QUICKREADS

Karnataka: CM hikes excise duty, liquor prices to surge

The state government of Karnataka, India, has proposed a hike in additional excise duty on liquor, including beer, in its 2023-24 budget. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the budget, which includes a 20% increase in duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and an increase in duty on beer from 175% to 185%. Siddaramaiah stated that even with the increase, liquor prices in Karnataka would still be lower than in neighboring states. The budget also proposed revisions to the guidance values of real estate properties in the state.

Truck worker abducted: Why former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar is in trouble again?

Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee, is under scrutiny after a truck helper was allegedly abducted and rescued from her Pune residence. Police are investigating the incident and her mother's involvement, following previous controversies about her UPSC candidature.

Heavy rain alert in Pune, Mumbai, IMD issues warning | Check weather forecast

IMD issues orange and yellow rain alerts for Pune, Mumbai, and surrounding areas. Expect heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds on Monday. Moderate to intense precipitation predicted, with potential waterlogging and localized disruptions.

Nano Banana trend: 10 tips and tricks to generate the best pics using Gemini AI

Nano Banana AI trend offers creative photo generation using Google Gemini. Tips include providing detailed prompts, using quality reference images, experimenting with styles, adding elements, specifying expressions, and maintaining facial consistency for realistic, personalized results.

Supreme Court to pronounce interim order on Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 today

Supreme Court to hear interim orders on Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, examining provisions related to property denotification, board composition, and government land status. Petitioners challenge law's constitutionality, while Centre defends it as a secular concept.

73-year-old Indian woman who has been in US for 33 years detained by ICE

The detention of 73-year-old Sikh woman Harjit Kaur by ICE has ignited outrage in her community. After over 30 years in the U.S. and regular check-ins with ICE, Kaur was detained during a routine visit. Her family and local leaders are protesting for her release, citing health concerns and her long-standing compliance with immigration regulations.

Monsoon withdrawal begins in West Rajasthan; earliest in 10 years: IMD

Southwest monsoon begins early withdrawal from West Rajasthan, three days ahead of schedule. IMD confirms favorable conditions for retreat across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat, marking the earliest withdrawal in a decade with 7% excess rainfall nationwide.

Tension in Manipur's Churachandpur as police detain two for vandalising Modi's cutouts

A mob in Manipur's Churachandpur district clashed with security forces while protesting the detention of two youths accused of vandalizing banners for Prime Minister Modi's visit. The situation escalated with stone-throwing, but calmed after the youths were released. Modi had recently visited the state to address ethnic tensions and promote peace and development.

Extensive damages to crops in various states stoke fears of inflation

Torrential rains have damaged summer crops in northern and central states, with Punjab experiencing its worst flood in four decades. Excess monsoon rainfall threatens crop yields, raising inflation concerns. Prime Minister Modi announced relief packages for affected farmers in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Sanskrit university project: Ant movement, frog behaviour to predict rain

Sanskrit university partners with NIT Calicut to study ancient weather prediction methods using texts like Bṛhatsaṁhitā, examining how ant movements, frog behavior, and cloud formations could forecast rainfall through a six-month internship program.

ED summons Mimi Chakraborty, Urvashi Rautela in betting app case

ED summons Bollywood actresses Mimi Chakraborty and Urvashi Rautela for questioning in illegal online betting app investigation, probing potential celebrity endorsements and money laundering activities across multiple digital platforms.

NIA files charge sheet in Amritsar temple attack

NIA filed charge sheet against three suspects in Amritsar temple grenade attack, allegedly directed by foreign handlers. Charge sheet details involvement of accused in providing shelter, logistics, and support for the March 15 incident at Thakurdwara Sanatan temple.

Govt employees in Nepal return to burnt offices and destroyed computers

Government employees returned to burnt offices in Kathmandu after violent protests, with ministries, police stations, and buildings destroyed. At least 72 lives were lost, and critical infrastructure, including computers and vehicles, was severely damaged, disrupting government operations.

Nepal PM vows reforms as new govt takes shape

Nepal's new interim PM Sushila Karki vows to fight corruption, honor protest martyrs, and lead a six-month transition. She pledged to address government challenges, investigate violence, and support families of those killed during recent protests.

Nepal Supreme Court shifts to tents after nationwide unrest

Nepal's Supreme Court operates from temporary tents after massive Gen Z protests destroyed court premises. Staff meet litigants, handle urgent cases, and seek to rebuild 26,000 case files lost in arson, focusing on critical legal matters.

No consensus, global conflicts may hit climate goals

Global climate goals are at risk due to lack of political consensus, geopolitical tensions, and delayed national climate contributions. The EU and other major economies have yet to submit their emissions reduction targets, potentially hindering progress towards Paris Agreement objectives.