Thirteen dead, including infant, as boulders flatten taxi in Himachal Pradesh
Videos of the incident have also surfaced, showing the vehicle almost flattened and engulfed in fire
Why residents are opposing data centres in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra? | Explained
Are people against technology? Will data centres hit water supply to residents? Are there alternatives to the present sites?
Supreme Court pushes for speedy trials in Manipur violence casess
More than 200 people have been killed, several hundred injured and thousands displaced since ethnic violence first broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023
Supreme Court bars unauthorised sharing of court hearing videos on social media
An interim order was passed by a bench which also clarified that its order would not affect news reporting of court proceedings
Maharashtra TET paper leak: Main accused Bijendra Kumar Gupta arrested in Bihar
Bijendra Kumar Gupta, the main accused in the Maharashtra TET paper leak case, was apprehended. Bhiwandi Police arrested Gupta from Bihar on Saturday, officials confirmed. Gupta has now been brought to Pune Airport for further legal proceedings. He will subsequently be taken to Pune for continued investigation. Police identified Gupta as the prime accused in the paper leak.
Maharashtra TET paper leak: Main accused Bijendra Gupta arrested from Bihar
Maharashtra Police have arrested alleged TET paper leak mastermind Bijendra Gupta. Gupta was apprehended in Bihar after evading law enforcement for months. Another individual was also taken into custody during this significant operation. His wife had previously been arrested in connection with the same paper leak case. Gupta also faced scrutiny in 2024 following the NEET controversy.
Chinese rocket struck by lightning moments after liftoff, mission succeeds
The incident has drawn comparisons with NASAs Apollo 12 mission, which was struck by lightning twice shortly after launch from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on November 14, 1969
Trump holds Iran responsible for Houthi attacks, warns of military response
Iran on Friday carried out drone strikes targeting US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, following the a night of US attacks on the Islamic Republic
Assam floods worsen: 47 dead, over seven lakh people hit across 11 districts
Around 40 people are still missing and the toll might increase, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Russian missile strike kills six in Kyiv region as Ukraine, Russia trade attacks
Meanwhile, Russia said that six people were killed and 26 injured in a Ukrainian missile attack on a factory in Russias Kirov region on Friday
Mid-Day Opinion: Student stirs have lessons for govt
Young people do not leave their classrooms because they want to become politicians. They protest because they believe the system meant to protect their future has failed them
Mid-Day Opinion: Bomb threat 'for kicks' lands Kandivli man in trouble
Agencies can start by putting messages on social media and even at police stations about how hoaxes do not earn you ha has but can get you time behind bars
Maharashtra Rain Raises River Levels In Belagavi
Farmers in villages along the riverbanks are closely monitoring the water levels amid fears that further rise in the rivers could affect standing crops.
Maharashtra Launches 5-Star Rating System For Government Hospitals
The Public Health Department issued a Government Resolution (GR) introducing the mechanism, under which hospitals will be awarded ratings ranging from zero to five stars based on their performance across key healthcare indicators
Car catches fire near Kopri, traffic hit for 45 minutes
Motorist dies in crash with auto, car then catches flames
Three foreign nationals held with Rs 18 crore smuggled gold hidden inside aircraft panels
The Rise of AI Agents: The Next Digital Revolution
The next revolution in computing may not arrive as a new device. It may arrive as an intelligent digital partner capable of planning, reasoning and working alongside people. Artificial intelligence agents are reshaping computing, moving beyond systems that simply respond to commands to intelligent assistants capable of understanding goals, planning tasks and helping complete complex work. Not long ago, artificial intelligence mainly meant asking a chatbot a question and receiving an answer. Today, AI agents represent a different stage of development. They can analyse information, use digital tools, organise workflows, assist with research and complete tasks with limited human guidance. From Stanford University and MIT to Google DeepMind, researchers increasingly describe AI agents as one of the most significant developments in computing since the smartphone era. With its strong tradition of learning, Kashmir is well positioned to view this as more than another technology trend. It is an opportunity to rethink how students learn, how businesses grow, how professionals work and how young entrepreneurs build the next generation of digital services. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, AI agents are designed to act. Instead of asking a chatbot how to prepare for an exam, a student could ask an AI agent to create a personalised study plan, organise learning materials, schedule revision sessions, track progress and adjust the plan as learning improves. A small business owner could ask an AI agent to analyse sales, prepare invoices, respond to customers and identify new market opportunities. Rather than simply answering questions, these systems help people complete complex tasks and achieve specific goals. This shift has attracted attention from some of the world's leading universities, research centres and organisations. The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), Stanford Digital Economy Lab, Harvard Business School, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), MIT Media Lab, Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research, OpenAI, Anthropic, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and McKinsey & Company are studying how AI agents could influence education, healthcare, scientific discovery, business and the future of work. The evidence indicates that this transition is already underway. According to the Stanford AI Index 2026, organisational AI adoption and technical capabilities continue to expand steadily, while AI systems are demonstrating stronger performance on increasingly complex real-world tasks. Research from Harvard Business School and other institutions also suggests that knowledge workers are increasingly using AI tools and AI agents for research, learning and productivity. The economic potential is equally significant. PwC estimates that artificial intelligence could contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy in the coming years, while market analysts project strong growth in the agentic AI sector. More importantly, this story is not only about technology. It is about people. In Kashmir, the real question is not whether AI agents have arrived. They already have. The more important question is whether students, professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations are ready to use them wisely, responsibly and creatively. The impact of AI agents could be especially significant in areas where knowledge, accessibility and efficiency matter most. In Kashmir's context, artificial intelligence is not only about adopting a new technology; it is about understanding how emerging tools can strengthen education, improve essential services, encourage entrepreneurship and support local innovation. Education could become one of Kashmir's greatest opportunities. AI agents can act as personalised learning assistants that explain difficult concepts, organise study material, create revision plans and adapt lessons to each learner's pace. Teachers could use AI to prepare classroom resources, reduce routine workloads and devote more time to mentoring students. Research from the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) and the MIT Media Lab suggests that the future of education lies not in replacing teachers but in strengthening the partnership between educators and intelligent tools. Healthcare is another area where AI agents could make a valuable difference. They may help doctors organise patient information, summarise medical research, support documentation and improve access to reliable medical knowledge. While human judgement must remain central to clinical decisions, AI can serve as a supportive tool, helping healthcare professionals work more efficiently while allowing greater focus on patient care. Tourism, horticulture and local businesses also present promising opportunities. AI agents could help tourism operators offer personalised travel recommendations, improve communication with visitors and enhance customer service. In horticulture and agriculture, including apple cultivation and saffron production, AI-powered systems could help growers interpret weather information, monitor crop conditions and access market insights. Similar AI-supported agricultural initiatives are also being explored in Maharashtra, demonstrating how intelligent technologies can support better-informed decision-making. Within Kashmir's entrepreneurial ecosystem, AI agents could become affordable digital partners. They can support market research, business planning, software development, customer service and content creation, allowing startups to operate more efficiently with limited resources. Instead of viewing artificial intelligence only as global technological development, Kashmir has an opportunity to nurture local talent and encourage solutions designed around regional needs. Equally important, the rise of AI agents calls for thoughtful and responsible adoption. Researchers at Stanford, MIT, Google DeepMind and other leading institutions continue to emphasise the importance of human oversight, privacy, cybersecurity and ethical AI development. Intelligent systems can make mistakes, misunderstand context and generate inaccurate information, making critical thinking and human judgement indispensable. The defining advantage will belong not only to those who use AI, but to those who understand its strengths, recognise its limitations and apply them responsibly. In Kashmir's evolving digital landscape, AI agents represent more than a technological advance. They present an opportunity to strengthen education, encourage innovation and prepare people to participate confidently in the global digital economy. Such preparation could prove to be one of the defining investments in Kashmir's digital future. (The Author writes on emerging technologies. Email: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)
CJP protest planned in Kalyan amid venue row
3,000 brave rain & threat of crackdown, converge on Shivaji Park
A question many ask: Why does Mumbai lack space for dissent
Offers of free legal, med aid online give Mumbai protesters relief
Law colleges move Bombay High Court against Mumbai Universitys student intake cuts, fines
Loose Hoarding Sparks Fresh Safety Concerns in Thane
Thane district records 60% voter enumeration under SIR exercise
Thane Sets Up Help Desks for Special Electoral Roll Revision
Shared auto not workplace: HC quashes action under POSH Act against bank employee
PoP idols immersion in natural water bodies can be stopped in phases: State in HC
Oppn flags video of cop inappropriately touching woman, police say no misconduct
Husband, in-laws booked for abetting womans suicide in Thane
Mumbai FDA Shuts Down Four Bakeries for Food Safety Violations
Thousands stranded without food, water as massive traffic snarl hits Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway
3 dead, 244 rescued, 1,500 evacuated as floods continue to batter Palghar
Bridges damaged, power supply remains disrupted in several villages
Seven in 10 oral cancer patients reach hospitals too late
Maharashtra has declared a dry day across several cities on Saturday, July 25. Alcohol sales will be prohibited in liquor shops, bars, and restaurants on this day. Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu religious festival. This day marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu's celestial rest and is observed with prayers. The festival is closely linked to the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur in Maharashtra.
Rs 41 crore footbridge to connect Bandra metro and railway stations
Maharashtra: Viral Cop Video Ignites Row; Mumbai Police Deny Misconduct
What is this behaviour Mumbai Police? Why is a male cop manhandling a young female protestor like this? Why isnt he letting his female colleagues handle this?: Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad
NEET protest in Kolkata turns violent; police use batons, tear gas
The protestors blocked the Dorina Crossing area in the Esplanade area, hurled footwear and water bottles at the men in uniform
Metro closures leave Delhi office-goers walking to work
Thousands of protesters have gathered at Jantar Mantar over the past few days, prompting police to seal off Parliament Street, Tolstoy Road and Jai Singh Marg. A Google Maps check of the stretch on Friday showed a ''heavy traffic'' alert across all three major roads
Maharashtra: BoB Targets $ 4-5 Billion, BoI $1.2 Billion From RBI Forex Measures
So far we have garnered $ 700 million of FCNR (B) deposits and expect to reach $ one billion: Debadatta Chand, MD and CEO of BoB
US-led coalition downs five drones over Iraq's Erbil amid tensions in West Asia
Drones hovered over Erbil before air defences were activated, resulting in explosions and smoke near the city's airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops. Since hostilities resumed in the region, drone attacks, which Kurdish authorities blamed on Iran, have repeatedly been intercepted over Erbil
NEET paper leak: Bombay HC designates two special courts in Maharashtra
The move comes a day after the Centre assured the setting up of fast-track courts to try cases involving examination malpractices, including the alleged NEET (UG) paper leak, amid nationwide protests demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system
Pune Metro Line 3 gets safety clearance for first 13-km stretch
The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspected the corridor between July 5 and 8, after which Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL) submitted compliance reports addressing all observations raised during the inspection
'Tanishk Bagchi aaj toh tu gaya': Amaal Mallik alleges threats amid ongoing row
Amaal Mallik has escalated his public feud with Tanishk Bagchi, alleging that he is being threatened using Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis' name. Tagging Fadnavis and Mumbai Police on X, the composer sought intervention while continuing his series of allegations against Bagchi
CJI slams 'reckless' reports over urgent hearing on July 20 student protest case
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said reports claiming he refused an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the July 20 police action against students were false, clarifying that only a representation had been submitted and no writ petition was filed before the Supreme Court
NEET paper leak: SC to closely monitor NTA reforms, seeks Centre's roadmap
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to file a comprehensive affidavit detailing institutional reforms in the National Testing Agency, the feasibility of shifting NEET to computer-based testing, cybersecurity measures and safeguards to prevent future paper leaks
Spain declares emergency as wildfires force mass evacuations
French authorities ordered the total evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula, a tourism hotspot, due to a large wildfire. Some 40,000 people were evacuated from the area, many brought to safety by boat, officials said
Rs 3 Crore Stolen From Maharashtra Council Deputy Chair's Home, Help Arrested
The accused, identified as Pravin Ramesh Solanki, was produced before the Esplanade Court, which remanded him to police custody till July 30 to enable investigators to trace the stolen valuables and identify other suspects.
TET Scam Occurred During Fadnaviss Tenure, Claims Sushma Andhare
Pune, July 24: Sushma Andhare, spokesperson for Shiv Sena (UBT), has sharply criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his statements regarding the TET scam. She asserted that the Chief Minister lacks accurate information and needs to correct his statements. According to her, the TET scam did not occur during the Thackeray government but took ... Read more TET Scam Occurred During Fadnaviss Tenure, Claims Sushma Andhare
TET Scam Allegations Target CM Fadnavis, Claims Shiv Sena Spokesperson Sushma Andhare
Pune, July 24: Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare has sharply criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his statements regarding the TET scam. She asserted that the Chief Minister lacks accurate information and needs to correct his statements. Andhare claimed that the TET scam did not occur during the Thackeray government but rather in ... Read more TET Scam Allegations Target CM Fadnavis, Claims Shiv Sena Spokesperson Sushma Andhare
Pradhan's resignation non-negotiable, says CJP after meeting with ministers
The nearly two-hour meeting, held at the Constitution Club of India, ended without a breakthrough, with the CJP maintaining its stand on Pradhan's resignation. Addressing the media after the talks, Nadda said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and would continue on Saturday
Bar Council of India launches sweeping Digital Ethics Code for legal profession
The Bar Council of India has introduced a comprehensive Digital Ethics Framework regulating the online conduct of advocates, law students, interns and legal influencers. The rules prohibit AI deepfakes, misleading legal advice, influencer-style promotion, court reels and client solicitation
Rahul Gandhi rules out talks with Centre until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition will not hold talks with the Centre until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over the alleged exam paper leaks and Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologises for the alleged police action against protesting students
Centre releases Rs 266 crore under medical devices PLI scheme till FY25: Nadda
In a written reply, Nadda said that of the Rs 209.80 crore released for medical device parks, Rs 177.98 crore has already been utilised
'CJP to continue agitation until Pradhan resigns despite Wangchuk ending fast'
Speaking to reporters, Dipke welcomed Wangchuk's decision to call off his fast, saying he was relieved about the activist's health, but maintained that the movement's central demand remained unchanged
Delhi High Court refers plea on CJP protest violence to Chief Justice-led Bench
The petition, which came up before Justice Prateek Jalan, seeks directions for ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of Delhi from the violent protests being held under the garb of protest at Jantar Mantar
Fields Medal 2026: Four mathematicians win world's highest honour in mathematics
Yu Deng, John Pardon, Jacob Tsimerman and Hong Wang were honoured with the 2026 Fields Medals at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Philadelphia. Awarded every four years, the prestigious prize recognises outstanding mathematical achievements by mathematicians under the age of 40
Mumbai Police issued a clarification regarding a viral video showing an officer and a female protester. The police stated the footage was misinterpreted and the contact was inadvertent during restraint. Senior officers thoroughly examined the video and verified all the facts presented. Leaders like Varsha Gaikwad strongly condemned the alleged police action and misconduct. The clarification asserted no deliberate misconduct by the officer was evident in the footage.
Israeli held over murder of Indian national in Jerusalem
A 31-year-old Israeli national has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a 40-year-old Indian man in Jerusalem's Katamon neighbourhood. Police said the victim was found dead in an apartment and the case is being investigated as a suspected criminal offence by the Jerusalem District's Central Unit.
Flash floods hit Udhampur, families shifted to safety
Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall hit the Barkuanda area of Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, damaging houses and forcing the evacuation of affected families. Officials also reported flooding in Basantgarh tehsil, while the Chenab river at Akhnoor crossed the flood alert level amid continuing rain across the region.
Rahul Gandhi demands Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET row
Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of failing to address the core demands of protesting students and called for action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities in the examination process
CJP vows to continue Jantar Mantar protest over NEET row
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representative Ashutosh Ranka said the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. While Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving government assurances on key demands, CJP maintained that Pradhan's resignation remains non-negotiable.
US slaps 10 per cent tariffs on goods imported from India on issue forced labour
The tariffs were imposed under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, with the Trump administration stating that the action is intended to address what it described as a failure by several countries to effectively prohibit the import of goods produced using forced labour
Mumbai ki police, Delhi jaisi nahi hai: Rhiya Ahir who stopped police van during CJP protest
Rhiya Ahir bravely halted a police van carrying detained protesters in Mumbai. She intervened during a CJP demonstration over examination irregularities and police actions. Ahir expressed fear but found strength in her supportive family's backing. She emphasized the need for student movements to remain independent of political parties. Ahir offered legal assistance to any students facing issues during protests.
Shiv Sena (UBT) calls PM Modi's paper leak move 'empty promises'
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said the Prime Minister's statement came only after widespread protests and public outrage over the alleged paper leak
Why did Sonam Wangchuk end his hunger strike? Activist cites Centre's promises
Announcing his decision in a post on X, Wangchuk wrote, End of hunger... Beginning of accountability. He said the government had assured him that the issue of accountability in the failing examination system would be discussed on the floor of Parliament
PM Modi urges Sonam Wangchuk to regain health after ending hunger strike
The Prime Minister's message came hours after Wangchuk concluded his fast at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, doctors and members of his family
Kharge asks PM Modi to address Parliament, not 'one-sided Mann Ki Baat'
PM Modi also said the proposed legislation would be discussed and finalised by the Union Cabinet before being introduced during the ongoing Monsoon Session
40 minutes, 1 van, a city watching: Mumbai woman's photo captures resolve behind CJP protests
A young woman blocked a police van carrying detained protesters in Mumbai. Rhiya Ahir stood before the vehicle for forty minutes demanding their release. She questioned the authorities' handling of demonstrations and police actions. Ahir stated the system has failed citizens in many ways. Younger generations are now raising their voices against injustice.
Valuables worth Rs 2.7 crore stolen over five years from Sachin Ahir's home in Mumbai
Valuables worth Rs 2.65 crore were stolen from Sachin Ahir's Worli residence over five years. His son Krishna filed a police complaint detailing the missing gold and silver items. A fire in October 2025 initially masked the extent of the theft. CCTV footage review revealed missing recordings and raised suspicions. Four domestic helpers are accused of systematically stealing the valuables.
Rooted in patience: How Mumbais bonsai lovers find stillness together
Mumbai's bonsai enthusiasts cultivate a quiet art form within the city. This community meets regularly to share knowledge and techniques for shaping trees. Bonsai practice teaches patience and a deep appreciation for nature's rhythms. Members find an emotional connection and therapeutic benefits in this living art. The circle ensures the survival of this unique craft through collective nurturing.
Mid-Day Opinion: Gen Z protest ke side effects
Thanks to student protests, some things have become crystal clear online Gen Z swag, political preferences, and influencer stupidity
Mid-Day Opinion: Its always better to err on the side of caution
The Press Trust of India reported that after the money was given, in a familiar pattern, the accused failed to deliver on the promise.
Trump says frozen Iranian assets to cover shipping damages
Amid escalating tensions with Iran, US President Donald Trump said any damage caused to ships, cargo or related assets would be compensated using Iranian funds under Washington's control. His remarks came as Iran warned that continued US aggression would backfire and reiterated its opposition to American actions.
CJP protests: 17 Delhi Metro stations to remain closed from 7:30 am on Friday
The stations that will remain closed are Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhambha Road, Supreme Court, Seva Teerth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, Shivaji Stadium and Jhandewalan
France votes to ban social media for children under 15
France has voted to ban social media for children under the age of 15, with President Emmanuel Macron announcing that the measure will take effect after approval by the Constitutional Council
Sonia Gandhi attacks Centre over student protest crackdown
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi accused the Modi government of responding to student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak with cowardice and wanton cruelty. Calling for accountability and education reforms, she alleged the Centre has weakened public education and failed to address concerns over examination integrity.
Bengaluru: Suspected LPG cylinder blast at PG leaves nine migrant workers hurt
Police said all nine workers who were staying in the room at the time of the incident hail from West Bengal
Odisha road accident Five killed after car plunges into pond in Dhenkanal
The accident happened around 3 am near Indipur village
Assam floods leave 41 dead as over 6.5 lakh battle deluge in 11 districts
487 relief camps and relief distribution centres are operational in 10 districts, sheltering 24,418 displaced people
Heavy rains lash South Gujarat: 1,200 rescued, hundreds shifted
One rain-related death was reported in Tapi district, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the states SDRF as well as the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Coast Guard were put on alert for rescue efforts
Delhi Police claims inspector attacked by protesters near Jantar Mantar
According to Singh, around 100 to 150 people allegedly surrounded and attacked him as he tried to pass through the area
France wildfire: Over 10,000 evacuated as massive blaze spreads near Bordeaux
The wildfire is located near the Arcachon Bay area, a tourist hotspot, and many of those evacuated are tourists staying in camping sites
Aussie biker rides across air balloon, skydives
The project took more than two years of planning before Schwrzler executed it
Yemen's Houthis claim Red Sea attack on two Saudi oil tankers
US President Donald Trump has warned that the US would hit one bridge or power plant each time Iran shoots at a ship in Hormuz Strait
Flyer among five held for Rs 5.6cr gold smuggling at Mumbai airport
Weather Today July 24: India Meteorological Department forecasts widespread monsoon activity for July twenty-fourth. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in western, northern, and northeastern regions. Several states including Maharashtra and Gujarat will likely experience intense showers and thunderstorms. Major cities like Delhi and Mumbai anticipate cloudy skies with intermittent rain. High humidity and moderate temperatures will prevail across the country.
Mumbai University rolls back admission ban on 68 law, BEd colleges
Colleges without approved principals and faculty may fill 50% of seats after paying Rs 10 lakh penalty
