QUICKREADS

Mann meets Saini, wants YSL instead of SYL
Punjab CM Mann and Haryana CM Saini met to discuss the SYL canal dispute. Mann proposed a Yamuna-Sutlej Link canal instead, citing water scarcity. Both agreed to continue discussions, with the next meeting set for August 5.

ITR filing due date extended: What is the new deadline? Why was it pushed back?
Income Tax Return filing deadline extended to September 16 due to technical glitches on the e-filing portal. Over 7.3 crore returns already filed. Taxpayers can submit returns without penalty on the new extended date.

ED: Sahara Group disposed assets in secret deals
ED filed a prosecution complaint against two Sahara Group aides for allegedly laundering public deposits through secret property deals. The investigation revealed clandestine asset disposals, with ongoing efforts to recover over ₹19,533 crore for investors through court-mandated refunds.

Consider exiting ITA, House panel tells union govt
A parliamentary committee recommends India reconsider its World Trade Organisation's Information Technology Agreement, citing weakened domestic manufacturing, potential national interest risks, and opportunities to renegotiate or exit the zero-tariff pact.

BJP leaders share PM’s stories before 75th birthday
BJP leaders shared personal stories about PM Modi, highlighting his leadership style, care for colleagues, and initiatives. They praised his approach to listening to people, supporting team members, and encouraging grassroots development, ahead of his 75th birthday.

Collisions, colonisation, and a fight to control space junk
Low Earth Orbit is experiencing a satellite boom, with 11,951 launches since 2020, driven by satellite internet. SpaceX leads with 7,600 satellites, aiming for 40,000 by 2030. Commercial space stations and international competition are emerging, raising concerns about space debris and environmental impact.

Govt working in mission mode to foster culture of quality: Min
Government is working to promote quality and sustainability, focusing on strict standards, zero defects, and environmental harmony. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasizes that quality reduces costs, ensures safety, and supports India's development goals.

SC seeks mechanism to check manual intervention in CCTVs in police stations
Supreme Court seeks a centralized control room mechanism to monitor CCTV switching in police stations, aiming to prevent manual intervention and potential custodial violence. The court wants IITs to develop software for remote monitoring and physical verification of CCTV installations.

‘Update geo-spatial data of natural resources and transport for 2027 Census’
RGI directs comprehensive geo-spatial data update for Census 2027, covering natural resources, transportation infrastructure, and administrative boundaries. Digital mapping will support house-listing and population enumeration, with field work beginning April 1 next year.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says electoral fraud being done to erode Constitution amid ‘vote chori’ allegations
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah warns against electoral fraud, emphasizing constitutional protection. He highlights democracy's importance, condemns caste inequality, and calls for vigilance against intolerance, stressing that citizens must actively safeguard democratic principles and voting rights.

Seat-sharing talks between RJD and Congress hit roadblock
Seat-sharing talks between RJD and Congress stall in Bihar, with disagreements over seat allocation, chief ministerial candidate, and coalition dynamics. Negotiations continue amid tensions, with both parties seeking strategic advantages in upcoming assembly polls.

AICTE launches initiative to boost employability of students
AICTE launches PRACTICE initiative targeting 1,000 underperforming engineering colleges to enhance student employability through project-based learning, faculty training, and industry connections across three phases from 2025 to 2028.

Orissa HC rejects plea by teachers to let them continue as Muslim marriage registrars
Orissa High Court rejected teachers' plea to continue as Muslim marriage registrars, emphasizing teaching's noble profession requires undivided attention. The court ruled that registrar duties conflict with educational responsibilities and no individual has an absolute right to such appointments.

Role of communists in freedom fight ignored: Irfan Habib
Historian Irfan Habib highlighted communists' overlooked contributions to India's freedom struggle, critiquing colonial injustice and emphasizing Marx's influence. He acknowledged party errors while stressing the importance of recognizing diverse movements in the national liberation narrative.

SC ruling on Waqf Act a fine balance of presumption of constitutionality, property rights
Supreme Court partially upholds Waqf Amendment Act, suspending provisions that could irreversibly impact property rights. Balances legislative presumption of validity with protecting citizens from potential harm, staying certain contentious clauses pending safeguard development.

Supreme Court gives Vantara clean chit after SIT report
Supreme Court dismisses allegations against Vantara after SIT investigation, clearing the Reliance Foundation-owned center of smuggling, money laundering, and legal violations. The court mandates no future complaints or proceedings on these issues.