News Highlights: BJP MP Manoj Tiwari slams Delhi Government over Asha Kiran shelter home deaths

Two days ago, the Union Public Service Commission, in a written communication, cancelled the provisional candidature of the controversial candidate Puja Khedkar. The commission, additionally, barred her permanently from appearing in all future exams and selections.

Draft notification considers 9,993.7 sq km of Western Ghats in Kerala, including 13 villages in landslide-hit Wayanad, eco sensitive

Draft notification suggests complete ban on mining, quarrying, sand mining in ecologically sensitive areas of Western Ghats across 6 states

Draft notification on Ecologically Sensitive Area in Western Ghats prohibits new thermal power projects and expansion of existing ones

EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "...We recognize today that given our history, given the size of the neighbours, given the sociology of our neighbours and of ourselves, these are not easy relationships to manage. There will be political ups and downs in many of our neighbours often rousing sentiments about India is a very easy way out. These are realities we have to accept. But we also need to appreciate today we have more resources, more capabilities...From time to time, we are challenged. There have been occasions in some of our neighbours when we have become a political issue. And if you look at the extent of proofing, I would actually suggest to you we have done some good work there, that we have actually managed to mitigate some very sharp situations...In our neighbourhood, we have shown that we have the ability to stand up, to push our interest, to compete against other countries, and often I would say out-resource them and definitely outperform them. So I do think we have a very solid record."

The Delhi High Court on Friday transferred the investigation into the deaths of three UPSC aspirants in Rajendra Nagar to CBI.

The court requested the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to monitor it.  The court also indicated that there are issues with the functioning of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) and that a comprehensive review of the entire setup is necessary.

The tribunal says BCCI can revive the case if Byju's breaches payment

The Supreme Court on Friday turned down a batch of pleas seeking a court-monitored investigation into the electoral bonds scheme.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala said it would be inappropriate and premature to intervene at this stage under Article 32 of the constitution.

The top court said it cannot order a roving inquiry into purchase of electoral bonds on the assumption that it was quid pro quo for award of contract.

Supreme Court junks plea to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate into quid pro quo in electoral bonds

NEET-UG 2024 exam news LIVE: Pradhan welcomes SC's verdict on no systematic breach, says Oppn propaganda busted

After SC's observation where it said that it did not cancel the controversy-ridden NEET-UG 2024 examination amid concerns of paper leak because there was no systemic breach of its sanctity, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan welcomed the move.

In a post on X, Pradhan said, "The findings and the verdict outrightly reject the propaganda that was being peddled. We wholeheartedly thank the Supreme Court for delivering justice and protecting the interests of lakhs of hardworking students. We shall implement Hon'ble Supreme Court’s judgement in letter and spirit."

Latest news live: Air India suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv amid escalating Middle East tensions

In a social media post on X, Air India said that the flights are suspended till August 8 and during this period, the carrier will be giving a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges for confirmed bookings.

The Supreme Court has extended its earlier order to maintain the status quo at the Shambu border near Ambala, where farmers have been protesting since February 13. On Friday, the Court directed both Haryana and Punjab to propose common names for a committee to engage with the farmers and address their demands.

Following the tragic deaths of UPSC aspirants in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, Drishti IAS has pledged Rs 10 lakh each to the affected families. Vikas Divyakirti, the founder of Drishti IAS, expressed deep sorrow in a press release: “In the last few days, four bright students have died untimely in two accidents in Old Rajendra Nagar. One student, Nilesh Rai, died due to an electric shock on a flooded road, while Shreya Yadav, Tanya Soni, and Nivin Dalvin fell victim to sudden waterlogging in a coaching institute’s basement. This is a very difficult time for their families, and we stand with them in this immense grief.”

During rescue operations in Wayanad, the Indian Army successfully found four individuals alive amid the debris from recent landslides. The group, which included two men and two women, was stranded in Padavetti Kunnu. The operation was executed with precision and care to ensure the safety of all involved, according to officials.

In a precise and carefully executed operation, the Indian Army found four individuals—two males and two females—stranded in Padavetti Kunnu, Wayanad. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was launched to facilitate the rescue, ensuring timely evacuation. One of the rescued females is receiving medical attention for leg difficulties. The swift response ensured the safety of all involved.

The Supreme Court has stated that there was no systemic breach of NEET-UG 2024 papers, with the leak being confined to Patna and Hazaribagh.

An email received by a school in Delhi's Greater Kailash area threatened to blow up the school, claiming a bomb was planted yesterday. Despite thorough investigations, nothing has been found so far. Delhi Police have initiated legal action in response to the threat.

The National Center for Seismology reported a magnitude 3.2 earthquake in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, at 09:45 IST today. This is the second tremor in the region within 24 hours. The quake occurred at a depth of 5 km, located at latitude 32.67 N and longitude 76.76 E.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's claim that the government is planning Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on him. Singh said, "The person who used to mislead people over the Constitution is now working to destroy it. Parliament session is underway; he should speak in the House." He added, "Rahul Gandhi should tell who informed him about this. They are yet to answer Anurag Thakur's questions and are trying to set a new narrative. They are doing 'jhooth ki kheti' (sowing lies)."

In response to recent disasters, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has mobilized its Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopters for simultaneous Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. In Uttarakhand, these helicopters are stationed at Gaucher, where they are deploying NDRF teams, delivering relief materials, and performing search and rescue operations following a cloud burst.

On the fourth day of operations, 40 rescue teams have commenced search efforts in Wayanad district, braving heavy rains and challenging terrain. The completion of a 190-foot Bailey bridge has facilitated the movement of heavy machinery and ambulances to the hardest-hit areas, including Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The teams will cover six zones: Attamala and Aaranmala, Mundakkai, Punchirimattam, Vellarimala village, GVHSS Vellarimala, and the riverbank.

Heavy rains on Wednesday night caused significant damage to the Kedarnath route in Rudraprayag district. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 737 people evacuated by helicopter and 2,670 transported to Sonprayag by relief forces, according to Uttarakhand police.

Starting Friday, the government will sell tomatoes at a subsidised rate of Rs 50 per kg in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai retail markets, down from Rs 60 per kg. This initiative, launched by Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, aims to provide relief to consumers. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare confirmed the price reduction, noting that the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Ltd (NCCF) will continue selling tomatoes through mobile vans.

Light rain showers hit parts of the national capital early on Friday, with the IMD predicting intermittent showers in Delhi till August 5. Heavy rains on Wednesday evening brought relief from the humid weather but caused traffic congestion and rain-related incidents. The IMD has warned that the showers may lead to slippery roads, low visibility, traffic disruptions, and localized waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Fourteen people lost their lives and 10 were injured due to heavy overnight rains that caused flooding and a house collapse in Uttarakhand. The severe weather conditions have led to the suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra, as landslides have blocked the trek route at multiple locations including Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi, and Bhimbali.

Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors of the Wayanad landslides, which occurred two days ago. The rescue efforts are being hampered by difficult terrain, destroyed roads, and a lack of heavy machinery. The Indian Army has completed the construction of a Bailey bridge, facilitating the transport of heavy vehicles to the site.

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