India

Russia reports 320 Ukrainian drones downed overnight; six dead, warehouses hit

Russia's defence ministry announced it intercepted and destroyed 320 Ukrainian drones across 19 regions in a single overnight operation. Regional governors confirmed that the attacks resulted in six fatalities and nine injuries. Infrastructure damage was reported near two major cities, with warehouses struck in areas close to Moscow and St Petersburg. The large-scale drone campaign represents one of the broader aerial assaults recorded across Russian territory.

Udhayanidhi Stalin Arrested Over Controversial Remarks About Actress Trisha

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested in connection with a case involving remarks he allegedly made about actress Trisha Krishnan. The case originated from a complaint lodged by the women's wing of TVK at a police station in Thanjavur. Following his arrest, Udhayanidhi Stalin stated his intention to contest the matter through legal channels. The development has drawn significant political attention given his prominent role in the Tamil Nadu government.

'Not afraid of arrest': Udhayanidhi's first response after police action

UP Government to Shower Flower Petals on Kanwariyas via Helicopter on Aug 9

The Uttar Pradesh government has planned a helicopter flower-petal shower for Kanwar Yatra pilgrims on August 9. The helicopter will take off from Lucknow at 8 am on that day. Flower petals will be rained down on the kanwariyas in the Baghpat region between 10:30 am and 11:15 am. The gesture appears to be a ceremonial tribute by the state government to the pilgrims undertaking the annual Kanwar Yatra.

Iran planned strikes on Ukraine but backed down after Kyiv's 'apology'

'Resignations are part of politics': DKS on two MLAs quitting over K'taka cabinet snub

Punjab Man Dies by Suicide at Khanna Police Station After Filing Complaint

A man named Gobind Singh from Ludhiana died by suicide at a police station in Khanna city, Punjab, on Monday. He had visited the station to follow up on a complaint he had previously filed. The case reportedly involved the recovery of Rs 53,000. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death at the police premises.

Dolphin carries dead calf for six days in rare mourning behavior caught on drone

A dolphin named Fraggle was filmed carrying her deceased newborn calf for six days in the Indian Ocean. Drone footage captured the emotional scene, which also showed her pod gathering around her in an apparent show of support. The behavior is believed to reflect the deep maternal bonds and complex social structures observed in dolphins and other cetaceans. Scientists note that such mourning-like responses have been documented in more than twenty cetacean species, suggesting these animals may possess some awareness of death.

Gold Prices to Stay Range-Bound Amid US-Iran Talks and US Economic Data

Gold prices are expected to remain range-bound in the near term, according to Praveen Singh, Head of Currencies and Commodities at Mirae Asset ShareKhan. Two key factors are likely to drive price movement: ongoing US-Iran diplomatic talks and incoming macroeconomic data from the United States. The US economic data is expected to offer clearer guidance to the Federal Reserve regarding its future interest rate decisions. As rate policy and geopolitical developments evolve, analysts suggest gold traders should watch these indicators closely for directional cues.

Two Kanwariya Groups Clash in UP, Police Officer Injured in Scuffle

A clash broke out between two groups of Kanwariyas in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in a police officer sustaining injuries. Tensions escalated when individuals identified as Sonu and an associate became involved in the confrontation. Police personnel were present at the scene and attempted to intervene in the dispute. As officers were transporting Sonu and his associate in an official vehicle, a group of Kanwariyas allegedly attacked the two individuals. The incident has raised concerns about law and order during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra period.

US Moves to Strip Citizenship from 25 People, Including Indian-Origin Man

The United States government has initiated proceedings to denaturalize 25 individuals, including a person of Indian origin, over serious criminal charges. The allegations span a wide range of offences, including attempted murder, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Authorities have also cited cases involving marriage fraud, identity fraud, passport fraud, and bank and credit card fraud. One individual faces charges of practising medicine without a valid license. The move reflects a broader federal effort to revoke citizenship from those found to have committed significant crimes.

Viral Video of Woman Allegedly Supplying Drugs Puts Punjab Anti-Drug Drive in Spotlight

A video circulating on social media purportedly shows a woman involved in drug supply in Punjab, reigniting debate about the state government's anti-drug efforts. The footage has drawn public attention and criticism regarding the ground-level impact of the ongoing campaign. Questions are being raised about whether the administration's measures are yielding meaningful results. The incident highlights persistent challenges in tackling drug trafficking in the state despite official initiatives.

Telangana Urdu Academy Land Lease to Private Developer Triggers Political Row

A 30-year lease of land belonging to the Urdu Academy in Telangana has sparked a political controversy in the state. Under the agreement, a private developer will construct an Urdu Ghar-cum-Shadikhana along with a commercial complex entirely at their own expense. The arrangement has drawn criticism from opposition parties and stakeholders who have raised concerns about the use of public institution land. The deal has become a flashpoint in Telangana's political landscape, with multiple parties weighing in on its implications.

Justice MS Liberhan, who probed Babri Masjid demolition, dies at 87

Karnataka's Smaran Ravichandran eyes India call-up after two stellar domestic seasons

Smaran Ravichandran, 23, has emerged as one of Indian cricket's most promising young batters following two highly productive domestic seasons. The Karnataka batter played a key role in the team's Vijay Hazare Trophy victory and has shown consistency across formats. In a recent interview with TimesofIndia.com, Ravichandran spoke about his ambition to earn a place in the Indian national side. He also opened up about handling his exclusion from the India A squad and taking on leadership responsibilities. Despite his cricketing rise, his mother continues to remind him of the importance of education.

US Rushes to Expand Missile Production Amid Rising Iran Tensions

The US Department of Defense has launched a major initiative to boost domestic weapons production capacity and accelerate delivery of key missile systems. Under the plan, Lockheed Martin will triple output of PAC-3 interceptors and quadruple production of THAAD interceptors. The expansion is backed by significant government contracts aimed at strengthening supply chains for critical munitions. Production increases are also planned for a range of other vital weapons systems beyond missile interceptors. The move comes as the United States works to replenish and expand its military arsenal amid heightened tensions with Iran.

Star Health ordered to pay Rs 26,882 after wrongly rejecting woman's dengue claim

A consumer commission has directed Star Health Insurance to reimburse a woman whose dengue treatment claim was wrongfully denied. The insurer had rejected the claim citing discrepancies in hospital records. However, the commission ruled that these inconsistencies were beyond the policyholder's control and that Star Health had failed to verify the issues directly with the hospital. The commission ordered Star Health to pay the full medical claim amount of Rs 26,882 along with additional compensation.

CRPF Officer Shoots Dead Two Colleagues, Injures One, Then Kills Himself in Assam

A CRPF officer in Assam shot and killed two of his colleagues and injured a third before turning the weapon on himself. The incident resulted in the death of the officer as well, bringing the total fatalities to three. The shooting took place within what appears to be a CRPF deployment or camp setting in Assam. The exact circumstances and motive behind the attack remain unclear based on currently available information. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident further.

Pakistan Athletics Federation Withdrew Support from Arshad Nadeem Before CWG: Report

Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem delivered a disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games, finishing ninth and failing to cross the 80-metre mark. According to reports, the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation distanced itself from Nadeem prior to the event following a dispute over coaching arrangements. The withdrawal of institutional support is believed to have hampered his preparation and performance. Meanwhile, India's Neeraj Chopra and Yashvir Singh claimed silver and bronze medals respectively in the event. The incident has drawn attention to deeper structural issues within Pakistan's sports administration.

Ben Stokes in talks for record AUD 600K Big Bash League deal with Sydney Sixers

England cricket great Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, is reportedly being pursued by the Sydney Sixers for a Big Bash League contract. The deal is said to be worth around AUD 600,000, which would make him the highest-paid player in BBL history. Stokes has expressed a desire to continue playing in franchise leagues following his international retirement. However, potential scheduling conflicts with other global T20 leagues could complicate finalising the agreement.