QUICKREADS

Who is Ashwini Kumar, the astrologer arrested for Mumbai terror threat?

Mumbai police arrested Ashwini Kumar, a 51-year-old astrologer from Noida, for sending a WhatsApp terror threat claiming 34 "human bombs" in Mumbai. He allegedly sent the message to implicate a friend, using a fake terrorist group name.

Parl panel seeks legal definition of ‘fake news’

A parliamentary committee urges the government to define "fake news" legally, recommending stricter rules, potential statutory powers for fact-checking units, and an independent monitoring body to combat misinformation while protecting free speech.

‘DPDP doesn’t weaken RTI Act’: AG backs IT ministry

Attorney General supports IT ministry's stance that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act does not weaken the Right to Information Act, despite criticism from journalists and opposition leaders about potential limitations on accessing personal information for public interest.

As airport reopens, AI and IndiGo add flights

Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport reopened after unrest, with IndiGo and Air India arranging additional flights to rescue stranded passengers. Civil aviation minister coordinated rescue efforts, ensuring safe travel and reasonable fares for those stuck in Kathmandu.

US team to visit India for negotiating aircraft deal

US delegation to visit India next week to negotiate six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft worth $4 billion, amid efforts to repair bilateral ties strained by trade tensions and differing geopolitical stances.

HC to pass order on Abhishek’s publicity, personality rights plea

Delhi High Court to decide on Abhishek Bachchan's plea to protect his personality rights, addressing unauthorized commercial use of his name, image, and voice, including AI-generated content, with potential URL takedowns and legal action against infringers.

Cabinet clears ₹7,616cr key rail, road projects, Bihar among beneficiaries

Cabinet approves ₹7,616 crore infrastructure projects in Bihar, including railway line doubling and new highway construction, aimed at enhancing connectivity, freight movement, and regional economic development across eastern India.

EC yet to decide SIR rollout plan

Election Commission is considering a nationwide special intensive revision of electoral rolls before year-end, but hasn't decided on implementation method. Supreme Court's pending case and potential impact on voter registration remain key considerations.

JD(U) looks to get seat advantage over BJP

JD(U) and BJP aim to secure around 100 seats each in Bihar's 243-seat assembly elections, with JD(U) seeking a symbolic advantage. NDA plans to announce seat-sharing formula by September, targeting a strong united front.

Some states want to make guvs glorified rubber stamps: Centre

Centre argues some states want to reduce governors to mere rubber stamps, seeking to strip them of constitutional discretion. Supreme Court hearing challenges governors' powers, with solicitor general emphasizing their role as constitutional guardians beyond ministerial advice.

TDP-Jana Sena-BJP tie-up is ‘super hit’, claims Chandrababu Naidu

TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP alliance in Andhra Pradesh declared a "super hit" by Chandrababu Naidu. Highlighting their Super Six guarantees, the coalition aims to develop the state, support people, and challenge opposition criticism.

Mehul Choksi’s foreign citizenship still disputed, India tells Belgian govt

India disputes Mehul Choksi's Antiguan citizenship, asserting he remains an Indian citizen wanted for a $950 million bank fraud. Belgian authorities are reviewing his extradition case, with Choksi currently imprisoned in Antwerp after failed bail attempts.

A new licensing system that will shake up pilot training

India faces a critical pilot shortage, with 1,200 new aircraft expected by 2040 and a need for 34,000 pilots. A proposed multi-crew pilot licensing system aims to streamline training, allowing faster, more targeted preparation through simulator-based learning and airline-specific competency development.

India takes a jab at Pak at UN meet, says its ‘dump truck’ metaphor was inadvertently apt

India denounced Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council, calling it a "terror sponsor" that shelters global security threats. Highlighting past terrorist attacks, India rejected Pakistan's accusations and vowed to protect its sovereignty and expose its "elaborate deception."

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, at helm for 16 years, turns 75 on Thursday

Mohan Bhagwat, the 75-year-old chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has led the organization for over 16 years. He clarified recent retirement speculations, stating he never suggested anyone should retire. Bhagwat, who started as an RSS 'pracharak' 50 years ago, emphasized that he will continue to work as long as the Sangh requires him.

US sending team to India for talks to sell more P-8 surveillance aircraft

US delegation to visit India for negotiations on selling six additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, valued around $4 billion. Talks aim to strengthen bilateral ties amid trade tensions, with focus on defense cooperation and strategic interests.