Times of India

The Allahabad High Court granted parole to Atiq Ahmed's jailed sons, Umar and Ali. They will attend the burial of their younger brother, Abaan Ahmed, who died in an accident. Abaan Ahmed was killed along with his friend Sonu in a road accident in Jhansi. Their bodies were brought to Prayagraj for the funeral service. The court order came after a petition filed by Atiq Ahmed's sister.

Dipa Karmakar made history as India's first female gymnast to compete in the Olympics, overcoming significant challenges like flat feet and a lack of resources. She shined at the 2016 Rio Games with an impressive vault that garnered national acclaim. Following her success, she claimed gold at an international event and received many prestigious accolades. Despite facing injuries, Karmakar showed remarkable resilience, returning to gymnastics time and again.

Zach Dell's company Base Power is expanding its home battery business across America. The company offers a unique membership model, replacing high upfront costs. Base Power recently secured one billion dollars in new funding, valuing it at thirteen billion. This expansion includes plans for international markets like the United Kingdom and Germany. The firm is also increasing its battery manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand.

On the distant moon Titan, intense methane rainstorms transform the icy terrain, creating striking alluvial fans that showcase the areas most affected by these rare deluges. Scientists leverage data from the Cassini mission to create models of these phenomena, which happen less frequently than once every Titan year—a period nearly equivalent to 30 Earth years. Understanding Titan's unique weather patterns offers insights into extreme rainfall events here on our planet.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar’s sudden removal has taken many by surprise. Harmanbir Singh Gill, who is currently the DIG of Border Range, has assumed the additional duty as CP. While the government cites administrative grounds for the change, rumors indicate that a controversial statement may have influenced this decision, leading to political debates about its timing.

Modern conflicts necessitate deep stocks of precision weapons, driving demand for affordable solutions. India is developing advanced glide bombs, including powered versions of the SAAW weapon. These weapons will allow strikes deep inside hostile territory without significant risk. Private industry and government organizations are contributing to this capability development. This strategic investment ensures India's air force maintains effective and survivable strike options.

The agreement was signed following a joint defence summit attended by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, who attended after performing the Umrah pilgrimage in the city. According to Pakistan's foreign ministry, the pact is "guided by the longstanding historical ties among the three states, based on the enduring bonds of brotherhood.

In New York, the local vernacular serves as more than just communication; it represents identity. Locals refer to Manhattan as 'the city' and frequent neighborhood convenience stores as 'bodegas.' Expressions like 'what am I, chopped liver?' effectively voice disappointment, while 'like I need a hole in the head' signals clear refusal. Understanding these idiomatic expressions enables newcomers to connect more deeply with the vibrant culture.

Ministry of external affairs rejected criticism of its foreign funding law. The ministry stated that legislative matters are internal decisions for Parliament. Several countries, including the United States, also regulate foreign financing. A US Congressman criticized proposed amendments to India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. He warned these changes could affect India-US bilateral relations.

Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, warns us about the potential dangers of uncontrolled AI systems, highlighting four critical capabilities that could lead to an urgent need for shutdown. He stresses the importance of oversight and regulation, emphasizing that features like self-improvement and independent resource acquisition could render AI unmanageable in just five to ten years.

Kolkata's real estate sector may see a revival soon, as over half of the stalled projects are likely to receive clearance. With approvals anticipated before mid-August, this comes after a thorough review triggered by a warehouse collapse. The government's proactive stance will not only rejuvenate construction activities but also provide a much-needed boost to the workforce in the industry.

In a tragic turn of events, a pregnant teenager was reportedly drowned in the Chambal river by her own father and brother-in-law. The young girl, who was four months pregnant, was allegedly coerced into jumping into the river. When she resisted, they overpowered her, leading to her death. The father admitted to the crime, driven by the fear of societal judgment, while the brother-in-law has also been taken into custody.

India's investor community is witnessing remarkable transformation, with a younger demographic leading the growth. The median age of investors has notably declined, indicating an influx of fresh talent. Additionally, participation is extending beyond major metropolitan areas, while the growing number of female investors enhances gender diversity. This evolving landscape highlights a vibrant and inclusive financial market across the nation.

Legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty is currently in the hospital in Kolkata following a minor surgical procedure. This was revealed by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari via social media. After visiting the actor, Adhikari reported that Mithun is in stable condition and is expected to be discharged shortly after undergoing the operation on Thursday night.

In the meeting, which also included the rebel factions from the Uddhav Sena and Mamata Banerjee's TMC, PM Modi said: "No one should say anything trashy on TV. Maintain full dignity at all times. Engage actively in social media through Facebook, Instagram and X; interact with youth, inform government welfare work, encourage youth for sports activities." Modi advised the MPs to follow the party line and calmly present their views on every issue.

Sakshi Chaudhary proudly claimed gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, attributing much of her success to the invaluable support from Virat Kohli's foundation. Making a strategic move to a lighter weight category turned out to be a winning decision. This endeavor led India to an impressive 2026 boxing tally of ten medals, including seven shining golds, marking a triumphant milestone for the nation's athletic representation.