A Delhi court granted bail to Manuj Kathuria, the SUV driver accused of causing the drowning of three civil service aspirants in a coaching centre's basement. The court's decision followed the Delhi Police's move to drop the serious charge of 'culpable homicide not amounting to murder' against Kathuria. The police found insufficient evidence for this charge and are now focusing on less severe allegations related to rash driving. The case continues as authorities investigate further.
Heavy rains and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh have caused significant flooding, particularly affecting Mandi and Shimla districts. The Pandoh Dam's floodgates were opened due to rising water levels in the Beas River, raising concerns of further flooding. Cloudbursts have impacted Samej Khad and Thaltukhod, with three confirmed deaths and around 50 missing. Rescue operations are underway, with state and central officials urging focused disaster management and support for affected areas.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of the AFHQ Civil Services in bridging the armed forces and civilian government. Addressing the AFHQ Day, he urged improvement in skills, better career progression, and adherence to core values. Singh lauded their role in efficient policy-making and reforms, contributing to national defense.
The industry body Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) announced that microfinance entities have begun reducing loan interest rates and implementing borrower protections. This move comes in response to repeated criticisms from Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das regarding the "usurious" charges imposed on borrowers.
Following Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's praise for the RSS, the Congress accused the organization of undermining India's sovereignty. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh cited historical documents showing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's opposition to the RSS, highlighting its violent and anti-national activities. The debate ensued after Dhankhar defended the RSS, describing it as an organization with "unimpeachable credentials."
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that rescue operations in the landslide-hit Mundakkai region, Wayanad, would extend for several days. Four ministers have been assigned to coordinate the efforts. So far, 173 deaths have been reported, and the Indian Army's efforts have been lauded. Rehabilitation for survivors will follow.
The domestic food market was expected to expand by over 47% between 2022 and 2027, reaching USD 1,274 billion. With an annual growth rate of 5.35%, the food processing sector accounted for 7.66% of GVA in manufacturing during 2022-23. CII officials announced Foodpro Expo 2024 in Chennai.
Nagaraj Shetti of HDFC Securities believes that the Nifty index is facing resistance at the 25,000-25,100 level and may experience short-term consolidation or a minor dip. He identifies 24,750 as a key support level to watch.
India's Tata Steel will not alter its plans for proposed job cuts in Britain, according to CEO T. V. Narendran. The company is also assessing the need for additional funding from the UK's new government. Last month, Tata began shutting down one of its carbon-intensive blast furnaces, with the other furnace set for closure in September.
Four people were killed and about 50 went missing following several incidents of cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh where rains washed away many houses, bridges and roads on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Moderate flash flood threat is likely in isolated parts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur and Shimla districts in the next six hours, the MeT office said.
Thomas Cook India's Executive Chairman Madhavan Menon disclosed plans to expand the hospitality sector, predicting strong demand growth. The company planned to open around 20 new holiday outlets using a phygital approach. Reported net profit and revenue saw an increase for the April-June quarter. The hospitality arm, Sterling Holidays, aimed to add 20 more resorts over the next 15 months.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad, Kerala, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the affected families. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, has resulted in 173 deaths. The Gandhis toured the devastated areas, visited relief camps, and pledged continued support for the community's recovery efforts.
Tata Play, an Indian subscription-based satellite television service provider, announced on Thursday that it will be removing Sony Entertainment channels from its specially curated subscriber packs. This decision stems from the low viewership of these channels.
The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) has mandated training and certification for all real estate agents seeking registration or renewal. This three-day training, organized with reputed institutions, aims to improve agents' skills and professionalism. Enrollment is currently open for agents in select cities.
India and Vietnam adopted a strategic action plan to enhance ties, with Prime Minister Modi emphasizing development over expansionism. They signed six MoUs and finalised three additional documents. India will extend a USD 300 million credit line for Vietnam’s maritime security and boost digital payment connectivity between their central banks.
Square Insurance, Jaipur-based insurance broking startup, has raised $3 million in funding. The company will use the capital to strengthen its tech infrastructure and streamline ops.
Rohit Sharma said that he had a good time off from cricket and that it was a great feeling to come back home after winning the World Cup. Rohit had retired from T20Is following the triumph. Rohit admitted that the ways of Gambhir will be different from his predecessors. The Mumbaikar also said he has held chats with Gambhir about the team's blueprint for the future.
The world of aquatic life is full of stunning fish species, each with its unique beauty and characteristics. Here are nine of the most stunning fish species:
Mudrex, a Y-Combinator-backed global crypto investment platform, announced on Thursday the launch of its Independence Day Airdrop Campaign.
NHA, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in coordination with local police, empanelled hospitals, state health agency, national informatics centre and general insurance council is responsible for implementation of the programme.
Coal India Ltd recorded a 6.6% rise in production, hitting 244.3 million tonnes in the first four months of this fiscal, up from 229.1 million tonnes a year earlier. July's production grew by 2.5% to reach 55 million tonnes. The company's offtake for the period increased to 257.2 million tonnes, compared to 246.3 million tonnes last year.
Sun Pharma reported a 40% year-on-year (YoY) jump in net profit to Rs 2,836 crore in Q1FY25 led by higher sales growth in domestic formulation, emerging markets and global specialty portfolio.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the first Vande Bharat sleeper train is ready and undergoing tests. This train, designed for long-distance travel (700-1000 km), is being developed by BEML with plans to deliver 10 units by the end of FY 2024-25.
