designated authority
PIB says the Bill wont alter religious character of places of worship attached by designated authority
Body of Uttar Pradesh native fished out of Vilangad river
The body of Nigam Kumar was recovered from Vilangad river after a four-day search with the support of various rescue teams
Dy CM directs speedy repairs, relief measures
Rajouri, July 22: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, on Wednesday visited the flood-affected area of Bella in Rajouri to assess the ground situation following the recent flash floods. During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with the officers and field functionaries deployed on the spot. He directed them to expedite restoration works, including clearance of damaged road stretches and restoration of essential services, so that normalcy is restored at the earliest. Later, the Deputy Chief Minister chaired a review meeting in Rajouri to review the progress of restoration works and emergency response measures following the recent flash floods. He reviewed the preparedness and response of all concerned departments and directed officers to ensure speedy restoration of essential services and effective relief measures for the affected population. The meeting was informed that the district administration, along with all line departments, has been undertaking rescue, relief and restoration works on war footing. It was informed that four persons were initially reported missing in the flash flood incident, of whom three bodies have been recovered, while search operations are continuing to trace the remaining missing persons. Besides, multi-agency rescue operations involving the SDRF, NDRF, Police, Indian Army and other departments are being carried out in close coordination, while the administration continues to work round the clock for the safety and welfare of the affected people. Reviewing the status of infrastructure restoration, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure proper drainage along NH-144A and expedite road works wherever progress is slow. He stressed that scientific drainage management is essential to prevent future damage. The meeting was informed that 157 PMGSY roads were damaged due to the flash floods. Officers of PWD, PMGSY and BRO were directed to restore connectivity on priority and ensure that all damaged public infrastructure is repaired at the earliest. Reviewing the Jal Shakti Department, the officers informed that 131 water supply schemes had been affected. Drinking water is presently being supplied through water tankers in affected areas until normal services are restored. It was further informed that of the 150 power feeders affected, all except 30 had been restored and the remaining feeders would be made functional by the evening. The Deputy Chief Minister also reviewed the availability of essential commodities and directed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to ensure there is no black marketing or hoarding. He instructed the officers to maintain an uninterrupted supply of ration and other essentials, particularly for stranded labourers and vulnerable families. He was informed that dry ration kits and packed food are being distributed in the affected areas.
Will ensure timely aid to affected families: Govt
Rajouri, July 22: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, along with Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Transport, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Wednesday visited the flood-affected areas of Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by the recent flash floods and review the ongoing relief, rescue and restoration operations. MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, MLA Rajouri Iftkhar Ahmed and other officers accompanied the Ministers during their visit. The Ministers visited the worst-affected localities, interacted with the affected families and took stock of the damage to houses, public infrastructure, drinking water supply and other essential services. They visited Bella Colony, Darhali which witnessed flash floods following incessant rainfall, causing the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola streams to overflow and inundate several low-lying areas. The Darhali river has breached the flood protection wall near Bela Colony, resulting in severe flooding of the new bus stand causing extensive damage to dozens of vehicles. Javed Rana said the flash floods have caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including roads, water supply and power supply systems, necessitating collective and immediate action for restoration. He said several rural areas have been cut off due to the damage while irrigation schemes, flood protection bunds and residential houses have also suffered significant losses, underscoring the need for swift restoration measures and timely assistance to the affected families. Javed Rana directed the district administration and line departments to work in close coordination to expedite restoration of essential services, particularly drinking water supply, road connectivity and other public utilities, on war footing. He stressed the need for a time-bound assessment of damage to houses, agricultural land and public infrastructure to facilitate prompt disbursal of relief and compensation. Javed Rana also stressed the need to restore power supply expeditiously, stating that several water supply schemes have been severely affected due to the non-availability of electricity. He directed the Power Development Department to ensure the earliest possible restoration of electricity so that drinking water supply to the affected areas is resumed without delay. Interacting with the affected people, the Ministers assured them that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stands firmly with them and will extend all assistance for their relief, rehabilitation and early restoration of normalcy. Every possible effort will be made to provide timely relief, restore essential services and ensure early rehabilitation of the affected families. Our priority is to respond swiftly to the needs of the people, minimise their hardships and ensure that assistance reaches every deserving family without delay, Rana said. Satish Sharma said that our immediate priority is to restore the essential services, support affected families and ensure that relief and rehabilitation measures reach every deserving household promptly through coordinated efforts of all departments. The Ministers also appealed to the public to strictly adhere to weather advisories and avoid venturing into flood-prone areas until conditions improve.
Lawyers back protesters, urge PM to order probe on police crackdown
Supreme Court Bar Association adopted a resolution seeking an immediate, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the police action, stating that several students and members of the legal fraternity were injured
Sikkim NHPC tunnel disaster: Search for Malayali geologist continues
The tunnel under construction collapsed following an explosion in the Head Race Tunnel and a geologist from Kottayam is feared trapped inside the tunnel after a landslide blocked its entrance
Statehood delay deepening public disappointment: NC
Srinagar, July 22: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir on Wednesday said the continued delay in restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood has deepened public disappointment and strengthened the resolve of people to pursue their democratic rights through peaceful and constitutional means. Mir said the party exercised patience for nearly two years, relying on repeated assurances by the Union Government before Parliament, the Supreme Court and the people that statehood would be restored after the Assembly elections. Having honoured every democratic process with responsibility and restraint, we were left with no option but to intensify our peaceful movement for the restoration of the people's constitutional and democratic rights, he said. He said the campaign began with the public convention at Hazratbal on July 11 and gained further momentum with the demonstration held in New Delhi, where political parties, social organisations and civil society groups participated in support of the demand for restoration of statehood and democratic rights. Statehood is not a favour to be granted at convenience. It is a constitutional commitment and the democratic right of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, Mir said, adding that the assurance was given before Parliament, reiterated before the people and affirmed before the Supreme Court. Reaffirming the NCs position, Mir said the party would continue its peaceful and constitutional struggle for restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs statehood, which he described as an essential step towards strengthening democratic institutions and protecting peoples rights and aspirations.
Congress questions Smart City spending after waterlogging
Srinagar, July 22: The District Congress Committee (DCC) Srinagar on Wednesday criticised the implementation of the Srinagar Smart City Project, alleging that the initiative has prioritised cosmetic beautification over essential civic infrastructure despite spending more than 792 crore since its launch in 2018. Addressing a press conference, DCC Srinagar President Dr. Audil Farooq Mir said the project had failed to address the city's recurring drainage, sewerage and stormwater management problems, which he described as the foundation of sustainable urban development. He said the recent heavy rainfall, which caused widespread waterlogging in several parts of Srinagar, including Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Bemina, Khanyar, Nowhatta and Maisuma, exposed the shortcomings of the project. The Smart City Mission was conceived as a comprehensive urban transformation programme, but in Srinagar it has largely been reduced to a beautification exercise, he said. Dr. Audil alleged that while substantial funds were spent on road resurfacing, pedestrian pathways, decorative lighting and riverfront beautification, inadequate attention was paid to upgrading underground drainage and sewerage infrastructure. He said the recurring flooding has caused heavy losses to traders, residents and daily-wage earners, disrupting businesses, healthcare, education and normal life during every spell of heavy rain. The Congress leader also criticised what he termed poor coordination among agencies involved in urban development, saying the lack of accountability had contributed to recurring civic failures. Seeking greater transparency, Dr. Audil demanded an independent technical and financial audit of the Srinagar Smart City Project to examine project execution, expenditure, tendering processes and infrastructure planning. He said the findings of the audit should be made public to ensure accountability and restore public confidence in the project. The people of Srinagar deserve durable infrastructure that protects lives and livelihoods, not cosmetic development that fails during predictable weather events, he added.
Deputy CM orders probe into illegal mining on Panchadarla hill
Ashok Bhan calls for protection of peaceful democratic dissent
Srinagar, July 22: Senior Supreme Court advocate and Distinguished Fellow at the International Law Centre, Ashok Bhan, on Wednesday underscored the need to protect the constitutional right to peaceful protest, saying allegations of excessive police action against peaceful demonstrators should be examined through a fair, impartial and transparent inquiry. Addressing a meeting of young lawyers organised by the Lawyers Guild, Bhan said the recent reports surrounding police action during a peaceful protest by youth and students in Delhi had raised important constitutional questions regarding the protection of democratic dissent. He said the Constitution guarantees the freedoms of speech, peaceful assembly and association under Article 19, and that any restrictions on these rights must be lawful, necessary and proportionate. Bhan observed that if peaceful demonstrations were met with disproportionate police action, arbitrary detention or excessive use of force, it would raise serious constitutional concerns requiring an impartial inquiry. He said such accountability was essential to strengthening public confidence in the rule of law. Describing the police as guardians of the Constitution, Bhan said their role was to facilitate peaceful democratic expression while maintaining public order, adding that coercive powers should remain an exception rather than the norm. He also stressed that peaceful dissent should not be viewed as disorder merely because it challenges those in authority, noting that constitutional principles apply equally to every citizen, political party and civil society organisation. Bhan urged governments to reassure citizens that peaceful protest would be protected while calling upon protest organisers to ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and respectful of public order. He said preserving democratic freedoms required an impartial police force, an independent judiciary, a free press and an unwavering commitment to constitutional values.
Bukhari discusses flood relief with LG
Srinagar, July 22: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan here and urged the administration to ensure immediate relief, adequate compensation and long-term rehabilitation for families affected by the recent flash floods, landslides and heavy rains across Jammu and Kashmir. According to a party statement, Bukhari stressed that providing timely assistance to affected people should remain the administration's top priority so that no victim is left without relief. He thanked the Lieutenant Governor for facilitating the immediate release of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) assistance during the ongoing crisis and called for further strengthening of relief and rehabilitation efforts in view of the widespread damage and loss of life, particularly in the worst-affected districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Bukhari highlighted the devastation in Surankote, Marhote, Sanglaan, Dara Sangla, Murrah and Loran in Poonch district, besides Rajouri town, Bela Colony, Darhal, Thanamandi and areas along the Khandli River belt in Rajouri district. He also brought to the Lieutenant Governor's notice the damage to property in Budgam and Srinagar districts and expressed concern over severe waterlogging and flood-like conditions in downtown Srinagar, which he said had caused significant losses to residents and traders. The statement said Lieutenant Governor Sinha assured Bukhari that the administration was fully engaged in relief operations and would ensure all possible relief, compensation and rehabilitation measures for those affected by the natural calamity.
HC orders status quo over Bahadurguda village lands
Meet us here, CJP tells govt. as crowd swells at Jantar Mantar
If Ministers want to talk, they should come to people, says CJP; group appeals to Wangchuk to end fast; people turn up in thousands at Jantar Mantar; some of the protesters injured in police action back at venue
400 NEET protesters detained in Mumbai; Aditya Thackeray visits police station
Detentions at Shivaji Park and Chembur follow prohibitory order violations; legal cases filed
Chemical leak after truck overturns on Tumakuru-Bengaluru highway, traffic hit
Eastern Assam floods worst in 60 years, says State Minister
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says the damage is far greater than anticipated and more bodies are being recovered from the affected districts; more rains forecast over next four days
Students should promote national integrity, unity: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan
Opposition, government spar over NEET debate in Rajya Sabha; House adjourned repeatedly
The government has been saying since the beginning of the session... all important issues, including NEET paper leak, will be discussed, said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju
Chennai Grand Masters | Hans Niemann takes a dig at D Gukesh
Apex court refuses to cancel bail granted by High Court to Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in cases arising out of an alleged liquor scam
Haryana Congress seeks Murmus intervention on paper leaks
Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt, along with other leaders, submits a memorandum to the President through Deputy Commissioner of Kurukshetra district
PM should apologise to students, Education Minister must resign: Rahul Gandhi
The Congress leader says there have been 156 paper leaks and zero convictions, the Opposition is 100% in agreement with the protesters demands, describing them as legitimate and non-negotiable
Can Indian athletes punch up in the scaled-down Commonwealth Games?
Leading the countrys charge will be javelin ace Neeraj, who will face stiff competition from Pakistans Nadeem; the number of disciplines has been cut from 19 to 10 as the event tries to stay relevant
Toxic gas kills two illegal miners in abandoned Assam coal field
A rights body claims the duo died after inhaling toxic gas in an illegal mine, while the Tinsukia district police say the cause of death is under investigation
Gear up to face El Nino impact, Minister tells power utilities
Rahul Gandhi reassures allies, says Opposition will maintain close coordinationon protest strategies
At INDIA bloc meet, Congress leader tries to smooth ruffled egos; says allies were not deliberately kept out of the loop on the protest at the PMs residence; insists decision was sudden, could not be communicated in time
Watch: Assure me you wont hurt students, then Ill end my fast: Sonam Wangchuk
On the 25th day of his hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk says he is ready to end his fast if the government assures that no force or legal action will be taken against student protesters.
Challengers end the league stage atop
Sonam would end fast if...: Gitanjali Angmo seeks Centres assurance
Sonam Wangchuks wife Gitanjali Angmo has said that the activist would his end hunger strike if the government would assure the safety of protesters.
Threat to CM Vijay: Vilathikulam DMK MLAs bail plea dismissed
The prosecution said the bail petition should be rejected as the accused had issued serious threat to the Chief Minister
Woman attempts to end life at Pattukottai Registrar Office
Counsel students to remain focused on studies, not divert energy on protests: AIU tells varsities
The AIU said prolonged agitations come at a considerable cost to students' academic progress
Order issued for additional 120 Plus One batches in Malabar
Evening showers leave Hyderabad roads waterlogged, commuters face traffic snarls
Student bodies to hold Chalo Lok Bhavan protest on July 23
They seek Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and call for support to the July 24 educational institutions bandh in Andhra Pradesh
HC dismisses anticipatory bail petition of accused in Palani math land case
The court says there are circumstances that require detailed investigation, and granting the petitioner anticipatory bail would hamper the investigation
14-year-old boy dies in freak battery explosion at home in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district
PM silent in Parliament, forced to protest outside his residence: Akhilesh
Akhilesh Yadav said the Opposition, students and youth were unanimous in seeking Dharmendra Pradhans resignation before any discussion in Parliament
Watch: Opposition rallies behind protest; Centre stands by Pradhan | Above the Fold | 22.07.2026
Protesters continue to fill Jantar Mantar, two days after the Cockroach Janta Partys Chalo Sansad march, with Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and others dialling up their support for the cause. We look at the latest updates from Delhi, discussions about NEET during todays Parliament session, and the alleged use of pellet guns by the Delhi Police.
Police freeze 10 lakh of 19.8 lakh lost by Mangaluru resident
ABVP seeks panel for reforms in competitive examinations
Student body urges greater transparency in NEET-UG and other entrance tests, calls for institutional reforms and reiterates demand for a CBI inquiry into alleged examination irregularities
Dispute between two rival groups of Trinamool Congress has been brewing over the past two days over who will be given priority in speaking in the House during discussions
Hindustan Petroleum posts net loss of 12,265 crore impacted by West Asia crisis
The Mumbai-based refiners revenue increased about 21% on a year-over-year basis to 1.45 lakh crore in the reported quarter
He says Chief Minister is speaking like a spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party, by echoing its stance on including non-Muslims in an institution related to Muslims
Class I student killed as tree falls on school bus
Lebanon PM says Beirut working for 'complete Israeli withdrawal'
The Israeli military said it had only fired warning shots into the air after Lebanese soldiers entered an area that was ot part of the pilot area.
When the Thousand Lights MLA served with a ladle
As Teynampet resident D.M. Prakash marked the 750th day of a daily free mid-day meal initiative he is organising for the underprivileged with a grand lunch at Semmozhi Poonga, Thousand Lights MLA J.C.D. Prabhakar joined the milestone event and served food to 150 of the beneficiaries
Nine fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy
Police launch manhunt after Hanuman idol stolen at Tirumala
Kochi metro Phase II: KMRL awards 91.6-crore contract to Siemens
Contract covers communication systems, including passenger information displays, CCTV, fibre-optic connectivity and emergency communication facilities
Strengthen healthcare workforce to realise Viksit Bharat 2047: Vice-President
Two brothers arrested, over 1 kg stolen gold ornaments recovered in Banjara Hills burglary case
Over 18 lakh Karnataka voters likely to receive notices after SIR so far
Bengaluru accounts for two-thirds of cases whose details are unavailable in the 2002 SIR database
Dindigul Corporation conducts welfare camp for sanitary workers
Practice of having separate burial ground for SC Christians should be abolished
A. Kathir, executive director, Evidence, cites a recent incident in Tiruchi district, where the body of an SC Christian was not allowed to be buried in the common burial ground by dominant Christian groups
Court rejects bail for two more CPI(M) activists in ED attack case
Indian economy navigated well external uncertainties: RBI Bulletin
Industrial and services sector indicators remained firm. Farm sector is witnessing uneven southwest monsoon, but the impact on food inflation may be mitigated by comfortable foodgrain stocks.
K.S. Hamsa accuses the State government of siding with Sangh Parivar affiliates, who, according to him, are out to destabilise the board
50 OTT platforms disabled for displaying obscene content, other violations: Govt.
IT Rules require social media platforms to remove unlawful content within three hours of the receipt of a court order or reasoned intimation by the government or its agency
Online taxi fares surge as drivers continue offline strike in Kerala
Fares on app-based taxi platforms surge as thousands of aggregator drivers stay off the road on the second day of the indefinite strike; commuters face higher fares and cab shortages, forcing many to switch to buses and autorickshaws; drivers demand fare revisions, welfare measures and action against illegal bike taxis
Tenders invited for expansion of international terminal in Thiruvananthapuram airport
Bone bank at GRH helps 15-year-old cancer patient avoid amputation
Bank of India marks Kisan Diwas with 117 cr. loan rollout
