The first half of 2026 marks a landmark era for Indian films by crossing ₹6,398 crore in domestic box office gross, reversing a three-year slide in theatrical footfalls, and setting an all-time mid-year record.

First half of 2026 marks landmark era for Indian films

<p>The Indian monsoon transforms the country's diverse landscapes between June and September. While heavy rainfall often disrupts urban routines, it simultaneously revitalises national parks, hill stations, and coastal regions. For travellers seeking cooler temperatures and vibrant greenery, specific high-altitude areas and rain-fed valleys offer ideal conditions. Planning a trip during these months requires understanding regional weather patterns and access rules.</p><h2>Munnar and its tea plantations</h2><p>Munnar in Kerala sits at an altitude ranging from 1,450 metres to 2,695 metres above sea level. During the monsoon months of July to September, the region experiences average temperatures between 15 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius. The heavy rainfall rejuvenates the sprawling tea plantations and fills local water bodies like the Lakkam Waterfalls. Visitors should pack waterproof gear and durable footwear, as the weather is consistently wet and humid.</p><h2>The Valley of Flowers permit system</h2><p>Located in Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers National Park base sits at an altitude of 3,658 metres. The official 2026 travel season runs from June to October, with peak blooming occurring from mid-July to mid-August. The region hosts over 600 alpine plant species. According to the state forest department portal, Indian citizens must pay an entry fee of Rs 200 for a three-day permit, while foreign nationals pay Rs 800. The forest department enforces a strict cap of 300 visitors per day to protect the local ecosystem.</p><h2>Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya</h2><p>The state of Meghalaya is famous for receiving exceptional amounts of rainfall. The monsoon dramatically increases the water volume at Nohkalikai Falls, which is located in the East Khasi Hills near Cherrapunji. Standing at 340 metres, it is officially the tallest plunge waterfall in India. A viewing area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a basic entry fee of approximately Rs 20 per person. Heavy fog can obscure visibility, so morning visits are generally recommended.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Travelling across India during the rainy season provides unique opportunities to witness the natural environment at its peak. Ensure you verify official weather alerts and secure necessary permits online before departure. Proper preparation allows for a safe and memorable monsoon journey.</p>

The Indian monsoon transforms regional landscapes from June to September. Destinations like Munnar in Kerala, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, and Meghalaya offer lush greenery, high-altitude alpine blooms, and full waterfalls for nature travellers.

The Indian monsoon transforms the country's diverse landscapes between June and September. While heavy rainfall often disrupts urban routines, it simultaneously revitalises national parks, hill stations, and coastal regions. For travellers seeking cooler temperatures and vibrant greenery, specific high-altitude areas and rain-fed valleys offer ideal conditions. Planning a trip during these months requires understanding regional weather patterns and access rules. Munnar and its tea plantations Munnar in Kerala sits at an altitude ranging from 1,450 metres to 2,695 metres above sea level. During the monsoon months of July to September, the region experiences average temperatures between 15 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius. The heavy rainfall rejuvenates the sprawling tea plantations and fills local water bodies like the Lakkam Waterfalls. Visitors should pack waterproof gear and durable footwear, as the weather is consistently wet and humid. The Valley of Flowers permit system Located in Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers National Park base sits at an altitude of 3,658 metres. The official 2026 travel season runs from June to October, with peak blooming occurring from mid-July to mid-August. The region hosts over 600 alpine plant species. According to the state forest department portal, Indian citizens must pay an entry fee of Rs 200 for a three-day permit, while foreign nationals pay Rs 800. The forest department enforces a strict cap of 300 visitors per day to protect the local ecosystem. Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya The state of Meghalaya is famous for receiving exceptional amounts of rainfall. The monsoon dramatically increases the water volume at Nohkalikai Falls, which is located in the East Khasi Hills near Cherrapunji. Standing at 340 metres, it is officially the tallest plunge waterfall in India. A viewing area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a basic entry fee of approximately Rs 20 per person. Heavy fog can obscure visibility, so morning visits are generally recommended. Travelling across India during the rainy season provides unique opportunities to witness the natural environment at its peak. Ensure you verify official weather alerts and secure necessary permits online before departure. Proper preparation allows for a safe and memorable monsoon journey.

<p>The Indian monsoon transforms regional landscapes from June to September. Destinations like Munnar in Kerala, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, and Meghalaya offer lush greenery, high-altitude alpine blooms, and full waterfalls for nature travellers.</p>

Looking for the best monsoon destination in India? Start here

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 15.4% year-on-year to reach ₹2,11,205 crore in July 2026, driven by a sharp 28.8% surge in import-related tax revenues and a solid 10.1% growth in domestic transactions.

GST collections hit 15.4% growth in July

The CWMA has directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. In response, Karnataka has called an all-party meeting, while pro-Kannada groups have announced a statewide bandh on August 13.

Cauvery Water Dispute: CWMA directs Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu 

A Zero FIR has been registered against a Noida woman over alleged abusive remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. The case has now been transferred to the Delhi Police for further investigation.


NEET Protest: F.I.R filed against woman for allegedly abusing PM Modi

As the global race for artificial intelligence accelerates, India may not yet be leading in AI chips or large language models, but it is emerging as a key player in building the infrastructure that powers them.

From fibre-optic cables and power systems to cooling equipment for data centres, Indian manufacturers are benefiting from the massive global investment in AI infrastructure.

Here's a report on how the AI boom is creating a new growth story for India's industrial sector.

Take a look.

 India cashes in on the AI buildout

Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.

Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Alarm | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

The Indian government has officially summoned senior executives from Meta following a major controversy involving the sudden and unexplained blocking of an official video featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


India summons Meta after PM Modi video block

Tensions in West Asia continue to simmer despite the absence of a full-scale war, as Iran weighs military pressure against escalating regional risks. From surprise strikes to sanctions, blockades, and shifting strategic calculations, the conflict is entering a new phase with far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global security.

Sanction & Blockades: Why a ceasefire may not suit Tehran

India's teacher shortage has come under sharp focus after fresh data presented in Parliament revealed that more than 1.08 lakh schools across the country are functioning with just one teacher. According to the Union Minister of State for Education, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand and Maharashtra. While the national pupil-teacher ratio appears favorable on paper, the latest figures expose significant regional disparities in teacher availability.

1 Lakh Schools, One Teacher Each? Parliament Data Exposes India's Teacher Crisis | GRAVITAS 

India's 'golden boy' Neeraj Chopra has qualified for the final of the javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. All three Indian made it to the final, which will take place on Friday.

Three Indians qualify for CWG Javelin Final | Wion Sports 

In a massive breakthrough, the West Bengal Police arrested Minar Mondal, a former government bus driver turned stone trader, after unearthing over ₹28.5 crore in cash and 15 kg of gold bars from his residence in Birbhum's Deucha village. Following a marathon 20-hour raid where multiple currency-counting machines broke down, investigators revealed that the stash belongs to an organized crime syndicate linked to absconding stone and sand baron Tulu Mondal.


Police make arrests as ₹28.5 crore seized from Minar Mondal's house

India's education system is under fresh scrutiny after the Central Government revealed that more than 1 lakh schools across the country are functioning with just one teacher. Responding to a question in Parliament, the Ministry of Education disclosed that 1,08,043 schools currently operate with only a single teacher, highlighting the scale of teacher shortages in several states.

According to the official data, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of single-teacher schools, followed by Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. At the other end of the spectrum, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Ladakh, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Kerala reported the fewest such schools.

Teacher Shortage Exposed: Over 1 Lakh Schools Run by a Single Teacher

More than 1,00,843 schools across India are reportedly operating with only one teacher, highlighting a significant challenge in the country's education system. The issue has raised concerns about teacher shortages, learning outcomes, and access to quality education, particularly in rural and remote areas.

1,00,843 schools in India functioning with only one teacher

India’s road infrastructure has witnessed a significant expansion during the last decade, growing by over 60 percent, from 91,287 km as of March 2014 to 146,560 km as of March 2025. The country’s total road network is the second-largest in the world, with over 6.34 million km, of which over 4.5 million km are paved, and 1.4 million km are national highways.


Several infrastructure projects in India fail the monsoon test

The US Senate has advanced a long-awaited bipartisan bill to impose more restrictions on major buyers of Russian energy and extend penalties against Iran, paving the way for passage of long-stalled legislation championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill allows US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on the world's top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, including India and China. 


US Senate clears Russia sanctions bill: India, China in focus

India's Ministry of External Affairs has said fugitive businessman Nirav Modi will be extradited once legal proceedings in the United Kingdom are completed. The MEA reaffirmed its commitment to bringing fugitive economic offenders back to India to face justice.

Ministry of External Affairs says Nirav Modi will return after UK legal process ends

Heavy monsoon rains continue to batter India, disrupting life across multiple states. The char dham yatra has been suspended after landslides blocked key routes in uttarakhand, over 445,000 people have been affected by floods in assam, and severe waterlogging has crippled parts of delhi-ncr, where the IMD has issued a red alert.

 Assam: Over 445,000 people remain affected in Assam across six districts

Jr NTR was reportedly injured during the shoot of Dragon. The incident occurred while filming a sequence for the movie. The film is directed by Prashanth Neel. The actor is said to have sustained minor injuries. Watch the full video to know more on this.

Jr NTR suffers injury while Shooting For Prashanth Neel's film 'Dragon' 

Nepal has formally requested India to recognize its National Identity Card as a valid travel document for Nepali citizens entering the country. If approved, the National Identity Card would become the third accepted travel document alongside passports and citizenship certificates.

The proposal, submitted through diplomatic channels, aims to simplify air and land travel between the two neighboring countries. Nepali authorities say the move could make cross-border movement more convenient for travelers while strengthening people-to-people connectivity.

Nepal seeks India's approval for national ID card as travel document 

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking accountability for the “barbaric assault on students who were peacefully protesting in Delhi” on July 20, 2026. Mr. Gandhi asked Mr. Shah whether the latter had authorised the use of “lethal force”.


India: Discussion on paper leak in Parliament to take place on Tuesday

As China continues to expand the world's largest navy and Pakistan strengthens its underwater warfare capabilities with advanced Chinese-built submarines, New Delhi is responding with a clear strategic objective: a 200-ship Indian Navy by 2035.   

India aims for 200-ship navy by 2035 to counter China & Pakistan 

India has summoned Ukraine's Ambassador to the Ministry of External Affairs following the attack on the commercial vessel Mv Omorfi, which claimed the life of an Indian national. The MEA strongly condemned the targeting of commercial shipping, stressing that attacks endangering civilian seafarers are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to maritime safety, freedom of navigation and global trade.


India summons Ukraine envoy over Indian seafarer's death

Karnataka's 14 major reservoirs are holding 419.35 TMC ft of water as of July 24, making it the second-lowest storage level recorded for this time of year in the last six years. Only 2023 saw lower reserves, when storage dropped to 371.07 TMC ft, raising fresh concerns over water availability as the monsoon season continues.

Karnataka stares at water crisis amid deficient monsoon 

The Centre is set to introduce the Anti-Paper Leak Bill aimed at preventing exam malpractices and strengthening measures against question paper leaks. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure transparency, accountability, and stricter action against those involved in examination fraud, protecting the future of millions of students.

Monsoon Session enters week two: Opposition says new exam bill 'pointless' 

A jewellery company from Surat has sent its lotus-shaped lab-grown diamond creation into space aboard Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 orbital rocket. Crafted over six months using 32 lab-grown diamonds, the unique design marks the first time diamonds from India's diamond hub have reached orbit, highlighting both India's innovation in luxury craftsmanship and the growing capabilities of its private space sector.

Mission Aagaman: 16.95-carat artwork onboard Vikram-1 rocket

India continues to battle relentless monsoon rains as severe flooding disrupts normal life across several states. In Assam, the flood death toll has risen to 66, with more than 6.5 lakh people affected across 10 districts. Hundreds of villages remain submerged, thousands of hectares of farmland have been damaged, and rescue operations are continuing with the Indian Air Force airlifting and airdropping relief supplies.

Gujarat has also witnessed widespread flooding after receiving significantly higher rainfall than last year. More than 42,000 people have been shifted to safer locations as authorities remain on high alert. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed officials to begin sanitation drives and damage assessments as floodwaters recede.

Floods disrupt communities as relentless monsoon rains batter India

The Supreme Court has made a significant observation amid growing controversy over the handling of protests in Delhi. The court's remarks come as questions mount over restrictions, police action, and the right to peaceful protest.

The case has reignited a wider debate on civil liberties, public order, and democratic rights, with protesters, political leaders, and legal experts closely watching the developments. What did the top court say, and what could it mean for future demonstrations across India?

Delhi protests: Top court's big remark on protest crackdown

Sarnath has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status, marking a major milestone for one of India’s most significant Buddhist heritage sites. The recognition is expected to boost conservation efforts, promote sustainable tourism, and enhance the global profile of the historic destination associated with Lord Buddha’s first sermon.

India's Sarnath earns world heritage tag: Status expected to strengthen conservation & tourism

Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu made history at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games by winning a historic third consecutive gold medal, setting new records with a total lift of 190kg (85kg snatch and 105kg clean & jerk) in the women's 48kg category.

Indian weightlifter Chanu makes history with back-to-back golds at commonwealth games

The ongoing NEET controversy continues to ignite political firestorms across India, with opposition parties launching a united front to demand heightened accountability from the Central government.


India NEET row: Oppn demands greater accountability from Centre over NEET

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