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In a significant development, the Supreme Court is set to examine the absurd ban on older petrol and diesel vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. The move comes in response to a petition filed by the Delhi government, contesting the complete ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. In response to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) decision, the government argues that the age restriction ban lacks scientific backing.&nbsp;The matter will be heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. A key issue to be addressed is whether Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles should still be subjected to arbitrary end-of-life restrictions based solely on age.&nbsp;In its petition, the Delhi government has requested a thorough investigation by the Centre and CAQM to evaluate the actual environmental benefits of age-based restrictions versus emission-based criteria, according to a report by HT.<h3>Why was Delhi’s old vehicle ban policy banned?</h3>The existing ban was first imposed in 2015 by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which barred diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating in Delhi-NCR. "The vehicles that are more than 15 years old will not be permitted to be parked in any public area, and they shall be towed away and challenged by the police under the law. This direction would apply to all vehicles without exception, i.e., two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, light vehicles, and heavy vehicles, irrespective of whether commercial or otherwise," the NGT stated in its order on November 26, 2014.&nbsp;However, the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, indicating alarming air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR and a need to protect public health. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) prohibited the fuel stations from supplying petrol and diesel to these "end-of-life" vehicles from July 1, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the policy was put on hold just two days after facing public backlash. Later, officials indicated challenges in logistics and gaps in infrastructure, particularly tracking and enforcing the complete ban effectively.&nbsp;Ahead of the review of the Supreme Court on the End-of-Life (EoL) vehicle policy, Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated last week that pollution levels of vehicles should be determined based on their usage rather than their age.&nbsp;"There are many vehicles that have aged, but because they haven't been used much, their pollution levels are lower. There are so many new vehicles whose age is less but have been used a lot; so we believe that the parameter to determine pollution levels must be the use of the vehicle instead of its age," Sirsa told news agency ANI.&nbsp;The Delhi government indicated that the current complete ban affects middle- and lower-income groups that depend solely on used vehicles for essential mobility.

The Delhi government has pledged a thorough investigation in its petition to the Centre and CAQM to evaluate the actual environmental benefits of age-based restrictions versus emission-based criteria.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court is set to examine the absurd ban on older petrol and diesel vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday. The move comes in response to a petition filed by the Delhi government, contesting the complete ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. In response to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) decision, the government argues that the age restriction ban lacks scientific backing. The matter will be heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. A key issue to be addressed is whether Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles should still be subjected to arbitrary end-of-life restrictions based solely on age. In its petition, the Delhi government has requested a thorough investigation by the Centre and CAQM to evaluate the actual environmental benefits of age-based restrictions versus emission-based criteria, according to a report by HT. Why was Delhi’s old vehicle ban policy banned? The existing ban was first imposed in 2015 by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which barred diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating in Delhi-NCR. "The vehicles that are more than 15 years old will not be permitted to be parked in any public area, and they shall be towed away and challenged by the police under the law. This direction would apply to all vehicles without exception, i.e., two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, light vehicles, and heavy vehicles, irrespective of whether commercial or otherwise," the NGT stated in its order on November 26, 2014. However, the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, indicating alarming air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR and a need to protect public health. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) prohibited the fuel stations from supplying petrol and diesel to these "end-of-life" vehicles from July 1, 2025. However, the policy was put on hold just two days after facing public backlash. Later, officials indicated challenges in logistics and gaps in infrastructure, particularly tracking and enforcing the complete ban effectively. Ahead of the review of the Supreme Court on the End-of-Life (EoL) vehicle policy, Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated last week that pollution levels of vehicles should be determined based on their usage rather than their age. "There are many vehicles that have aged, but because they haven't been used much, their pollution levels are lower. There are so many new vehicles whose age is less but have been used a lot; so we believe that the parameter to determine pollution levels must be the use of the vehicle instead of its age," Sirsa told news agency ANI. The Delhi government indicated that the current complete ban affects middle- and lower-income groups that depend solely on used vehicles for essential mobility.

The Delhi government has pledged a thorough investigation in its petition to the Centre and CAQM to evaluate the actual environmental benefits of age-based restrictions versus emission-based criteria.

Supreme Court to review blanket ban on older petrol, diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR—Here's why it was banned?

Two dead in stampede in India's Barabanki temple, police blame monkeys: Here's what happened&nbsp;As many as two people died in a stampede outside the Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki on Monday (July 28). As per multiple reports, the incident occurred after an electric wire fell on tin shed, causing electric shock to several devotees. A large crowd had gathered at the temple on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan. The victims were taken to Trivediganj Community Health Centre, where two were declared dead.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">मुख्यमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myogiadityanath</a> जी महाराज ने जनपद बाराबंकी स्थित श्री अवसानेश्वर महादेव मंदिर परिसर में एक दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण दुर्घटना में हुई जनहानि पर गहरा शोक व्यक्त करते हुए मृतकों के शोक संतप्त परिजनों के प्रति अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त की है। महाराज जी ने जिला प्रशासन के…&mdash; Yogi Adityanath Office (@myogioffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogioffice/status/1949663192902209634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi informed that the electric current was caused by an old electric wire damaged by monkeys. "Devotees had gathered here for darshan on the third Monday of Sawan. Some monkeys jumped onto the overhead electric wires, causing them to fall onto the tin shed. As a result, around 19 people received electric shocks. The situation is otherwise under control," Tripathi said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took cognisance of the matter and instructed the officials to provide immediate relief and ensure proper medical care for the injured. He also said that the UP government will provide two lakh each to the kin of deceased in Haridwar stampede that happened a day ago.<h2>Haridwar stampede</h2>As many as six people were killed and several injured in a stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple in Uttarakhand on Sunday (July 27). Initial reports suggested that the stampede may have occurred due to an electric shock in the area, leading to sudden chaos and panic among worshippers. However, the President of Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, Mahant Ravindra Puri, denied reports of electrocution. Meanwhile, four of the six deceased have been identified as residents of neighbouring state Uttar Pradesh. They been identified as Aarush of Bareilly, Vicky Saini from Rampur, Vakil Singh of Barabanki and Shanti from Budaun, reported news agency PTI. In a post, the UP CM expressed grief over the accident and said, “Instructions have been given to the officials to coordinate with the Uttarakhand government and hand over the bodies of the residents of Uttar Pradesh who died in the accident to their home districts.”

A stampede outside the Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki killed two people after devotees received electric shocks. The police department blamed the monkeys for jumping on the wire

Two dead in stampede in India's Barabanki temple, police blame monkeys: Here's what happened As many as two people died in a stampede outside the Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki on Monday (July 28). As per multiple reports, the incident occurred after an electric wire fell on tin shed, causing electric shock to several devotees. A large crowd had gathered at the temple on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan. The victims were taken to Trivediganj Community Health Centre, where two were declared dead.

A stampede outside the Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki killed two people after devotees received electric shocks. The police department blamed the monkeys for jumping on the wire

Two dead in stampede in UP's Barabanki temple, police blame 'monkeys' for electric shocks: Here's what happened

The Lok Sabha is set for a high-voltage debate on Monday (Jul 28) as Indian lawmakers take up Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. According to Monday's List of Business, the House will hold a "Special Discussion on India's strong, successful and decisive 'Operation Sindoor' in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam". The ruling BJP-led alliance and the Opposition are expected to clash over the attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, which saw targeted strikes on terror infrastructure across the Line of Control, including in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Discussions are also expected on US President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;<h2>Will PM Modi participate in Operation Sindoor debate?</h2>As per reports, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will likely open the discussion in the Lok Sabha. Key figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey are also expected to weigh in. Amid the opposition's demands for PM Narendra Modi's presence during the debate, he may join and could speak in both Houses.The Rajya Sabha will take up the discussion a day later, on Tuesday (Jul 29). Citing sources, ANI reports that Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar will also take part in the discussion in the upper house.<h2>Which opposition leaders will participate in the Operation Sindoor discussion?</h2>Among opposition speakers, TDP's Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and GM Harish Balayogi are expected to participate in the discussion. As per the report, the TDP party has been allotted 30 minutes to speak. From the Samajwadi Party, party chief Akhilesh Yadav and MP Rajiv Rai are expected to participate in the debate.<h2>How long will the discussion last?</h2>Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has confirmed the debate would run for 16 hours in each House—July 28 in the Lok Sabha and July 29 in the Rajya Sabha. "All issues cannot be discussed together... The opposition has raised several issues, like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and others. We have told them that Operation Sindoor will be discussed first. We will decide which issues to discuss after that. Operation Sindoor will be debated for 16 hours in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 28) and for 16 hours in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (July 29)," he told reporters.Opposition leaders have been demanding a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor and have also been seeking an explanation on Trump's claim that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Discussions are also expected on US President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan. 

The Lok Sabha is set for a high-voltage debate on Monday (Jul 28) as Indian lawmakers take up Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead. According to Monday's List of Business, the House will hold a "Special Discussion on India's strong, successful and decisive 'Operation Sindoor' in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam". The ruling BJP-led alliance and the Opposition are expected to clash over the attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, which saw targeted strikes on terror infrastructure across the Line of Control, including in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Discussions are also expected on US President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan. Will PM Modi participate in Operation Sindoor debate? As per reports, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will likely open the discussion in the Lok Sabha. Key figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey are also expected to weigh in. Amid the opposition's demands for PM Narendra Modi's presence during the debate, he may join and could speak in both Houses. The Rajya Sabha will take up the discussion a day later, on Tuesday (Jul 29). Citing sources, ANI reports that Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar will also take part in the discussion in the upper house. Which opposition leaders will participate in the Operation Sindoor discussion? Among opposition speakers, TDP's Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and GM Harish Balayogi are expected to participate in the discussion. As per the report, the TDP party has been allotted 30 minutes to speak. From the Samajwadi Party, party chief Akhilesh Yadav and MP Rajiv Rai are expected to participate in the debate. How long will the discussion last? Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has confirmed the debate would run for 16 hours in each House—July 28 in the Lok Sabha and July 29 in the Rajya Sabha. "All issues cannot be discussed together... The opposition has raised several issues, like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and others. We have told them that Operation Sindoor will be discussed first. We will decide which issues to discuss after that. Operation Sindoor will be debated for 16 hours in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 28) and for 16 hours in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (July 29)," he told reporters. Opposition leaders have been demanding a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor and have also been seeking an explanation on Trump's claim that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Discussions are also expected on US President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Parliament monsoon session: Fiery debate expected as Lok Sabha takes up Operation Sindoor today

A high court in India's Uttar Pradesh ruled that interfaith marriages without religious conversion are illegal. The Allahabad High Court declared the decision while giving a verdict on Saturday (July 26) in a petition related to the alleged kidnapping and marriage of a minor girl at an Arya Samaj temple. The petition was filed by Sonu alias Sahnoor, who had appealed against the criminal charges against him. He denied the charges, saying he had married the girl, now an adult, at an Arya Samaj temple, and they were living together.&nbsp;Justice Prashant Kumar rejected the man's plea, noting that the marriage certificate issued by an Arya Samaj temple involving a minor was in violation of legal norms. The court rejected the plea to cancel the criminal charges against the man charged with allegedly kidnapping and marrying a minor. The ruling targets institutions like Arya Samaj temples, which, the court noted, have been indiscriminately issuing marriage certificates, often for a fixed fee, without adhering to legal formalities.&nbsp;Furthermore, the court directed the Uttar Pradesh Home Secretary to initiate a probe into Arya Samaj institutions that issue marriage certificates to underage couples or interfaith couples without conversion. The court asked for a compliance report by August 29.<h2>What is an Arya Samaj marriage?</h2>Arya Samaj marriage is a Hindu wedding done on the principles of Arya Samaj - a reformist movement that promotes simplicity and Vedic rituals. The Arya Samaj wedding avoids any elaborate customs and rituals and only focuses on core Vedic rites like the sacred fire (Agni) and the chanting of hymns.&nbsp;Notably, Arya Samaj marriages are legally recognised under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955. "After receiving the certificate, no one can harm you legally and cannot challenge your into the court of law," the website assures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Allahabad High Court said that an interfaith marriage without religious conversion is illegal in India. The court also directed to launch of a probe into the Arya Samaj temple that issues marriage certificates illegally. 

A high court in India's Uttar Pradesh ruled that interfaith marriages without religious conversion are illegal. The Allahabad High Court declared the decision while giving a verdict on Saturday (July 26) in a petition related to the alleged kidnapping and marriage of a minor girl at an Arya Samaj temple. The petition was filed by Sonu alias Sahnoor, who had appealed against the criminal charges against him. He denied the charges, saying he had married the girl, now an adult, at an Arya Samaj temple, and they were living together. Justice Prashant Kumar rejected the man's plea, noting that the marriage certificate issued by an Arya Samaj temple involving a minor was in violation of legal norms. The court rejected the plea to cancel the criminal charges against the man charged with allegedly kidnapping and marrying a minor. The ruling targets institutions like Arya Samaj temples, which, the court noted, have been indiscriminately issuing marriage certificates, often for a fixed fee, without adhering to legal formalities. Furthermore, the court directed the Uttar Pradesh Home Secretary to initiate a probe into Arya Samaj institutions that issue marriage certificates to underage couples or interfaith couples without conversion. The court asked for a compliance report by August 29. What is an Arya Samaj marriage? Arya Samaj marriage is a Hindu wedding done on the principles of Arya Samaj - a reformist movement that promotes simplicity and Vedic rituals. The Arya Samaj wedding avoids any elaborate customs and rituals and only focuses on core Vedic rites like the sacred fire (Agni) and the chanting of hymns. Notably, Arya Samaj marriages are legally recognised under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955. "After receiving the certificate, no one can harm you legally and cannot challenge your into the court of law," the website assures.

The Allahabad High Court said that an interfaith marriage without religious conversion is illegal in India. The court also directed to launch of a probe into the Arya Samaj temple that issues marriage certificates “illegally”.&nbsp;

Interfaith marriage without converting religion is illegal, says Allahabad High Court. Here's why

Over 14,000 males had registered as women under the Maharashtra government’s flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana by using forged documents to avail the Rs 1,500 monthly assistance meant for economically disadvantaged women. The anomaly was detected in the Ladki Bahin Yojana besides several others, during a verification exercise. The verification, conducted by the Department of Information and Technology, flagged lakhs of entries where beneficiaries were found ineligible but continued to receive financial support under the scheme.The Maharashtra government has now suspended 26.34 lakh beneficiaries from its flagship scheme after the verification exercise revealed large-scale irregularities. While some were availing benefits of multiple government schemes, more than two members of the same families were also found receiving benefits.&nbsp;<h2>WCD minister seeks data from all departments</h2>&nbsp;Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare issued a statement on Sunday, saying her department had sought data from all state departments to verify the eligibility of applicants under the scheme.“Some beneficiaries were found to be availing of multiple government schemes. In other cases, families had more than two members receiving benefits. Shockingly, there were also instances where male applicants had been granted funds under the scheme,” Tatkare said.&nbsp;After the verification, disbursement of funds to 26.34 lakh such accounts has been temporarily stopped from June 2025.The minister clarified that this was a precautionary suspension and that district collectors had been tasked with conducting a detailed review to determine the eligibility of the beneficiaries under the scheme. “Those found genuine will have their benefits restored,” Tatkare said.The Opposition has targeted the government after the revelation that 14,298 men had availed of benefits under the scheme for women.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Money disbursed to wrongful beneficiaries will be recovered’</h2>&nbsp;Responding to the criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the state would recover the amounts disbursed to the wrongful beneficiaries and would take legal action if they failed to cooperate.“This scheme was launched with a sincere intention to support poor women. It was never meant for men. Misuse will not be tolerated,” Pawar said.The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched in August 2024 by the Eknath Shinde-led Maha Yuti Government ahead of the Assembly polls and offered a monthly dole to women aged between 21 and 65 years whose families earn less than Rs 2.5 lakh annually.&nbsp;The scheme gained traction across the state especially in the run-up to the Assembly elections and was said to have led to victory of the Mahayuti.During the campaigning for Assembly elections, Mahayuti leaders had also promised to raise the amount to Rs 2,100.

About 26 lakh ineligible beneficiaries, including over 14,000 men, have been barred from Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin scheme. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said the state will recover the amount disbursed to ineligible beneficiaries and take legal action if they do not cooperate.

Over 14,000 males had registered as women under the Maharashtra government’s flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana by using forged documents to avail the Rs 1,500 monthly assistance meant for economically disadvantaged women. The anomaly was detected in the Ladki Bahin Yojana besides several others, during a verification exercise. The verification, conducted by the Department of Information and Technology, flagged lakhs of entries where beneficiaries were found ineligible but continued to receive financial support under the scheme. The Maharashtra government has now suspended 26.34 lakh beneficiaries from its flagship scheme after the verification exercise revealed large-scale irregularities. While some were availing benefits of multiple government schemes, more than two members of the same families were also found receiving benefits. WCD minister seeks data from all departments Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare issued a statement on Sunday, saying her department had sought data from all state departments to verify the eligibility of applicants under the scheme. “Some beneficiaries were found to be availing of multiple government schemes. In other cases, families had more than two members receiving benefits. Shockingly, there were also instances where male applicants had been granted funds under the scheme,” Tatkare said. After the verification, disbursement of funds to 26.34 lakh such accounts has been temporarily stopped from June 2025. The minister clarified that this was a precautionary suspension and that district collectors had been tasked with conducting a detailed review to determine the eligibility of the beneficiaries under the scheme. “Those found genuine will have their benefits restored,” Tatkare said. The Opposition has targeted the government after the revelation that 14,298 men had availed of benefits under the scheme for women. ‘Money disbursed to wrongful beneficiaries will be recovered’ Responding to the criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the state would recover the amounts disbursed to the wrongful beneficiaries and would take legal action if they failed to cooperate. “This scheme was launched with a sincere intention to support poor women. It was never meant for men. Misuse will not be tolerated,” Pawar said. The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched in August 2024 by the Eknath Shinde-led Maha Yuti Government ahead of the Assembly polls and offered a monthly dole to women aged between 21 and 65 years whose families earn less than Rs 2.5 lakh annually. The scheme gained traction across the state especially in the run-up to the Assembly elections and was said to have led to victory of the Mahayuti. During the campaigning for Assembly elections, Mahayuti leaders had also promised to raise the amount to Rs 2,100.

About 26 lakh ineligible beneficiaries, including over 14,000 men, have been barred from Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin scheme. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said the state will recover the amount disbursed to ineligible beneficiaries and take legal action if they do not cooperate.

Over 14000 men in Maharashtra get money under Ladki Bahin Yojana for women; Dy CM Ajit Pawar promises action

The President of Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, Mahant Ravindra Puri, denied reports of electrocution causing the deadly stampede that killed six people and left nearly 30 others injured on Sunday and said someone slipped in the heavy rush following which the tragedy took place on the way leading to the shrine revered by devotees. The tragedy took place at about 9 am and about 35 people were rushed to the hospital, out of which six died.Mahant Ravindra Puri said, “There are three ways up to the Mansa Devi temple—a ropeway, a vehicular way and an ancient route direct from Har Ki Pauri... As a huge crowd gathered here, the police were informed, barricades were put up, but still the crowd came up and someone slipped, due to which the entire incident took place... When the temple authorities reached the spot along with the police, we carried all the injured to the district hospital where they are being treated... This is not an incident of electrocution, but there are no indications of such happening... We will assist the victim families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttarakhand | On Haridwar stampede, President of Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, Mahant Ravindra Puri says, &quot;There are three ways up to the Mansa Devi temple - a ropeway, a vehicular way and an ancient route direct from Har Ki Pauri... As a huge crowd gathered here, the police… <a href="https://t.co/g2NXmtUeE6">pic.twitter.com/g2NXmtUeE6</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1949388888277139693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>Four out of 6 deceased from UP, CM Yogi announces ex-gratia</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, four of the six deceased have been identified as residents of neighbouring state Uttar Pradesh. They been identified as Aarush of Bareilly, Vicky Saini from Rampur, Vakil Singh of Barabanki and Shanti from Budaun, reported news agency PTI.UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and instructed officials to coordinate with the Uttarakhand government and ensure the transportation of the bodies to their home districts and handing the mortal remains to the families of the deceased.&nbsp;Adityanath said in a post on X, “The loss of life in the unfortunate accident on the Sri Mansa Devi Temple road in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is extremely sad and heartbreaking.”“My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Maa Mansa Devi to grant salvation to the departed souls, strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow and speedy recovery to the injured. Om Shanti!,” he said.In another post, the UP CM expressed grief over the accident and said, “Instructions have been given to the officials to coordinate with the Uttarakhand government and hand over the bodies of the residents of Uttar Pradesh who died in the accident to their home districts.”“The UP government will provide financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each to the families of each deceased from Uttar Pradesh in this accident,” he added.&nbsp;<h2>CM Pushkar Dhami orders magisterial inquiry, financial aid to victims&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued orders for a magisterial inquiry into the tragic accident.Dhami said the Uttarakhand government will provide financial assistance of 2 lakh rupees to the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">हरिद्वार के मनसा देवी मंदिर मार्ग पर हुए हृदय विदारक हादसे में 6 लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुःखद है। ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगतों की आत्मा को श्रीचरणों में स्थान एवं शोकाकुल परिजनों को यह असीम दुःख सहन करने की शक्ति प्रदान करें। प्रदेश सरकार द्वारा मृतकों के…&mdash; Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) <a href="https://twitter.com/pushkardhami/status/1949354983981232338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Uttarakhand CM went to AIIMS, Rishikesh and inquired about the well-being of the devotees seriously injured in the stampede on the Mansa Devi Temple road. He told the doctors to ensure best treatment to the injured.&nbsp;Meanwhile, local officials said that it will be probed whether the rumour of electric current caused panic among people and triggered the crush, and said that anyone found guilty will be punished.&nbsp;Mansa Devi is the biggest centre of attraction for devotees in Haridwar after Har Ki Pauri.

Meanwhile, local officials said that it will be probed whether the rumour of electric current caused panic among the people in the crowd on the way to the temple and triggered the crush, and said that anyone found guilty of spreading the rumour will be severely punished. 

The President of Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, Mahant Ravindra Puri, denied reports of electrocution causing the deadly stampede that killed six people and left nearly 30 others injured on Sunday and said someone slipped in the heavy rush following which the tragedy took place on the way leading to the shrine revered by devotees. The tragedy took place at about 9 am and about 35 people were rushed to the hospital, out of which six died. Mahant Ravindra Puri said, “There are three ways up to the Mansa Devi temple—a ropeway, a vehicular way and an ancient route direct from Har Ki Pauri... As a huge crowd gathered here, the police were informed, barricades were put up, but still the crowd came up and someone slipped, due to which the entire incident took place... When the temple authorities reached the spot along with the police, we carried all the injured to the district hospital where they are being treated... This is not an incident of electrocution, but there are no indications of such happening... We will assist the victim families.”

Meanwhile, local officials said that it will be probed whether the rumour of electric current caused panic among the people in the crowd on the way to the temple and triggered the crush, and said that anyone found guilty of spreading the rumour will be severely punished.&nbsp;

Haridwar stampede: Mansa Devi Temple Trust head denies current leak caused crush; 4 of 6 killed from UP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (July 27) hailed Operation Sindoor as a defining moment in India’s military history, saying it showcased to the world how India would respond if its sovereignty was threatened. Addressing a gathering in Tamil Nadu to commemorate Chola emperor Rajendra Chola-I’s birth anniversary, Modi said the cross-border offensive had instilled a new wave of self-confidence across the country.&nbsp;“The world saw how India responds if someone attacks its security and sovereignty.” “Operation Sindoor proved that for enemies of India, for terrorists, there is no safe haven. When I came here from the helipad, the 3-4 km distance suddenly became a roadshow, and everyone was praising Op Sindoor,” said PM Modi. “Operation Sindoor has created a new awakening, a new self-confidence across the country. The world has to realise India's strength,” the Prime Minister added.&nbsp;Operation Sindoor, a precision military strike carried out on May 7, 2025, was launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent people. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;The event was held to mark the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, celebrated on the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola-I during the Tamil month of Aadi. The PM further said the names of emperors Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola-I were synonymous with India’s identity and pride. He announced that grand statues would be built for both in Tamil Nadu, adding that these would serve as “modern pillars of our historic awakening.”&nbsp;Modi referred to the democratic principles of the Chola Empire as one of the golden eras in Indian history. The Prime Minister admired the 'Kudavolai system' that was followed by the Cholas, saying it proved that India has followed democratic traditions a long time ago – even before the Magna Carta of the British.

PM Modi in Tamil Nadu Operation Sindoor has given new self confidence to the country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (July 27) hailed Operation Sindoor as a defining moment in India’s military history, saying it showcased to the world how India would respond if its sovereignty was threatened. Addressing a gathering in Tamil Nadu to commemorate Chola emperor Rajendra Chola-I’s birth anniversary, Modi said the cross-border offensive had instilled a new wave of self-confidence across the country. “The world saw how India responds if someone attacks its security and sovereignty.” “Operation Sindoor proved that for enemies of India, for terrorists, there is no safe haven. When I came here from the helipad, the 3-4 km distance suddenly became a roadshow, and everyone was praising Op Sindoor,” said PM Modi. “Operation Sindoor has created a new awakening, a new self-confidence across the country. The world has to realise India's strength,” the Prime Minister added. Operation Sindoor, a precision military strike carried out on May 7, 2025, was launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent people. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The event was held to mark the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, celebrated on the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola-I during the Tamil month of Aadi. The PM further said the names of emperors Raja Raja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola-I were synonymous with India’s identity and pride. He announced that grand statues would be built for both in Tamil Nadu, adding that these would serve as “modern pillars of our historic awakening.” Modi referred to the democratic principles of the Chola Empire as one of the golden eras in Indian history. The Prime Minister admired the 'Kudavolai system' that was followed by the Cholas, saying it proved that India has followed democratic traditions a long time ago – even before the Magna Carta of the British.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Tamil Nadu at an event to honour Chola emperor Rajendra Chola

PM Modi in Tamil Nadu: ‘Operation Sindoor has given new self-confidence to the country’

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the largest software services firm in India, has decided to cut 2 per cent of its workforce, or roughly over 12,000 employees in the ongoing financial year, in a bid to tackle rapid disruptions in technology and be future-ready. The decision will impact employees across countries and domains and will be implemented in the fiscal year from April 2025 to March 2026.“We have been calling out new technologies, particularly AI and operating model changes. The ways of working are changing. We need to be future-ready and agile. We have been deploying AI at scale and evaluating skills we will be requiring for the future,” TCS CEO K Krithivasan told Moneycontrol.&nbsp;“We have invested a lot in associates in terms of how we can provide them with career growth and deployment opportunities. Still, we find that there are roles where redeployment has not been effective. This will impact roughly 2 per cent of our global workforce, primarily at middle and senior levels. It has not been an easy decision and is one of the toughest decisions I have had to take as CEO,” Krithivasan added.With an employee headcount of 6,13,000 for the latest quarter ended in June, a 2 per cent reduction by TCS will impact roughly 12,200 employees.&nbsp;<h2>‘It is a difficult call…’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;“It’s a difficult call we have to take to build a stronger TCS,” Krithivasan said, adding that the company is working to make the process as compassionate as possible.&nbsp;The firm will offer notice period pay and an added severance package and will also look to extend insurance benefits besides offering outplacement opportunities for the impacted employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;The restructuring by TCS, one of the largest employers in the private sector in the country, is likely to have a ripple effect in the industry, with other firms also following suit.&nbsp;“This is not because of AI but to address skills for the future. This is about feasibility in deployment, not because we need less people,” Krithivasan said on being asked if the decision to trim the workforce was the impact of AI-led productivity gains.&nbsp;<h2>IT firm also tweaks bench policy</h2>&nbsp;The move comes weeks after TCS tweaked its employee bench policy, requiring staff to maintain at least 225 billable days annually and also limiting bench time to less than 35 days.&nbsp;Analysts say traditional skills like testing are declining in relevance in the industry, and client projects are becoming smaller and shorter, demanding fewer staff as companies increasingly push software providers to leverage AI.&nbsp;On the new bench policy, Krithivasan had said, “It's not an efficiency drive. We just want to ensure associates are able to seek projects and ensure that they remain productive through the year.”

TCS CEO K Krithivasan confirmed that the firm is planning to fire nearly 12,000 employees, and this layoff will majorly affect middle- and senior-level employees. He said that the ways of working are changing, and to succeed, every company needs to be future-ready and agile.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the largest software services firm in India, has decided to cut 2 per cent of its workforce, or roughly over 12,000 employees in the ongoing financial year, in a bid to tackle rapid disruptions in technology and be future-ready. The decision will impact employees across countries and domains and will be implemented in the fiscal year from April 2025 to March 2026. “We have been calling out new technologies, particularly AI and operating model changes. The ways of working are changing. We need to be future-ready and agile. We have been deploying AI at scale and evaluating skills we will be requiring for the future,” TCS CEO K Krithivasan told Moneycontrol. “We have invested a lot in associates in terms of how we can provide them with career growth and deployment opportunities. Still, we find that there are roles where redeployment has not been effective. This will impact roughly 2 per cent of our global workforce, primarily at middle and senior levels. It has not been an easy decision and is one of the toughest decisions I have had to take as CEO,” Krithivasan added. With an employee headcount of 6,13,000 for the latest quarter ended in June, a 2 per cent reduction by TCS will impact roughly 12,200 employees. ‘It is a difficult call…’ “It’s a difficult call we have to take to build a stronger TCS,” Krithivasan said, adding that the company is working to make the process as compassionate as possible. The firm will offer notice period pay and an added severance package and will also look to extend insurance benefits besides offering outplacement opportunities for the impacted employees. The restructuring by TCS, one of the largest employers in the private sector in the country, is likely to have a ripple effect in the industry, with other firms also following suit. “This is not because of AI but to address skills for the future. This is about feasibility in deployment, not because we need less people,” Krithivasan said on being asked if the decision to trim the workforce was the impact of AI-led productivity gains. IT firm also tweaks bench policy The move comes weeks after TCS tweaked its employee bench policy, requiring staff to maintain at least 225 billable days annually and also limiting bench time to less than 35 days. Analysts say traditional skills like testing are declining in relevance in the industry, and client projects are becoming smaller and shorter, demanding fewer staff as companies increasingly push software providers to leverage AI. On the new bench policy, Krithivasan had said, “It's not an efficiency drive. We just want to ensure associates are able to seek projects and ensure that they remain productive through the year.”

TCS CEO K Krithivasan confirmed that the firm is planning to fire nearly 12,000 employees, and this layoff will majorly affect middle- and senior-level employees. He said that the ways of working are changing, and to succeed, every company needs to be future-ready and agile.

TCS to shed 2% of workforce, impact 12,000 employees, as it braces for rapid tech shifts

The investigation against Harshvardhan Jain, a man who was arrested for running a fake embassy in India's Ghaziabad for eight years, has now revealed multiple shocking details. As per a report by NDTV, there is a possibility of ₹300 crore ($36 million), 162 foreign trips in 10 years and multiple overseas bank accounts in the scam. The man was arrested last week from a rented two-storey house in Ghaziabad. He had claimed the house as an embassy. Police found that Jain was allegedly running a job racket and was also involved in money laundering through the Hawala route. &nbsp;During the raid of the house, police found four cars with fake diplomatic number plates, forged documents and a luxury watch collection.<h2>'Grand Duchy of Westarctica'</h2>&nbsp;The police found a nameplate that read "Grand Duchy of Westarctica" outside the house. The investigation revealed that Jain used to use this front for networking and then lure people with jobs abroad. &nbsp;The fake embassy has been running since 2017. The accused used to organise charity events, including bhandaras (community feasts), outside the 'embassy' to keep up the show.&nbsp;Moreover, during the raid, police also found a photo of Jain with the controversial "godman" Chandraswami and Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. &nbsp; The investigation found that it was Chandraswami who introduced Jain to Khassogi and conman Ahsan Ali Sayed. &nbsp;Sayed allegedly worked with Jain to open 25 shell companies that were used to launder money. Sayed was born in India's Hyderabad and later opted a Turkish citizenship.<h2>What is Westarctica?</h2>&nbsp;In 2001, US Navy officer Travis McHenry founded the micronation called Westartica. He calls himself the Grand Duke of Westartica, which is located in Antarctica and has a land area of 620,000 square miles. He claims the country has 2356 citizens, but none of them live there. The Grand Duchy of West Arctic is located in California, which spreads awareness about climate change and Antarctica. The so-called country has a flag and, currency.&nbsp;

The investigation into the fake embassy case in Ghaziabad has revealed multiple secrets, including $36 million scam and 162 foreign trips. 

The investigation against Harshvardhan Jain, a man who was arrested for running a fake embassy in India's Ghaziabad for eight years, has now revealed multiple shocking details. As per a report by NDTV, there is a possibility of ₹300 crore ($36 million), 162 foreign trips in 10 years and multiple overseas bank accounts in the scam. The man was arrested last week from a rented two-storey house in Ghaziabad. He had claimed the house as an embassy. Police found that Jain was allegedly running a job racket and was also involved in money laundering through the Hawala route. During the raid of the house, police found four cars with fake diplomatic number plates, forged documents and a luxury watch collection. 'Grand Duchy of Westarctica' The police found a nameplate that read "Grand Duchy of Westarctica" outside the house. The investigation revealed that Jain used to use this front for networking and then lure people with jobs abroad. The fake embassy has been running since 2017. The accused used to organise charity events, including bhandaras (community feasts), outside the 'embassy' to keep up the show. Moreover, during the raid, police also found a photo of Jain with the controversial "godman" Chandraswami and Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. The investigation found that it was Chandraswami who introduced Jain to Khassogi and conman Ahsan Ali Sayed. Sayed allegedly worked with Jain to open 25 shell companies that were used to launder money. Sayed was born in India's Hyderabad and later opted a Turkish citizenship. What is Westarctica? In 2001, US Navy officer Travis McHenry founded the micronation called Westartica. He calls himself the Grand Duke of Westartica, which is located in Antarctica and has a land area of 620,000 square miles. He claims the country has 2356 citizens, but none of them live there. The Grand Duchy of West Arctic is located in California, which spreads awareness about climate change and Antarctica. The so-called country has a flag and, currency.

The investigation into the fake embassy case in India's Ghaziabad has revealed multiple secrets, including $36 million scam and 162 foreign trips.&nbsp;

$36 million scam, 162 foreign trips: Here's what investigation into fake embassy case reveals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his trip to Tamil Nadu on Sunday (July 27), referred to the democratic principles of the Chola Empire as one of the golden eras in Indian history. The Prime Minister admired the 'Kudavolai system' that was followed by the Cholas, saying it proved that India has followed democratic traditions a long time ago – even before the Magna Carta of the British.&nbsp;Speaking at a function during the birth anniversary celebrations of Emperor Rajendra Chola I at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Ariyalur, PM Modi also attended the valedictory function of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival. “Historians believe that the Chola Empire was one of the golden eras of India. The Chola Empire also carried forward the tradition of India as the Mother of Democracy. Historians talk about Britain's Magna Carta in the name of democracy. But many centuries ago, elections were held in the Chola Empire through a democratic method. We hear about many such kings who used to bring gold, silver or livestock after conquering other places. But Rajendra Chola brought Gangajal,” Modi said. &nbsp;The Kudavolai system was a advanced electoral system followed during the Chola period between the 10th and 12th centuries CE in South India. It is commonly accepted as one of the oldest examples of democratic rule in the history of the world. Referring to the timelessness of Shaivism, PM Modi said, “Today, when the world is struggling with problems like instability, violence and the environment, Shaiva principles show us the path of solutions. Love is Shiva, and if the world adopts this idea today, most of the crises can be solved automatically. India is taking this idea forward in the form of One World, One Family, One Future."&nbsp;He made the comparison between the Saivite tradition and India's accomplishment in space, saying , “Saivite tradition transcends Earth; Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander landing site [was] named Shiv Shakti point.”<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu: PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple PM Modi is participating in the celebration of the birth anniversary of the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I with the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple… <a href="https://t.co/a88qzFgXZ6">pic.twitter.com/a88qzFgXZ6</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1949377168267473130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Modi discussed his emotional connect with Kashi and its spiritual association with the Cholas, and said, &nbsp;“I am happy that today, Gangajal has been brought here from Kashi once again. I am people's representative from Kashi, and I have a connection with Maa Ganga. These works of Chola kings, these events related to them give new energy, new power, new momentum to the 'Mahayagya' of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.” &nbsp;Talking of the Chola empire's involvement on a global scale, the PM &nbsp;said, “The Chola kings significantly enhanced their diplomatic and trade relations with regions such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. It is just a coincidence that I returned from the Maldives yesterday, and today I am fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in this programme...” He further said, “I am privileged to be present and worship at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswara. I have prayed at this historic temple for the welfare of 140 crore Indians and for the continued progress of India. I wish that everyone gets the blessings of Lord Shiva.”&nbsp;The Prime Minister also praised music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, who gave a special concert during the event. He said, &nbsp; “This is the land of faith of Rajaraja, and Ilaiyaraaja immersed all of us in Shiva devotion on this land of faith... I am an MP from Kashi. And when I hear 'Om Namah Shivaya', I get goosebumps.” &nbsp;He ended with an introspection of the divine energy of the experience. Modi said, “The energy of Shiv's (darshan) glimpse and Ilaiyaraaja's music and the chanting of mantras – this is a spiritual experience which makes the soul overwhelmed with emotion.” &nbsp;PM Modi was seen wearing customary Tamil attire– a white veshti (dhoti), white shirt, and angavasthram wrapped around his neck – when he went to the historic temple. He was received by local priests upon his arrival. Earlier in the day, crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the prime minister during his roadshow in Tiruchirappalli district.

In Tamil Nadu PM Modi says Chola Empire carried forward tradition of India as Mother of Democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his trip to Tamil Nadu on Sunday (July 27), referred to the democratic principles of the Chola Empire as one of the golden eras in Indian history. The Prime Minister admired the 'Kudavolai system' that was followed by the Cholas, saying it proved that India has followed democratic traditions a long time ago – even before the Magna Carta of the British. Speaking at a function during the birth anniversary celebrations of Emperor Rajendra Chola I at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Ariyalur, PM Modi also attended the valedictory function of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival. “Historians believe that the Chola Empire was one of the golden eras of India. The Chola Empire also carried forward the tradition of India as the Mother of Democracy. Historians talk about Britain's Magna Carta in the name of democracy. But many centuries ago, elections were held in the Chola Empire through a democratic method. We hear about many such kings who used to bring gold, silver or livestock after conquering other places. But Rajendra Chola brought Gangajal,” Modi said. The Kudavolai system was a advanced electoral system followed during the Chola period between the 10th and 12th centuries CE in South India. It is commonly accepted as one of the oldest examples of democratic rule in the history of the world. Referring to the timelessness of Shaivism, PM Modi said, “Today, when the world is struggling with problems like instability, violence and the environment, Shaiva principles show us the path of solutions. Love is Shiva, and if the world adopts this idea today, most of the crises can be solved automatically. India is taking this idea forward in the form of One World, One Family, One Future." He made the comparison between the Saivite tradition and India's accomplishment in space, saying , “Saivite tradition transcends Earth; Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander landing site [was] named Shiv Shakti point.” Watch the video here:

The PM was addressing a gathering at the birth anniversary celebrations of Emperor Rajendra Chola I at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Ariyalur

In Tamil Nadu, PM Modi says, 'Chola Empire carried forward tradition of India as Mother of Democracy'

Mansa Devi temple stampede: A horrifying stampede occurred in a temple in Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Sunday (May 27) in which at least six people have been reported killed so far and multiple injured. A video has been circulating on the internet showing people stuck in the chaos and being asked to go back as the crowd swelled from all directions. The incident occurred around 9 in the morning at the hilltop Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, where hundreds of devotees were present at the temple atop the Shivalik Hills at a height of over 500 feet.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">India, Uttarakhand: 6 people dead and several injured in a stampede after a huge crowd gathered at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar. . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MansaDevi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MansaDevi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MansaDeviTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MansaDeviTemple</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MansaDeviStampede?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MansaDeviStampede</a> <a href="https://t.co/B468NXdzgj">pic.twitter.com/B468NXdzgj</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1949410300442313069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The police said the stampede occurred due to a rumour of an electric current on the stairs of the temple. The rumour triggered chaos and led to a stampede at the temple premises. A video of the chaos showed a massive crowd of people, including children and women, making their way to the temple. Meanwhile, the circulated video showed a man frantically appealing to the people in the crowd to go back, and another showed a person describing the chaos and showing children struggling to get space in the crush. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, is one of the five sacred sites or Panch Tirthas of Haridwar.<h2>Probe launched&nbsp;</h2>The Haridwar Police have said that around 35 people were rushed to the hospital, and six of them died. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said a magisterial probe has been ordered.&nbsp;"A stampede broke out at the Mansa Devi temple in the morning because of a rumour…We have ordered a magisterial probe into the incident, and those responsible for spreading the rumour will face strict action," Dhami said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief as he wrote on the social media platform X, "Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected."&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1949353250785812806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A new video showed the horrifying situation of devotees at the Mansa Devi temple before a stampede occurred that killed six people and injured many. 

Mansa Devi temple stampede: A horrifying stampede occurred in a temple in Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Sunday (May 27) in which at least six people have been reported killed so far and multiple injured. A video has been circulating on the internet showing people stuck in the chaos and being asked to go back as the crowd swelled from all directions. The incident occurred around 9 in the morning at the hilltop Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, where hundreds of devotees were present at the temple atop the Shivalik Hills at a height of over 500 feet.

A new video showed the horrifying situation of devotees at the Mansa Devi temple before a stampede occurred that killed six people and injured many.&nbsp;

Haridwar temple stampede: Video shows man shouting 'GO BACK' before horrifying incident kills 6

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jul 27) announced the launch of the 'Gyan Bharatam Mission', a major initiative to digitise and preserve India's ancient manuscripts through a National Digital Repository. Speaking during the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "Inspired by the thought of expanding our ancient knowledge, the Government of India has announced a historic initiative in this year's budget, 'Gyan Bharatam Mission'. Under this mission, ancient manuscripts will be digitised. Then, a National Digital Repository will be created, where students and researchers from all over the world will be able to connect with India's knowledge tradition."<h2>What is 'Gyan Bharatam Mission'?</h2>As per PM Modi, the Gyan Bharatam Mission would help digitise what he referred to as the 'Chapters of India's soul'. The mission aims to unlock the country’s civilisational knowledge for global students and researchers.The ambitious initiative, first announced in the Union Budget on June 9, targets the digitisation and conservation of over one crore manuscripts scattered across India. As per ANI, the 2025 Budget saw a sharp increase in funding for this initiative — from ₹3.5 crore ($404,831) to ₹60 crore ($693,996,2).Calling the manuscripts "chapters of India's soul," the Prime Minister urged citizens to support the mission and pass on this legacy to future generations. "These are not just manuscripts; these are the chapters of India's soul, which we have to teach to the coming generations," he said.<h2>A civilisational digital project</h2>The Gyan Bharatam Mission, as per the report, also aligns with India's broader focus on reviving its civilisational heritage through language revitalisation, manuscript conservation, among other things. As per the report, it also lends support to India's vision towards a 'Viksit Bharat' vision, by preserving traditional knowledge and repurposing it for future generations.<h2>PM Modi hails UNESCO's recognition of 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites</h2>PM Modi also celebrated UNESCO's decision to list 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites, calling each of them a chapter of Indian history. "UNESCO has recognised 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. 11 forts are in Maharashtra, and one fort is in Tamil Nadu. Every fort has a page of history attached to it, and every stone has witnessed a historical event," he said. &nbsp;

Speaking during the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Narendra Modi said that inspired by the thought of expanding India's ancient knowledge, the Government of India has launched the 'Gyan Bharatam Mission'. All you need to know about it. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jul 27) announced the launch of the 'Gyan Bharatam Mission', a major initiative to digitise and preserve India's ancient manuscripts through a National Digital Repository. Speaking during the 124th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "Inspired by the thought of expanding our ancient knowledge, the Government of India has announced a historic initiative in this year's budget, 'Gyan Bharatam Mission'. Under this mission, ancient manuscripts will be digitised. Then, a National Digital Repository will be created, where students and researchers from all over the world will be able to connect with India's knowledge tradition." What is 'Gyan Bharatam Mission'? As per PM Modi, the Gyan Bharatam Mission would help digitise what he referred to as the 'Chapters of India's soul'. The mission aims to unlock the country’s civilisational knowledge for global students and researchers. The ambitious initiative, first announced in the Union Budget on June 9, targets the digitisation and conservation of over one crore manuscripts scattered across India. As per ANI, the 2025 Budget saw a sharp increase in funding for this initiative — from ₹3.5 crore ($404,831) to ₹60 crore ($693,996,2). Calling the manuscripts "chapters of India's soul," the Prime Minister urged citizens to support the mission and pass on this legacy to future generations. "These are not just manuscripts; these are the chapters of India's soul, which we have to teach to the coming generations," he said. A civilisational digital project The Gyan Bharatam Mission, as per the report, also aligns with India's broader focus on reviving its civilisational heritage through language revitalisation, manuscript conservation, among other things. As per the report, it also lends support to India's vision towards a 'Viksit Bharat' vision, by preserving traditional knowledge and repurposing it for future generations. PM Modi hails UNESCO's recognition of 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites PM Modi also celebrated UNESCO's decision to list 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites, calling each of them a chapter of Indian history. "UNESCO has recognised 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. 11 forts are in Maharashtra, and one fort is in Tamil Nadu. Every fort has a page of history attached to it, and every stone has witnessed a historical event," he said.

Speaking during the 124th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Narendra Modi said that inspired by the thought of expanding India's ancient knowledge, the Government of India has launched the 'Gyan Bharatam Mission'. All you need to know about it.&nbsp;

'Chapters of India's soul': PM Modi launches 'Gyan Bharatam Mission' to digitise ancient manuscripts. All you need to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation in his 124th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, focusing on the importance of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' in ensuring cleanliness and waste management.&nbsp;"Sometimes a task comes across as impossible to some people. They wonder, would this even be possible? But, when the country comes together on one thought, even the impossible becomes possible. 'Swachh Bharat Mission' is the biggest example of this. Soon, this mission will complete 11 years. But, its strength and its need is still the same," an official release quoted PM Modi as saying.&nbsp;As the Swachh Bharat Mission nears its 11th anniversary, PM Modi stated that more than 4,500 cities and towns across the nation have joined the cleanliness movement this year.&nbsp;"In these 11 years, 'Swachh Bharat Mission' has become a mass movement. People consider it their duty, and this is real public participation. The Swachh Survey, conducted every year, has lifted this feeling further. More than 15 crore people participated in it. This is not an ordinary number. This is the voice of Swachh Bharat," PM Modi said.&nbsp;Apprising the listeners of efforts made by people in Uttarakhand's Kirtinagar, the PM said that they have set a new example of waste management in the hills.&nbsp;"When it comes to cleanliness, our cities and towns are working in different ways according to their needs and surroundings. And their impact is not just limited to these cities; the whole country is adopting these methods. The people of Kirtinagar in Uttarakhand are setting a new example of waste management in the hills," PM Modi said in his address.&nbsp;He said that organic waste management was being done with the help of technology in Karnataka's Mangaluru. The PM also highlighted the efforts of locals in Arunachal Pradesh's Roing in managing waste by creating a park from recycled waste.&nbsp;"There is a small city called Roing in Arunachal. There was a time when waste management was a significant challenge to the health of the people. The people there took responsibility for it. 'Green Roing Initiative' was started, and then an entire park was created from recycled waste. Similarly, many new examples of water management have been set in Karad and in Vijayawada. The cleanliness at the River Front in Ahmedabad has also caught everyone's attention," PM Modi said.&nbsp;The PM praised the 'Sakartmak Soch' team working in Bhopal, comprising 200 women, who not only clear but also change mindsets.&nbsp;"A team in Bhopal is called 'Sakaratmak Soch'. It comprises 200 women. They don't just clean, they also change mindsets. Cleaning parks in the city together, distributing cloth bags, every step of theirs is a message. Owing to such efforts, Bhopal has now come a long way in the Swachh Survey. It is also important to mention the Gomti River team of Lucknow. Every Sunday for the last 10 years, tirelessly, without stopping, the members of this team are engaged in the cleanliness work," PM Modi said.&nbsp;"The example of Bilha in Chhattisgarh is also great. Here, women received training in waste management, and together, they transformed the city's landscape. The example of Panaji city in Goa is also inspiring. There, waste is divided into 16 categories, and that is also being led by women. Panaji has even received the President's award. Friends, cleanliness is not a one-time, one-day task. Only when we accord priority to cleanliness every day, every moment of the year, will the country remain clean," he added.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

As the Swachh Bharat Mission nears its 11th anniversary, PM Modi stated that more than 4,500 cities and towns across the nation have joined the cleanliness movement this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation in his 124th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, focusing on the importance of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' in ensuring cleanliness and waste management. "Sometimes a task comes across as impossible to some people. They wonder, would this even be possible? But, when the country comes together on one thought, even the impossible becomes possible. 'Swachh Bharat Mission' is the biggest example of this. Soon, this mission will complete 11 years. But, its strength and its need is still the same," an official release quoted PM Modi as saying. As the Swachh Bharat Mission nears its 11th anniversary, PM Modi stated that more than 4,500 cities and towns across the nation have joined the cleanliness movement this year. "In these 11 years, 'Swachh Bharat Mission' has become a mass movement. People consider it their duty, and this is real public participation. The Swachh Survey, conducted every year, has lifted this feeling further. More than 15 crore people participated in it. This is not an ordinary number. This is the voice of Swachh Bharat," PM Modi said. Apprising the listeners of efforts made by people in Uttarakhand's Kirtinagar, the PM said that they have set a new example of waste management in the hills. "When it comes to cleanliness, our cities and towns are working in different ways according to their needs and surroundings. And their impact is not just limited to these cities; the whole country is adopting these methods. The people of Kirtinagar in Uttarakhand are setting a new example of waste management in the hills," PM Modi said in his address. He said that organic waste management was being done with the help of technology in Karnataka's Mangaluru. The PM also highlighted the efforts of locals in Arunachal Pradesh's Roing in managing waste by creating a park from recycled waste. "There is a small city called Roing in Arunachal. There was a time when waste management was a significant challenge to the health of the people. The people there took responsibility for it. 'Green Roing Initiative' was started, and then an entire park was created from recycled waste. Similarly, many new examples of water management have been set in Karad and in Vijayawada. The cleanliness at the River Front in Ahmedabad has also caught everyone's attention," PM Modi said. The PM praised the 'Sakartmak Soch' team working in Bhopal, comprising 200 women, who not only clear but also change mindsets. "A team in Bhopal is called 'Sakaratmak Soch'. It comprises 200 women. They don't just clean, they also change mindsets. Cleaning parks in the city together, distributing cloth bags, every step of theirs is a message. Owing to such efforts, Bhopal has now come a long way in the Swachh Survey. It is also important to mention the Gomti River team of Lucknow. Every Sunday for the last 10 years, tirelessly, without stopping, the members of this team are engaged in the cleanliness work," PM Modi said. "The example of Bilha in Chhattisgarh is also great. Here, women received training in waste management, and together, they transformed the city's landscape. The example of Panaji city in Goa is also inspiring. There, waste is divided into 16 categories, and that is also being led by women. Panaji has even received the President's award. Friends, cleanliness is not a one-time, one-day task. Only when we accord priority to cleanliness every day, every moment of the year, will the country remain clean," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

As the Swachh Bharat Mission nears its 11th anniversary, PM Modi stated that more than 4,500 cities and towns across the nation have joined the cleanliness movement this year.

PM Modi highlights India’s cleanliness drive in Mann Ki Baat, says people turned Swachh Bharat into mass movement

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jul 27) during the 124th episode of his monthly radio show ‘Mann ki Baat’ lauded India's growing capabilities in the space sector and made special mention of IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's who recently undertook a journey to the International Space Station (ISS). The Indian PM also mentioned the successful launch of Chandrayaan 3 and the recognition of 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites, among other things.<h2>Ambience of science in the country</h2>PM Modi during the latest Mann ki Baat episode said, "We shall touch upon the successes of the country; the achievements of the countrymen" before mentioning Astronaut Shukla. He noted that a "wave of happiness rippled through every heart," filling every citizen with pride when he landed back on Earth."Recently, there was a lot of discussion in the country about the return of Shubhanshu Shukla from space. As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on Earth, people jumped with joy, and a wave of happiness ran through every heart. The whole country was filled with pride," he said. He also highlighted how the success of Indian space agency ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission and said it created an atmosphere of curiosity in the country for space and science-related endeavours. "I remember, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new ambience was created in the country. A new curiosity also arose among children about science, about space. Little children now say, we will also go to Space; we will also land on the moon -we will become space scientists," PM Modi said.He also spoke about the 'INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan,' which promotes innovation among children by providing them with a platform to develop innovative ideas rooted in science. Modi noted that in the programme, "Five children are selected from each school. So far, lakhs of children have joined INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan, and after Chandrayaan-3, their number has doubled." He added that "Indian start-ups are also growing rapidly in the country. Five years ago, there were fewer than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200". &nbsp;

PM Modi during the latest Mann ki Baat episode said, "We shall touch upon the successes of the country; the achievements of the countrymen" before mentioning Astronaut Shukla. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jul 27) during the 124th episode of his monthly radio show ‘Mann ki Baat’ lauded India's growing capabilities in the space sector and made special mention of IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's who recently undertook a journey to the International Space Station (ISS). The Indian PM also mentioned the successful launch of Chandrayaan 3 and the recognition of 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites, among other things. Ambience of science in the country PM Modi during the latest Mann ki Baat episode said, "We shall touch upon the successes of the country; the achievements of the countrymen" before mentioning Astronaut Shukla. He noted that a "wave of happiness rippled through every heart," filling every citizen with pride when he landed back on Earth. "Recently, there was a lot of discussion in the country about the return of Shubhanshu Shukla from space. As soon as Shubhanshu landed safely on Earth, people jumped with joy, and a wave of happiness ran through every heart. The whole country was filled with pride," he said. He also highlighted how the success of Indian space agency ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission and said it created an atmosphere of curiosity in the country for space and science-related endeavours. "I remember, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new ambience was created in the country. A new curiosity also arose among children about science, about space. Little children now say, we will also go to Space; we will also land on the moon -we will become space scientists," PM Modi said. He also spoke about the 'INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan,' which promotes innovation among children by providing them with a platform to develop innovative ideas rooted in science. Modi noted that in the programme, "Five children are selected from each school. So far, lakhs of children have joined INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan, and after Chandrayaan-3, their number has doubled." He added that "Indian start-ups are also growing rapidly in the country. Five years ago, there were fewer than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200".

PM Modi during the latest Mann ki Baat episode said, "We shall touch upon the successes of the country; the achievements of the countrymen" before mentioning Astronaut Shukla.&nbsp;

'We’ll go to space too': Modi lauds astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Chandrayaan-3 success in Mann Ki Baat

The Border Security Forces in the Kashmir Valley today organised a mega cycle rally to celebrate the “Khelo India Scheme’s Fit India Initiative” and to commemorate Vijay Diwas. Raghubir Singh, DIG BSF Srinagar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and flagged off the rally from Nishat Garden, Srinagar.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rally was organised in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports, Government of India, in association with the BSF Kashmir Frontier. The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, including civil dignitaries, local youth, civilians, and BSF personnel.&nbsp;Speaking to the media, DIG BSF Srinagar highlighted the transformative impact of the Khelo India Scheme and the Fit India Initiative on youth development across the country, particularly emphasising the positive changes witnessed among the youth in the Kashmir Valley. He dedicated the rally to the valiant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War of 1999, underlining their extraordinary valor, dedication, and resilience in one of the world’s most challenging terrains. “Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of the unflinching courage and ultimate sacrifice of our brave-hearts. It is our duty to remember and honor their legacy,” he stated.&nbsp;The proceedings began with the unfurling of the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem. A solemn moment of silence was observed to honour the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces. Moreover, 200 riders took part in the rally, which traversed the Dal Lake and culminated at the Botanical Garden. Cyclists carried the tricolour, receiving a warm and patriotic welcome from local residents at various points along the route. The event fostered a profound sense of enthusiasm, national pride, and unity among all participants. The rally concluded with interactive sessions between dignitaries and youth.&nbsp;

The Border Security Forces in the Kashmir Valley today organised a mega cycle rally to celebrate the “Khelo India Scheme’s Fit India Initiative” and to commemorate Vijay Diwas. 

The Border Security Forces in the Kashmir Valley today organised a mega cycle rally to celebrate the “Khelo India Scheme’s Fit India Initiative” and to commemorate Vijay Diwas. Raghubir Singh, DIG BSF Srinagar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and flagged off the rally from Nishat Garden, Srinagar. The rally was organised in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, in association with the BSF Kashmir Frontier. The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout, including civil dignitaries, local youth, civilians, and BSF personnel. Speaking to the media, DIG BSF Srinagar highlighted the transformative impact of the Khelo India Scheme and the Fit India Initiative on youth development across the country, particularly emphasising the positive changes witnessed among the youth in the Kashmir Valley. He dedicated the rally to the valiant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War of 1999, underlining their extraordinary valor, dedication, and resilience in one of the world’s most challenging terrains. “Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us of the unflinching courage and ultimate sacrifice of our brave-hearts. It is our duty to remember and honor their legacy,” he stated. The proceedings began with the unfurling of the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem. A solemn moment of silence was observed to honour the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces. Moreover, 200 riders took part in the rally, which traversed the Dal Lake and culminated at the Botanical Garden. Cyclists carried the tricolour, receiving a warm and patriotic welcome from local residents at various points along the route. The event fostered a profound sense of enthusiasm, national pride, and unity among all participants. The rally concluded with interactive sessions between dignitaries and youth.

The Border Security Forces in the Kashmir Valley today organised a mega cycle rally to celebrate the “Khelo India Scheme’s Fit India Initiative” and to commemorate Vijay Diwas.&nbsp;

BSF Kashmir frontier organises mega cycle rally to celebrate Khelo India Scheme’s Fit India Initiative, commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas

As many as six people have been killed and several injured in a stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple in India's Uttarakhand on Sunday (July 27). Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the incident while speaking to reporters and said that a detailed report of the incident is awaited. The injured are being taken for treatment to nearby hospitals and rescue and relief operations are underway. Initial reports suggested that the stampede may have occurred due to an electric shock in the area, leading to sudden chaos and panic among worshippers. Authorities are also in the process of identifying the victims who lost their lives. A large crowd reportedly gathered in the temple due to the holy month of Shravana.&nbsp;Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in a tweet said, “SDRF, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter, and the situation is being closely monitored...” SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal said, "We received reports of some people being injured, following which the police took immediate action. Around 35 people were brought to the hospital and 6 have been confirmed dead. The rest are undergoing treatment... Prima facie, the stampede was triggered by a rumour of an electric shock on stairs 100 metres down the temple route. We are investigating further..." Speaking to news agency ANI, one of the injured said, "Suddenly, a huge crowd gathered there and a stampede took place. During this, I fell and my hand got fractured..."&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded on the tragedy and said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Haridwar, Uttarakhand | The injured are being rushed to the hospital following a stampede at the Mansa Devi temple. 6 people died and several others got injured in the stampede. <a href="https://t.co/ScUaYyq2Z3">pic.twitter.com/ScUaYyq2Z3</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1949332143538409770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This is a developing story.

At least six people died and several others were left seriously injured in a tragic stampede at the revered Mansa Devi Temple in Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Sunday (July 27)

As many as six people have been killed and several injured in a stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple in India's Uttarakhand on Sunday (July 27). Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the incident while speaking to reporters and said that a detailed report of the incident is awaited. The injured are being taken for treatment to nearby hospitals and rescue and relief operations are underway. Initial reports suggested that the stampede may have occurred due to an electric shock in the area, leading to sudden chaos and panic among worshippers. Authorities are also in the process of identifying the victims who lost their lives. A large crowd reportedly gathered in the temple due to the holy month of Shravana. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in a tweet said, “SDRF, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the local administration regarding this matter, and the situation is being closely monitored...” SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal said, "We received reports of some people being injured, following which the police took immediate action. Around 35 people were brought to the hospital and 6 have been confirmed dead. The rest are undergoing treatment... Prima facie, the stampede was triggered by a rumour of an electric shock on stairs 100 metres down the temple route. We are investigating further..." Speaking to news agency ANI, one of the injured said, "Suddenly, a huge crowd gathered there and a stampede took place. During this, I fell and my hand got fractured..." Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded on the tragedy and said, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede on the route to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”

At least six people died and several others were left seriously injured in a tragic stampede at the revered Mansa Devi Temple in Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Sunday (July 27)

Massive crowd at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple leads to stampede, 6 killed, rescue ops underway

Four out of five teenagers have been arrested days after they brutally attacked an Indian-origin man with a machete while he was on his way home from a pharmacy in Australia's Melbourne. The 33-year-old victim, identified as Saurabh Anand, was severely injured, including a nearly severed hand, which was later reattached, according to a report by the Australian Today&nbsp;As per the report, on July 19, around 7:30 pm, after Saurabh received medicines from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows, suddenly five teenagers surrounded him while he was on a phone call with his friend. One of them looked for the victim's pockets while another hit him in the head till he fell to the ground. In the meantime, a third teenager took out a knife and allegedly placed it on the neck of Saurabh.&nbsp;The victim stated that his immediate response was to raise his arm as a defence. "While I was trying to protect myself, the machete just went through my wrist. The second attack went through my hand. The third went through the bone," he told The Age.&nbsp;They also attacked him with a machete on his shoulder and back, causing him a fractured spine and several broken bones. "All I remember is the pain, and my hand was hanging by a thread," he said.&nbsp;Saurabh managed to escape and made a phone call for help amid severe pain. Later, he was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors primarily thought they would have to cut off his hand. However, they managed to reattach his hand.<h3>Indian student assaulted and racially abused</h3>In a similar incident, an Indian student was allegedly brutally assaulted and racially abused by a group of unidentified men after a dispute occurred over a car parking issue in Australia last week.&nbsp;The incident occurred near Kintore Avenue when the victim, identified as Charanpreet Singh, was out to see the city's light displays with his wife in their car at around 9.22 pm, reported The Australian Today.

 An Indian-origin man was brutally attacked by five teenagers around 7:30 pm on July 19 while he was on his way home after receiving medicines from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows.

Four out of five teenagers have been arrested days after they brutally attacked an Indian-origin man with a machete while he was on his way home from a pharmacy in Australia's Melbourne. The 33-year-old victim, identified as Saurabh Anand, was severely injured, including a nearly severed hand, which was later reattached, according to a report by the Australian Today As per the report, on July 19, around 7:30 pm, after Saurabh received medicines from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows, suddenly five teenagers surrounded him while he was on a phone call with his friend. One of them looked for the victim's pockets while another hit him in the head till he fell to the ground. In the meantime, a third teenager took out a knife and allegedly placed it on the neck of Saurabh. The victim stated that his immediate response was to raise his arm as a defence. "While I was trying to protect myself, the machete just went through my wrist. The second attack went through my hand. The third went through the bone," he told The Age. They also attacked him with a machete on his shoulder and back, causing him a fractured spine and several broken bones. "All I remember is the pain, and my hand was hanging by a thread," he said. Saurabh managed to escape and made a phone call for help amid severe pain. Later, he was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors primarily thought they would have to cut off his hand. However, they managed to reattach his hand. Indian student assaulted and racially abused In a similar incident, an Indian student was allegedly brutally assaulted and racially abused by a group of unidentified men after a dispute occurred over a car parking issue in Australia last week. The incident occurred near Kintore Avenue when the victim, identified as Charanpreet Singh, was out to see the city's light displays with his wife in their car at around 9.22 pm, reported The Australian Today.

&nbsp;An Indian-origin man was brutally attacked by five teenagers around 7:30 pm on July 19 while he was on his way home after receiving medicines from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows.

Indian-origin man brutally attacked with machete in Australia's Melbourne, four teenagers held

The first flight from India will land at the new terminal of Malé International Airport, the biggest terminal in the country, later today. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new passenger terminal on Saturday, coinciding with the nation’s 60th Independence Day today. Maldives tourism minister Thoriq Ibrahim said that the opening of the new terminal is a 'plus point to the overall arrival of tourists to Maldives and helps in direct flights from Maldives'.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maldives opens new terminal of Malé Intl Airport coinciding with country&#39;s Independence Day. World Bank estimates it will increase the GDP of the country, with inflow of tourists. First flight lands from India tomm <a href="https://t.co/PcAGqoix7A">https://t.co/PcAGqoix7A</a> <a href="https://t.co/jWBgaLazBK">pic.twitter.com/jWBgaLazBK</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1949173998849528019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Successive Maldives governments have been involved in the project for over a decade. The opening of the terminal will help increase tourism in the country, especially from neighbouring India. Chairperson of Visit Maldives, Abdulla Ghuyas Riyaz, pointed out,' having the right airport has been a challenge for us..' hoping to get Indian tourists over the next few years. CEO of Visit Maldives, Ibrahim Shiuree emphasised that 'we have seen a big recovery in Indian tourists...' and said the India roadshow helped them.&nbsp;The new 78,000-square-meter terminal is designed to handle 7 million passengers annually, a leap from 1.5 million capacity. Featuring 38 immigration counters, 40 boarding gates, and jet bridges, it promised smoother travel for tourists coming to the Maldives. Advanced baggage systems and designs inspired by the islands’ natural beauty are part of the terminal. &nbsp;India is helping the development country's Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the north, which will be opened after this year.

The first flight from India will land at the new terminal of Malé International Airport, the biggest terminal in the country, later today. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new passenger terminal on Saturday, coinciding with the nation’s 60th Independence Day today.

The first flight from India will land at the new terminal of Malé International Airport, the biggest terminal in the country, later today. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new passenger terminal on Saturday, coinciding with the nation’s 60th Independence Day today. Maldives tourism minister Thoriq Ibrahim said that the opening of the new terminal is a 'plus point to the overall arrival of tourists to Maldives and helps in direct flights from Maldives'.

The first flight from India will land at the new terminal of Malé International Airport, the biggest terminal in the country, later today. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new passenger terminal on Saturday, coinciding with the nation’s 60th Independence Day today.

First flight from India to land at new terminal of Malé International Airport

In a bizarre incident a 50-year-old jobless man, Sanjay from Sonipat, Haryana, posed as Delhi's notorious gangster Naveen Bali to extort 1 crore from a North‑West Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar-based businessman. The police have managed to capture the con man, and he has admitted to his crime. His first phone call came on July 3, from an unknown number claiming to be Naveen Bali. The businessman avoided the call, considering it to be a prank, but he called again on July 20, with specific threats and warning of dire consequences within 4 days, if he did not comply with Sanjay's demands. The fear set in, and the victim reported to police on July 24.&nbsp;The police traced the caller through his distinct Haryanvi accent and technical surveillance. On investigation, a handwritten note with the victim's number was retrieved from Sanjay's possession. He later confessed that he used to work in private jobs but felt dissatisfied with his income. He was influenced by extensive media coverage of the recent extortion cases and decided to try his luck. He then collaborated with Rahul Rathi, a business associate of the victim to carry out the scheme.This recent development is a part of the trend of fake gangster impersonators targeting businessmen. Fraudstars consistently link themselves with high-profile gangsters like Naveen Bali, Goldy Brar, and Lawrence Bishno to extort money. These cases had been reported in Punjab, Delhi, Bengaluru and West Bengal. They exploit the fear and media visibility. Common tactics include using virtual numbers, encrypted apps, voice masking, and misleading social media personas, many of whom do not have any criminal ties and act based on media-inspired ideas and out of financial desperation.

In a bizarre development, a Sonipat-based 50-year-old man impersonated a notorious gangster, Naveen Bali to extort 1 crore from a North‑West Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar-based businessman. This is the latest case in the disturbing trend of extorting money by impersonating gangsters.

In a bizarre incident a 50-year-old jobless man, Sanjay from Sonipat, Haryana, posed as Delhi's notorious gangster Naveen Bali to extort 1 crore from a North‑West Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar-based businessman. The police have managed to capture the con man, and he has admitted to his crime. His first phone call came on July 3, from an unknown number claiming to be Naveen Bali. The businessman avoided the call, considering it to be a prank, but he called again on July 20, with specific threats and warning of dire consequences within 4 days, if he did not comply with Sanjay's demands. The fear set in, and the victim reported to police on July 24. The police traced the caller through his distinct Haryanvi accent and technical surveillance. On investigation, a handwritten note with the victim's number was retrieved from Sanjay's possession. He later confessed that he used to work in private jobs but felt dissatisfied with his income. He was influenced by extensive media coverage of the recent extortion cases and decided to try his luck. He then collaborated with Rahul Rathi, a business associate of the victim to carry out the scheme. This recent development is a part of the trend of fake gangster impersonators targeting businessmen. Fraudstars consistently link themselves with high-profile gangsters like Naveen Bali, Goldy Brar, and Lawrence Bishno to extort money. These cases had been reported in Punjab, Delhi, Bengaluru and West Bengal. They exploit the fear and media visibility. Common tactics include using virtual numbers, encrypted apps, voice masking, and misleading social media personas, many of whom do not have any criminal ties and act based on media-inspired ideas and out of financial desperation.

In a bizarre development, a Sonipat-based 50-year-old man impersonated a notorious gangster, Naveen Bali to extort 1 crore from a North‑West Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar-based businessman. This is the latest case in the disturbing trend of extorting money by impersonating gangsters.

Delhi man poses as gangster, tries to extort 1 Crore - His shocking real identity revealed!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that everyone recently witnessed the power of ‘Make in India’ during Operation Sindoor, as the weapons played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble. PM Modi added that these indigenous weapons are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night.Speaking at a public event in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi (or Tuticorin), PM Modi highlighted the key role of indigenous ‘Made in India’ weapons in Operation Sindoor, and said, “Today, the Government of India is strongly emphasising Make in India and Mission Manufacturing. You all recently witnessed the power of Make in India during Operation Sindoor. The weapons made in India played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble. Weapons made in India are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night.”&nbsp;Operation Sindoor has been one of India’s most forceful military responses to cross-border terrorism. The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to retaliate against the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-backed terrorists gunned down 26 innocent civilians.&nbsp;Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces launched precise strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing over 100 dreaded terrorists and destroying terror launch pads and training camps.&nbsp;India’s indigenously developed Akash missile system and legacy platforms like Pechora and OSA-AK played a significant role in its air defence during the military operation against Pakistan.Emphasising India’s growing global stature, the Prime Minister said the world’s increasing trust in India reflects the country’s rising self-confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a symbol of the world’s growing trust in India and India’s new self-confidence. With this self-confidence, we will build a developed India, a developed Tamil Nadu. Today, with the blessings of Lord Rameshwar and Thiruchendur Murugan, a new chapter of development is being written in Thoothukudi,” PM Modi said.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening after concluding a two-nation visit to the Maldives and the UK.

PM Modi highlighted the role of indigenous ‘Made in India’ weapons in Operation Sindoor. The weapons made in India played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble. Weapons made in India are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that everyone recently witnessed the power of ‘Make in India’ during Operation Sindoor, as the weapons played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble. PM Modi added that these indigenous weapons are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night. Speaking at a public event in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi (or Tuticorin), PM Modi highlighted the key role of indigenous ‘Made in India’ weapons in Operation Sindoor, and said, “Today, the Government of India is strongly emphasising Make in India and Mission Manufacturing. You all recently witnessed the power of Make in India during Operation Sindoor. The weapons made in India played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble. Weapons made in India are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night.” Operation Sindoor has been one of India’s most forceful military responses to cross-border terrorism. The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to retaliate against the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-backed terrorists gunned down 26 innocent civilians. Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces launched precise strikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing over 100 dreaded terrorists and destroying terror launch pads and training camps. India’s indigenously developed Akash missile system and legacy platforms like Pechora and OSA-AK played a significant role in its air defence during the military operation against Pakistan. Emphasising India’s growing global stature, the Prime Minister said the world’s increasing trust in India reflects the country’s rising self-confidence. “This is a symbol of the world’s growing trust in India and India’s new self-confidence. With this self-confidence, we will build a developed India, a developed Tamil Nadu. Today, with the blessings of Lord Rameshwar and Thiruchendur Murugan, a new chapter of development is being written in Thoothukudi,” PM Modi said. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening after concluding a two-nation visit to the Maldives and the UK.

PM Modi highlighted the role of indigenous ‘Made in India’ weapons in Operation Sindoor. The weapons made in India played a major role in reducing terrorist hideouts to rubble. Weapons made in India are still keeping the masters of terrorism awake at night, he said.

‘Made in India weapons still keeping masters of terrorism awake at night’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,900 crore to the nation during a public event in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin. In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, the Prime Minister inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport, developed at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crore, designed to meet the growing aviation demands of the southern region. The Prime Minister undertook a walkthrough of the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport.&nbsp;Spread across 17,340 square metres, the terminal will be equipped to handle 1,350 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually, with future expansion capacity to accommodate up to 1,800 peak-hour passengers and 25 lakh passengers annually. With 100 per cent LED lighting, energy-efficient electrical and mechanical (E&amp;M) systems, and treated water reuse through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant, the terminal has been built to achieve a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating. This modern infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance regional air connectivity and stimulate tourism, trade, and investment in southern Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;In the road infrastructure sector, Prime Minister dedicated to the nation two strategically significant highway projects.&nbsp;The first is the 4-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed at more than Rs 2,350 crore under the Vikravandi-Thanjavur corridor. It includes three bypasses, a 1-km four-lane bridge over the Kollidam River, four major bridges, seven flyovers, and several underpasses, reducing travel time by 45 minutes between Sethiyathope-Cholapuram and boosting connectivity to Delta region's cultural and agricultural hubs. The second project is the 6-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, built at around Rs 200 crore. Featuring underpasses and bridges, it will ease cargo flow, cut logistics costs, and support port-led industrial growth around VO Chidambaranar Port.&nbsp;In a major boost to augment port infrastructure and clean energy initiatives, the Prime Minister inaugurated North Cargo Berth-III with a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA at V.O. Chidambaranar Port worth around Rs 285 crore. Prime Minister dedicated three key railway infrastructure projects in southern Tamil Nadu to boost sustainable and efficient connectivity. The electrification of the 90 km Madurai Bodinayakkanur line will promote eco-friendly transport and support tourism and commuting in Madurai and Theni.&nbsp;The Rs 650 crore doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil Town-Kanniyakumari section, part of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari project, will strengthen links between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Additionally, the doubling of the Aralvaymozhi-Nagercoil Junction (12.87 km) and Tirunelveli-Melappalayam (3.6 km) sections will reduce travel time on major southern routes like Chennai-Kanyakumari and enhance regional economic integration by improving passenger and freight capacity.&nbsp;

PM Modi dedicated three key railway infrastructure projects in southern Tamil Nadu to boost sustainable and efficient connectivity. The electrification of the 90km Madurai Bodinayakkanur line will promote eco-friendly transport and support tourism and commuting in Madurai and Theni. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated, and dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 4,900 crore to the nation during a public event in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin. In line with his commitment to developing world-class air infrastructure and enhancing connectivity, the Prime Minister inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Tuticorin Airport, developed at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crore, designed to meet the growing aviation demands of the southern region. The Prime Minister undertook a walkthrough of the new terminal building at Tuticorin Airport. Spread across 17,340 square metres, the terminal will be equipped to handle 1,350 passengers during peak hours and 20 lakh passengers annually, with future expansion capacity to accommodate up to 1,800 peak-hour passengers and 25 lakh passengers annually. With 100 per cent LED lighting, energy-efficient electrical and mechanical (E&M) systems, and treated water reuse through an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant, the terminal has been built to achieve a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating. This modern infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance regional air connectivity and stimulate tourism, trade, and investment in southern Tamil Nadu. In the road infrastructure sector, Prime Minister dedicated to the nation two strategically significant highway projects. The first is the 4-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathope-Cholapuram stretch of NH-36, developed at more than Rs 2,350 crore under the Vikravandi-Thanjavur corridor. It includes three bypasses, a 1-km four-lane bridge over the Kollidam River, four major bridges, seven flyovers, and several underpasses, reducing travel time by 45 minutes between Sethiyathope-Cholapuram and boosting connectivity to Delta region's cultural and agricultural hubs. The second project is the 6-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road, built at around Rs 200 crore. Featuring underpasses and bridges, it will ease cargo flow, cut logistics costs, and support port-led industrial growth around VO Chidambaranar Port. In a major boost to augment port infrastructure and clean energy initiatives, the Prime Minister inaugurated North Cargo Berth-III with a cargo handling capacity of 6.96 MMTPA at V.O. Chidambaranar Port worth around Rs 285 crore. Prime Minister dedicated three key railway infrastructure projects in southern Tamil Nadu to boost sustainable and efficient connectivity. The electrification of the 90 km Madurai Bodinayakkanur line will promote eco-friendly transport and support tourism and commuting in Madurai and Theni. The Rs 650 crore doubling of the 21 km Nagercoil Town-Kanniyakumari section, part of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari project, will strengthen links between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Additionally, the doubling of the Aralvaymozhi-Nagercoil Junction (12.87 km) and Tirunelveli-Melappalayam (3.6 km) sections will reduce travel time on major southern routes like Chennai-Kanyakumari and enhance regional economic integration by improving passenger and freight capacity.

PM Modi dedicated three key railway infrastructure projects in southern Tamil Nadu to boost sustainable and efficient connectivity. The electrification of the 90km Madurai Bodinayakkanur line will promote eco-friendly transport and support tourism and commuting in Madurai and Theni.&nbsp;

PM Modi inaugurates new terminal of Thoothukudi airport among projects worth over Rs 4,900 crore

Heavy rains lashed Uttararkhand's&nbsp;Rudraprayag district on Saturday, forcing&nbsp;big boulders to slide down the hillside and block the trek route to Kedarnath near Gaurikund. Over&nbsp;1,600 Chardham pilgrims were evacuated to safety on Saturday due to the weather conditions.&nbsp;Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman told PTI that water and debris entered several houses in the district due to incessant&nbsp;overnight rains. He said there was no loss of human life. However, the authorities launched an operation at 6 am.&nbsp;He said Chameli and Rumsi villages in the district were affected. "It rained incessantly in the district between 1 and 4 am, flooding the streams whose waters entered about ten buildings in Chameli and Rumsi villages, Chamrara Tok, and Vijaynagar area under Rudraprayag. Several roads were breached," he told the agency.&nbsp;Boulders and debris blocked a&nbsp;30-metre stretch of the Kedarnath route in Gaurikund, blocking the way. Several teams of the district administration, NDRF, and SDRF were pressed into the relief operation.&nbsp;1600 passengers were evacuated through an alternate route away from Kedarnath. The authorities were in the process of evacuating 700 others.&nbsp;Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the authorities to expedite the rescue and relief operations, ensuring the safety of the pilgrims.&nbsp;The authorities are moving the debris rapidly with JCBs. They have taken villagers and other affected people to safe locations and have been providing them with essential supplies.

Heavy rains lashed Uttararkhand's Rudraprayag district on Saturday, forcing big boulders to slide down the hillside and block the trek route to Kedarnath near Gaurikund.

Heavy rains lashed Uttararkhand's Rudraprayag district on Saturday, forcing big boulders to slide down the hillside and block the trek route to Kedarnath near Gaurikund. Over 1,600 Chardham pilgrims were evacuated to safety on Saturday due to the weather conditions. Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman told PTI that water and debris entered several houses in the district due to incessant overnight rains. He said there was no loss of human life. However, the authorities launched an operation at 6 am. He said Chameli and Rumsi villages in the district were affected. "It rained incessantly in the district between 1 and 4 am, flooding the streams whose waters entered about ten buildings in Chameli and Rumsi villages, Chamrara Tok, and Vijaynagar area under Rudraprayag. Several roads were breached," he told the agency. Boulders and debris blocked a 30-metre stretch of the Kedarnath route in Gaurikund, blocking the way. Several teams of the district administration, NDRF, and SDRF were pressed into the relief operation. 1600 passengers were evacuated through an alternate route away from Kedarnath. The authorities were in the process of evacuating 700 others. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the authorities to expedite the rescue and relief operations, ensuring the safety of the pilgrims. The authorities are moving the debris rapidly with JCBs. They have taken villagers and other affected people to safe locations and have been providing them with essential supplies.

Uttarakhand rains: Boulders and debris blocked a&nbsp;30-metre stretch of the Kedarnath route in Gaurikund.

Heavy rain lashes Rudraprayag, 1600 Kedarnath pilgrims evacuated

The National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) is developing two special modules on Operation Sindoor—India’s strikes against terror infrastructure across Pakistan—with an aim to make students aware about India’s military power, education ministry sources said on Saturday. Both modules are under preparations and will be introduced soon, sources said. “While the first special module on Operation Sindoor will be for students of Classes 3 to 8, the second will be for Classes 9 to 12. The achievements of India and her Armed Forces will be described in 8 to 10 page modules. The aim of these modules is to make students aware about India’s military power and how Pakistan was defeated once again,” a source said.&nbsp;The aim is to make students understand how nations respond to terror threats and how defence, diplomacy, and coordination between ministries play a role in national security,” said a person aware of the development as per news agency PTI.&nbsp;India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7 and struck nine terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were shot dead by Pakistani terrorists.It was a four-day military confrontation with Pakistan, involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, long-range weapons and heavy artillery.In June, defence minister Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor was conducted in a manner that forced Islamabad to ask for a ceasefire, articulating India’s firm resolve against terror.&nbsp;NCERT designs special modules to supplement standard textbooks, focusing on specific themes of contemporary issues. So far, it has published 16 special modules till June 2025 on various themes including ‘Viksit Bharat,’ ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ ‘G20’ and ‘Chandrayaan Utsav.’“In the coming months, NCERT will also be publishing special modules on Mission LiFE ('LiFEStyle For Environment'); horrors of partition; India's rise as a space power– from Chandrayan to Aditya L1 to Subhanshu Shukla’s journey to International Space Station,” said another source from the ministry.&nbsp;The NCERT has a set of modules—short publications on specific topics—including some that were launched in May this year.The newly released NCERT’s Class 8 social science textbook has a mention of surgical strike. The book cites Maratha Empire founder Shivaji’s raid on Mughal nobleman Shaishta Khan’s camp at night, forcing him to leave what is now Maharashtra, and likens it to “the modern-day surgical strike.”&nbsp;“The modules aim to provide a comprehensive view of India's progress across sectors-from defence to diplomacy, from sustainable development to space exploration,” the official added.&nbsp;

NCERT designs special modules focusing on specific themes of contemporary issues to supplement standard textbooks. It has published 16 special modules till June 2025 on various themes including ‘Viksit Bharat,’ ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ ‘G20’ and ‘Chandrayaan Utsav.’

The National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) is developing two special modules on Operation Sindoor—India’s strikes against terror infrastructure across Pakistan—with an aim to make students aware about India’s military power, education ministry sources said on Saturday. Both modules are under preparations and will be introduced soon, sources said. “While the first special module on Operation Sindoor will be for students of Classes 3 to 8, the second will be for Classes 9 to 12. The achievements of India and her Armed Forces will be described in 8 to 10 page modules. The aim of these modules is to make students aware about India’s military power and how Pakistan was defeated once again,” a source said. The aim is to make students understand how nations respond to terror threats and how defence, diplomacy, and coordination between ministries play a role in national security,” said a person aware of the development as per news agency PTI. India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7 and struck nine terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were shot dead by Pakistani terrorists. It was a four-day military confrontation with Pakistan, involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, long-range weapons and heavy artillery. In June, defence minister Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor was conducted in a manner that forced Islamabad to ask for a ceasefire, articulating India’s firm resolve against terror. NCERT designs special modules to supplement standard textbooks, focusing on specific themes of contemporary issues. So far, it has published 16 special modules till June 2025 on various themes including ‘Viksit Bharat,’ ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ ‘G20’ and ‘Chandrayaan Utsav.’ “In the coming months, NCERT will also be publishing special modules on Mission LiFE ('LiFEStyle For Environment'); horrors of partition; India's rise as a space power– from Chandrayan to Aditya L1 to Subhanshu Shukla’s journey to International Space Station,” said another source from the ministry. The NCERT has a set of modules—short publications on specific topics—including some that were launched in May this year. The newly released NCERT’s Class 8 social science textbook has a mention of surgical strike. The book cites Maratha Empire founder Shivaji’s raid on Mughal nobleman Shaishta Khan’s camp at night, forcing him to leave what is now Maharashtra, and likens it to “the modern-day surgical strike.” “The modules aim to provide a comprehensive view of India's progress across sectors-from defence to diplomacy, from sustainable development to space exploration,” the official added.

NCERT designs special modules focusing on specific themes of contemporary issues to supplement standard textbooks. It has published 16 special modules till June 2025 on various themes including ‘Viksit Bharat,’ ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ ‘G20’ and ‘Chandrayaan Utsav.’

Operation Sindoor to be included as part of NCERT lessons for classes 3 to 12

After showing a strong pro-China tilt in the past, President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, seems to have made an about turn as he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “wonderful person”. Muizzu who came to power riding on an ‘India Out’ campaign, followed by his cabinet colleagues making derogatory remarks against PM Modi, showed a significant shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the Global South.&nbsp;The two leaders held talks to repair bilateral ties, strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, and infrastructure.&nbsp;After coming to power by vowing to reduce Indian influence and build closer ties with China, and even going on first state visit to Beijing, Muizzu hailed India as a “trusted friend” and rolled out the red carpet for PM Modi.&nbsp;&nbsp;“He is a wonderful person who is very fond of building relationships between India’s neighbours. The Maldives and India have a very good relationship that goes back centuries, and with PM Modi’s leadership, cooperation between the two governments is going to be even more prosperous in the days ahead,” Muizzu said on Saturday, the last day of PM Modi’s trip.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I extend heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister His Excellency Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> for his state visit to the Maldives. We held fruitful discussions, witnessed the exchange of 4 MoUs &amp; 3 agreements in vital areas, and announced the launch of FTA negotiations. Together, we celebrated…&mdash; Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu/status/1949089639328780350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why the Muizzu U-turn?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;There may be several reasons for the shift in stance? The Maldivian economy is under severe stress with a substantial budget deficit and dwindling foreign reserves, and the India’s support is pivotal to stabilise finances.&nbsp;Although Maldives still owes China large debts, New Delhi has emerged as a key partner to avoid potential economic default.&nbsp;PM Modi announced a fresh $ 565 million line of credit (LoC) for the Maldives and signed an agreement to reduce its annual debt repayment burden by 40%.&nbsp;On its part, India maintained steady engagement as PM Modi was the first world leader to congratulate Muizzu after his election victory. In 2019, India had extended an $800 million Line of Credit (LoC) to the Maldives during the pro-India Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government.&nbsp;“We all have seen how India has helped the Maldives in the past, and nobody will doubt how India will be a very crucial partner going forward,” Muizzu said.&nbsp;For Male, India remains indispensable for trade, connectivity, and tourism. While China’s support remains, India’s financial and developmental assistance have influenced Muizzu’s recalibration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As I conclude this productive visit to the Maldives, I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Muizzu, the Government and people of the Maldives for their warmth. I am deeply honoured to have witnessed the 60th Independence Day celebrations. The productive talks with President… <a href="https://t.co/IZrDv4cF6f">pic.twitter.com/IZrDv4cF6f</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1949096629488795842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

PM Modi attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the independence of Maldives as the ‘Guest of Honour’ and was also the first foreign leader at the level of Head of State or Government to be hosted by President Muizzu.&nbsp;<h2>‘India looks forward to deepening partnership with Maldives’</h2>&nbsp;PM Modi on Saturday highlighted the “bipartisan support” within the island nation for the “strong and time-tested” friendship with India. Muizzu and Modi inaugurated a new building of the Maldives’ Ministry of Defence in Malé, besides other jointly executed infrastructure projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;In his address at the state banquet hosted for Modi, Muizzu said India has long stood as the Maldives’ “closest and most trusted partner”.In a post on X on Saturday evening, Muizzu thanked the Prime Minister for what he called a “defining visit” that “sets a clear path” for India-Maldives relations.&nbsp;The political opposition in the Maldives welcomed the Muizzu government’s shift in its India policy. Opposition leader Abdulla Shahid said he conveyed to Prime Minister Modi that “while governments may change, the Maldivian people’s appreciation for India’s friendship remains constant.”&nbsp;PM Modi also reiterated India’s commitment to support Maldives and its people, as per its requirements and priorities, and for the peace, progress and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region.Both nations called for further strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation and highlighted their collaboration under the Colombo Security Conclave.PM Modi also underscored that the proposed Free Trade Agreement and the Bilateral Investment Treaty would open new opportunities for both sides.&nbsp;India and the Maldives signed six MOUs during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the country in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia, and concessional Line of Credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PM Modi handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles for the Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration authorities. Both sides also exchanged the Terms of Reference of the proposed Free Trade Agreement.

After showing a strong pro-China tilt in the past, President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, seems to have made an about turn as he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “wonderful person”. Muizzu who came to power riding on an ‘India Out’ campaign, followed by his cabinet colleagues making derogatory remarks against PM Modi, showed a significant shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the Global South. The two leaders held talks to repair bilateral ties, strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, and infrastructure. After coming to power by vowing to reduce Indian influence and build closer ties with China, and even going on first state visit to Beijing, Muizzu hailed India as a “trusted friend” and rolled out the red carpet for PM Modi. “He is a wonderful person who is very fond of building relationships between India’s neighbours. The Maldives and India have a very good relationship that goes back centuries, and with PM Modi’s leadership, cooperation between the two governments is going to be even more prosperous in the days ahead,” Muizzu said on Saturday, the last day of PM Modi’s trip.

PM Modi handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles for the Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration authorities. Both sides also exchanged the Terms of Reference of the proposed Free Trade Agreement.

From ‘India out’ to ‘China out’? Muizzu makes U-turn as PM Modi offers incentives

A speeding truck rammed into 18-20 vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday afternoon, reportedly killing a woman and injuring 18 others. The incident took place in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.&nbsp;The cars that were rammed by the container included luxury vehicles like BMW and Mercedes. According to reports, the truck's brakes had failed.&nbsp;The victims of the crash were admitted to a private hospital in Navi Mumbai, and one of them died during treatment. A police officer told the media that the driver was arrested. He wasn't under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The pile-up caused a five-km-long traffic snarl near the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section.&nbsp;The video of the aftermath of the crash showed that some of the vehicles were completely crushed, and others were severely damaged. Many passengers were seriously injured.&nbsp;The accident took place on a slope, making it impossible for the driver to stop the truck.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Major accident on Mumbai - Pune expressway this afternoon! Almost 15-20 vehicles crashed 🙏 Travel safely in the ghats!! <a href="https://t.co/MUHjgUUg4k">https://t.co/MUHjgUUg4k</a> <a href="https://t.co/gYp6lcFkxS">pic.twitter.com/gYp6lcFkxS</a>&mdash; Mumbai Rains (@rushikesh_agre_) <a href="https://twitter.com/rushikesh_agre_/status/1949073422954471790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;"The driver of the container trailer truck lost control of the vehicle after brake failure. It hit at least 20 vehicles, including luxury cars like BMW and Mercedes, resulting in serious injuries to 19 people. They were admitted to a private hospital in Navi Mumbai," an official told NDTV.&nbsp;The police are investigating the accident.

A speeding truck rammed into 18-20 vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday afternoon, reportedly killing a woman and injuring 18 others. 

A speeding truck rammed into 18-20 vehicles on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday afternoon, reportedly killing a woman and injuring 18 others. The incident took place in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The cars that were rammed by the container included luxury vehicles like BMW and Mercedes. According to reports, the truck's brakes had failed. The victims of the crash were admitted to a private hospital in Navi Mumbai, and one of them died during treatment. A police officer told the media that the driver was arrested. He wasn't under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The pile-up caused a five-km-long traffic snarl near the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section. The video of the aftermath of the crash showed that some of the vehicles were completely crushed, and others were severely damaged. Many passengers were seriously injured. The accident took place on a slope, making it impossible for the driver to stop the truck.

Maharashtra accident: The cars that were rammed by the container included luxury vehicles like BMW and Mercedes.

Maharashtra: Truck's brakes fail, rams 20 vehicles on highway; aftermath video

Nearly a month and a half after the devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, Air India on Saturday (Jul 26) said in a statement that it has disbursed interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to 166 families of the victims of the AI-171 crash to “help them meet their immediate financial needs.” It added that so far, the interim compensation has been released to the families of 147 of the 229 deceased passengers and the 19 who lost their lives at the site of the accident.&nbsp;“Over a month ago, Air India started releasing interim payment of Rs 25 lakh ($28,900) to the affected families, to help them meet their immediate financial needs. The interim payment will be adjusted against any final compensation,” the airline said in the statement. “Air India has, so far, released the interim compensation to the families of 147 of the 229 deceased passengers and also the 19 who lost their lives at the accident site.”&nbsp;Air India added that the requisite documents of 52 others have been verified, and interim compensation will be released to those families progressively. It added that ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ has been registered by the Tata Group. The Trust is dedicated to the victims of the crash.&nbsp;“The Trust has pledged an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore in respect of each of the deceased, and support for rebuilding the B.J. Medical College Hostel infrastructure, which was damaged in the accident,” the statement read.&nbsp;The Trust will also provide aid and assistance for any trauma or distress suffered by the first responders, medical workers, social workers, disaster relief professionals, and government staff, who provided support and service in the aftermath of the tragic incident.&nbsp;On June 12, a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 people. While 241 passengers died, leaving one survivor onboard, 19 others were killed on the ground.

Air India has released interim compensation to 166 families of the victims who died in the June 12 plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Nearly a month and a half after the devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, Air India on Saturday (Jul 26) said in a statement that it has disbursed interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to 166 families of the victims of the AI-171 crash to “help them meet their immediate financial needs.” It added that so far, the interim compensation has been released to the families of 147 of the 229 deceased passengers and the 19 who lost their lives at the site of the accident. “Over a month ago, Air India started releasing interim payment of Rs 25 lakh ($28,900) to the affected families, to help them meet their immediate financial needs. The interim payment will be adjusted against any final compensation,” the airline said in the statement. “Air India has, so far, released the interim compensation to the families of 147 of the 229 deceased passengers and also the 19 who lost their lives at the accident site.” Air India added that the requisite documents of 52 others have been verified, and interim compensation will be released to those families progressively. It added that ‘The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust’ has been registered by the Tata Group. The Trust is dedicated to the victims of the crash. “The Trust has pledged an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore in respect of each of the deceased, and support for rebuilding the B.J. Medical College Hostel infrastructure, which was damaged in the accident,” the statement read. The Trust will also provide aid and assistance for any trauma or distress suffered by the first responders, medical workers, social workers, disaster relief professionals, and government staff, who provided support and service in the aftermath of the tragic incident. On June 12, a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 people. While 241 passengers died, leaving one survivor onboard, 19 others were killed on the ground.

Air India has released interim compensation to 166 families of the victims who died in the June 12 plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India releases interim compensation to 166 families

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Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India releases interim compensation to 166 families