India

Tamil Nadu mandates online registration for first-time property sales

Tamil Nadu has introduced a mandatory online registration system for initial property sales, removing the need for in-person visits to sub-registrar offices. Builders and buyers are required to create accounts on the TNREGINET portal to submit their documents digitally. All parties involved, including executants, claimants, and witnesses, must complete Aadhaar-based biometric authentication online. Registering officers are obligated to process submitted applications within 24 hours.

Omar Abdullah to Meet US Ambassador in Srinagar, Won't Raise Internal J&K Issues

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to meet US Ambassador Sergio Gor in Srinagar on Wednesday afternoon. Abdullah clarified that he does not intend to raise the internal problems faced by Jammu and Kashmir during the meeting. The Chief Minister indicated that the US envoy is visiting to listen to local perspectives rather than to discuss domestic grievances. The meeting reflects ongoing diplomatic engagement between American officials and regional leaders in India.

Swiss Alpine Village of 1,300 Residents at Risk from Unstable Rock Formation

The Swiss village of Kandersteg, home to around 1,300 people, faces a potential landslide threat from an unstable mountain formation. Scientists attribute the risk to thawing permafrost and shifting glacier dynamics driven by climate change. Although the danger is not considered imminent, local authorities have established evacuation protocols and set up monitoring systems as precautionary measures. Residents remain composed, expressing confidence in the safety infrastructure put in place. The situation underscores a broader pattern of growing natural hazards confronting mountain communities around the world.

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Gains Legal Power to Override Cabinet Decisions

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been granted legal authority to override decisions made by cabinet ministers. This power can be exercised when the Chief Minister deems it necessary in the interest of the public. The move marks a significant shift in the balance of executive authority within the Maharashtra state government. The development positions the Chief Minister with greater administrative control over ministerial decisions in the state.

Jharkhand HC: Taunts on looks, IQ do not qualify as cruelty under Section 498A

The Jharkhand High Court has quashed a criminal case filed against a man under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. The court examined the allegations, which included taunts about the woman's complexion and low IQ, and found they did not meet the legal threshold for cruelty. Allowing the case to proceed, the court ruled, would amount to an abuse of the legal process. Consequently, all criminal proceedings against the petitioner were set aside.

'Foolproof system, difficult to breach': Centre lists NEET security measures before SC

Akshaye Khanna joins 'Mahakali' as Shukracharya in Prasanth Varma Universe

Akshaye Khanna has been cast as Shukracharya in the upcoming mythological film 'Mahakali'. The project is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe, which gained recognition through the success of 'Hanu-Man'. Actors Bhoomi Shetty and Rohit Saraf are also set to appear in the film. The makers have scheduled a major announcement or reveal for August 24.

Imran Khan Reunites With Wife and Sister in Jail for First Time in 2025

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan met his wife Bushra Bibi and his sister for the first time this year at Adiala Jail. The meeting took place following a court order permitting the visit. Khan has been held at Adiala Jail since 2023 and continues to face multiple legal cases. The reunion marks a notable development amid his prolonged detention.

700 kg adulterated red chilli sauce seized by FSSAI; 6 easy alternatives

‘Wasn’t I an anti-national’: Abhijeet Dipke on Union Minister’s offer to join his party

South Korea and US Cut Joint Military Drills Short Following Trump's Order

South Korea and the United States have decided to end their joint military exercises approximately one week ahead of schedule. The decision follows a direct order from US President Donald Trump to curtail the drills. The exercises have long been a point of contention with North Korea, which views them as a provocation. North Korean state media condemned the drills on Wednesday, calling them a 'most immediate and open threat,' though it made no reference to Trump's directive.

Trump Grants 3-Day Pause on 50% Canada Tariffs Ahead of Midnight Deadline

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day pause on 50% tariffs targeting select Canadian goods. The reprieve was declared just hours before a midnight deadline was set to take effect. Trump indicated the pause is conditional, stating it is subject to a deal being reached. The move signals ongoing negotiations between the US and Canada over trade terms.

J&K Pharmacy Students in Bhopal Face Eviction Threat, MP CM Urged to Intervene

The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has written a three-page letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav seeking his immediate personal intervention. The letter concerns pharmacy students from J&K who are reportedly facing eviction pressure in Bhopal. The JKSA submitted the appeal on Tuesday, highlighting the students' distress. Madhya Pradesh police have also begun probing the claims made regarding the alleged eviction attempts.

Pacific Garbage Patch Covers 1.6 Million Sq Km, Dominated by Fishing Gear

A massive accumulation of plastic debris spanning 1.6 million square kilometers floats in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California. The patch is largely made up of fishing gear such as nets and ropes, along with significant quantities of microplastics. Marine wildlife faces serious threats from this pollution, as animals frequently mistake plastic fragments for food. Other creatures become entangled and trapped in abandoned fishing equipment, known as ghost gear.

Vijay govt revokes order barring students from Left, CJP protests in Tamil Nadu

Rahul Gandhi's Counsel Opposes Voice Sample Plea in Savarkar Defamation Case

Rahul Gandhi's legal team has challenged a plea seeking his voice sample in an ongoing defamation case, calling the request premature at this stage of proceedings. The case originates from remarks Gandhi made in London in 2023. During the hearing, cross-examination of Satyaki Savarkar brought alleged links between Godse and the RSS into focus. The court has asked the defense to submit its formal response by September 1.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe: From Village School to 25 Transfers

IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has drawn renewed attention for his strict enforcement of food safety regulations in his current role as Maharashtra FDA Commissioner. Known informally as 'IAS Singham', Mundhe began his education at a Zilla Parishad school in Beed district before achieving an All India Rank of 20 in the UPSC civil services examination. His administrative career spanning over two decades has been marked by approximately 25 transfers, reflecting his reputation as an uncompromising official. Mundhe continues to be one of Maharashtra's most closely observed bureaucrats due to his no-nonsense approach to governance.

Swell surge alert: High waves warning for Kerala, TN, and Lakshadweep coasts

Indian Refiners Pay Premium as Russian Oil Discounts Dry Up Amid Middle East War

Indian refiners are now being forced to purchase crude oil at premium prices as the discounts that were previously available on Russian and Venezuelan oil have largely disappeared. The discounts had briefly widened during a period when a temporary truce in the Middle East conflict increased the overall supply of available crude. However, since that truce period ended, the discount on Russian crude has nearly vanished entirely. The price reduction on Venezuelan oil has also narrowed significantly, adding further cost pressure on Indian buyers. The development signals tightening conditions for Indian refiners who had grown reliant on discounted supplies from sanctioned producers.

Who is Satyaki Savarkar, the man behind Rahul Gandhi's defamation case

Satyaki Savarkar, grandnephew of independence-era figure V.D. Savarkar, has filed a defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The complaint stems from remarks Gandhi allegedly made about Savarkar during a visit to London. Cross-examination in the case has brought attention to Satyaki's family connections to both the Savarkar and Godse families. A court is currently examining a plea to obtain Gandhi's voice sample for forensic analysis. The defence is yet to formally respond, and proceedings in the case are ongoing.