Yourindia.org

26/07/2024

box office success, grossing over Rs 600 crore domestically. The film recently wrapped up its fourth weekend, adding Rs 17.4 crore to its impressive haul. The Hindi version alone has amassed Rs 275.9 crore, surpassing 'RRR' as the third highest-grossing South Indian film in the Hindi market, and is on track to reach the Rs 300 crore milestone.

This week, 'Kalki 2898 AD' will encounter significant competition from the Marvel blockbuster 'Deadpool and Wolverine', which stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. This Hollywood film is anticipated to have one of the largest openings for a Hollywood movie in India, thanks to its considerable pre-release buzz.

Although 'Kalki 2898 AD' might surpass 'Jawan' in India with its current total of Rs 1004.7 crore, it still trails behind 'Jawan's' global earnings of Rs 1160 crore. The arrival of 'Deadpool and Wolverine' might shift the global box office focus, posing a challenge for 'Kalki 2898 AD' to maintain its momentum.

Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies and featuring an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani, 'Kalki 2898 AD' is celebrated for its high production value, with a budget of Rs 600 crore, making it the most expensive Indian film to date. The film benefits from the musical talents of Santhosh Narayanan, the cinematography of Serbian Djordje Stojiljkovic, and the editing skills of Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao.

Looking ahead, Prabhas will star in the Telugu mythological fantasy 'Kannappa', directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu. The film, which also features Vishnu Manchu, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar (in his Telugu debut), and Kajal Aggarwal, is based on the legend of Kannappa, a fervent devotee of the Hindu god Shiva.

25/07/2024

The Supreme Court of India dismissed petitions on Monday that sought a re-examination of NEET UG or the annulment of last month's results, citing no evidence of a widespread leak affecting the exam's integrity. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stated that the provided data did not demonstrate any systemic flaws that compromised the exam results.

Earlier in the day, the CBI informed the Supreme Court that the NEET UG question paper was leaked on the exam day, May 5, in Hazaribagh and was circulated to Patna. The CBI detailed how the paper was accessed through a control room backdoor left open by the center superintendent, then shared with collaborators in Patna and Hazaribagh.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented data to the court showing that the medical admissions numbers remained consistent with previous years, even in the cities of Hazaribagh and Patna, where the alleged leak occurred.

In addition, the Chief Justice tasked IIT Delhi with resolving a disputed Physics question that led to the awarding of grace marks to numerous candidates, including the top 44 scorers. This examination could potentially impact the overall ranking and scores of the many students who took the test.

Petitioners' counsels argued for a re-test for all or at least the qualified candidates, referencing past precedents where re-tests were ordered under similar circumstances. However, they pointed out the fragility of the current system in safeguarding the exam's integrity.

24/07/2024

24/07/2024

Will China be affected by this?

24/07/2024

Co***ne has been detected in Brazilian sharpnose sharks off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, raising concerns about its impact on their behavior. Marine biologists who studied 13 of these sharks found substantial co***ne concentrations in their muscle and liver tissues.

The source of the co***ne remains unclear, but possibilities include contamination from illegal drug labs or urban sewage, and less likely, from drug bundles lost at sea-a more common occurrence in regions like Mexico and Florida, according to a scientist interviewed by The Telegraph.

Researchers noted chronic exposure to co***ne among the sharks, suggesting adverse effects, although the specific behavioral impacts, such as increased aggression or unpredictability, are yet to be fully understood.

"Co***ne affects the brain and could lead to hyperactive and erratic behavior observed in other animal studies," stated Dr. Enrico Mendes Saggioro, an ecotoxicologist, who called for more research.

The study involved catching small sharks near Rio de Janeiro, dissecting them, and analyzing their organs. Alarmingly, co***ne levels found were up to 100 times higher than those recorded in other marine species.

Every shark tested positive for co***ne, with significant percentages of muscle and liver samples also showing traces of benzoylecgonine, a primary co***ne metabolite.

This unprecedented finding alerted scientists that the co***ne pollution in marine environments could be more widespread and harmful than previously considered.

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23/07/2024

An Indian Navy warship, the INS Brahmaputra, suffered severe damage after catching fire during maintenance at Mumbai's naval dockyard. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, led to the ship tilting and resting on its side.

The fire, brought under control by Monday morning with the help of naval dockyard firefighters and other ships, was followed by the ship listing to one side in the afternoon, despite efforts to stabilize it.

The navy reported that all personnel except for one junior sailor have been accounted for, with search and rescue operations ongoing for the missing sailor. An official inquiry has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.

Commissioned in April 2000, the INS Brahmaputra is a first-of-its-class indigenously built guided missile frigate, manned by 40 officers and 330 sailors. The ship is equipped with a variety of weaponry, including medium and close range guns, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, and torpedo launchers. It also carries sensors for all maritime warfare aspects and can operate Seaking and Chetak helicopters.

The ship measures 125 meters in length, 14.4 meters in beam, and displaces 5,300 tonnes, with capabilities of reaching speeds over 27 knots and as reported by Times of India, the ship is estimated at a current day cost of Rs. 6000 crores and upwards.

19/07/2024

Riyan Parag and Harsh*t Rana have received their first India ODI call-ups as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squads for the upcoming white-ball tour against Sri Lanka, which begins on July 27, also marking the return of players like Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammad Siraj.

Rohit Sharma returns to lead the ODI team, with Shubman Gill appointed as the new vice-captain.

Meanwhile Suryakumar Yadav has been named the captain of the T201 squad, taking over from the now-retired Sharma, ending speculation about Hardik Pandya's candidacy for the role. Gill will serve as the vice-captain for the T20Is

Parag's selection comes at the cost of Sanju Samson, who was dropped from the 50-over team despite scoring a century in his last ODI against South Africa in December 2023.

Players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel, and Sai Sudharsan, along with others who participated in the recent Zimbabwe tour, have not been included in the squads. However, players like Ravi Bishnoi, Parag, Khaleel Ahmed, and Washington Sundar have retained their spots.

The tour will also be notable as it marks the beginning of Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure with the Indian team.

India's T201 Squad for Sri Lanka Tour:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

18/07/2024

In a tragic turn of events, four Indian Army soldiers, including an officer, lost their lives following a gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, as reported by PTI citing official sources.

The encounter unfolded on Monday night when joint forces comprising the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group of J&K Police initiated a cordon and search operation in the Desa forest area near Dhari Gote Urarbagi around 7:45 pm.

Among the fallen was Major Brijesh Thappa of the 10th Rashtriya Rifles, who had recently been promoted. Details on the other casualties have not been disclosed. Initially, the confrontation with the terrorists lasted over 20 minutes, resulting in injuries to five security personnel, including the officer, who were later pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

In response to the skirmish, additional troops were deployed to the area to continue the operation, which was still ongoing at last report. The Indian Army's White Knights Corps communicated via a post on X, noting that the operation was based on specific intelligence and had led to a heavy exchange of fire with the terrorists.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has been briefed by the Indian Army Chief on the situation, while Jitendra Singh, Union Minister and MP from Doda, expressed his disturbance over the incident and reiterated the community's commitment to defeating terrorist activities and maintaining peace.

18/07/2024

Romania's government has more than doubled the number of bears that park rangers can legally kill, approving the culling of almost 500 bears this year following a deadly attack on a hiker that caused a nationwide outcry.

The law adopted on Monday in an emergency meeting of parliament authorises the culling of 481 bears in a bid to control "overpopulation" in the protected species, a figure that is more than twice last year's total of 220 bears culled.

16/07/2024

In a landmark move, Palitana, a city in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India, has become the first in the world to legally ban the sale and consumption of non-vegetarian food. This decision, which also prohibits the butchering of animals within the city limits, was catalyzed by protests from nearly 200 Jain monks, leading to the closure of approximately 250 butcher shops.

Recognized as a major Jain pilgrimage site, Palitana is nestled near the Shatrunjaya Hills and is often referred to as the Jain Temple Town. The city is dotted with over 800 temples, with the Adinath Temple being among the most revered. This significant step towards a complete ban reflects the deep religious sentiments and practices of the Jain community, which holds non-violence and

vegetarianism as core tenets.

The legislation in Palitana has set a precedent that has influenced other cities in Gujarat as well. Rajkot, for instance, has introduced regulations to curb the preparation and public display of non-vegetarian foods, citing similar concerns over communal sensitivities and the potential negative impact of such displays on the public. Vadodara, Junagadh, and Ahmedabad have followed suit with similar orders.

The implementation of these regulations is partly justified by civic concerns, such as reducing traffic congestion, according to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. This intertwines with the cultural ethos of the state, where vegetarianism is predominant due to the influential Vaishnav Hindu and Jain communities. Notably, Mahatma Gandhi, a global icon who hailed from Gujarat, epitomized vegetarianism, aligning it with his philosophies of non-violence and respect towards all living beings.

16/07/2024

According to recent estimates from the United Nations, by 2100, India's population is projected to be approximately 1.5 billion, more than double China's estimated population of 633 million at that time. This demographic projection places India at a significant inflection point, especially in 2085 when its population is expected to be twice that of China's 806 million. This dramatic demographic shift emphasizes India's potential demographic dividend amidst global population trends.

India's population currently stands at 1.451 billion, a slight increase from previous estimates, suggesting a steady growth trajectory despite global demographic shifts towards stabilization or decline in many other countries. By mid-century, India's population is expected to peak at around 1.701 billion in 2061, then gradually stabilize.

The aging demographic in China contrasts sharply with India's relatively younger population, with a current median age of 28.4 years compared to China's 39.6. By 2100, these figures will shift to 47.8 for India and 60.7 for China.

The United Nations report also highlighted the pivotal challenge for India not as controlling population growth but rather capitalizing on its demographic dividend. With the working-age population peaking around 2049, India has a narrowing window to harness this potential through investments in education, health, infrastructure, and job creation to enhance economic productivity and sustainability.

Additionally, the report addressed global demographic patterns, noting a slight upward revision in the world population estimate for 2022 from 8.1 billion to 8.2 billion, with a peak expected at around 10.29 billion in 2084.

11/07/2024

In a pivotal development, the Maharashtra government has declared that higher education will be made free for girls from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) starting from the academic year 2024-25. This announcement was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities for women and will also extend to waiving tuition and examination fees for orphaned students across both genders. The program is projected to cost Rs 906 crore and will cover various levels and types of education including vocational courses, higher and technical education, and fields such as medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, and dairy development.

Eligibility for this fee waiver is restricted to female students who apply through the Centralised Admission Process to government, aided, semi-aided, and non-aided colleges, including polytechnics and autonomous government universities. However, those attending private autonomous universities or self-funded universities and those who enroll through management and institutional quotas will not qualify. Eligible students must belong to the designated social classes and come from families with an annual income of Rs 8 lakh or less.

The scheme, benefiting both new admissions and current students, is part of a series of social welfare initiatives introduced in the state budget by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. These include the Mukhyamantri Annapoorna Yojana, which offers three free gas cylinders to women, among other schemes aimed at supporting women and youth.

11/07/2024

Former Cricketer Gautam Gambhir appointed as the new Head Coach of the Indian Men's Cricket Team. Earlier on 1 July, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah had confirmed that Team India's new head coach will join the side for the upcoming Sri Lanka series.

The Men in Blue are due to tour Sri Lanka for a three-match T201 series and three ODIs which will kick off on July 27.

Head coach Rahul Dravid's tenure came to an end after the end of the final match of the T20 World Cup 2024, where India defeated South Africa by seven runs to win the prestigious trophy after 17 years and ending the drought for an ICC trophy.

09/07/2024

France's left-wing alliance on Sunday was set to get the most number of seats in a stunning reversal of fortunes for the bloc in the second round of the parliamentary polls, while the far-right that won the first round and was projected to win the elections was relegated to the third spot.

President Emmanuel Macron's party is expected to finish second, but the country faces the prospect of a hung parliament after none of these groups secured a majority.

The leftist alliance, comprising the hard left, Greens and Socialists, were on track to get 184-198 seats, according to polling agencies, which are generally accurate, but short of the majority mark of 289 in the 577-seat National Assembly. Macron's centrist alliance were set to get between 160-169 seats while the far-right National Rally and its allies were expected to secure 135-143 seats.

With the official results trickling in, riots broke out in Paris and other cities as left-wing supporters gathered in Place de la Republique to celebrate the alliance getting the plurality of seats.

The results were a huge upset for conservatives in France, who had hoped that Marine Le Pen's National Rally would take power.

With the election result polarising many citizens all across France, a mixture of reactions at both sides of the political divide have been causing chaos for residents in the European nation. Racism and antisemitism marred the campaign, along with Russian cybercampaigns, and more than 50 candidates reported being physically attacked.

08/07/2024

After the Moon and the Sun, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath is looking at asteroids - not just to land on them, but to prepare defences against their possible catastrophic impacts on Earth.

The ISRO chief is eyeing opportunities to observe Asteroid 99942 Apophis - measuring 335 metres across and considered one of the most hazardous asteroids that could impact Earth - which is estimated to pass our planet at a dangerously close distance of less than 32,000 km on April 13, 2029.

"India should be able to observe this asteroid... Discussions are in the process on how ISRO can contribute, maybe by preparing an instrument for the mission or providing other kinds of support for what is jointly being done by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA," he said.

"If an asteroid hits Earth, the impact can be disastrous. We need to prepare for planetary defence. If a 100-metres diameter asteroid hits us, it can be fatal, an entire nation could be wiped out. If a 2 km diameter hits the Earth, the entire planet could be destroyed," he said while inaugurating a workshop on Planetary Defence for students at the ISRO headquarters on Wednesday.

"In future, we will be able to land on an asteroid and study the possibility of its impact on Earth, and prepare for defence. We want to start by collaborating with other countries and organisations that have already developed some skills in this," Somanath said.

As a spacefaring nation with the capabilities to land on the Moon and place a satellite in the Lagrange Point of the Sun, India is now keen to contribute to studying asteroids.

08/07/2024

A couple in Bengaluru has found themselves in legal trouble after the 29-year-old girlfriend allegedly making a hoax call to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) helpline, attempting to prevent her boyfriend from boarding a flight to Mumbai.

Initially categorized as a non-cognizable register (NCR) incident on June 26, the case has now been elevated to an FIR under IPC Section 505(1)(B) for statements conducing to public mischief.

According to the complaint filed with KIA police, the accused, Indra Rajwar, claimed to airport officials that her boyfriend, Mir Raza Mehdi, traveling from Bengaluru to Mumbai, had a bomb in his bag.

Despite a thorough frisking and search that found nothing, the call was deemed non-specific. Authorities later discovered both Rajwar and Mehdi were at the airport, intending to travel separately to Mumbai on different flights. Rajwar admitted to making the call out of a desire to prevent Mehdi from flying due to personal differences between them.

"We will continue to question her and prepare a report for the court. Both Rajwar and Mehdi are employed in Bengaluru," a police officer stated regarding the ongoing investigation.

07/07/2024

In a remarkable incident from Bihar's Rajouli area, a man retaliated against a snake bite by biting the snake back, ultimately causing the reptile's death. Santosh Lohar, a laborer involved in a railway line project, was sleeping at his base camp on Tuesday night when he was bitten by what was believed to be a venomous snake.

Rather than panicking, Santosh, driven by a local belief from his village, managed to grab the snake with an iron rod and bit it three times in an attempt to "neutralize the venom." This belief, while unconventional, reflects the diverse and often deeply rooted cultural practices related to wildlife in some rural areas.

Following the bite, railway officials promptly transported Santosh to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The incident quickly became the talk of the town, drawing crowds to the hospital eager to see the man who fought back against a snake.

While there was speculation among the locals that the snake might not have been venomous-considering Santosh survived without immediate severe effects. Santosh is currently recovering and has been reported out of danger by Dr. Satish Chandra, the physician overseeing his treatment.

06/07/2024

In the most astonishing of news, a South Korean civil servant robot apparently "committed su***de" after officials said it threw itself down a flight of stairs due to unexplained reasons. The Gumi City Council said the robot was defunct after it fell down a two-metre staircase and was found smashed up lying in the stairwell between the first and second floors of the building, according to The Daily Mail.

This robot, operational since August 2023, had been designed to perform a variety of tasks typically reserved for human employees, such as document delivery, city promotion, and providing information to residents. Developed by Bear Robotics, a California-based startup, this model was distinct from the company's usual restaurant service robots, being tasked with a wider and arguably more demanding set of responsibilities.

The incident, described by witnesses who saw the robot circling before descending the stairwell, raises several questions regarding the integration of robots into everyday work environments. The robot's functionality allowed it to navigate between floors using elevators, highlighting its advanced technological capabilities.

However, the fall has prompted the Gumi City Council to collect the remains for analysis to ascertain the cause, putting a temporary halt to further robot integrations & prompting a reflection on the use of such technology in public administration.

06/07/2024

Kashmir is currently experiencing unusually high temperatures, with Srinagar recording a maximum of 35.7 degrees Celsius on Thursday, making it the hottest July day in the city in the last 25 years. This temperature is notably six degrees above the usual, surpassing even the record highs of some major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

The heatwave conditions have been persistent, affecting not just Srinagar but also other areas in the Valley. Qazigund and Kupwara recorded temperatures of 32.8 and 35.2 degrees Celsius respectively. This spike in temperatures has brought with it a series of challenges, including water shortages in several regions.

In response to the severe weather, the health department has issued advisories on how to cope with the heat, while the school education department has moved to announce a 10-day summer vacation starting July 8. With the relentless heat, residents are being encouraged to stay indoors as

much as possible.

Relief might be on the horizon, however, as the meteorological department forecasts a change in weather. Starting Friday, the region is expected to see intermittent spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers. The forecast also predicts the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday across Jammu and Kashmir, which could help alleviate the heat.

05/07/2024

The U.K.'s opposition Labour Party has secured a significant victory in the country's general election, displacing the Conservative Party after 14 years of governance. Labour's win marks a pivotal shift in U.K. politics, as they surpassed the necessary majority threshold to form a government independently.

Labour leader Keir Starmer, set to be the next Prime Minister, expressed his vision for change in his victory speech, emphasizing the nation's readiness for a new direction after more than a decade under Conservative rule. His remarks captured a sense of optimism and the prospect of rejuvenating national policies and priorities.

Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged the defeat early Friday morning, reflecting on the election as a "sobering verdict" from the British public. Despite the overall Conservative loss, Sunak managed to retain his seat in the House of Commons, securing 47.5% of the vote in his constituency.

The election results, still unfolding with ongoing vote counts, suggest a potential for Labour to achieve one of its largest parliamentary majorities since Tony Blair's administration in 1997. This outcome not only reshapes the British political landscape but also sets the stage for significant policy shifts and governance strategies under a new Labour administration.

05/07/2024

It has been a long wait for the champion Indian team back home after Rohit Sharma and his men won the T20 World Cup after 17 years in the Caribbean and the USA.

The finale happened last Saturday, June 29 but since then hurricane Beryl has forced a lockdown-like situation in Barbados and other Caribbean regions.

Hence, the travel was stopped and the flights and airports weren't operational before a collaborated effort from the BCCI, Indian authorities, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and others helped the team get an Air India charter in Barbados and the team to fly out of the region on Tuesday, July 2 (local time) and the Men in Blue along with their families, a few Indian journalists and BCCI administrators including secretary Jay Shah landed on Thursday, July 4 morning in Delhi

04/07/2024

In a grim turn of events in Chinchpada Gaon, Kalyan, a 25th birthday celebration ended in tragedy when the birthday man, Kartik Vayal, was thrown off a fourth-floor balcony by his friends over a dispute concerning a shortage of alcohol. The incident occurred late on June 27 and involved three of Kartik's friends-Nilesh Kshirsagar, Sagar Kale, and Dheeraj Yadav.

According to police reports, the friends were consuming alcohol and, as supplies dwindled, they began to quarrel. The situation escalated when Kartik, feeling insulted during the altercation, hit Nilesh with an alcohol bottle and demanded that all three leave his apartment. Following this, Kartik retired to his bedroom and fell asleep.

The situation took a fatal turn when an enraged Nilesh, Sagar, and Dheeraj returned to Kartik's room, dragged him to the balcony, and threw him off, resulting in severe injuries and his subsequent death, as he was found in a pool of blood.

When the police were alerted by Kartik's family about the incident, the three friends initially fabricated a story, claiming that Nilesh had been injured by Kartik. They denied knowing how Kartik had fallen off the balcony. However, persistent inquiries by the family led police to further investigate the matter, ultimately revealing the true sequence of events.

The Ulhasnagar police have registered a murder case against Nilesh, Sagar, and Dheeraj, noting that their conflicting statements during the investigation cast doubt on their initial account of the incident.