India

Despite big scheme, just 3 out of 10 city homes linked to sewers

Maharashtra Doctors Strike Over Homoeopathy Registration Dispute

Doctors in Maharashtra have called a statewide strike amid a growing controversy over homoeopathy practitioner registrations. The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) is at the centre of the protest, raising concerns about the BHMS-CCMP registration process. MARD has demanded that the registration process be immediately suspended pending a final court ruling on the matter. The strike reflects broader tensions within the state's medical community over regulatory and licensing procedures.

Heavy Rain Leaves Gurugram Streets Waterlogged, Disrupts Daily Commute

Heavy rainfall caused severe waterlogging across Gurugram, submerging streets and disrupting movement for residents and commuters. Footage from the area showed people removing their shoes to wade through the flooded roads. Commuters were forced to navigate through a narrow strip of footpath to avoid the deep water. The incident highlights the recurring drainage and infrastructure challenges faced by the city during monsoon season.

Why Bypoll Results Are Poor Predictors of General Election Outcomes

Bypolls serve as useful measures of a party's organisational strength, campaign effectiveness, and ability to mobilise voters. They offer a snapshot of which party is better prepared on the ground at a given point in time. However, analysts caution that bypoll results do not reliably forecast the outcome of the next general election. The Bankipur bypoll has renewed debate around how much weight should be given to such results in predicting broader political shifts.

ED probes 32 bank fraud cases as 54 accused flee India, Rs 35,000 cr assets seized

The Enforcement Directorate is currently investigating 32 bank fraud cases involving 54 accused individuals who have fled the country. Proceedings under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act have been initiated against 27 of these individuals. Following the declaration of nine persons as fugitive economic offenders, assets worth over Rs 840 crore have been confiscated. Additionally, unclaimed bank deposits amounting to Rs 62,683.19 crore have been transferred to the RBI's designated fund. India's foreign exchange reserves remain stable, sufficient to cover 10.3 months of goods imports.

Trinamool Rebel MPs Reportedly Exploring Return After Ties With BJP Leader

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy has claimed that some rebel MPs from the party are in contact with him about a possible return. The rebels had previously been associated with BJP's Suvendu Adhikari but appear to be distancing themselves from the NDA alliance. Roy's statement suggests growing uncertainty among the defectors about their political future outside Trinamool. The development points to potential realignments within West Bengal's political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.

Supreme Court Issues SOPs and Compensation Rules to Combat Digital Arrest Scams

India's Supreme Court has issued new directions addressing the growing menace of cyber-enabled financial frauds and digital arrest scams. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, passed the directives during proceedings. The court was hearing a suo motu case it had taken up on its own initiative to tackle these crimes. The directions include standard operating procedures as well as a framework for compensating victims affected by such scams.

Israeli Man Dies by Suicide on Grave of Girlfriend Killed in October 7 Attack

Bar Asraf, a 30-year-old Israeli man, was found dead on Saturday at the grave of his girlfriend Liron Barda, who was killed in the October 7 Hamas attack. Asraf died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the burial site. His death came just three days after he had attended his brother's wedding, where he appeared cheerful, singing and dancing. However, those close to him revealed he had been privately struggling despite his outward happiness.

84% of US coastal wetlands are sinking towards open water

Deadly plants reveal six enzymes that could help create new medicines

British Columbia invests $500,000 to restore Cowichan Estuary amid marsh loss threat

British Columbia has committed $500,000 to a large-scale restoration project at the Cowichan Estuary, where up to 60% of marsh habitat is projected to be lost by 2100. The initiative is designed to strengthen watershed health and boost the region's resilience to climate change. A key focus is rebuilding critical habitat to support fish and wildlife populations. Indigenous stewardship plays a central role, guiding land management and the planting of culturally significant species. The project aims to protect biodiversity while benefiting local communities that depend on the estuary's resources.

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah disappears in Glasgow before team's CWG departure

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah went missing in Glasgow shortly before his national team was scheduled to depart after the Commonwealth Games. His passport and return ticket were still held by the team manager at the time of his disappearance. Pakistan had a largely underwhelming CWG campaign, finishing with just a single medal. The sole medal came from Fatima Zahra, who claimed a bronze and became the first Pakistani female boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal. Star athlete Arshad Nadeem also failed to secure a medal during the games.

Odisha launches Pucca Ghar Yojana to house families in mining-affected districts

Odisha's Pucca Ghar Yojana aims to provide permanent housing to kutcha household residents living in mining-impacted areas. The scheme covers 36 blocks spread across nine mineral-rich districts in the state. Eligible beneficiaries will receive financial support for home construction as well as assistance for basic amenities such as toilets. Surveys are conducted to assess eligibility, ensuring applicants are not already covered under other housing programmes. Residents can register for the scheme either online or through their local government representatives.

Rajya Sabha passes Registration of Births and Deaths Bill amid Opposition protests

Extinct-for-30-Years Snail Species Makes Comeback on Norfolk Island

Campbell's keeled glass snail, declared extinct in 1996, has been successfully reintroduced to Norfolk Island after three decades. More than 1,000 critically endangered snails have been released onto the island as part of a structured recovery effort. The milestone was achieved through sustained collaboration among conservationists and a dedicated captive breeding program. Researchers are now monitoring the reintroduced population to track its growth and long-term survival prospects.

SC calls to 'dismantle' ‘men’s clubs’ in Bar Councils, orders co-option of 2 women

The Daily Catch-Up: BJP introspection, Air India turbulence

Pakistani Drone Spotted in Kathua as Border Tensions With Pakistan Escalate

A Pakistani drone was detected over the Hiranagar sector in Kathua, triggering a security search by Indian forces. Separately, a large anti-terror operation was launched by security personnel in Poonch district. An unexploded mortar shell was also recovered from a residential property in Kathua. These incidents come amid growing tensions along the India-Pakistan border and reports of Pakistani military build-up. India has asserted that it will take necessary steps to protect its national interests.

BJP Charts Counter-Strategy Against SP's Caste-Based PDA Politics in UP

The BJP is preparing a targeted strategy ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections to counter the Samajwadi Party's anticipated caste-based approach. The ruling party believes SP leader Akhilesh Yadav will once again rely on his 'PDA' (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpasankhyak) coalition to mobilise voters. BJP leaders are confident that the caste-consolidation formula that previously benefited SP will not yield the same results in 2027. The party is working on plans to neutralise the impact of SP's outreach among backward classes, Dalits, and minorities in the state.

Kathiwada Raaj Mahal Blends 600 Years of Royal Heritage With Sustainable Tourism

The 131-year-old Kathiwada Raaj Mahal, nestled in the Vindhya hills, preserves six centuries of history while adapting to modern times. Ranasaheb Digvijaysinh Kathiwada leads efforts to maintain the estate's historical significance and contemporary relevance. A hunting lodge dating to 1895 has been restored to combine modern comforts with its original architectural elegance. Beyond tourism, the royal estate actively supports education, healthcare, and rural development in the surrounding region. The property is committed to sustainable tourism practices and improving infrastructure across the area.