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Welcome to today's Top India Headlines, covering the biggest developments from across the country. Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, Delhi Police has imposed a ban on drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), paragliders, and other aerial platforms from August 2 to August 16. Authorities cited intelligence inputs warning that terrorists or anti-social elements could misuse such platforms to threaten national security. In Jammu and Kashmir, a cloudburst struck the Doda-Ramban region, while continuous rainfall pushed the Chenab River to dangerous levels. Authorities opened two gates of the Baglihar Dam to regulate rising water inflows, and disaster response teams were deployed as flood alerts remained in effect. In Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched the Freedom From Waste Campaign, urging citizens to participate in keeping the city clean. The campaign was inaugurated near the Kempegowda Statue at the Hebbal Flyover. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana portal. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹2,500 per month in financial assistance. The Delhi Government has allocated ₹5,100 crore for the programme, which is expected to benefit around 17 lakh women.

Jason Sanjay is set to make his directorial debut with Sigma. While his film’s release has reportedly been pushed due to his father’s Jana Nayagan, it is yet to get a new release date. Amid all this, Sanjay has spoken about his father and the legacy he has carved.

Farooq Abdullah questioned the timing of the Kulgam migrant killings and called for an investigation, while BJP leader Ravinder Raina criticised his remarks and urged political leaders to stand united against terrorism.

The fallout from the NEET paper leak controversy continues to reshape India's examination system, with Maharashtra establishing 23 special fast-track courts to handle 203 pending exam malpractice cases. The newly created courts will hear cases involving paper leaks, recruitment examination fraud, HSC examination cheating, and other forms of examination malpractice. The move follows widespread outrage over the NEET paper leak and aims to ensure faster justice in cases affecting millions of students. The Bombay High Court has directed the special courts to make every effort to complete trials within three months of filing the chargesheet, significantly accelerating the judicial process. The development comes after the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent. The amended law introduces stricter punishments, including five to ten years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for those using unfair means. For service providers involved in examination fraud, the maximum fine has been increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore, while the debarment period has been doubled from four years to eight years.

China has conducted joint naval and air combat drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in one of the world's most contested maritime regions. The exercises, announced by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, were described as a test of combat readiness and a demonstration of China's ability to defend what it calls its maritime rights and interests. The drills took place around Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. The reef lies approximately 220 kilometres west of Luzon and falls within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under international law.

From Mohanlal’s daughter to Dhanush’s son and CM Vijay's son, the South Cinema is going to witness a debut of star kids, who are set to step into the world of cinema. Scroll to meet the next gen of South Cinema.

The University of Western Australia plans to establish campuses in Chennai and Mumbai by December 2026, aiming to expand educational opportunities and strengthen academic and economic ties between India and Australia.

Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria clinched gold medals in women’s boxing at the CWG 2026 in Glasgow, dominating their respective 54kg and 57kg final bouts.

Protests erupted in Lahore after a police crackdown in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) triggered widespread outrage. Student groups, labour organizations, and progressive activists gathered outside the Lahore Press Club to condemn the violence and express solidarity with activists in the region. Demonstrators raised slogans against the ongoing crackdown and demanded that the Pakistani government initiate dialogue with representatives from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Protesters also voiced support for the Joint Awami Action Committee, which has reportedly been banned by the Pakistani authorities.

A fresh terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district has heightened security concerns after the Pakistan-backed terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility and threatened more attacks targeting non-local workers in the Valley. The death toll has risen to two after an injured migrant worker succumbed to injuries at the Government Medical College, Anantnag. The victims were among migrant workers who came under indiscriminate firing by terrorists in the Kalamaria area of Kulgam. Both deceased workers were residents of Chhattisgarh. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, terrorists deliberately targeted non-local workers. Security officials believe the attack was carried out by hybrid terrorists with no prior criminal records. Following the incident, security forces launched a massive search operation, cordoned off the area, and heightened security across the Valley.

India's monsoon crisis has intensified after two cloudbursts struck Jammu and Kashmir within hours, triggering flash floods and damaging homes, shops, schools, and commercial establishments. The first cloudburst hit the Chhatru area of Kishtwar district, while another struck Pahalipora village in Doda district, sending torrents of water and mud through residential areas. Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and district authorities, launched rescue operations and safely evacuated residents. Authorities have reported no casualties so far, while damage assessments continue. The latest incidents come as devastating floods continue across several Indian states. Assam remains the worst-affected state, with at least 82 flood-related deaths, while Odisha, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh are also grappling with heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.

The investigation into the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case has intensified after the Supreme Court directed the formation of a new Special Investigation Team (SIT). The newly constituted SIT has begun a comprehensive probe and has already served notices to more than 100 people directly or indirectly linked to the Ram Mandir. The fresh investigation is being supervised by senior police officials and focuses on uncovering the financial trail behind the alleged theft. Investigators are examining bank accounts, land records, property documents, and financial transactions connected to the accused and their relatives. The relatives of the eight accused, who remain in judicial custody, have also been served notices as part of the expanded investigation.

Pacific waters driving the El Nino have never been this warm this early, he said, with a new forecast by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) finding sea-surface temperatures now averaging 3C (5.4F) above normal.

Referring back to his earlier advice that negotiations with Karnataka wouldn't benefit Tamil Nadu, Stalin said this was precisely why he had cautioned the Chief Minister against visiting the neighbouring state.

A warm exchange between Jemimah Rodrigues and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana after Southern Brave's victory in The Hundred 2026 caught attention online, as their hug went viral.

Ahead of Toxic's August 26 release, the makers have unveiled the trailer release date along with a striking new poster of Yash. Heightening anticipation for the much-awaited action thriller, the news has created a buzz on social media.

Purja was among 10 climbers feared missing after an avalanche occurred on Broad Peak of the Karkoram mountains on Thursday.

Ceuta, a tiny Spanish enclave in Africa, has become Europe’s latest migration flashpoint after thousands crossed from Morocco, sparking deaths, border tensions and a political crisis.

Google has revealed the Pixel 11 Pro's design ahead of launch, introducing a new RGB feature called Pixel Glow. The flagship is expected to feature the Tensor G6 chip, upgraded cameras, 256GB base storage and a confirmed price increase due to rising component costs.