SC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Alarming Surge in Dog Bite Rabies Cases 2
The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of a disturbing media report highlighting the rising number of dog bite incidents resulting in rabies. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan called the report, published in the Delhi edition of an English daily, “very disturbing and alarming.”
“The news item contains some alarming and disturbing figures and facts,” the bench noted, expressing concern over the growing threat. According to the report, hundreds of dog bite cases are being reported daily in and around the national capital, leading to an increase in rabies infections. Children and the elderly are reportedly the most vulnerable victims.
Taking note of the severity of the situation, the bench said, “We take suo motu cognisance of this news item.” The court directed that the order, along with the news report, be placed before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate action.
Chidambaram Stirs Controversy: "No Evidence Pakistan Behind Pahalgam Attack" 4
Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has sparked a political firestorm after questioning Pakistan’s role in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians dead. His comments, made during a recent interview with The Quint, have triggered sharp backlash from political leaders, security experts, and the public.
In the interview, Chidambaram asked, “Why do you assume they came from Pakistan? There’s no evidence of that.” His remarks come despite official investigations pointing squarely to cross-border involvement.
Jammu and Kashmir Police had released sketches of four suspects, and intelligence reports confirmed that Pakistani nationals, working with local operatives, executed the deadly assault on tourists in the popular hill town. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) further underscored that such a large-scale operation would have required external funding, implicating international terror networks.
Critics were quick to react. Author and political analyst Ratan Sharda accused Chidambaram of once again offering a “clean chit” to Pakistan and recalled his controversial track record. “These are the same people who claimed 26/11 was RSS ki sazish… who killed evidence and US intel of Pakistan’s role in the Malegaon and Samjhauta blasts. How do they sleep at night?” Sharda wrote on social media.
Opposition leaders and BJP figures joined in, questioning how a former Home Minister—who held office during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks—could downplay overwhelming evidence tying Pakistan-based terrorists to Indian soil.
While Chidambaram was earlier praised for swiftly restoring constitutional order post-26/11, critics argue that under his leadership, investigations into the 2007 Samjhauta Express and Malegaon bombings failed to pursue leads implicating Pakistani handlers.
With the monsoon session of Parliament now underway and Operation Sindoor up for discussion, Chidambaram’s statement is being interpreted as a signal of the Congress party’s likely stance on national security in the upcoming debates.
Cleric Booked for Inflammatory Remarks Against MP Dimple Yadav, FIR Cites Attempt to Incite Communal Tension 6
Maulana Sajid Rashidi, a Muslim cleric, has been booked for allegedly making objectionable and inflammatory remarks against Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav during a televised debate. The FIR was registered at the Vibhuti Khand police station on Sunday evening based on a complaint filed by local resident Pravesh Yadav.
According to the complaint, the remarks were in response to Dimple Yadav’s recent visit to a mosque, during which Rashidi allegedly made inappropriate comments about her attire. The FIR describes the statements as derogatory, misogynistic, and highly provocative—aimed at inciting communal disharmony.
Pravesh Yadav stated that Rashidi’s remarks, aired on national television and circulated across social media, were an affront to a woman’s dignity and appeared to be a calculated attempt to stir unrest. “He made extremely offensive, anti-women comments against MP Dimple Yadav, wife of former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, following her mosque visit on July 26,” the complaint read.
The FIR includes multiple sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 79 (insult to the modesty of a woman), 196 (promoting enmity between groups), and 197 (prejudicial assertions against national integration). Provisions under the IT Act have also been invoked due to the digital circulation of the content.
In the complaint, Rashidi’s language and tone were alleged to reflect an “anti-national mindset,” with claims of links to groups working to destabilize social harmony in India. The complaint further warned that such individuals pose a threat to the secular and democratic fabric of the nation.
Police confirmed that the matter is under investigation and said that appropriate action will follow based on the evidence collected.
India Gears Up to Launch NASA-ISRO’s Powerful NISAR Satellite on July 30 via GSLV-F16 8
In a significant leap for global Earth observation efforts, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite on July 30 using its indigenously developed GSLV-F16 rocket. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed the launch, which will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Weighing 2,392 kilograms, NISAR is a first-of-its-kind satellite designed to map the Earth in unprecedented detail using dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology—combining NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band radars. It will utilize NASA’s 12-meter unfurlable mesh reflector antenna, mounted on ISRO’s enhanced 13k satellite bus.
With a 242 km swath and high spatial resolution enabled by SweepSAR technology, NISAR will capture 24×7 images of Earth in all weather conditions. Its mission includes monitoring climate change, detecting landslides, aiding in disaster management, and tracking changes in Earth’s natural resources, benefitting not only India and the US but also the entire world.
ISRO officials emphasized the critical role of this satellite in improving environmental understanding and international scientific cooperation.
Speaking to the media, Narayanan also announced that ISRO will launch a humanoid robot named Vyommitra into space this December as part of its preparations for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Two additional uncrewed missions are slated for next year, leading up to the manned Gaganyaan mission launch in March 2027, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
EC Slams Opposition Over Voter List Row: "Draft Roll Not Final, Stop the Drama" 10
Amid mounting allegations from opposition parties that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls will strip crores of eligible citizens of their right to vote, the Election Commission on Sunday issued a strong rebuttal, clarifying that no names will be removed from the draft list without following proper procedure.
In a detailed statement, the EC reiterated that the draft electoral roll—scheduled for release on August 1—is not final. It emphasized that the month-long window from August 1 to September 1 is available for filing claims and objections, and genuine voters can still be added during this period.
“Why are they creating such a big fuss now?” the Commission asked, noting that political parties are free to verify the process through their 1.6 lakh booth-level agents who work alongside EC officers during the roll update. “Why give the impression that the draft list is final, when it’s clearly not?”
The Commission outlined 10 objectives of the SIR, stating that the exercise is inclusive and focused on participation from all electors, including youth, migrants, and urban voters. It added that the effort aims to ensure no eligible voter is left behind, with the active participation of all political parties and election staff, including volunteers.
According to the EC, enumeration forms from 7.24 crore voters—representing 91.69% of the 7.89 crore electorate as of June 24—have already been received. During the process, around 36 lakh individuals were found to have either permanently relocated or were not traceable, while 7 lakh voters had registered at multiple locations.
The EC said these irregularities surfaced because the individuals had either shifted to other states or UTs, failed to submit forms by July 25, or declined to register for unspecified reasons. Their final status will be determined by August 1, following scrutiny of the submitted forms.
However, the Commission emphasized that even voters flagged during this phase can still re-register during the upcoming claims and objections period. It assured that no eligible citizen will be disenfranchised unfairly and that duplicate enrollments will be corrected by retaining names at only one valid location.
Opposition parties have alleged that the revision process will lead to mass voter deletions, disproportionately affecting those against the current ruling alliance and ultimately benefiting the BJP. They also raised concerns about document requirements that may deter marginalized groups.
The EC, dismissing these accusations, encouraged political parties to actively participate in the revision process instead of making premature assumptions. It noted a 16% rise in booth-level agents during the SIR and said the widespread participation reflects strong voter engagement.
A devastating stampede at the revered Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar early Sunday morning claimed six lives and left several others injured, triggering nationwide concerns over crowd safety at religious sites. The incident unfolded as thousands of devotees thronged the hilltop shrine atop Bilwa Parvat, which is accessible by a narrow footpath and a popular ropeway service.
Eyewitnesses reported that a sudden bottleneck on the pathway created a wave of panic, resulting in a crush that overwhelmed pilgrims who had little space to escape or breathe. Emergency services were quick to respond. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, who arrived at the site soon after the incident, confirmed that police, fire personnel, and medical teams coordinated swift rescue operations. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, which remain on high alert.
Commissioner Pandey stated that an official report detailing the cause and sequence of the stampede would be released following the conclusion of rescue and relief efforts. The Mansa Devi Temple, a revered Siddh Peeth established in 1811 and part of Haridwar’s Panch Tirth pilgrimage circuit, attracts more than a million visitors annually, especially during auspicious periods. While the 2017 introduction of the “Mansa Devi Udankhatola” ropeway was meant to reduce congestion, Sunday’s tragedy has sparked serious questions about the effectiveness of such measures in the absence of robust crowd control strategies.
India’s history with stampedes at religious events is alarming. Past disasters like the 2013 Ratangarh bridge collapse that killed 115 and the 2024 Hathras tragedy that claimed 121 lives are grim reminders of the dangers posed by poorly managed large gatherings. A 2019 study of the Ardh Kumbh Mela found inadequate spatial planning and weak enforcement of safety norms to be consistent contributing factors. The Archaeological Survey of India has also recently flagged the growing threat of overcrowding at Uttarakhand’s heritage sites.
As the nation mourns yet another preventable tragedy, calls for systemic change in managing religious tourism are growing louder.
Indian Embassy Issues Alert as Border Clashes Rock Thailand 14
Amid rising tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, the Indian Embassy in Thailand has issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals, urging them to avoid travel to seven Thai provinces currently witnessing unrest. The advisory comes in the wake of violent clashes that erupted on Thursday between Thai and Cambodian forces, resulting in at least 11 reported deaths and multiple injuries, as per Thai Public Broadcasting Service.
The embassy’s alert, posted on X (formerly Twitter), specifically advised Indian travelers to stay updated through official Thai sources, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) newsroom. The advisory emphasizes caution, especially for those planning to visit the affected regions.
In view of the situation near Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom.
As per Tourism Authority of Thailand places mentioned in the following link are not recommended for… https://t.co/ToeHLSQUYi
— India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) July 25, 2025
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, travel to several popular destinations in Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces is currently not recommended due to safety concerns. The situation remains fluid, and tourists have been urged to monitor developments closely before making travel decisions.
Govt Cracks Down on Vulgar OTTs: ULLU, ALTT, 23 Others Banned for Obscene Content 16
In a major crackdown on explicit content, the Indian government has ordered the blocking of 25 OTT platforms, including popular names like ULLU, ALTT, and Desiflix, citing repeated violations related to obscene, vulgar, and, in some cases, pornographic material. The platforms were found streaming sexually explicit content without any storyline or social context, prompting the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take strict action in consultation with other ministries and expert bodies.
Among the banned platforms are ALTT, ULLU, Big Shots App, Desiflix, Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Gulab App, Kangan App, Bull App, Jalva App, ShowHit, Wow Entertainment, Look Entertainment, Hitprime, Feneo, ShowX, Sol Talkies, Adda TV, HotX VIP, Hulchul App, MoodX, NeonX VIP, Fugi, Mojflix, and Triflicks. The decision was taken following inputs from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Women and Child Development, Electronics and IT, and Law, as well as from industry associations like FICCI, CII, and child rights experts.
The action was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT Rules, 2021, with notifications issued to intermediaries to disable access to the websites and mobile apps of these platforms.
Officials revealed that complaints against the platforms had been pouring in for over a year, including alerts from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and concerned members of the public. Many of these platforms had already been warned by the ministry in September 2023, yet continued to stream objectionable content. In fact, five previously blocked platforms resumed operations by launching their services on new domains.
This isn’t the first time such action has been taken. In May, the Ministry intervened to get the controversial web series House Arrest removed from ULLU’s platform. Despite the warnings, the persistent publication of obscene content led to this decisive step, highlighting the government’s intent to regulate OTT content that violates public decency and legal norms.
Rahul Gandhi Admits Failure on OBC Rights, Vows Caste Census in All Congress-Ruled States 18
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing an OBC-focused public meeting in Delhi on Friday, publicly admitted that failing to push for a caste census earlier was a personal mistake and vowed to correct it by prioritising such surveys in all Congress-ruled states. Speaking at the ‘Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan’ at Talkatora Stadium, Gandhi described the recent caste census in Telangana as a “political earthquake” that would send tremors throughout the country.
Reflecting on his 21-year-long political journey, Gandhi said while he made significant contributions in areas like land acquisition, MGNREGA, and tribal rights, he fell short on safeguarding the interests of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). “I did not understand the OBC issues deeply enough 10–15 years ago,” he admitted, adding, “That is my mistake, not the Congress party’s.”
Gandhi insisted that the upcoming caste censuses would be more detailed and impactful than if they had been conducted earlier. “The caste census in Telangana has shaken the ground beneath Indian politics,” he declared, reiterating that all Congress governments would now implement similar population surveys to assess and rectify the underrepresentation of OBCs in power structures.
Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said the media had “inflated his image,” claiming Modi was “all show and no substance.” He remarked that the real issue was not Modi but the narrative created around him. “I’ve met him now—there’s nothing there. You’ve put him on a pedestal, but the problem is manufactured,” Gandhi told the crowd.
Gandhi urged OBC youth to recognize their collective strength and called the RSS their “biggest enemy” for allegedly erasing their historical legacy. He emphasized that a caste census would be a crucial step in empowering the OBC population by revealing stark gaps in corporate, governmental, and social representation.
Referring to the Telangana data, Gandhi said the survey showed that while SC, ST, and OBC communities were prevalent in schemes like MGNREGA and gig work, they were virtually absent in top corporate and administrative roles. He described OBCs as the nation’s “productive force”—building roads, hospitals, and infrastructure—yet denied proportional representation in governance.
Concluding his speech, Gandhi committed to removing the 50% cap on reservations and said the Congress party’s mission was rooted in justice, equity, and data-driven representation.
The event witnessed the presence of key Congress leaders including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, and leaders like Sachin Pilot and Anil JaiHind.
PoP Ganesh Idols Below 6 Feet Must Be Immersed in Artificial Tanks: Bombay HC Orders Statewide Compliance 20
The Bombay High Court on Thursday ruled that all Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and under 6 feet in height must be mandatorily immersed in artificial water bodies across Maharashtra until March 2026. The decision, aimed at reducing environmental damage, applies not only to Ganesh Utsav but also to Navratri, Maghi Ganesh, and all festivals involving idol immersions.
The directive follows a series of hearings on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenged the immersion of PoP idols in natural water sources and contested the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) guidelines. A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V Marne emphasized that the interim arrangement was necessary to minimize ecological harm.
This comes after the Maharashtra government submitted its policy guidelines dated July 21, 2025, which state that idols below five feet must be immersed in artificial ponds, while taller idols may be allowed in natural water bodies if no alternatives are available. However, the court took it further by extending the artificial immersion mandate to idols up to six feet.
The court acknowledged logistical challenges but stressed the need for action to protect the environment. It also ordered the formation of an expert committee to study eco-friendly methods for faster dissolution and reuse of PoP idols. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that arrangements would now need to be scaled up for an estimated 1.95 lakh smaller idols this year alone.
While environmental advocates pushed for a complete ban on natural water immersion for all PoP idols, the court noted practical limitations in infrastructure. The High Court concluded that this is a temporary, realistic measure and directed the state to enforce its guidelines fully, including post-immersion cleanup of natural water bodies.
