July 24, 2026
‘Brutal and unprovoked’: Iranian barrage pushes UAE into ‘state of defence’

‘Brutal and unprovoked’: Iranian barrage pushes UAE into ‘state of defence’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The United Arab Emirates declared a “state of defence” after a wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks, saying it would take a “measured response while prioritising the protection of its sovereignty and residents.“UAE described the recent barrage as “brutal and unprovoked Iranian aggression”, after more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones were launched towards…

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Prithviraj Sukumaran says ‘Lucifer’ trilogy was always planned: ‘We want to do it’

Prithviraj Sukumaran says ‘Lucifer’ trilogy was always planned: ‘We want to do it’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Prithviraj Sukumaran on ‘L3’: ‘We want to do it’; Says ‘Lucifer’ trilogy was always planned Actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran has shared an exciting update for fans of the ‘Lucifer’ franchise, starring Mohanlal in the lead.While promoting his upcoming film ‘I, Nobody’, the actor confirmed that the third instalment of the blockbuster series is very much in…

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“It doesn’t matter a girls attitude”: Clavicular’s offspring genetics argument draws attention to his rhinoplasty history

“It doesn’t matter a girls attitude”: Clavicular’s offspring genetics argument draws attention to his rhinoplasty history

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Clavicular’s offspring genetics argument draws attention to his rhinoplasty history (Image via Getty) Influencer Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, is facing criticism after a clip of him discussing relationships and genetics spread across X. The video was shared by @Clav0Updates, a fan and update account focused on the streamer. In the clip, the…

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Photo credit: PTI Every monsoon, the pattern repeats across cities.Roads disappear under water, traffic comes to a standstill, trains are delayed and water enters residential colonies, offices, parks, schools and hospitals. Potholes become difficult to spot, drains overflow and even a few hours of heavy rain can disrupt daily life.Extreme rainfall and inadequate drainage are often blamed. But researchers and government agencies have increasingly pointed to another factor: the rapid concretisation of urban spaces.As cities expand, open land, wetlands and vegetation are replaced by buildings, roads, pavements and parking areas made of concrete, asphalt and other impermeable materials. This reduces the ability of the soil to absorb rainwater.Water that would once have seeped into the ground and recharged aquifers instead flows rapidly over hard surfaces and enters stormwater drains. During intense monsoon spells, the volume of runoff can exceed the capacity of these drains, leading to waterlogging and urban flooding.When concrete turns rainfall into runoffUrban flooding is no longer seen only as a consequence of unusually heavy rain. Studies have linked it to the way cities have expanded, often at the cost of lakes, wetlands, vegetation and open soil.Unchecked construction, encroachment on water bodies and widespread cementisation have altered the natural movement of water through urban landscapes. Impermeable surfaces increase the speed and volume of runoff, while the loss of lakes and wetlands reduces the space available to store excess rainwater.The result is that even when cities add more drains, water can reach them faster than the system is equipped to carry it away.Bengaluru: Less vegetation, fewer lakes and faster runoffA 2017 study by the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science found that Bengaluru’s urban area had expanded by more than 1,000 per cent since the 1970s. Over the same period, vegetation cover declined by nearly 88 per cent and water bodies by around 79 per cent.The study estimated that nearly 78 per cent of Bengaluru’s surface had become impermeable, leaving limited space for rainwater to seep into the soil.Bengaluru’s Concrete CrisisRainfall that previously recharged groundwater now flows over concrete and asphalt into stormwater drains, increasing both the volume and speed of surface runoff.The researchers also examined the effect of concrete-lined drains. Such drains can move water faster than channels lined with soil and vegetation. But concrete prevents infiltration and reduces surface friction, allowing large volumes of water to reach downstream areas in a shorter period.According to the study, this approach can shift flood risk from one part of the city to another instead of addressing it.Researchers also found that the traditional rajakaluve stormwater channel connecting City Market with Bellandur Lake had narrowed from about 60 metres to 28.5 metres because of encroachments and physical alterations.The findings were subsequently cited in the Comptroller and Auditor General’s September 2021 performance audit on the management of stormwater in Bengaluru.The CAG found several gaps in the city’s stormwater management, including discrepancies in the reported length of drains and the absence of a complete inventory of tertiary drains.The audit also documented the decline of Bengaluru’s water bodies. Within the city’s present-day area of 741 square kilometres, their number fell from 1,452 in the early 1800s to 194 in 2016.Their combined storage capacity declined from around 35 thousand million cubic feet, or nearly 991 billion litres, to about 5 thousand million cubic feet, or approximately 142 billion litres.This loss of storage capacity has left the city with fewer natural spaces to hold excess monsoon water.Delhi: River flooding and local waterloggingSimilar concerns were raised in the National Institute of Disaster Management’s report, YamunaUrban Floods in Delhi with Focus on July 2023 Event.According to the report, Delhi’s urban land cover increased from 46.2 per cent in 1991 to 75.1 per cent in 2011. Separately mapped built-up area rose from around 20 per cent in 1985 to more than 52 per cent by 2018.Delhi’s concrete footprintThe NIDM said the increase in impermeable surfaces had reduced the time taken for rainwater to reach drains and the Yamuna. This produced higher peak flows and increased the possibility of flash flooding, including during spells of rainfall that may not otherwise have caused widespread disruption.The report distinguished between two forms of flooding in the capital.The first occurs when high water levels in the Yamuna push river water back into Delhi’s drainage network. The second is local urban flooding, in which runoff from roads, pavements, colonies and other built-up areas enters drains faster than they can carry it away.The NIDM identified concretisation, pressure on drainage infrastructure and encroachment on the Yamuna floodplain among the factors that aggravated the July 2023 floods.Mumbai: Flood mitigation alongside expanding concrete coverIn Mumbai, flood-control spending has increased, but so has the city’s built-up area.Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had invested in river rejuvenation, pumping stations, hazard mapping and weather forecasting as part of its flood-mitigation measures.At the same time, redevelopment and infrastructure projects continued to add impermeable surfaces across the city.Around 38 per cent of the BMC’s annual budget had been set aside for climate-related measures, with a substantial share directed towards flood and water management.However, redevelopment projects were expected to add nearly 344 million square feet of built-up area. Officials quoted in the report said construction and redevelopment were progressing faster than flood-mitigation and environmental-restoration measures.Mumbai’s development vs climate paradoxMumbai has also pursued widespread concretisation of roads as part of its response to potholes and road deterioration. While concrete roads may offer greater durability, expanding hard surfaces without adequate water-absorption measures can increase stormwater runoff.The BMC’s climate budget report for 2026-27 provides an allocation of nearly Rs 48,164 crore, of which 43 per cent has been earmarked for five climate-related risks, including urban flooding.What the NGT has directedIn an order dated May 21, 2025, the National Green Tribunal issued directions to local bodies and development authorities across India against indiscriminate concretisation during urban development and the construction of roads, berms and footpaths.The tribunal called for the use of permeable or semi-permeable surfaces and directed authorities to preserve non-concretised space around trees.It said a Uttar Pradesh government order dated March 23, 2018, should serve as the default guideline for states and Union territories that had not framed their own rules.The guidelines recommend permeable paving instead of continuous concrete surfaces, restrictions on paving around lakes, ponds, parks and roadside green areas, and a minimum one-metre de-concretised area around trees.They also call for rainwater-harvesting systems in larger developments and groundwater-recharge structures, including ponds and recharge pits, in new layouts.Cities begin de-concretisation effortsSome municipal authorities have begun implementing measures aimed at restoring open soil and protecting water bodies.Ahead of World Environment Day in 2025, Bengaluru ordered the removal of concrete, cement and stone blocks within a one-metre radius of roadside trees.The city has also used drone surveys, geographical information system mapping and digital lake records to identify encroachments and support removal drives.In 2024, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi said it had de-concretised the area around 24,000 of the approximately 41,000 trees identified within its jurisdiction.The Delhi Development Authority has also carried out demolition drives against unauthorised structures on the Yamuna floodplain following directions from the Delhi High Court and the NGT.Such measures, however, remain limited when compared with the pace at which Indian cities continue to build roads, housing projects, commercial complexes and other infrastructure.More drains alone may not be enoughConcrete remains central to urban construction because it is durable, widely available and capable of supporting heavy loads. It can be moulded into different forms and does not burn, rot or rust.The challenge is not to eliminate concrete entirely, but to avoid using it where permeable alternatives are possible.The NGT has recommended materials such as stabilised soil, coarse sand, fly-ash bricks, stones and perforated tiles for pedestrian and open areas. These materials allow at least some rainwater to enter the ground.Where concrete cannot be avoided, measures such as bioswales, rain gardens, recharge pits and soak pits can be incorporated into roads and drainage systems. These structures slow the flow of water and allow part of it to seep into the soil instead of sending the entire volume directly into drains.Urban flooding cannot be addressed only by widening drains or installing more pumps while the surrounding landscape continues to harden.As monsoon rainfall becomes more difficult to manage, cities will also have to reconsider how their roads, pavements, open spaces and neighbourhoods are designed. Restoring wetlands, protecting drains and floodplains, and creating more permeable surfaces will be as important as building new drainage infrastructure.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPranjal PandeyPranjal Pandey is an intern at The Times of India. He holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and covers Real Estate, Defence, and International Relations, among other beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Koel Mallick Resigns From Rajya Sabha In Fresh Blow To Mamata BanerjeeNPCIL Clarifies Kudankulam Plant Data Breach Reports, Says ‘Core Nuclear Systems Untouched’US Federal Reserve Taps Indian-Origin Experts For New Monetary Policy ReformsWhy Karnataka’s Ambitious AI City Project In Bidadi Has Triggered A Farmer Versus Development Debate’I’ll Fight, Survive, Return…’: TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee Vows Comeback Ahead Of July 21 Rally’Where Is Rahul?’ Debate Grows As Congress Defends Record On Exam Leak Protests NationwideHyderabad School Terminates Teacher Over Alleged -Kalma- Homework For Class 2 StudentWhy The Department Of Space Is Trying To Stop Scientists From Leaving ISRO’s Key MissionsCongress Rejects Punjab Leadership Change As Rahul Gandhi Backs Raja Warring’s ContinuanceDelhi HC Directs Govt Doctors to Monitor Sonam Wangchuk as Hunger Strike Enters Day 19123PhotostoriesCOVID or another respiratory virus? Doctors explain why similar symptoms are becoming more common this season, and who should be most careful5 Japanese techniques that can help you feel happier and more fulfilled every dayEveryone sees your beauty except you: 8 signs you’re more attractive than you give yourself credit for5 of the weirdest side hustles people are actually making money from5 signs you’re dealing with a people pleaser—not someone who’s genuinely kind5 natural alternatives to Dutasteride to stop hair fallWhat if Indian mothers got this much maternity leave? Here’s how 7 countries provide the best support for new parents’I’ve seen him cry’: Aamir Khan’s close friend opens up about the heartbreaks people never sawWhy Alia Bhatt’s jade green Rajiramniq kurta set deserves a spot on every bride’s mehendi mood boardTransform your home with these 5 beautiful wind chime ideas that add charm and soothing sounds123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceH-1b VisaTamil Nadu school holidayIndia-UK FTAManipur JusticeRaghuram RajanAP POLYCET Phase 2 counsellingSonam WangchukTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentBengaluru Law Student MurderBihar Railway Employee MurderSiya GoyalTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Photo credit: PTI Every monsoon, the pattern repeats across cities.Roads disappear under water, traffic comes to a standstill, trains are delayed and water enters residential colonies, offices, parks, schools and hospitals. Potholes become difficult to spot, drains overflow and even a few hours of heavy rain can disrupt daily life.Extreme rainfall and inadequate drainage are often blamed. But researchers and government agencies have increasingly pointed to another factor: the rapid concretisation of urban spaces.As cities expand, open land, wetlands and vegetation are replaced by buildings, roads, pavements and parking areas made of concrete, asphalt and other impermeable materials. This reduces the ability of the soil to absorb rainwater.Water that would once have seeped into the ground and recharged aquifers instead flows rapidly over hard surfaces and enters stormwater drains. During intense monsoon spells, the volume of runoff can exceed the capacity of these drains, leading to waterlogging and urban flooding.When concrete turns rainfall into runoffUrban flooding is no longer seen only as a consequence of unusually heavy rain. Studies have linked it to the way cities have expanded, often at the cost of lakes, wetlands, vegetation and open soil.Unchecked construction, encroachment on water bodies and widespread cementisation have altered the natural movement of water through urban landscapes. Impermeable surfaces increase the speed and volume of runoff, while the loss of lakes and wetlands reduces the space available to store excess rainwater.The result is that even when cities add more drains, water can reach them faster than the system is equipped to carry it away.Bengaluru: Less vegetation, fewer lakes and faster runoffA 2017 study by the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science found that Bengaluru’s urban area had expanded by more than 1,000 per cent since the 1970s. Over the same period, vegetation cover declined by nearly 88 per cent and water bodies by around 79 per cent.The study estimated that nearly 78 per cent of Bengaluru’s surface had become impermeable, leaving limited space for rainwater to seep into the soil.Bengaluru’s Concrete CrisisRainfall that previously recharged groundwater now flows over concrete and asphalt into stormwater drains, increasing both the volume and speed of surface runoff.The researchers also examined the effect of concrete-lined drains. Such drains can move water faster than channels lined with soil and vegetation. But concrete prevents infiltration and reduces surface friction, allowing large volumes of water to reach downstream areas in a shorter period.According to the study, this approach can shift flood risk from one part of the city to another instead of addressing it.Researchers also found that the traditional rajakaluve stormwater channel connecting City Market with Bellandur Lake had narrowed from about 60 metres to 28.5 metres because of encroachments and physical alterations.The findings were subsequently cited in the Comptroller and Auditor General’s September 2021 performance audit on the management of stormwater in Bengaluru.The CAG found several gaps in the city’s stormwater management, including discrepancies in the reported length of drains and the absence of a complete inventory of tertiary drains.The audit also documented the decline of Bengaluru’s water bodies. Within the city’s present-day area of 741 square kilometres, their number fell from 1,452 in the early 1800s to 194 in 2016.Their combined storage capacity declined from around 35 thousand million cubic feet, or nearly 991 billion litres, to about 5 thousand million cubic feet, or approximately 142 billion litres.This loss of storage capacity has left the city with fewer natural spaces to hold excess monsoon water.Delhi: River flooding and local waterloggingSimilar concerns were raised in the National Institute of Disaster Management’s report, YamunaUrban Floods in Delhi with Focus on July 2023 Event.According to the report, Delhi’s urban land cover increased from 46.2 per cent in 1991 to 75.1 per cent in 2011. Separately mapped built-up area rose from around 20 per cent in 1985 to more than 52 per cent by 2018.Delhi’s concrete footprintThe NIDM said the increase in impermeable surfaces had reduced the time taken for rainwater to reach drains and the Yamuna. This produced higher peak flows and increased the possibility of flash flooding, including during spells of rainfall that may not otherwise have caused widespread disruption.The report distinguished between two forms of flooding in the capital.The first occurs when high water levels in the Yamuna push river water back into Delhi’s drainage network. The second is local urban flooding, in which runoff from roads, pavements, colonies and other built-up areas enters drains faster than they can carry it away.The NIDM identified concretisation, pressure on drainage infrastructure and encroachment on the Yamuna floodplain among the factors that aggravated the July 2023 floods.Mumbai: Flood mitigation alongside expanding concrete coverIn Mumbai, flood-control spending has increased, but so has the city’s built-up area.Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had invested in river rejuvenation, pumping stations, hazard mapping and weather forecasting as part of its flood-mitigation measures.At the same time, redevelopment and infrastructure projects continued to add impermeable surfaces across the city.Around 38 per cent of the BMC’s annual budget had been set aside for climate-related measures, with a substantial share directed towards flood and water management.However, redevelopment projects were expected to add nearly 344 million square feet of built-up area. Officials quoted in the report said construction and redevelopment were progressing faster than flood-mitigation and environmental-restoration measures.Mumbai’s development vs climate paradoxMumbai has also pursued widespread concretisation of roads as part of its response to potholes and road deterioration. While concrete roads may offer greater durability, expanding hard surfaces without adequate water-absorption measures can increase stormwater runoff.The BMC’s climate budget report for 2026-27 provides an allocation of nearly Rs 48,164 crore, of which 43 per cent has been earmarked for five climate-related risks, including urban flooding.What the NGT has directedIn an order dated May 21, 2025, the National Green Tribunal issued directions to local bodies and development authorities across India against indiscriminate concretisation during urban development and the construction of roads, berms and footpaths.The tribunal called for the use of permeable or semi-permeable surfaces and directed authorities to preserve non-concretised space around trees.It said a Uttar Pradesh government order dated March 23, 2018, should serve as the default guideline for states and Union territories that had not framed their own rules.The guidelines recommend permeable paving instead of continuous concrete surfaces, restrictions on paving around lakes, ponds, parks and roadside green areas, and a minimum one-metre de-concretised area around trees.They also call for rainwater-harvesting systems in larger developments and groundwater-recharge structures, including ponds and recharge pits, in new layouts.Cities begin de-concretisation effortsSome municipal authorities have begun implementing measures aimed at restoring open soil and protecting water bodies.Ahead of World Environment Day in 2025, Bengaluru ordered the removal of concrete, cement and stone blocks within a one-metre radius of roadside trees.The city has also used drone surveys, geographical information system mapping and digital lake records to identify encroachments and support removal drives.In 2024, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi said it had de-concretised the area around 24,000 of the approximately 41,000 trees identified within its jurisdiction.The Delhi Development Authority has also carried out demolition drives against unauthorised structures on the Yamuna floodplain following directions from the Delhi High Court and the NGT.Such measures, however, remain limited when compared with the pace at which Indian cities continue to build roads, housing projects, commercial complexes and other infrastructure.More drains alone may not be enoughConcrete remains central to urban construction because it is durable, widely available and capable of supporting heavy loads. It can be moulded into different forms and does not burn, rot or rust.The challenge is not to eliminate concrete entirely, but to avoid using it where permeable alternatives are possible.The NGT has recommended materials such as stabilised soil, coarse sand, fly-ash bricks, stones and perforated tiles for pedestrian and open areas. These materials allow at least some rainwater to enter the ground.Where concrete cannot be avoided, measures such as bioswales, rain gardens, recharge pits and soak pits can be incorporated into roads and drainage systems. These structures slow the flow of water and allow part of it to seep into the soil instead of sending the entire volume directly into drains.Urban flooding cannot be addressed only by widening drains or installing more pumps while the surrounding landscape continues to harden.As monsoon rainfall becomes more difficult to manage, cities will also have to reconsider how their roads, pavements, open spaces and neighbourhoods are designed. Restoring wetlands, protecting drains and floodplains, and creating more permeable surfaces will be as important as building new drainage infrastructure.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorPranjal PandeyPranjal Pandey is an intern at The Times of India. He holds a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and covers Real Estate, Defence, and International Relations, among other beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Koel Mallick Resigns From Rajya Sabha In Fresh Blow To Mamata BanerjeeNPCIL Clarifies Kudankulam Plant Data Breach Reports, Says ‘Core Nuclear Systems Untouched’US Federal Reserve Taps Indian-Origin Experts For New Monetary Policy ReformsWhy Karnataka’s Ambitious AI City Project In Bidadi Has Triggered A Farmer Versus Development Debate’I’ll Fight, Survive, Return…’: TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee Vows Comeback Ahead Of July 21 Rally’Where Is Rahul?’ Debate Grows As Congress Defends Record On Exam Leak Protests NationwideHyderabad School Terminates Teacher Over Alleged -Kalma- Homework For Class 2 StudentWhy The Department Of Space Is Trying To Stop Scientists From Leaving ISRO’s Key MissionsCongress Rejects Punjab Leadership Change As Rahul Gandhi Backs Raja Warring’s ContinuanceDelhi HC Directs Govt Doctors to Monitor Sonam Wangchuk as Hunger Strike Enters Day 19123PhotostoriesCOVID or another respiratory virus? Doctors explain why similar symptoms are becoming more common this season, and who should be most careful5 Japanese techniques that can help you feel happier and more fulfilled every dayEveryone sees your beauty except you: 8 signs you’re more attractive than you give yourself credit for5 of the weirdest side hustles people are actually making money from5 signs you’re dealing with a people pleaser—not someone who’s genuinely kind5 natural alternatives to Dutasteride to stop hair fallWhat if Indian mothers got this much maternity leave? Here’s how 7 countries provide the best support for new parents’I’ve seen him cry’: Aamir Khan’s close friend opens up about the heartbreaks people never sawWhy Alia Bhatt’s jade green Rajiramniq kurta set deserves a spot on every bride’s mehendi mood boardTransform your home with these 5 beautiful wind chime ideas that add charm and soothing sounds123Hot PicksDU Round 1 Seat AllocationDiesel export priceH-1b VisaTamil Nadu school holidayIndia-UK FTAManipur JusticeRaghuram RajanAP POLYCET Phase 2 counsellingSonam WangchukTop TrendingMessiThomas Tuchels Net WorthFIFA World Cup 2026Mumbai Goa Highway AccidentBengaluru Law Student MurderBihar Railway Employee MurderSiya GoyalTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war

Vamsikrishna08 mins mins

Every monsoon, the pattern repeats across cities.Roads disappear under water, traffic comes to a standstill, trains are delayed and water enters residential colonies, offices, parks, schools and hospitals. Potholes become difficult to spot, drains overflow and even a few hours of heavy rain can disrupt daily life.Extreme rainfall and inadequate drainage are often blamed. But…

Read More
SRH IPL 2026 Retention List: Sunrisers Hyderabad Full List of Retained and Released Players Ahead of Mega Auction

SRH IPL 2026 Retention List: Sunrisers Hyderabad Full List of Retained and Released Players Ahead of Mega Auction

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

As the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enter the new season with a decade’s worth of highs, lows, reinventions, heartbreaks, and historic moments behind them. Since their inception in 2013, SRH have built a reputation as one of the league’s most resilient and tactically sharp sides, known first for their world-class…

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Esha Deol celebrates Dharmendra’s posthumous Padma Vibhushan honor, urges fans to watch Sunny Deol starrer ‘Border 2’ |

Esha Deol celebrates Dharmendra’s posthumous Padma Vibhushan honor, urges fans to watch Sunny Deol starrer ‘Border 2’ |

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Legendary actor Dharmendra has received the illustrious Padma Vibhushan Award, a testament to his remarkable contributions to cinema. Esha Deol, his daughter, took to social media to proudly acknowledge this milestone, inviting fans to support her brother Sunny Deol’s latest film, ‘Border 2’, and commending the entire ensemble’s exceptional performances. The late actor Dharmendra, along…

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UP TGT result expected to be released soon at upessc.up.gov.in: Check steps to download scorecards

UP TGT result expected to be released soon at upessc.up.gov.in: Check steps to download scorecards

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) is set to declare the UP TGT Result 2026 soon on its official website. The announcement will decide the selection status of thousands of candidates who appeared in the recruitment examination after months of preparation. The commission will release the result PDF along with the merit list…

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Evening news wrap The Centre told the Supreme Court that PM Modi is personally overseeing NEET reforms after the paper leak row.Sensex plunged over 1,000 points amid weak monsoon fears, FII selling and US-Iran uncertainty.The NIA raided 12 locations in a Pakistan-linked drone terror conspiracy involving arms and IEDs.Rishabh Pant stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants captain after two disappointing IPL seasons.Nato condemned Russia after a drone crashed into a residential building in Romania near the Ukraine border.Here are the top stories of the day:PM Modi personally monitoring NEET reforms after paper leak, Centre tells SCThe Centre told the Supreme Court of India that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally supervising reforms in the NEET-UG examination process following the 2026 paper leak controversy. The National Testing Agency informed the court that sweeping security measures have been introduced for upcoming exams. Read full storySensex crashes over 1,000 points as weak monsoon forecast, global worries hit marketsIndian equity markets plunged sharply, with the BSE Sensex falling more than 1,000 points and nearly Rs 5 lakh crore wiped off investor wealth amid concerns over a weak monsoon forecast, continued foreign investor selling and uncertainty around a US-Iran peace deal. Read full storyNIA raids 12 locations in Pakistan-linked drone terror conspiracy caseThe National Investigation Agency carried out coordinated raids at 12 locations across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajasthan in connection with a Pakistan-linked terror conspiracy involving drone-delivered arms and explosives. Investigators believe the accused used drones to transport arms across the India-Pakistan border. Read full storyRishabh Pant steps down as Lucknow Super Giants captain after poor IPL seasonsRishabh Pant has stepped down as captain of Lucknow Super Giants, with the franchise confirming that the wicketkeeper-batter requested to be relieved of leadership duties. Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history after being bought for Rs 27 crore, led LSG for two seasons but struggled both as captain and batter. Read full storyNato condemns Russia after drone crashes into apartment building in RomaniaA Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in Romania during an overnight attack on Ukraine, injuring two people and triggering strong reactions from Nato and European leaders. Romanian authorities said the drone entered Romanian airspace before hitting a residential building near the Ukrainian border. Read full storyEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos335 Detainees Held As Bengal Activates Holding Centres Under Detect Delete Deport PolicyCyprus Plans BrahMos Missile Purchase From India, Raising Security Concerns In TurkeySupreme Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games TrialsDelhi HC Issues Notice To Centre, X Over Blocking Of Cockroach Janta Party AccountFormer CCI Chairman Dhanendra Kumar Dies After Suspected AC Blast Triggers Fire At Delhi HomeIndian Railways Orders Probe Into Dangerous Panna–Khajuraho Alignment After Massive Tree FellingSC Invokes Article 142, Issues Nationwide Rules To Prevent Delays In Court Judgments | WatchGujarat’s Gir Forest On Alert As Suspected Virus Kills Seven Asiatic Lions | WatchOperation Sheruwali Intensifies In Rajouri As Army Tightens Cordon Around Suspected MilitantsGujarat Student Stabbed To Death In Canada, Family Appeals For Body To Be Brought Home123PhotostoriesHow to make Ranveer Singh’s favourite Sindhi Kadhi for summer dinnerHow Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma remain the ultimate green flags in loveFrom Mohammed Siraj to Sania Mirza: 6 Indian athletes who own high-end properties in Hyderabad’s prime locationsSuccess quote of the day by Mark Twain: “Never argue with stupid people…”5 crucial questions every couple must ask before marriage, according to Ankur Warikoo6 hydrating desi zucchini dishes for summer lunchCinnamon to turmeric: How spices in your kitchen improve your gut, brain and metabolic health“A human being cannot be raised.” Why Sadhguru refers to the age-old practice as a real crime against humanityWhat do elephants and hyraxes have in common? Science reveals a stunning truthYoga for glowing skin: Easy asanas for a naturally radiant complexion123Hot PicksDhanendra KumarNew Labour CodeCOMEDK UGET resultCBSE 12th re-evaluationPunjab election resultStrait of HormuzGold price predictionTop TrendingBenjamin NetanyahuD GukeshVaibhav sooryavanshi IPL auctionPunjab Local Body Election ResultCockroach Janta PartySupreme CourtNEET UG 2026 fee refundBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

Evening news wrap The Centre told the Supreme Court that PM Modi is personally overseeing NEET reforms after the paper leak row.Sensex plunged over 1,000 points amid weak monsoon fears, FII selling and US-Iran uncertainty.The NIA raided 12 locations in a Pakistan-linked drone terror conspiracy involving arms and IEDs.Rishabh Pant stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants captain after two disappointing IPL seasons.Nato condemned Russia after a drone crashed into a residential building in Romania near the Ukraine border.Here are the top stories of the day:PM Modi personally monitoring NEET reforms after paper leak, Centre tells SCThe Centre told the Supreme Court of India that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally supervising reforms in the NEET-UG examination process following the 2026 paper leak controversy. The National Testing Agency informed the court that sweeping security measures have been introduced for upcoming exams. Read full storySensex crashes over 1,000 points as weak monsoon forecast, global worries hit marketsIndian equity markets plunged sharply, with the BSE Sensex falling more than 1,000 points and nearly Rs 5 lakh crore wiped off investor wealth amid concerns over a weak monsoon forecast, continued foreign investor selling and uncertainty around a US-Iran peace deal. Read full storyNIA raids 12 locations in Pakistan-linked drone terror conspiracy caseThe National Investigation Agency carried out coordinated raids at 12 locations across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajasthan in connection with a Pakistan-linked terror conspiracy involving drone-delivered arms and explosives. Investigators believe the accused used drones to transport arms across the India-Pakistan border. Read full storyRishabh Pant steps down as Lucknow Super Giants captain after poor IPL seasonsRishabh Pant has stepped down as captain of Lucknow Super Giants, with the franchise confirming that the wicketkeeper-batter requested to be relieved of leadership duties. Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history after being bought for Rs 27 crore, led LSG for two seasons but struggled both as captain and batter. Read full storyNato condemns Russia after drone crashes into apartment building in RomaniaA Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in Romania during an overnight attack on Ukraine, injuring two people and triggering strong reactions from Nato and European leaders. Romanian authorities said the drone entered Romanian airspace before hitting a residential building near the Ukrainian border. Read full storyEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos335 Detainees Held As Bengal Activates Holding Centres Under Detect Delete Deport PolicyCyprus Plans BrahMos Missile Purchase From India, Raising Security Concerns In TurkeySupreme Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games TrialsDelhi HC Issues Notice To Centre, X Over Blocking Of Cockroach Janta Party AccountFormer CCI Chairman Dhanendra Kumar Dies After Suspected AC Blast Triggers Fire At Delhi HomeIndian Railways Orders Probe Into Dangerous Panna–Khajuraho Alignment After Massive Tree FellingSC Invokes Article 142, Issues Nationwide Rules To Prevent Delays In Court Judgments | WatchGujarat’s Gir Forest On Alert As Suspected Virus Kills Seven Asiatic Lions | WatchOperation Sheruwali Intensifies In Rajouri As Army Tightens Cordon Around Suspected MilitantsGujarat Student Stabbed To Death In Canada, Family Appeals For Body To Be Brought Home123PhotostoriesHow to make Ranveer Singh’s favourite Sindhi Kadhi for summer dinnerHow Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma remain the ultimate green flags in loveFrom Mohammed Siraj to Sania Mirza: 6 Indian athletes who own high-end properties in Hyderabad’s prime locationsSuccess quote of the day by Mark Twain: “Never argue with stupid people…”5 crucial questions every couple must ask before marriage, according to Ankur Warikoo6 hydrating desi zucchini dishes for summer lunchCinnamon to turmeric: How spices in your kitchen improve your gut, brain and metabolic health“A human being cannot be raised.” Why Sadhguru refers to the age-old practice as a real crime against humanityWhat do elephants and hyraxes have in common? Science reveals a stunning truthYoga for glowing skin: Easy asanas for a naturally radiant complexion123Hot PicksDhanendra KumarNew Labour CodeCOMEDK UGET resultCBSE 12th re-evaluationPunjab election resultStrait of HormuzGold price predictionTop TrendingBenjamin NetanyahuD GukeshVaibhav sooryavanshi IPL auctionPunjab Local Body Election ResultCockroach Janta PartySupreme CourtNEET UG 2026 fee refundBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Centre told the Supreme Court that PM Modi is personally overseeing NEET reforms after the paper leak row. Sensex plunged over 1,000 points amid weak monsoon fears, FII selling and US-Iran uncertainty. The NIA raided 12 locations in a Pakistan-linked drone terror conspiracy involving arms and IEDs. Rishabh Pant stepped down as Lucknow Super…

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‘Aadu 3 One Last Ride’ ending explained: Shaji Pappan breaks the timeline; Star Dust rewrites history | Malayalam Movie News

‘Aadu 3 One Last Ride’ ending explained: Shaji Pappan breaks the timeline; Star Dust rewrites history | Malayalam Movie News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Spoiler Alert: This article contains significant plot details and spoilers for ‘Aadu 3 One Last Ride‘. If you haven’t seen the film yet and wish to avoid spoilers, please stop reading now.‘Aadu 3: One Last Ride – Part 1’ is not just another sequel. It transforms the wildly popular franchise into an ambitious fantasy adventure….

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Trump’s tariff war faces big test: US Supreme Court to decide legality of levies – what is US admin’s Plan B?

Trump’s tariff war faces big test: US Supreme Court to decide legality of levies – what is US admin’s Plan B?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The hearing in apex court presents biggest challenge yet to Trump’s tariff (AI) The US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on Wednesday at 10am ET (local time) over the legality of sweeping tariffs imposed by Donald Trump – a case that could reshape the reach of presidential power and ripple through the global…

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Maria Goretti Motherhood: “I miss making money”: Years after Arshad Warsi’s wife Maria Goretti gave up fame for motherhood, her honest confession is resonating with mothers

Maria Goretti Motherhood: “I miss making money”: Years after Arshad Warsi’s wife Maria Goretti gave up fame for motherhood, her honest confession is resonating with mothers

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Image: Instagram/@mariagorettiz For years, Maria Goretti was a familiar face on television. She enjoyed a thriving career and financial independence. But after becoming a mother, she made a conscious decision to walk away from it all. Today, years later, she says she has no regrets. But she also admits that she misses one thing. During…

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. NEW DELHI: While sympathising with women whose live-in partners have walked out of the relationship, Supreme Court on Monday said courts could not do much as ending a consensual relationship was not an offence.Hearing the plea of a woman who was in a live-in relationship for 15 years, but whose partner married someone else despite a child being born to them, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said it could not allow her plea for a criminal case of sexual harassment and exploitation against him, as it was a consensual relationship.“There was a consensual relationship and a child was born. Once he walks out, it is not a criminal offence. Where is the question of an offence when the relationship was consensual?” the bench said.The court said there was no legal binding in such a relationship and that people should be careful about the vagaries of live-in relationships.“Why did she go and live with him before marriage? They could have married. Now she is saying sexual assault,” the bench told her lawyer. The woman’s counsel said she was an 18year-old widow when she came in contact with the man, and that she was forced into a physical relationship on the false promise of marriage. She told the bench that the man had marriedfour times.Refusing to go into his alleged misdeeds, the bench said, “We can only sympathise with your client; she got fooled or whatever. She went with him, had a child, and lived with himfor 15 years.”The bench said she could seek maintenance from the man for her eight-year-old child, as he was born out of that relationship. As her lawyer urged the court that mediation could be opted for to seek maintenance, the bench issued notice on that limited issue.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes ShakenNDA Nears 2/3 Majority As NDA Numbers Swell in Rajya Sabha After AAP Exodus’Party Of Billionaires’: Congress Attacks AAP After 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Join BJPIran Attacks Togo-Flagged Tanker With 17 Indian Seafarers Near Oman; All Safe’Once-in-a-Generation’ India Signs Free Trade Agreement With New Zealand After a Decade of Talks’Attack By BJP Goons’: TMC MP Mitali Bag’s Car Vandalised In Hooghly, BJP Denies TMC’s Charge’You Are Married Because AAP Made You Rajya Sabha Member’: Saurabh Bharadwaj Attacks Raghav ChadhaNDA Surges In Rajya Sabha After Chadha-Led AAP Exodus, BJP Nears Majority“Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Defends Exit From AAP In New Video“Bound To Happen”: Congress MLA’s Take On Trump Event Shooting123Photostories8 small behaviors of people who are always mentally sharp5 animals that breathe through their skin (and why can’t humans do the same)10 baby boy names that symbolise wisdom and intelligenceIs your sedentary lifestyle making your brain age faster than you think?Morning affirmation at 5am: What you must tell yourself todayWhy tadka turns bitter: 5 expert tips for preparing perfect tadka at home10 delicious Indian sweets made with fresh cheesePM Narendra Modi praises 3 desi Indian cheese varieties and asks how many have you triedHow Brahma Muhurta Routines Can Improve Focus, Clarity, and Discipline8 historic landmarks in Mumbai that are more than 100 years old: Why you should visit them123Hot PicksWest Bengal PollsPM ModiMamata BanerjeeRahul GandhiBengal RallyWest Bengal ElectionsMatua CommunityTop TrendingRussini Mike Photo ControversyTamil Nadu electionNFL Trade RumorsPetrol Diesel PriceAssam HS 12th ResultJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap

. NEW DELHI: While sympathising with women whose live-in partners have walked out of the relationship, Supreme Court on Monday said courts could not do much as ending a consensual relationship was not an offence.Hearing the plea of a woman who was in a live-in relationship for 15 years, but whose partner married someone else despite a child being born to them, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said it could not allow her plea for a criminal case of sexual harassment and exploitation against him, as it was a consensual relationship.“There was a consensual relationship and a child was born. Once he walks out, it is not a criminal offence. Where is the question of an offence when the relationship was consensual?” the bench said.The court said there was no legal binding in such a relationship and that people should be careful about the vagaries of live-in relationships.“Why did she go and live with him before marriage? They could have married. Now she is saying sexual assault,” the bench told her lawyer. The woman’s counsel said she was an 18year-old widow when she came in contact with the man, and that she was forced into a physical relationship on the false promise of marriage. She told the bench that the man had marriedfour times.Refusing to go into his alleged misdeeds, the bench said, “We can only sympathise with your client; she got fooled or whatever. She went with him, had a child, and lived with himfor 15 years.”The bench said she could seek maintenance from the man for her eight-year-old child, as he was born out of that relationship. As her lawyer urged the court that mediation could be opted for to seek maintenance, the bench issued notice on that limited issue.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFour Killed, 70 Hurt As Taliban Blames Pak Strikes, Peace Hopes ShakenNDA Nears 2/3 Majority As NDA Numbers Swell in Rajya Sabha After AAP Exodus’Party Of Billionaires’: Congress Attacks AAP After 7 Rajya Sabha MPs Join BJPIran Attacks Togo-Flagged Tanker With 17 Indian Seafarers Near Oman; All Safe’Once-in-a-Generation’ India Signs Free Trade Agreement With New Zealand After a Decade of Talks’Attack By BJP Goons’: TMC MP Mitali Bag’s Car Vandalised In Hooghly, BJP Denies TMC’s Charge’You Are Married Because AAP Made You Rajya Sabha Member’: Saurabh Bharadwaj Attacks Raghav ChadhaNDA Surges In Rajya Sabha After Chadha-Led AAP Exodus, BJP Nears Majority“Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Defends Exit From AAP In New Video“Bound To Happen”: Congress MLA’s Take On Trump Event Shooting123Photostories8 small behaviors of people who are always mentally sharp5 animals that breathe through their skin (and why can’t humans do the same)10 baby boy names that symbolise wisdom and intelligenceIs your sedentary lifestyle making your brain age faster than you think?Morning affirmation at 5am: What you must tell yourself todayWhy tadka turns bitter: 5 expert tips for preparing perfect tadka at home10 delicious Indian sweets made with fresh cheesePM Narendra Modi praises 3 desi Indian cheese varieties and asks how many have you triedHow Brahma Muhurta Routines Can Improve Focus, Clarity, and Discipline8 historic landmarks in Mumbai that are more than 100 years old: Why you should visit them123Hot PicksWest Bengal PollsPM ModiMamata BanerjeeRahul GandhiBengal RallyWest Bengal ElectionsMatua CommunityTop TrendingRussini Mike Photo ControversyTamil Nadu electionNFL Trade RumorsPetrol Diesel PriceAssam HS 12th ResultJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsJack GrealishIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: While sympathising with women whose live-in partners have walked out of the relationship, Supreme Court on Monday said courts could not do much as ending a consensual relationship was not an offence.Hearing the plea of a woman who was in a live-in relationship for 15 years, but whose partner married someone else despite…

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Alia Bhatt’s ‘Alpha’ teaser sparks comparisons with ‘Dhurandhar’; Fans say Ranveer Singh starrer ‘set the bar high’

Alia Bhatt’s ‘Alpha’ teaser sparks comparisons with ‘Dhurandhar’; Fans say Ranveer Singh starrer ‘set the bar high’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The new teaser of ‘Alpha’, starring Alia Bhatt, Bobby Deol and Sharvari, has been creating waves online since its release on Wednesday afternoon. The clip not only gives fans a first look at Alia’s character, but also sets the tone of the story set to unfold on the big screen next month.While the new clip…

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