Month: August 2025

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings following media reports of a growing environmental and public health crisis at the Dadumajra dumping ground in Chandigarh.

It stated that a news article published on July 23 revealed that leachate–polluted liquid runoff from the accumulated waste–has started contaminating nearby fields and water bodies, including the Patiala Ki Rao Choe. Heavy monsoon rains have worsened the situation, prompting serious concern among local communities.

Residents have reported an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses, skin infections, and even serious diseases like tuberculosis and cancer due to toxic waste mixing with rainwater and seeping into residential zones.

The unbearable stench from decomposing waste and chemical runoff has further degraded everyday living conditions in the surrounding areas.

The Tribunal noted several environmental laws had been violated, including the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016; Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

The bench, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and supported by Dr A Senthil Vel and Dr Afroz Ahmad, attributed the unfolding crisis to ongoing mismanagement and delayed action by authorities.

Originally scheduled to be cleared by May 31, the dumping site remained unaddressed. On the deadline itself, a massive fire erupted, requiring more than 1.25 lakh litres of water to extinguish. Despite a revised cleanup target set for July, the waste still remains uncleared, heightening concerns.

In response, the Tribunal issued notices to the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These entities have been instructed to file their affidavits with responses at least one week prior to the next hearing, which is slated for November 3, 2025.

The Tribunal reinforced its authority to act in environmental emergencies, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors., which upheld the NGT’s right to intervene without formal petitions. (ANI)

Uttarakhand’s Sukhi Top area experienced another cloudburst on Tuesday, hours after the Dharali area also experienced huge losses due to a previous cloudburst.

Further information on the second cloudburst is awaited.

Meanwhile, in Uttarkashi’s Dharali, on the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, both the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to the affected area. Three ITBP teams have already been dispatched, while four NDRF teams are en route and expected to join the rescue operations shortly.

“Spoke with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand regarding the flash flood incident in Dharali (Uttarkashi), Uttarakhand, and took stock of the situation. Three nearby teams of the ITBP have been sent to the location, and four teams of the NDRF have also been dispatched to the site. They will reach soon and begin the rescue operations,” Shah said in a post on X.

The Home Ministry is closely monitoring the developments, and efforts are underway to ensure timely rescue and relief for those affected by the natural calamity.

Meanwhile, the roads in Gasku, Malghat area on the Dharchula- Gunji route have been closed, with NDRF successfully transporting travellers stranded due to falling rocks. Police officials have urged people not to travel on the route till it is cleared.

The Chamoli police have also informed that the Jyotirmath-Malari motor road has been washed out near Saldhar.

“Travellers and local residents are requested to avoid unnecessary travel and follow the guidelines and information issued by the Chamoli Police,” the police said in a post on X.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the affected people in Dharali.

“I express my condolences to the people affected by this tragedy in Dharali, Uttarkashi. Along with this, I pray for the well-being of all the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami ji and obtained information about the situation. Under the supervision of the state government, relief and rescue teams are engaged in every possible effort. No stone is being left unturned in providing assistance to the people,” PM Modi posted on X in Hindi.

Earlier today, Indian Army personnel engaged in rescue operations after a landslide occurred near Dharali village, approximately 4 km from the Indian Army Camp at Harshil. Approximately 15-20 people have been evacuated and injured are receiving medical treatment at Army medical facility in Harshil. (ANI)

While BJP leaders and party workers across the country are celebrating the successful completion of six years since the abrogation of Article 370, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress are protesting against it. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti termed August 5 as a black day not just for Kashmir but for the whole nation.

Led by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Party leader Iltija Mufti, dozens of party workers gathered to protest against the abrogation of Article 370.

“We are protesting here, and thousands of police are deployed. This tells everything about the situation in Kashmir,” Mehbooba Mufti said.

She further added, “Today is a black day not just for Jammu & Kashmir but also the entire country. On this day (5th August 2019), the ruling party used its brute majority to end Article 370 (in J&K) unconstitutionally…Even today, I would like to tell the people of the nation that they should wake up…Today, you are seeing SIR exercise being carried out in Bihar, the Election Commission has weaponised voters’ list so that lakhs of people can be deprived of voting…There are attempts being made to change our demography…The same has started in Tamil Nadu with the addition of lakhs of new voters from outside the state.”

Making some serious allegations against the Centre, Mufti added, “Jammu & Kashmir has been made a laboratory…I am saying this today to people of the country that their condition will be worse than ours, and then no one will come to help them because no one is coming to help us.”

She stated that democracy is in danger and said, “Today, our party workers wanted to hold a demonstration, but we were not allowed; ‘Dum ghuta hai’….What happened with us in 2019 is happening in the entire country today. There is danger to our democracy today…”

Party leader Iltija Mufti was also present at the protest, echoed the same sentiments. “On 5 August 2019, the illegal abrogation of Article 370 was done. The Constitution and the flag of J&K were taken away from us… We are a legal party, and even six years after the abrogation of Article 370, we are not being allowed to protest.”

She mentioned what happened six years ago saying, “We were put under house arrest six years ago, and the common people of J&K, political parties and ‘jamaat’ were put under arrest. There has been no change even after six years… A huge CRPF vehicle has been stationed here, and we are not being allowed to move forward… Nothing has changed here… For the last week, there have been so many rumours that maybe Jammu will be separated and South Kashmir will be merged with Jammu and given statehood… Which part of the Indian Constitution is being implemented here?”

“We are being stripped off of our fundamental right to speak and protest. Not just our special status, flag, and constitution, but efforts are being made to take our voices and our rights away”, she added.

In August 2019, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, repealed Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, effectively ending the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The restoration of statehood has been a key demand from the regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. (ANI)

Rajya Sabha on Tuesday adopted the Statutory Resolution to extend President’s Rule in Manipur for six more months.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai moved the resolution in the Upper House today amid heavy sloganeering by the opposition.

The house adopted the Statutory resolution “continuance in force of the Proclamation dated the 13th Feb’25 in respect of Manipur, issued under article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from 13th August, 2025.”

Earlier on July 30, the Lok Sabha passed the resolution to extend President’s rule in Manipur.

The President’s rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, days after N Biren Singh resigned from the Chief Minister’s position.

Singh resigned amid violence and political instability that had plagued the state for nearly two years.

The decision, exercised under Article 356 of the Constitution, means that the president will now directly control the state’s administrative functions through the Governor.

The proclamation, published in the Gazette of India issued by the Union Home Ministry, states that the powers of the Manipur Legislative Assembly will be transferred to Parliament, effectively suspending the state government’s authority.

Under this order, the Governor’s powers will now be exercised by the President; the state legislature’s authority will be assumed by Parliament; and specific articles of the Constitution, including those concerning legislative procedures and governance, have been suspended to ensure smooth central administration.

The President’s rule is typically imposed when a state government is deemed incapable of functioning in accordance with constitutional norms. The move follows political instability and concerns about law and order in Manipur. The suspension of legislative powers means that all state laws and decisions will now be made under central authority, either by Parliament or the President.

The imposition of the President’s rule can last up to six months, subject to parliamentary approval. During this period, the central government will oversee governance, and fresh elections may be called to elect a new assembly.

The unrest in Manipur primarily involved clashes between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zomi tribes. Tensions escalated over disputes related to economic benefits, job quotas, and land rights. The violence resulted in hundreds of fatalities and displaced approximately 60,000 individuals. (ANI)

A massive mudslide struck Dharali village in the Kheer Gad area near Harsil, triggering a sudden flow of debris and water through the settlement, the Indian Army said on Tuesday.

Army’s Central Command stated that Troops of the Ibex Brigade were immediately mobilised and have reached the affected site to assess the situation and undertake rescue operations.

“Extent of damage is being ascertained and updates will follow as relief operations unfold”, the Army’s Central Command said in a statement.

Taking stock of the situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sadness over the damage that was the result of the cloudburst. CM Dhami further informed that the administration, including SDRF and NDRF, are engaged in the rescue operation, and the situation is being closely monitored.

In a post on X, CM Dhami said, “The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing. In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone’s safety.”

The cloudburst has led to flash floods in the high-altitude villages of Dharali. Several houses were reported to have been swept away.

Additionally, Uttarkashi Police said, “In Uttarkashi, due to the rising water level of Kheer Gadh in the Harsil area, reports of damage in Dharali have prompted police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), army, and other disaster response teams to engage in relief and rescue operations at the site.”

Responding to the incident, SDRF IG informed that battalions with specialised equipment have been dispatched to the spot and are on rescue operation is being done in a coordinated manner.

While speaking to ANI, SDRF IG, Arun Mohan Joshi said, “As soon as we got the information, our nearest SDRF team has reached the spot. Two other units are about to reach. Rescue work is being done in a coordinated manner. The nearby NDRF, Army teams are also reaching the spot. Specialised equipment in our SDRF battalion headquarters, which can be used in this disaster, is also being sent… Whether it is the Army, ITBP, or NDRF, all the teams are reaching the spot, and rescue is being done in a coordinated manner.” (ANI)

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its immigration policy to restrict visa eligibility for transgender women seeking to compete in women’s sports.

This move aligns with Executive Order 14201, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop policies to prevent the entry of male athletes seeking to compete in women’s sports.

“USCIS has clarified eligibility for certain visa categories: O-1A aliens of extraordinary ability, E11 aliens of extraordinary ability, E21 aliens of exceptional ability, and for national interest waivers (NIWs), to guarantee an even playing field for all women’s athletics in the United States,” the statement added.

“Men do not belong in women’s sports. USCIS is closing the loophole for foreign male athletes whose only chance at winning elite sports is to change their gender identity and leverage their biological advantages against women,” said USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “It’s a matter of safety, fairness, respect, and truth that only female athletes receive a visa to come to the US to participate in women’s sports. The Trump Administration is standing up for the silent majority who’ve long been victims of leftist policies that defy common sense.”

Further, USCIS noted that it will “affirmatively protect all-female athletic opportunities by granting certain athlete-related petitions and applications that had previously been abused and offered to men, only to women, ensuring that male aliens seeking immigration benefits aren’t coming to the US to participate in women’s sports.”

This policy update clarifies that USCIS considers the fact that a male athlete has been competing against women as a negative factor in determining whether the alien is among the small percentage at the very top of the field; USCIS does not consider a male athlete who has gained acclaim in men’s sports and seeks to compete in women’s sports in the United States to be seeking to continue work in his area of extraordinary ability; male athletes seeking to enter the country to compete in women’s sports do not substantially benefit the United States; and it is not in the national interest to the United States to waive the job offer and, thus, the labor certification requirement for male athletes whose proposed endeavor is to compete in women’s sports.

“The USCIS Policy Manual is effective immediately and applies to benefit requests pending or filed on or after the publication date. It is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance,” the statement noted.

Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” order in February to protect opportunities for women and girls to compete in safe and fair sports.

“It is the policy of the United States to rescind all funds from educational programs that deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities, which results in the endangerment, humiliation, and silencing of women and girls and deprives them of privacy. It shall also be the policy of the United States to oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports more broadly, as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth,” the White House stated. (ANI)

The last rites of veteran tribal leader and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren will be performed on Tuesday in his native village, Nimra, following his demise in Delhi.

People gathered in large numbers at his residence in Ranchi on Monday to pay their final respects to the former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM patriarch.

Soren passed away on August 4 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital after a prolonged illness.

Born on January 11, 1944, in Nemra village in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, Shibu Soren belonged to a modest Santhal Adivasi farming family. His father, Shobaran Soren, was a vocal opponent of local zamindars (landlords) and was murdered at their hands when Shibu was just a boy. This injustice instilled in him a burning resolve to fight for Adivasi rights, land, and dignity.

Soren’s political journey spanned over four decades, marked by numerous highs and challenges. He was the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, co-founded JMM in 1972 with AK Roy and Binod Bihari Mahato to advocate for a separate tribal state.

He served three terms as Chief Minister, including one for just 10 days in March 2005 and was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times and the Rajya Sabha three times. He held the Coal Minister portfolio in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government.

Soren’s rise to fame came in the 1970s with his campaigns against the exploitative landlords and moneylenders. He became a tribal icon fighting against injustice, organising agitations to reclaim tribal lands.

His fight for the tribal community is the reason why JMM remains the most popular party in Jharkhand. Shibu Soren was a champion of tribal rights, land, forest, and livelihood.

He was known for his unwavering dedication to the people and his passion for empowering tribal communities, the poor, and the downtrodden. His contributions include the Jharkhand Statehood Movement, which played a key role in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000.

His dreams of a separate identity for Jharkhand people came into fruition in 2000 when a new state was created.

Soren has to spend a month in jail after an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the 1975 Chirudih massacre case, in which he was named the main accused in the killing of 11 people. Later, a court in March 2008 absolved him of all charges. However, his legal woes did not end there.

In 2006, he was convicted in the 1994 murder case of his private secretary, Shashi Nath Jha, leading to a life sentence, though he was later acquitted. He faced other criminal charges, including allegations of inciting violence, but was cleared in significant cases by 2010.

Despite these cases, Soren remained a towering figure in the state and the nation’s politics. In April 2025, he passed the JMM presidency to his son, Hemant Soren, the current Jharkhand Chief Minister.

Describing him as “a strong voice for the tribal community” whose contribution to Jharkhand’s formation “will always be remembered,” Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday paid heartfelt tribute to late Shibu Soren, the veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader who passed away this morning in the national capital. (ANI)

In a sustained series of operations, based on specific information were conducted from July 29 to August 4, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles units in close coordination with Manipur Police and other agencies, launched a large number of joint operations across Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Thoubal, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts of Manipur.

A press release by PRO & spokesperson of Ministry of Defence stated that the the operations led to the apprehension of 15 active insurgent cadres belonging to various valley and hill-based groups and the recovery of 69 weapons, 16 Improvised Explosive Devices, grenades, ammunition, radio sets, and other war-like stores. These also included looted service weapons, country-made arms, and explosives capable of causing mass casualties, the release added.

Key recoveries were made during multiple operations in forested and high-risk areas including Dampi Ridge, Tollen, and K Geljang in Churachandpur, as well as Imphal East and West. High-value targets, including self-styled leaders of outlawed outfits like KCP, PREPAK, KYKL, and UNLF-P, were apprehended, it added.

These coordinated actions underscore the firm resolve of the security forces to maintain peace and stability in the region while preventing the resurgence of insurgent activities, the release added. (ANI)

The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning to visa holders, reminding them to respect the terms of their US visa and authorised period of stay in the United States and making it clear that any violation could lead to visa revocation and possible deportation.

In a post on X the US Embassy said, “Respect the terms of your U.S. visa and your authorized period of stay in the United States. Remaining in the United States past your I-94 “Admit Until Date” can lead to severe consequences such as visa revocation, possible deportation, and ineligibility for future visas. Overstaying may permanently affect your ability to travel, study, or work in the United States.”

Also on Monday, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Congresswoman from Georgia’s 14th District in a post on X said, “End Indian H1-B visas replacing American jobs instead and stop funding and sending weapons to the Obama/Biden/Neocon Ukraine Russia war.”

Her remarks came while referring to the latest statement by US President Donald Trump, who on Monday said that the United States will “substantially raise” the tariff paid by India for buying “massive amounts of Russian Oil”, stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market “for big profits”.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!”

India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday came out strongly in defence of the country’s decision to import oil from Russia, despite criticism from the United States and European Union.

According to the MEA, India’s imports from Russia are driven by necessity and aimed at ensuring predictable and affordable energy costs for Indian consumers.

The MEA described the criticism of India’s trade policy as “unjustified and unreasonable,” asserting that India will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. (ANI)

Former cricketer Yograj Singh saw shades of Kapil Dev after witnessing Mohammed Siraj unleashing fury under London’s gloomy sky with his scorching spells at The Oval to engineer a memorable victory for India in the fifth Test against England.

The fate of the inaugural edition of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was decided in the opening hour of the final day, with India standing triumphant with a slender six-run win, an indelible story of success. After the weather gods intervened and forced an early closure on the fourth day, the equation was straightforward for both teams. England stood 35 runs short of gunning down the 374-run target.

On the other hand, India had to scythe four wickets to rob England’s chances of ruining Shubman Gill’s first captaincy assignment in a series defeat. Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s sweltering spells under the slight drizzle in London saw India rip through England’s tail and pull the curtains down on the gruelling five-match affair on level terms at 2-2.

Yograj was impressed by India’s blockbuster show. He revealed that Siraj’s spells turned back the clock and reminded him of the legendary India captain Kapil Dev, who was known for his dazzling spells. The 67-year-old analysed Gill’s “mature” captaincy and didn’t feel he was leading a side for the first time in a high-stakes overseas tour.

“The way our players have played, it was amazing to watch. The way Mohammed Siraj bowled, he reminded me of Kapil Dev. The captaincy of Shubman Gill was mature. It did not seem at all that he was a captain for the first time,” Yograj told ANI.

In the final moment of the series, Siraj landed the decisive blow and topped it up with his trademark ‘Sui’ celebration. On his 1,113th delivery of the series, he nailed the yorker and rattled Gus Atkinson’s timber to get India past the finishing line with a narrow six-run triumph, finishing with a sizzling five-for in the second innings and overall match figures 9/190.

Across the five Tests, Siraj has been a whirlwind on the field and a workhorse, bearing the brunt of relentlessly delivering wicket-taking spells for India. He redefined the concept of workload management, bowled his heart out across the five Tests and concluded the series as the leading wicket-taker. Siraj’s determination and perseverance resonated in the 1113 deliveries he bowled in five Tests to scalp 23 wickets at 32.43. (ANI)