Times of India

The scheme will be implemented through FY2030-31 with an aim to harness India's vast offshore energy resources - in what the government has termed as a modern day Samudra Manthan.

In a significant ruling, a Delhi court has imposed a life sentence on former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain along with four co-defendants for the gruesome murder of Ankit Sharma, an Intelligence Bureau official. The victim was tragically killed during the violent 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The prosecution argued for the death penalty, highlighting the 51 injuries sustained by Sharma, while the court weighed mitigating factors before determining the appropriate punishment.

Veteran playback singer Jamuna Rani has passed away at the age of eighty-eight. She was celebrated for her timeless classics and recorded over six thousand songs. Jamuna Rani made her debut in cinema at a very young age. She received the Kalaimamani Award for her outstanding contribution to the arts. Her songs remain an unforgettable part of South Indian cinema's musical history.

The US government is reportedly considering a $100,000 fee for foreign students seeking post-graduation work. This proposed fee targets the Optional Practical Training program, impacting many international graduates. This follows a significant H-1B visa fee hike imposed on sponsoring companies last year. Indian engineers, who dominate H-1B approvals, face increased challenges in securing US careers. The new measures may significantly narrow career paths for many skilled foreign professionals.

Warren Buffett's substantial charitable donations to family foundations are drawing criticism. Experts question the tax advantages and the speed of fund distribution to charities. While tax benefits are common, the structure of these foundations is under review. Private foundations must disclose grants and distribute a minimum percentage annually. The debate centers on accountability and transparency in philanthropic giving mechanisms.

Tamil film screenings have been halted across Karnataka until further notice. Protests erupted over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, disrupting movie showings. Pro-Kannada groups announced a statewide bandh for August 13 against water release. Farmers and activists forced theatre owners to stop showing Tamil movies. The Karnataka Film Exhibitors Association extended the suspension to all state theatres.

In a significant development, authorities in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district have apprehended Hamid Mondal, a suspected member of Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Special Task Force captured Mondal from his rental home, where he was reportedly gathering intelligence on chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, raising serious security alarms. This arrest links Mondal to a key figure behind the Pulwama attack, intensifying concerns over radical groups operating in West Bengal.

A Kerala consumer commission found Royal Enfield and its dealer guilty of service deficiency. The buyer received a new motorcycle with several defects immediately after purchase. An expert inspection confirmed significant issues inconsistent with a brand-new vehicle. The commission ordered the manufacturer and dealer to pay over Rs 2.3 lakh. This ruling addresses unfair trade practices and service shortcomings in the sale.

More than 80 Chinese papers and patents reviewed by Reuters show military-linked institutions using model distillation to build domestic AI systems for surveillance, cyber warfare and battlefield applications amid growing US-China technology tensions.

Astra Microwave received a significant order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This order is for components of the indigenously developed Uttam Radar system. The Uttam radar will be deployed on Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft. This development boosts indigenous defense equipment capabilities for India. The radar is a crucial sensor for modern aerial combat scenarios.

Indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh are now earning livelihoods from a native spice. This wild Himalayan spice, known locally as Khagi, is helping over two hundred families. The community-led system for harvesting and marketing the spice supports forest patrols and biodiversity monitoring. This initiative provides a direct economic incentive for people to protect their forests and agricultural land. The project also contributes to the conservation of important transboundary wildlife habitats.

Variable Cycle Engines are crucial for upcoming sixth-generation fighter jets. These advanced engines will provide increased thrust and fuel efficiency for combat. General Electric's XA100 engine demonstrates enhanced performance and reduced thermal signatures. European nations are also developing similar adaptive propulsion systems for future combat aircraft. This propulsion technology remains central to maintaining global air superiority in the coming years.

AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj pledged protection for students involved in a recent protest. He assured support for those facing threats from right-wing groups. The Delhi government stated no further adverse legal action would be taken. Review and release of detained individuals will proceed expeditiously. However, action will continue against those with criminal backgrounds.

Delhi government is preparing a new bill for digital land records. Every property will receive a unique 'Property Aadhaar Card' after a scientific survey. This initiative aims to improve ownership records and reduce property disputes. The proposed law will cover all residential and commercial properties across the city. Authenticated digital records will enhance transparency and simplify property transactions.

Opposition MPs staged a symbolic protest in Parliament over alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement. They also demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation regarding NEET-UG student protests. Independent MP Pappu Yadav enacted a priest pocketing donations in a street play performance. Rahul Gandhi and other leaders participated in the demonstration.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan is performing well in its second week. The action drama has now crossed the Rs 150 crore India net mark. Day nine collections show an occupancy of thirteen point five percent. The film's total India gross has reached one hundred seventy-nine point ninety-two crore. Trade circles are watching the second weekend's box office performance closely.

A young Army Major tragically died after his SUV collided with a camel near Jaisalmer. Two Lieutenant-rank officers sustained injuries in the same late-night road accident. The vehicle overturned multiple times after hitting the animal on the road. Army personnel rushed to the site and rescued the trapped officers. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the military station.