Sergio Gor calls India-US trade talks report 'fake', says talks continue
The remarks came after a Reuters report suggested that India had declined to move forward with a fast-tracked trade deal during recent discussions with the US. Both Indian and US officials have rejected the claim, saying negotiations are continuing
US targets Iranian coastal defence sites in five-hour military operation
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation lasted around five hours and was carried out earlier on Monday at the direction of President Donald Trump.
Watch: Thief Walks Away With 40-Kg Water Cooler On His Shoulder In Amravati
A daring theft has been caught on camera in Maharashtra's Amravati, where a man disconnected and walked away with a 40kg public water cooler outside a gym.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Business Wire India
Trump formally notifies Congress of renewed US military action against Iran
US President Donald Trump has formally informed Congress that American military operations against Iran resumed on July 7 after the collapse of a months-long ceasefire. The renewed action follows Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington citing the need to protect US forces and international shipping.
IMD warns of heavy rain in East as heatwave grips South India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a sharp weather divide this week, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected across eastern and northeastern states, while hot, humid conditions and heatwave warnings continue for parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and eastern coastal regions over the next few days.
One Indian killed, six injured as Iranian missiles target two UAE tankers
In a statement, the UAE MoD said that the attack killed one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa and injured eight others, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainians, four of whom sustained serious injuries
Irans Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility remains on US strike list: Trump
The remarks, made during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, came as the Trump administration intensified military pressure on Tehran while insisting it would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon
Mid-Day Opinion: The only job of teachers should be to teach
Do they seriously think that teachers are doing no work and so must carry this burden too?
Mid-Day Opinion: Bun maska-chai, with some stardust
The recent visit by Hollywood superstars to an Irani caf in Colaba lends itself to a conversation on the need to give legacy F&B establishments their due beyond celebrity visits
Vietnam speedboat tragedy: Mortal remains of 15 Indian tourists flown to home states today
Fifteen Indian nationals killed in a Vietnam speedboat tragedy were flown home on Tuesday. Their remains were transported from Mumbai to various Indian states via domestic flights. The victims were part of a group of 32 Indian tourists on a capsized speedboat. Sixteen other passengers were rescued and have since returned to India. One survivor remains in critical condition at a hospital in Phu Quoc.
Trump says wealthy Gulf nations should reimburse US for regional security costs
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said countries benefiting from US military operations should help finance those efforts. I want to be reimbursed because we're protecting a very rich portion of the world
Archaeologists discover 3,000-year-old Ramesside-era tomb in Egypts Luxor
Specialists believe the tomb dates to the Ramesside period, Egypts 19th and 20th dynasties, based on artistic style of its inscriptions and typical New Kingdom architecture
Astronomers detect key star formation process inside Taurus molecular cloud
Researchers detected evidence of ambipolar diffusion, a process that may help gravity overcome magnetic resistance and begin forming a new star
Oxford launches first human trial of vaccine against Bundibugyo ebolavirus
Recruitment has begun, with vaccinations expected to start in the coming weeks pending regulatory approval
Search on for four minors feared drowned in Yamuna in Delhi
Four minors are feared drowned after they were swept away by the strong current of the Yamuna River while bathing near Hiranki village in Delhi's Alipur area. Rescue teams, including multiple emergency agencies, have continued an intensive search operation for the second consecutive day after the incident on Sunday evening.
Bacteria may offer breakthrough solution for uranium pollution, researchers say
Researchers found that microbes living in water from a flooded uranium mine removed nearly all of the dissolved uranium and converted much of it into an unexpectedly stable compound after receiving glycerol as a food source
The Maharashtra State Board will declare the SSC and HSC Supplementary Result 2026 today at 1 PM on its official website. Students who appeared for the Class 10 and 12 supplementary examinations can access and download their provisional marksheets online using their login credentials. The supplementary exams were conducted between June 16 and July 8, 2026.
10-year-old boy drowns in excavated pit in Mumbai
From Soil to Sensors: How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Indian Agriculture
Imagine walking through a coconut orchard in Tamil Nadu where every tree is monitored by solar-powered sensors, irrigation happens automatically when the soil dries out, and a farmer can track water usage, fertiliser needs and crop healthall from a mobile phone. This isn't science fiction. This is the new reality of Indian agriculture, and it's happening right now. Meet Rajaratnam Kanakarajan, a coconut farmer from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. Two years ago, he was struggling with unpredictable yields and rising input costs. Today, after adopting an AI-powered precision farming system developed by the agritech startup Farm Again, his coconut yield has doubledfrom 80 to 160 nuts per tree per year. His annual income jumped from 12.16 lakh to 33.82 lakh. And he's not alone. According to a report by NITI Aayog (2025), over 3,500 farmers across 4,000 acres in Tamil Nadu are now benefiting from this technology, collectively saving more than 400,000 cubic metres of water and 175,000 kWh of energy annually, while avoiding approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO emissions. The locally developed technology also reduced the implementation cost from 25 lakh per acre for imported systems to just 2.5 lakh per acre, making precision agriculture more affordable for Indian farmers (NITI Aayog, 2025). This is the story of how Artificial Intelligence is transforming traditional agriculture into something smarter, more sustainable and far more profitable. The Perfect Storm: Why Agriculture Needs AI Now Here's the challenge we're facing: the global population is expected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, and according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO, 2023), agriculture will need to produce nearly 50 percent more food than current levels. At the same time, India's agricultural land has been shrinkingfrom a peak of 184.8 million hectares in 1975 to approximately 179.9 million hectares today (Land Use Statistics at a Glance, 2023)while the country's population has ballooned to 1.45 billion (Worldometer, 2025). Nearly 735 million people worldwide currently suffer from undernourishment, highlighting the persistent challenge of food insecurity (FAO, 2023). Meanwhile, farmers are disappearing from fields. According to the World Bank Employment in Agriculture Database and Periodic Labour Force Survey reports, the share of India's workforce engaged in agriculture has dropped from 59.1% in 1991 to 40.6% in 2020, and it's projected to fall to about 32% by 2030 (World Bank, 2024). Labour shortages during critical operations like sowing, harvesting and weeding are becoming a crisis. Traditional farmingrelying on guesswork, uniform application of water and chemicals and labour-intensive methodssimply cannot meet these challenges. As Wolfert and colleagues (2017) observed in their comprehensive review published in Agricultural Systems, the integration of Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence enhances farm decision-making, improves operational efficiency and promotes sustainable agricultural production. The scope of Big Data applications in smart farming, they noted, goes beyond primary productionit is influencing the entire food supply chain (Wolfert et al., 2017). What Exactly Is AI Doing in Agriculture? Think of AI as a super-smart farming assistant that never sleeps. It analyses data from sensors in the soil, cameras on drones, satellites in space and weather stations in the field. Then it tells farmers exactly what to do: when to water, how much fertiliser to apply, where pests are hiding and even when to harvest. Liakos and colleagues (2018) conducted a comprehensive review of machine learning applications in agricultural production systems and categorised them into four major areas: crop management, livestock management, water management and soil management. Their findings, published in the journal Sensors, demonstrated that by applying machine learning to sensor data, farm management systems are evolving into real-time AI-enabled programs that provide rich recommendations and insights for farmer decision support and action (Liakos et al., 2018). The numbers speak for themselves. Subeesh and Mehta (2021), writing in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, documented that AI-driven precision agriculture can increase crop yields from 3.8 to 5.5 tonnes per hectare while reducing water consumption from 6,650 to 4,000 cubic metres per hectare, fertiliser use from 305 to 180 kg per hectare and pesticide use from 18.5 to 7 litres per hectare. Net returns nearly doublefrom 940 to 1,860 per hectarewhile carbon emissions decrease from 3,650 to 2,100 kg COe per hectare (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021). These findings highlight that AI-based precision agriculture enables higher yields with fewer inputs, greater profitability and improved sustainability compared to conventional farming. Real Farmers, Real Results Across India, agritech startups are proving that AI isn't just for Silicon Valleyit's for the villages of Maharashtra, the paddy fields of Punjab and the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu. Take Fasal, a Bengaluru-based startup founded in 2017. Their device, Fasal Kranti, equipped with over 12 sensors, monitors climatic and soil parameters and provides farmers with precise recommendations on irrigation, pest management and crop planning. Deployed across 10,000 acres in states like Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the results have been remarkable: farmers have reported up to a 60% reduction in pesticide costs and a 40% increase in yield. The technology has saved over 52 billion litres of water. Then there's Cultyvate, another Bengaluru-based startup that tackles one of Indian agriculture's most urgent problems: inefficient water use in paddy cultivation. Paddy fields consume over 50% of India's irrigation water. Cultyvate's remote-sensing irrigation system combines soil moisture sensors, flow meters, weather data and AI algorithms to monitor real-time field conditions. Farmers receive mobile alertsvia voice calls in regional languages, so even those who can't read can understandtelling them exactly when and how much to irrigate. The result? Water use reduced by up to 50%, yields improved by 2030% and over 3,080 crore litres of water saved. In Andhra Pradesh, a pioneering collaboration between Microsoft and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in agriculture. The Sowing App, developed using Microsoft's Cortana Intelligence Suite including Machine Learning and Power BI, sent sowing advisories to farmers on the optimal date to sow based on weather conditions, soil and other indicators (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The results, announced in January 2017, showed a remarkable 30% higher average yield per hectare for groundnut crops. Farmers who followed the advisories and sowed in the recommended period achieved significantly better yields, while those who sowed earlier suffered losses due to a long dry spell (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The Robots Are ComingAnd That's a Good Thing Remember when the idea of robots on farms sounded like something from a sci-fi movie? That future is already here. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR, 2024), the global agricultural robot market has grown exponentially, from approximately US$956 million in 2013 to nearly US$19.1 billion in 2020, reflecting the increasing demand for intelligent robotic systems in modern agriculture. Drones, autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters and AI-powered weeders are becoming increasingly common. The most rapid expansion occurred after 2016, when advancements in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, sensors and autonomous navigation systems accelerated the commercialisation of agricultural robots (IFR, 2024). In India, engineering student Rahul Arepaka has developed 'Rakshak,' an AI-powered laser-weeding robot that removes the need for chemical herbicides and manual labour. The tractor-mounted device autonomously targets weeds using deep learning algorithms and blue laser technology. These technologies aren't replacing farmersthey're empowering them. By automating labour-intensive tasks, AI frees up farmers to focus on higher-value activities like crop planning and marketing. Samuel and Irtwange (2025), writing in the Journal of Agricultural Informatics, concluded that machine learning applications contribute substantially to yield improvement, resource optimisation, and cost reduction in agricultural systems, emphasising the growing importance of predictive analytics in agricultural decision-making (Samuel & Irtwange, 2025). From Water to Wealth: The Economics of AI Farming Let's talk money. Because ultimately, farmers adopt new technologies when they make economic sense. The economic benefits of precision agriculture are well-documented. According to a joint study by Microsoft and ICRISAT (2017), precision agriculture improves farm profitability by 1525% while reducing production costs by 1030% through efficient use of inputs. It promotes resource conservation, achieving 2050% water savings and 1530% fertilizer savings, while reducing pesticide application by 2080% and nutrient losses by 1540% (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). Environmental sustainability is further enhanced through a 1020% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Technologically, precision agriculture enables real-time crop monitoring with 9097% disease detection accuracy, reduces labour requirements by 2040% through automation and supports predictive farm management with 8595% yield prediction accuracy (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). In Andhra Pradesh, according to a report by IndiaAI (2019), machine learning-based farming increased gross revenue from 1,25,000 per hectare to 2,87,500 per hectare. Net income rose from 70,000 to 2,00,000 per hectare (IndiaAI, 2019). The report further noted that the adoption of machine learning technologies in agriculture is creating new skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities, including positions for data collection technicians, precision irrigation specialists, digital extension workers, sensor installation workers, drone operators, software support staff and AI data analysts (IndiaAI, 2019). These aren't marginal improvements. They're transformative. The Government Steps In Recognising the potential of AI, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to accelerate its adoption. The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved in September 2024 with an outlay of 2,817 crore, aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture. Under AgriStack, over 70 million Farmer IDs have already been generated across 17 states (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Krishi Decision Support System integrates satellite, weather and soil data to map crops and cultivated areas (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). In February 2026, the government launched Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based agricultural advisory platform that provides farmers with personalised recommendations on crop planning, input management and risk mitigation. Farmers can access the platform by dialling 155261 from any phone and interacting with an AI assistant named 'Bharati' (Ministry of Finance, 2026). Kisan e-Mitra, an AI-powered voice-enabled chatbot launched in 2023, provides farmers with information on government schemes like PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Available in 11 regional languages, the platform handles over 8,000 farmer queries daily and had responded to more than 93 lakh farmer queries by December 2025 (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The World Economic Forum (2025) highlighted the role of AI in strengthening climate resilience, improving resource efficiency and enhancing market access for smallholder farmers, suggesting that AI-driven agricultural solutions can support sustainable rural development and improve farmers' livelihoods (World Economic Forum, 2025). The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Of course, the transition to AI-powered agriculture isn't without challenges. High initial investment costs, limited digital infrastructure in rural areas, data privacy concerns and digital literacy gaps remain significant barriers (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). But the momentum is undeniable. Precision agriculture adoption in India is projected to increase from just 1% in 2008 to approximately 95% by 2036. The agricultural sector is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The vision is ambitious but achievable: AI-enabled agriculture that ensures every acre becomes more productive, every drop of water more valuable and every farmer more prosperous. As the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2026) documented, AI-enabled advisory services, pest surveillance systems and digital agriculture initiatives across India have demonstrated the potential of AI and IoT technologies in improving agricultural productivity and farm management (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Bottom Line Artificial Intelligence is not just another tech buzzword. It's a practical, proven solution to some of agriculture's most pressing challenges. From the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu to the paddy fields of Punjab, AI is helping farmers produce more with lessless water, less fertilizer, fewer pesticides and less labour. The farmer of tomorrow won't just be someone with a plough and a pair of hands. They'll be someone with a smartphone, a network of sensors and an AI assistant that helps them make smarter decisions every single day. And that's not just good for farmers. It's good for all of us who depend on the food they grow. (The authors are associated with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu)
Draft report flags contradictions in BMC officers statements in Mumbai manhole death probe
Devendra Fadnavis overtakes Sharad Pawar as Maharashtras third longest-serving CM
Devendra Fadnavis has now served as Maharashtra's chief minister for 2,430 days. This duration surpasses Sharad Pawar's previous record of 2,412 days in the post. Fadnavis completed a full five-year term from 2014 to 2019. He became the state's second youngest chief minister at age 44. Vasantrao Naik remains the longest-serving chief minister in Maharashtra's history.
Illegal banner falls on biker, pillion on EEH in Thane
Maharashtra withdraws 2023 circular on minor mineral levy during land development
Maharashtra government withdrew a May 2023 circular on minor mineral royalty. This move provides relief to developers facing legal disputes over the framework. The earlier policy faced challenges for inconsistency with court judgments. A fresh, transparent framework will be framed after considering judicial directions. Until then, a new procedure for excavation permissions will be issued.
Man dies as BJP neta-builders son hits scooter; FIR filed
Drunk woman causes traffic chaos in Navi Mumbai's Ghansoli, detained
On Monday, a woman under the influence of alcohol created a significant disruption on a road in Navi Mumbai. She persistently positioned herself in front of vehicles, including a bus and an auto-rickshaw. Despite attempts from bystanders and police officers to persuade her to move, she remained uncooperative. Eventually, women police officers intervened and successfully detained her, allowing for traffic to resume on the busy street.
Maharashtra: Fadnavis Rolls Out Urban Challenge Fund For 22 Urban Development Components
The fund will support 22 urban development components aimed at modernising municipal service delivery: Reports
Mumbai dy mayor wants Byculla blow allotted to him as commuting from Dahisar takes too much time
Uddhav extends support to CJP, Sonam Wangchuk, says Cong must back them too
Nagaland blast: Suspected IED blast targets Assam Rifles vehicle; one dead
An Assam Rifles jawan was killed and four others were injured in a suspected IED blast targeting an operational vehicle in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district. Security forces have launched a search operation, while the injured personnel are undergoing treatment
NMMC Inspects Ghansoli Quick Commerce Store After Rat Video Goes Viral
Mumbai Police Probe Suspected Hit-and-Run Death on WEH in Malad
CJP announces march to Parliament on July 20 as Wangchuk continues his fast
In an appeal shared by the CJP on social media, it urged people to make their voices heard and remind elected representatives that they remain accountable to the public
Bombay High Court grants pre-arrest bail to patients kin who assaulted KEM nurse
17-year-old boy stabbed by two teenagers over mobile phone game defeat
Elderly woman injured in Mira Road apartment fire dies during treatment
Trump announces 20 per cent cargo charge on Hormuz shipping
US President Donald Trump said the United States would impose a 20 per cent charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz to recover the cost of securing the waterway and would reinstate a blockade targeting Iranian ships
Sena corporator, 3 others get 11 days judicial custody in doc assault case
Rs 300-crore Battery storage rollout for Tata Power in Mumbai
Maharashtra removed 81 lakh beneficiaries from the Ladki Bahin Yojana after e-KYC verification. Ineligible recipients included income-tax payers and government employee families. The scheme aimed to provide Rs 1,500 monthly assistance to women aged 21 to 65. Opposition parties alleged political misuse and financial irregularities in the scheme's implementation. The government is recovering funds from ineligible beneficiaries and depositing them into the treasury.
International universities expand India campuses as admission uncertainty grows: Report
Devendra Fadnavis Visits Pawan Kalyan in Mumbai After Surgery
Maharashtra CM enquires about Andhra Pradesh Deputy CMs health following successful shoulder surgery.
Datia bypoll: Narottam Mishra joins BJP candidate during nomination filing
BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari and Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh filed their nominations for the Datia Assembly bypoll. Former minister Narottam Mishra accompanied Tiwari, signalling BJP unity after protests over his exclusion from the contest
40% Analog paneer samples found unsafe, says MH FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe
Maharashtra FDA is intensifying action against adulterated milk products. Milk and dairy items are considered high-risk food categories requiring strict monitoring. The FDA is implementing end-to-end supply chain management for milk products. Action includes closing centers, destroying milk, and prosecuting violators. Substandard analog paneer and cheese also face strict regulatory oversight.
Kolkata airport mosque row: BJP backs prayer curbs, TMC lashes out
TMC MP Saugata Roy, speaking to IANS, said there had never been an issue for five decades, but the new BJP govt was using it to further its 'political agenda'
West Asia conflict: US-Iran exchange biggest strikes since April ceasefire
The Middle East witnessed its biggest escalation since the April ceasefire as the US and Iran exchanged heavy attacks, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as the key flashpoint. Tehran warned it could stop following the ceasefire framework, while Gulf nations faced retaliatory strikes
Subhash Chandra's father Nand Kishore Goenka passes away at 96
Nand Kishore Goenka, father of Zee-Essel Group Chairman and former Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra, passed away at the age of 96 on Monday. Remembered for his social work and association with the RSS, Goenka was mourned by leaders across party lines
Suvendu: Bengal Govt to give Rs 5 lakh each to 60 Rath Yatra Committees
Our government has decided to participate actively in this year''s Rath Yatra, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi''s vision of ''Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi''
Amarnath Yatra 2026: 18 pilgrims injured after multi-vehicle collision in Ramban
Eighteen Amarnath pilgrims sustained minor injuries after two SRTC buses, a car and a private bus collided on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban district. All injured devotees are stable and undergoing treatment as the annual Amarnath Yatra continues under tight security
Neilsoft Recognized Among ET Edges Best Organizations to Work 2026
Pune, Maharashtra, India Business Wire India
Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike? Know all about him
The protest is focused on alleged irregularities in the education system, including concerns over examinations and demands for accountability from the government. Wangchuk's health has reportedly deteriorated as the fast entered its second week, prompting appeals from several political leaders and civil society groups
Poland endorses India's diplomatic approach to West Asia conflict
Poland on Monday backed India's position on the West Asia conflict, with Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski describing New Delhi's approach as the right position. He stressed the need for a diplomatic resolution
MLA bribery remarks: BJP serves Rs 100 crore defamation notice to Omar Abdullah
The defamation notice demands Omar Abdullah's unconditional public apology and withdrawal of the remarks within seven days
Central Railway passenger hospitalised after breathing difficulty on Mumbai AC local
An air-conditioned local train experienced issues near Mulund station on Monday. Passengers reported breathing difficulties, prompting the train's withdrawal from service. One commuter required medical attention and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Railway officials are investigating the precise cause of the technical problem. Other passengers who felt discomfort received assistance and continued their journeys.
Police, Abhijeet Dipke exchange words over shade covering Sonam Wangchuk
According to protest organisers, the tarpaulin had been put up to provide shade to Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 16 days. During the interaction, police personnel were seen asking Dipke to remove the temporary covering
Delhi Airport Customs seize 6.37 kg hydroponic weed, arrest three
The three seizures, involving passengers arriving from Bangkok and Phuket, resulted in the recovery of 6.37 kg of the suspected contraband, separate official statements said
Maharashtra has removed over 92 lakh beneficiaries from its flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana after a statewide verification drive exposed widespread eKYC failures and eligibility violations, a move that could save the state more than Rs 16,500 crore annually while raising fresh questions over the scheme's financial management.
Forget the metros, India's solar boom has a new address
Tier-II and tier-III cities are leading India's rooftop solar adoption significantly. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar scheme is driving this widespread adoption across the nation. Over 36 lakh rooftop solar systems have been installed, benefiting many households. Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh are the leading states in solar installations. The focus is now shifting towards urban areas and low-income households.
Bomb threat emails spark security sweep at Rajasthan High Court
Fresh bomb threat emails sent to the Rajasthan High Court benches in Jaipur and Jodhpur triggered a major security response. Police, cyber experts and bomb disposal teams launched searches, while authorities tightened security and began tracing the sender.
Iranian media hails Lindsey Graham's death, warns Trump of 'sudden death'
Iranian newspapers celebrated the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime critic of Tehran, while some publications and state media issued warnings directed at President Donald Trump and other American officials, fuelling fresh political tensions.
Uddhav Thackeray extends support to CJP protest as Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters day 16
Uddhav Thackeray has voiced support for the Cockroach Janta Party's protest. He backs climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke's demands. Thackeray urged political parties and citizens to unite for the youth's future. He criticized the government's insensitivity to genuine concerns raised. Thackeray's party MPs will also raise the NEET issue in Parliament.
92 Lakh Women Dropped From Maharashtra's 'Ladki Bahin' Scheme, Most In Beed
Additionally, around 14,000 men attempted to avail themselves of the scheme's benefits and were consequently removed from the list.
Uddhav Thackeray backs CJP and Sonam Wangchuk's protest, urges activist to end fast
Uddhav Thackeray supports the Cockroach Janta Party's protest regarding exam irregularities. He urged Rahul Gandhi to also back the ongoing agitation at Jantar Mantar. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike, which has impacted his health. The Shiv Sena (UBT) will stage a protest in Maharashtra to support the cause. Thackeray also appealed to Wangchuk to withdraw his hunger strike for his well-being.
Three warkaris killed in Pune accident; govt announces Rs 5-lakh aid for kin
According to the Pune Rural Superintendent of Police, a truck belonging to the Dindi (group of pilgrims) of Rangnath Maharaj from Loha in Nanded district hit a group of warkaris from a Dindi of Kasbedigraj in Sangli district
Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and Yogi Adityanath to inaugurate 63-km corridor
The leaders will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for three National Highway projects with a combined cost of over Rs 4,850 crore. Ahead of the inauguration, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari described the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway as a historic achievement that would give a new direction to Uttar Pradeshs connectivity
Patna coaching centre clash: Court grants anticipatory bail to Khan Sir
The case stems from an incident on the night of June 2, 2026, when violence erupted near coaching institutes in the Musallahpur area of Patna
SC seeks status report from UP SIT on Ayodhya Ram temple donation allegations
The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh Government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a status report on its probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya
Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora urges BMC to name, shame and fine habitual public urinators
Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora proposed public shaming for offenders in Mumbai. He suggested naming and fining habitual public urinators and spitters. This initiative mirrors a similar program in Tinsukia Municipality, Assam. Deora also stressed the need for accessible and clean public toilets. The proposal aims to improve civic hygiene and public spaces across the city.
Mumbai Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi requested a vacant civic bungalow. He cited long commutes from his Dahisar residence to BMC headquarters. The current monsoon season will further complicate his daily travel. Ghadi seeks accommodation near the office for efficient official duties. This move aims to improve service delivery to citizens promptly.
Iran rejects UN criticism, says strikes on US bases were lawful self-defence
According to the Iranian government, the strikes on US military facilities in the southern Persian Gulf were conducted under Iran's right to self-defence as recognised by international law
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 4,490 as relief efforts continue
The latest official update also showed that the number of injured remains at 16,740, while more than 120,000 people have received humanitarian assistance since the disaster
BJP minister questions Aamir Khans 3rd marriage, links it to love jihad
Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Sunday questioned Bollywood actor Aamir Khans third marriage, wondering whether it should be viewed as an example of love jihad. Rane, an MLA of the ruling BJP, also urged members of the Hindu community to think carefully before supporting such celebrities. When celebrities take such decisions in their personal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Simhastha Kumbh 2027: Nashik conducts monsoon audit of key infrastructure
The monsoon assessments, carried out on July 8 and 9, aim to identify vulnerabilities in drainage, mobility, sanitation and public infrastructure so that corrective measures can be implemented well before the mega religious gathering
Weather Forecast Today: Monsoon activity remains strong across India with widespread rainfall expected. Many regions will witness intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Other areas are likely to see intermittent rain spells throughout the day. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in parts of Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. Residents are urged to stay cautious of potential waterlogging and flooding.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane questioned actor Aamir Khan's recent third marriage. He suggested this union could be viewed as 'love jihad'. Rane urged Hindu society to reconsider supporting such celebrities. The actor married Gauri Spratt on July fifth in Mumbai. Khan's previous marriages were to Reena Dutta and Kiran Rao.
At least 27 killed in massive Bangkok pub fire, several injured
At least 27 people were killed after a massive fire engulfed a pub in Bangkok early Monday. Several others were injured as firefighters battled the blaze, while authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the deadly incident.
Typhoon Bavi weakens to tropical storm after hitting eastern China
Typhoon Bavi weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall in eastern China's Zhejiang province, but continued to bring heavy rain, strong winds and widespread disruption. Millions remain affected as evacuations, flight cancellations and weather alerts continue.
Typhoon Bavi weakens after battering eastern China, millions evacuated
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit mainland China this year, battered the eastern coast with heavy rain and powerful winds, forcing the evacuation of more than 2.8 million people. Authorities warned of prolonged rainfall despite the storm weakening.
CAG raps Maharashtra as 82.78 cr helicopter lay idle for 17 months, flags 2 cr avoidable cost
The state government had approved the purchase of the helicopter in May 2018 to facilitate anti-Naxalite operations in Gadchiroli and neighbouring areas
EC requires parents' SIR details for new voters applying for electoral rolls
The Election Commission has made it mandatory for new voters to provide their parents' Special Intensive Revision (SIR) details while applying for inclusion in electoral rolls, saying the move will simplify document verification and improve voter mapping.
Flipkart delivery executive held for allegedly forcing entry, flashing at woman
A Flipkart delivery executive was arrested after allegedly forcing his way into a woman's house and exposing himself. Police identified the accused as Vijay Mallikarjun Kamat and said legal action has been initiated. The investigation is underway.
12 police teams hunt accused in Telangana six-member family murder case
Telangana Police have formed 12 special teams to trace a man accused of killing six of his family members in Rangareddy district. The accused, who is also facing a POCSO case, allegedly murdered his wife, two children and three relatives before fleeing.
CAG raps Maharashtra as Rs 82.78 cr helicopter lay idle for 17 months, flags Rs 2 cr avoidable cost
The CAG criticized the Maharashtra government for a significant delay in appointing a maintenance agency. This delay left an expensive helicopter grounded for seventeen months, causing financial loss. The helicopter was purchased for anti-Naxalite operations in the Gadchiroli region. Mandatory maintenance was not performed, requiring costly return-to-service procedures. Inadequate planning led to avoidable expenditure and operational unavailability.
CAG flags 3,541 crore excess spend, budgetary lapses in Maharashtra Govts Ladki Bahin scheme
The CAG said audit scrutiny revealed that 15,586 crore drawn between January and March 2025 was transferred to Virtual Personal Deposit Accounts (VPDAs)
US hits 140 Iranian targets as Tehran retaliates against Gulf nations
The US launched strikes on around 140 Iranian military targets after an attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by targeting Gulf nations hosting US forces, while India condemned an attack on a Cyprus-flagged ship that left an Indian crew member missing.
