Times of India

Punjab cabinet minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has been left with only the NRI affairs portfolio as the state government scrapped the administrative reforms department. This change comes after his previous key portfolios of agriculture and rural development were reassigned during a cabinet reshuffle.

The AICC is taking a firm stance against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Despite a recent meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Tharoor remains dissatisfied due to lack of commitment to address his grievances and suggestions. Tharoor is unhappy about being sidelined within the party, including being removed from key positions and denied opportunities in Parliament debates.

Tax officials have uncovered a GST fraud network operating from a small shop in Khandsa village, generating fake invoices worth Rs 97 crore for tobacco products and soft drinks. Masterminded by Ashim Kumar, former property dealer, the scheme fraudulently claimed Rs 66.6 crore in input tax credits. Kumar has been arrested, and investigations are expanding.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the unity and enrichment that Indian languages bring to one another, countering calls for division based on language. He reiterated the importance of embracing all languages, while Tamil Nadu's CM M K Stalin opposed the National Education Policy's three-language formula, advocating the state’s two-language system.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the plea of around 25,000 students in Uttar Pradesh, pursuing Kamil and Fazil courses, to be shifted to recognized educational institutions following a ruling that the Madrassa Board lacks the authority to award higher education degrees.

Nearly 2,000 Indians are involved in cyber scam operations in Myanmar's lawless Myawaddy region, lured by fake job offers and forced to conduct online fraud. While some have been rescued, Indian authorities caution that the problem is larger and advise verifying job offers to avoid legal consequences.

A sessions court has upheld the conviction of a man who sent late-night WhatsApp messages and an obscene image to a married woman, a former corporator. The accused received a three-month jail sentence and a Rs 1,000 fine. The court dismissed the defense's claims, emphasizing the victim's reputation and credibility.

Bombay High Court granted bail to a 24-year-old in a 2019 Pocso case, noting the minor girl had stayed with him willingly and was aware of her actions. Despite the stringent provisions of the Pocso Act, the court cited the lack of violence and criminal history.

Doctors have praised the Supreme Court judgment allowing a student with upper limb disability to pursue an MBBS course, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the medical profession. They argue that theoretical knowledge and manual dexterity can be adapted for those with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive medical field.

Police busted two gangs involved in using stolen mobile phones to transfer funds by exploiting weak passwords. The gangs, which trained juveniles in theft, smuggled stolen phones to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bihar, amassing Rs 12 lakh. Four individuals were apprehended, and 271 phones were recovered.

Indian businessman Vijay Mallya's bankruptcy appeal in the UK concluded, with a judge’s decision pending. Mallya argues that the banks’ realized assets exceed his debt. However, banks claim potential recoveries are contingent on legal outcomes in India, where Mallya owes £1.05 billion.

Police in Rewari, Haryana paraded Rohit alias Kalia, an extortion accused, in a skirt after arresting him. Kalia, who demanded Rs 10 lakh from a local businessman, was walked through a crowded market with his head shaved. This is the second such incident in the district.

Recent reports from CPCB and NGT highlight poor water quality at the Kumbh Mela, leading to a surge in skin ailments among returning pilgrims. Ranchi's dermatologists report a sharp increase in infections like rashes and fungal issues. High coliform levels, indicating severe contamination, are suspected causes. Poor sanitation and water pollution are major factors contributing to these health problems.

An audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found that Rs 13.9 crore intended for afforestation in Uttarakhand was misused for unrelated purchases like iPhones, laptops, and court expenses. The audit also highlighted delays and unsuitability in compensatory afforestation, along with a low survival rate of planted trees.

MS Dhoni, 43, remains committed to the Indian Premier League, feeling capable of rigorous training for six to eight months to perform at the highest level. Despite retiring from international cricket, Dhoni's dedication to fitness and the game continues as he leads Chennai Super Kings, emphasizing the importance of effort and enjoyment.

Ryan Rickelton scored his first ODI century, leading South Africa to a commanding total of 315-6 against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy. The South African bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, restricted Afghanistan to 208 runs, securing a convincing 107-run victory in the Group B match.