Delhi-NCR witnesses heavy rain, triggering waterlogging; several flights delayed

New Delhi, Aug 9, 2025

Delhi-NCR woke up to heavy rainfall on Saturday, causing severe waterlogging in several parts of the national Capital and the adjoining cities of Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, disrupting traffic movement and flight operations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi for the day, warning residents to brace for continued downpours and related disruptions.

Rain lashed multiple areas in Delhi-NCR, including Shastri Bhawan, RK Puram, Moti Bagh, and Kidwai Nagar, leading to water accumulation on roads and traffic snarls.

Several vital thoroughfares, such as Connaught Place, Mathura Road, and the vicinity of Bharat Mandapam’s Gate No. 7, witnessed severe waterlogging, impacting commuter movement.

The heavy rainfall also caused delays in flight schedules at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Indigo Airlines, one of the major carriers operating from the airport, posted on social media advising passengers to expect delays and urged travellers to check flight status online before heading to the airport.

“Due to today’s downpour, several roads across Delhi are currently blocked or experiencing slow movement. Please allow extra time, take an alternate route if possible, and check your flight status on our website or app before leaving for the airport,” the airline stated in a travel advisory posted on X.

Despite the disruption, the rain brought some relief from the persistent humidity, with air quality improving to a moderate AQI of 116 as recorded on Friday. The IMD forecasted a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 25 degrees Celsius for the day.

Additionally, the Yamuna River at the Old Railway Bridge rose to a season-high level of 205.15 metres early on Friday morning, inching closer to the danger mark of 205.33 metres, adding to concerns of possible flooding in low-lying areas.

Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain updated on weather advisories as teams work to manage waterlogging and traffic flow.(Agency)

Their courage lit spark of patriotism: PM Modi pays tribute to Quit India Movement heroes

New Delhi, Aug 9, 2025

On the occasion of August Kranti Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the brave individuals who participated in the Quit India Movement, hailing their sacrifices as the spark that ignited India’s collective resolve for Independence.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted: “We remember with deep gratitude all those brave people who, under the inspiring leadership of Bapu, took part in the Quit India Movement. Their courage lit a spark of patriotism that united countless people in the quest for freedom.”

The Quit India Movement, launched on August 8, 1942, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, was a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle. It was a nationwide call for the British to leave India immediately, marked by the slogan “Do or Die.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also commemorated the day, posting on X: “The August Revolution is that pivotal moment in the Indian freedom struggle, which intensified the fight for Independence. In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi, from the August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, gave the slogan ‘Do or Die’ and called for ‘Quit India’. This revolution sparked such a mass movement against British rule that the British government was gripped with fear. On the anniversary of this historic movement, heartfelt salutations to all the immortal freedom fighters of the Independence struggle.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute, writing: “In the year 1942, on this very day, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi ji, the people of the country initiated the ‘Quit India Movement’ against the British. On the remembrance day of this famous Quit India Movement of the freedom struggle, I pay my heartfelt tributes to the immortal martyrs who sacrificed everything for independence.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared his tribute as well: “A humble tribute to all the freedom fighters who awakened the nation against the oppressive policies of the British Empire and ignited the flame of Independence through the nationwide awakening of the ‘Quit India Movement’ (August Revolution) on its anniversary! The saga of glory, sacrifice, and martyrdom of the immortal martyrs who offered their lives at the altar of Independence will continue to enrich the nation’s consciousness for ages to come. Jai Hind!”

August Kranti Diwas, or Quit India Movement Day, commemorates the launch of the historic movement in 1942. It emerged in the backdrop of growing national frustration following the failure of the Cripps Mission, which had failed to secure Indian cooperation during World War II.

Mahatma Gandhi’s call for immediate British withdrawal united the masses, leading to one of the most significant civil disobedience movements in Indian history.(Agency)

Divya Dutta: I was someone who was very marriage-oriented

Mumbai, Aug 9, 2025

Actress Divya Dutta has talked about how her path to a single life unfolded organically and said that it’s better to live a peaceful, self-focused life than to be in a toxic relationship.

Asked if there was a moment when she consciously chose the path to singlehood, or did it unfold naturally with her evolving priorities in life, Divya Dutta told IANS: “Absolutely.. It just happened organically over time.”

The actress said that she initially did envision a traditional, movie-like marriage but realised that a demanding career requires a very understanding and secure partner.

“I was someone who was very marriage-oriented. I was totally into all the films that I had grown up on—the Yashji films, Karan Johar films—where, you know, you do all those rituals and you feel nice, happy, married.”

“But you do realize that it’s very important in a profession which is very demanding that you have a partner who kind of understands the complexities of being in a profession like this, has to be very secure in his own skin, and has to be a very, very sensitive and understanding partner. So, sometimes you find it, sometimes you don’t.”

Divya feels it’s better to have a beautiful life alone than being in a “toxic relationship.”

“And I feel, rather than being in a toxic relationship, it is better that you live a beautiful life with yourself at peace, concentrating on where the focus needs to be.”

“And of course, I mean, I do realize I come with a very strong image, and even now, if somebody approaches me, they are a little enamored before they become, you know, comfortable. But I think I like it this way, that I live my life on my terms. And it is very apparent to everyone,” she said.

The actress’ latest is “Mayasabha: The Rise of the Titans,” a political drama web series directed by Deva Katta and Kiran Jay Kumar.

It stars Aadhi Pinisetty and Chaitanya Rao in the lead roles, with Divya, Sai Kumar, Srikanth Iyengar and Nassar. Set in the volatile political landscape of 1990s Andhra Pradesh, the series dramatises the evolving relationship between two prominent political figures—Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy—portraying their journey from close friendship to political rivalry.

The show started streaming on Sony LIV from August 7.(Agency)

Indian Railways upgrading passenger reservation system to handle 1 lakh tickets per minute

Rajasthan Vahini Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train indian Railway

New Delhi, Aug 9, 2025

Indian Railways is upgrading the current passenger reservation system to handle over 100,000 tickets per minute from existing 25,000, according to the government.

Indian Railways is undertaking complete revamp of passenger reservation system (PRS) through Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). The revamp of PRS involves upgradation and replacement of hardware, software, network equipment, security infrastructure and functionalities on new technology with design capable of handling new features.

The current PRS system was deployed in 2010 and runs over Itanium servers and open VMS(Virtual Memory System). The current PRS system requires upgradation from legacy technology systems to latest cloud technology compliant systems, said Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Parliament.

Over the years, passenger preferences and aspirations have changed. Modernised PRS aims to address and fulfil enhanced aspirations of passengers.

With effect from November 1, 2024, the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for booking reserved tickets in trains that previously had a 120-day ARP has been reduced to 60 days, excluding the date of journey.

This change has been made keeping in view the booking trend and also to reduce the cancellations due to unforeseen events, said the minister.

Railways has recently launched RailOne App. This App enables passengers to book reserved as well as unreserved tickets on mobile phone. This, in effect, brings the PRS facility to passenger’s palm.

“Change in Advanced Reservation Period (ARP), based on trend of booking and feedback is a continuous and ongoing exercise. The present PRS can book about 25,000 ticket per minute and new system is designed for more than 4 times this capacity,” according to the minister.

Meanwhile, the percentage of non-AC coaches in trains run by Indian Railways has significantly increased to about 70 per cent, and a special manufacturing programme is being implemented to produce an additional 17,000 non-AC general and sleeper coaches over the next 5 years.

Indian Railways have significantly increased the facilities for passengers demanding general class travel. During the last financial year 2024-25 alone, 1,250 general coaches have been utilised in various long-distance trains.(Agency)

Consequential train accidents reduced from 135 in 2014-15 to 31 in 2024-25: Govt

Railways-completes- trial-run-on-J&K's-cable-stayed-Anji-Khad-Bridge

New Delhi, Aug 9, 2025

Consequential train accidents have reduced from 135 in 2014-15 to 31 in 2024-25, due to various safety measures taken over the years, the government has informed.

There has been a steep decline in the number of accidents in the past 11 years.

“It may be noted that the consequential train accidents during the period 2004-14 was 1711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 31 in 2024-25 and further to 3 in 2025-26 (up to June),” Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Parliament.

Another important index showing improved safety in train operations is Accidents Per Million Train Kilometer (APMTKM) which has reduced from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.03 in 2024-25, indicating an improvement of approx. 73 per cent during the said period, he noted.

“Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralised operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,635 stations up to 30.06.2025 to reduce accident due to human failure. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 11,096 level crossing gates up to 30.06.2025 for enhancing safety at LC gates,” he said.

Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6,640 stations up to June 30, 2025.

Kavach is a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order. Kavach was adopted as a National ATP system in July 2020. Kavach is provided progressively in phased manner.

“Kavach has already been deployed on 1,548 RKm on South Central Railway and North Central Railway. Presently, the work is in progress on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors (approximately 3,000 RKm). Kavach has been successfully commissioned over Kota–Mathura section (Delhi–Mumbai route) covering 324 Route Kilometers on 30.07.2025,” the minister informed.

All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots, he added.(Agency)

Not a single case of engine failure or breakdown due to ethanol blending: Hardeep Puri

New Delhi, Aug 9, 2025

There has not been a single case of engine failure or breakdown reported since ethanol 20 (E20) became a base fuel over the last 10 months, Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has said.

Citing Brazil’s example, he said the country has run on E27 for years without any issues.

Some lobbies with vested interests are actively attempting to create confusion and derail India’s ethanol revolution. However, such efforts will not succeed, he added.

The E20 transition is already firmly underway, backed by strong policy support, industry readiness, and public acceptance — and there is no turning back, the minister emphasised on the sidelines of the ‘Pioneer Biofuels 360 Summit’ here.

Elaborating on the benefits of E20, Puri said it results into reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality, enhances engine performance, and has already led to over Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings.

He pointed out that 2G ethanol refineries in Panipat and Numaligarh are converting agricultural residues like parali and bamboo into ethanol, providing a win-win solution for clean fuel, pollution control, and farmer income.

He further highlighted the remarkable growth of maize-based ethanol — from 0 per cent in 2021–22 to 42 per cent this year — calling it a transformational shift.

Responding to a question on the success of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, the minister highlighted that ethanol blending gained serious momentum only after 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office.

In 2014, ethanol blending was merely 1.53 per cent. By 2022, India achieved 10 per cent blending, five months ahead of schedule.

The original target of 20 per cent blending (E20) by 2030 was advanced to 2025 and has already been achieved in the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY).

This success, the minister noted, was made possible through sustained policy reforms such as guaranteed pricing for ethanol, allowing multiple feedstocks, and rapidly expanding distillation capacity across the country.

On the issue of Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), Puri said that the Indian automobile industry has already demonstrated its capability. Indian OEMs have begun rolling out prototypes for E85-compatible vehicles.(Agency)

Bina Kak will miss Salman Khan on ‘Rakhi day’ as she’s recovering from ‘broken ankle’

Mumbai, Aug 9, 2025

Veteran actress-turned-politician Bina Kak is missing her ‘brother like son’ Salman Khan on Rakshabandhan as she revealed she is recovering from a “broken ankle.”

Bina, who is known for working in films such as “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?” “God Tussi Great Ho,” “Nanhe Jaisalmer,” “Dulha Mil Gaya,” and “Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love”, took to Instagram, where she shared a motley of pictures featuring her and Salman.

“Since I am recovering from broken ankle I will miss you on Rakhi day my dear Salman, my brother like son,” Bina, who has played Salman’s on-screen mother in films such as “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya” in 2005 and “God Tussi Great Ho” in 2008, wrote as the caption.

She said that she prays for her health and happiness.

“I pray for your your happiness , long ,healthy and a peaceful life ahead.lots of love and blessings always dear Salman @beingsalmankhan,” she concluded the post.

In April, the actress shared on Instagram that she underwent surgery in Jaipur after she fell and fractured her “tibia and fibula”.

She had shared pictures from the hospital bed and written in the caption: “While I was travelling to Udaipur last week, I had a fall and fractured my Tibia and Fibula. I had surgery yesterday in Jaipur, and I’m grateful to share that everything went well. The Doctors are happy with the outcome, I’ll be heading home soon to rest and heal. Thank you for all your love and support — it gives me so much strength.”

Meanwhile, talking about Salman, he is set to return as the host for the nineteenth season of the controversial reality show “Bigg Boss”, which is expected to get its grand premiere on August 24.

Salman had shared, “I have been a part of ‘Bigg Boss’ for very long now, and as we all know, ‘Bigg Boss’ reinvents the game every year, aur iss baar, it is gharwalo ki sarkar. And when too many people start pulling the strings, it’s bound to get messy. That’s when the cracks show, and the house turns into a warzone.”

Salman will also be seen in the film “Battle Of Galwan,”helmed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film is said to revolve around the intense confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops back in 2020 in the Galwan Valley, a disputed border region in Ladakh.(Agency)

Intel CEO refuses to resign despite Trump’s call over alleged China link

New Delhi, Aug 9, 2025

US tech major Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan has said he would not resign despite US President Donald Trump’s public call for his resignation for alleged “deeply conflicted” links to China.

In a letter to Intel’s employees, Tan affirmed his commitment to the company and US national security, adding that he has the full support of Intel’s board.

The controversy stemmed from Tan’s previous role as CEO of another US company Cadence Design Systems. This firm pleaded guilty in a criminal case involving the sale of chip design to a blacklisted Chinese military university.

Further, media reports suggested that Tan also invested $200 million in hundreds of Chinese tech startups, including some linked to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

Two Republican senators questioned Tan’s leadership of Intel and US President Trump’s comments increased attention and strained relations between Tan and Intel’s board over corporate direction. Intel’s stock fell 3 to 5 per cent in response to the controversy.

In the letter to Intel employees, Tan called the accusations “misinformation” and stressed his long-standing ties to the US.

“I’ve lived in the US for over 40 years. I love this country and am beyond grateful for its chances,” he wrote.

Tan stressed that Intel is in active talks with the White House to clarify the facts and reaffirmed his commitment to Intel and US national interests. Tan also noted that high-volume manufacturing using the most modern US semiconductor process technology will begin later this year.

Intel’s board has publicly expressed support for CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s leadership and reform efforts.

The stock had dipped over 3 per cent after the US President called for Tan’s resignation on social media.

Intel shares, however, recovered slightly on Friday after Tan’s response, closing at $19.95, up 0.9 per cent from the previous day’s close of $19.77. The stocks earlier showed a 15 per cent upsurge after Tan’s appointment as CEO in March 2025, to a high of approximately $25.94.(Agency)

Two Army soldiers martyred, 2 injured in protracted J&K anti-terrorist operation

Srinagar, Aug 9, 2025

Two Indian Army soldiers were martyred and 2 others injured in the protracted Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) anti-terror operation in the Akhal Devsar forest area of Kulgam district, which entered the 9th day on Saturday.

An Army spokesperson said on Saturday, “Two Army soldiers succumbed and two others were injured as the exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces continued throughout last night, as the gunfight entered its ninth day in the Akhal forest area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.”

Four Army soldiers were injured in an intense exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces late last night.

However, two among the four injured armymen succumbed to their injuries. The deceased soldiers have been identified as Constable, Harminder Singh and Lance Naik, Preetpal Singh both from 19 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).

Army’s Srinagar headquartered Chinar Corps said on X, “Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, in line of duty for the Nation.

“Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. Indian Army expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families.”

Notably, this operation is the longest ongoing operation in the Valley entering its ninth day.

On the first night of the gunfight on last Friday, one local terrorist was killed and four Army soldiers were injured.

Officials said that since this is a vast, dense forest area, the operation may be prolonged.

This longest anti-terrorist operation J&K in the last two decades entered its 9th day on Saturday. J&K DGP, Nalin Prabhat has been supervising the operation in close synergy with the Army and the CRPF.

He visited the area for the 5th time on Friday.

Joint forces, including the Indian Army, CRPF and J&K Police had started CASO (Cordon & Search Operations) in the area on last Friday.

The Army has deployed Rudra helicopters, drones and Para commandos to ensure that the hiding terrorists are unable to escape.

Security forces have been carrying out aggressive operations against the terrorists in the hinterland while the Army has been on maximum alert guarding the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.

The elimination of three hardcore Pakistani terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, is part of the aggressive operations being carried out by the joint forces.

Three hardcore Pakistani terrorists including LeT commander, Suleman Shah and his two associates Abu Hamza and Jibran Bhai responsible for Pahalgam attack were killed on July 28 in the higher reaches of Dachigam national park on the foot of Mahadev mountain peak in Harwan area of Srinagar.

The Army code named this operation as ‘Operation Mahadev’.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the security forces are carrying out anti-terrorist operations against gun wielding terrorists, their over ground workers and sympathisers.

Drug smugglers and drug peddlers are also on the radar of the security forces because it is believed that the funds generated by hawala money racket and drug smuggling are finally used to sustain terrorism in J&K.

The coordinated and Intelligence-backed operations of the joint forces are aimed at dismantling the ecosystem of terrorism in J&K rather than focussing on just the elimination of the gun-wielding terrorists.(Agency)

Trump claims he settled India-Pakistan ‘conflict’ through trade even though there is no deal

New York, Aug 9, 2025

US President Donald Trump has claimed that he “got things settled” between India and Pakistan during their “conflict” in May through trade, even though in reality, there is no deal with India.

“I got things settled with India, Pakistan [and] I think it was trade more than any other reason,” he said on Friday.

India has denied that trade came up in any of the discussions with US leaders during Operation Sindoor or that Trump mediated a truce.

Soon after Trump first made the claim after the cessation of hostilities in May, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The issue of trade or tariff did not come up in any of those discussions.”

Trade negotiations between India and the US are at a stalemate and Trump has unilaterally set a 25 per cent tariff on India.

Trump also speculated that the additional punitive tariff of 25 per cent that he said he was putting on India could have spurred Moscow to make progress towards a peace deal with Ukraine.

“I think that a lot of things happened recently that would make this go forward,” he said.

“I’m not going to mention anything having to do with India,” Trump added.

Singling out India for the punitive tariff for buying Russian oil was seen as his attempt to put economic pressure on Moscow, as it could lose oil revenue from New Delhi, the second-biggest customer.

While Trump said on Truth Social that he concluded a trade deal with Pakistan on July 30 and that it involves joint oil reserves development, neither side gave full details, if indeed there was such a deal.

Trump imposed a 19 per cent tariff on Pakistan the next day, but nothing was said about what Islamabad had offered the US, which was reported in other deals.

Without a deal, India’s tariff was set at 25 per cent.

Trump made the claim about using trade in the India-Pakistan “conflict” on Friday at a ceremony where Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a peace agreement to end their conflict of over 35 years.

The two leaders lauded Trump for bringing them together and said that they would jointly nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir, who joined Trump in asserting that the latter brokered the ceasefire, had nominated him for a Nobel Prize.

Operation Sindoor ended when Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations Major General Kashif Abdullah called his Indian counterpart Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai to ask for a ceasefire.

India launched the operation in May against Pakistan-based terrorist organisations after the Pahalgam attack in April claimed 26 lives, and the neighbouring country escalated it.

Trump, repeating his claims about ending the India-Pakistan “conflict”, asserted, “I said, ‘You know, I don’t want to be dealing with countries that are trying to blow up themselves and maybe the world’.”

They are “nuclear nations”, and “that was a big one, getting that one settled”, he said.

“They were going at it, you know, they were shooting airplanes out of the sky. You know, they five or six planes got shot down in their last little skirmish,” Trump said.

“And then it was going to escalate from there. That could have gotten to be very, very big,” the US President added.(Agency)

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