India

Delhi Consumer Panel Orders Builder to Refund Rs 19.73 Lakh Over Plot Booking Dispute

A Delhi consumer commission has directed a developer to refund Rs 19.73 lakh to an Indian Air Force officer who had booked two plots and paid the full amount. No sale agreement was ever signed between the parties, and the housing project faced significant delays. When the officer sought a refund or an alternative project, the developer refused both options, prompting him to approach the commission. The panel ruled that the absence of a binding contract made a full refund the appropriate remedy in this case.

Supreme Court Highlights Role of Joint Family System in Honeymoon Murder Case

A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale delivered an order in a honeymoon murder case that touched on broader social concerns. The bench underscored the significance of the joint family system in India as part of its observations. The court's remarks came in agreement with Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, who had raised the issue during proceedings. The order reflects the judiciary's concern over the erosion of traditional family structures in the country.

Mumbai cop caught on camera threatening students with false drug cases; inquiry ordered

Mumbai Police has launched an inquiry after a video went viral showing a police driver threatening student protesters with fabricated criminal charges, including drug planting. The incident took place amid protests in Mumbai in solidarity with a student agitation in New Delhi. In the footage, the driver can be heard warning students of false cases being filed against them. Pending the outcome of the inquiry, the driver has been removed from his current posting. Police have stated they are in the process of verifying the facts surrounding the serious allegations.

Margot Robbie buys $28M Queensland estate near her childhood hometown

Australian actress Margot Robbie has purchased a luxury property in Queensland's Currumbin Valley for $28 million. The estate features stables, a swimming pool, and a ten-car garage. The location holds personal significance for Robbie, as it is close to where she grew up on the Gold Coast. She had left the area as a young person to pursue her acting career, making this purchase a sentimental return to her roots. The acquisition comes during a highly successful period in her professional life.

Heavy Floods Hit Gujarat and Maharashtra, Trains Disrupted, Red Alert Issued

Intense monsoon rainfall is severely affecting Gujarat and Maharashtra, leading to widespread flooding across towns and villages. Overflowing rivers have inundated residential areas, prompting multiple rescue operations to be launched by authorities. Train services in the region have faced significant disruption due to the extreme weather conditions. A red alert has been declared, with forecasts warning of continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been advised to stay indoors and refrain from travelling.

BJP rallies behind PM Modi on paper leak fast-track courts; dares Opposition to debate

Vijay's Jana Nayagan Earns Rs 11.37 Crore India Net on Opening Day

Thalapathy Vijay's farewell film Jana Nayagan has opened strongly at the box office on its first day of release. The film collected Rs 11.37 crore in India net earnings from morning shows alone. Tamil Nadu has emerged as the primary contributor to the opening day gross. The production is targeting approximately Rs 80 crore in worldwide debut collections. Industry observers note that family audience turnout and first-weekend performance will be critical to sustaining its box office run into the second week.

RAF Officer Sparks Controversy Over Instagram Post on Student Protests

Sonia Sehrawat, an Assistant Commandant in the Rapid Action Force (RAF), a specialized wing of the CRPF, has come under scrutiny after posting her views on student protests via an Instagram story. The post, which has since been deleted, drew significant public attention and criticism. Sehrawat had reportedly referred to student protesters in a derogatory manner in her social media post. The incident has triggered a controversy involving the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), raising questions about the conduct of a uniformed officer on social media.

650+ Lawyers Condemn Police Crackdown on CJP Student March to Parliament

Over 650 lawyers issued a joint statement on Wednesday criticizing the police action against a student march led by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) toward Parliament. The lawyers described the crackdown as an attack on constitutional values. In response, legal professionals plan to gather at the Supreme Court lawn to recite the Preamble of the Constitution. The demonstration is intended as a symbolic act of solidarity with the protesters and a reaffirmation of democratic principles.

Lovlina Borgohain Guarantees India a Medal at CWG 2026 Before Games Begin

India has already secured its first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, even before the opening ceremony takes place. Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has been granted a semifinal bye in boxing, assuring her of at least a bronze medal. She is scheduled to compete against T.K.B.P. Taafaki on July 31 for a shot at the gold medal bout. India is fielding a 124-member contingent at the Games, with ambitions across several sporting disciplines.

Tharoor quotes Niazi couplet to slam govt's delayed response to paper leak crisis

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor invoked a poetic couplet to criticize the central government's handling of the paper leak controversy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those responsible. The government framed the action plan as a measure to protect the interests and future of India's youth. The Congress party, however, dismissed the response as too little, too late. Meanwhile, protests at Jantar Mantar persist, with a hunger strike entering its twenty-sixth consecutive day.

UP Housing Board to Raze 44 Illegal Shops in Meerut After Supreme Court Order

The Uttar Pradesh Housing Board has issued notices to demolish 44 sealed shops in Meerut's Shastri Nagar area. The action follows a Supreme Court directive targeting illegal constructions and unauthorized commercial activities. Property owners have been given a 15-day window to comply with the demolition orders. Affected traders have raised concerns over potential loss of livelihood as their businesses face closure. Authorities are also working to identify other non-compliant properties elsewhere in the city.

Google CEO Pichai Acknowledges Need to Improve AI and Agentic Coding Capabilities

Google CEO Sundar Pichai addressed analysts and investors on Wednesday, defending the company's overall AI strategy amid growing competition. He responded to concerns about rivals releasing new AI models at a faster pace, while highlighting the performance of Google's Gemini Flash models. Pichai also hinted at the upcoming launch of Gemini 4, signaling continued investment in next-generation AI. The company's rising capital expenditures have drawn increased scrutiny from investors seeking clearer returns. Despite the pressure, Google reaffirmed its commitment to staying competitive in AI development, including in coding and agentic AI capabilities.

Supreme Court rebukes Rajasthan over persistent acid pollution in Jojari River

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised the Rajasthan government over the ongoing pollution of the Jojari River. The court was responding to findings from an expert committee report that confirmed highly acidic water continues to flow in the river. Justices expressed sharp displeasure, stating it would be shameful if the state was effectively allowing its citizens to be poisoned. The court's remarks underscore the failure of authorities to address the river's deteriorating water quality despite prior interventions.

Supreme Court Revokes Sonam Raghuvanshi's Bail Over Serious Allegations

The Supreme Court of India has cancelled the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, citing the serious nature of the allegations levelled against her. The court ordered her to surrender following its decision to revoke her bail. The bench noted that the charges she faces are grave enough to warrant her custody during the trial. However, the court left open the possibility of relief, stating she may reapply for bail after six months if her trial remains incomplete by then.

Delhi HC launches suo motu PIL to tackle rising stray dog menace in capital

The Delhi High Court has initiated suo motu public interest litigation to oversee the management of stray dogs in the city. The court issued notices to the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, directing them to file a status report by July 31. Judges flagged growing concern over the rising stray dog population and the frequency of bite incidents. The move follows directions from the Supreme Court asking all High Courts to monitor compliance on the issue.

Beavers Expanding Into Canada's Arctic, Reshaping Landscape: Study

A new study has documented the northward spread of North American beavers into Canada's Arctic region. Researchers used satellite imagery and shrub growth scars to trace the animals' colonisation of the area. Evidence suggests beavers began moving into the Arctic as early as 2008. Scientists say this tracking method can help monitor wildlife migration and landscape transformation in remote regions. The findings also offer a way to study the broader effects of climate change on Arctic ecosystems.

Indian National Arrested in US for Allegedly Stealing $2.8M Worth of Tungsten Powder

An Indian national identified as Kumar has been arrested in the United States on theft charges. He was found transporting 10 pallets of tungsten oxide powder that had allegedly been stolen. The seized material was valued at approximately $2.85 million. Tungsten oxide is a lethal industrial compound with significant commercial and strategic applications. Details of the arrest emerged from Kumar's official arrest records.

China launches Gravity-1 rocket from sea, places nine satellites into orbit

Explained: Why Cotton is India's "White Gold"

Competitive Exam explainers | Agriculture