Highlights: After SC rap over delay in release from jail, UP pays compensation to accused

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4:43 PM

IIT-Madras' Zanzibar campus launches undergraduate programme in chemical process engineering

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras' Zanzibar campus has launched a new Bachelor of Science (BS) programme in Chemical Process Engineering for the Academic Year 2025-26, officials said on Friday. The four-year full-time undergraduate degree programme in the Zanzibar campus is open to candidates of all nationalities, including Indians. "The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending core chemical engineering fundamentals with practical laboratory work, industry-aligned projects and electives that encourage interdisciplinary learning," a senior official said.

4:23 PM

Over 900 persons under preventive orders ahead of Muharram: Sambhal DM

Authorities in Sambhal have placed over 900 persons under preventive restrictions ahead of Muharram to maintain peace and prevent any possible disturbances, District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya told reporters on Friday. "So far, more than 900 people have been bound under preventive action, and the verification of others is still underway. Anyone found attempting to create conflict or disrupt communal harmony will also be placed under similar restrictions. If they go on to cause trouble, their surety bonds will be forfeited," Pensiya stated. 

4:12 PM

4 held after video showing maintenance staff thrashing residents in Greater Noida society

Four maintenance staff members of a housing society in Greater Noida were arrested on Friday after a video purportedly showing them purportedly assaulting residents was circulated on social media, police said. The incident took place at Ecotech Village 1 Society in Bisrakh area, they said. In the video, members of the members of the maintenance team were seen thrashing and abusing residents with sticks.

3:15 PM

Artisans seek CM's intervention after Prada's footwear resembles Kolhapuri chappals Mumbai

Artisans from Maharashtra have cried foul after footwear similar to famous Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's spring/summer collection for men, alleging violation of geographical identification (GI) rights. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik on Thursday led a delegation of artisans who craft this traditional footwear that originated in Kolhapur to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They presented a letter urging him to look into the violation and preserve the product, which is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage. 

3:03 PM

Search operation to track down 3 JeM terrorists underway in J-K's Basantgarh

A search operation by a joint team of security forces is underway to track down three Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in a forested area of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, officials said on Friday. A Pakistan-based JeM terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces on Thursday, and three of his associates remain trapped in the forested area of the Basantgarh belt.

2:49 PM

Online dispute resolution portal to expedite ruling in cases of payment delay to MSMEs: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu said the online dispute resolution portal launched on Friday will be a significant step towards expeditious hearing and decision-making in cases related to delayed payments to micro and small enterprises.

2:43 PM

B'desh interim govt forms committee to investigate allegations over last three polls

The interim government of Bangladesh has formed a committee to investigate allegations of irregularities, corruption and administrative involvement in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 general elections and make recommendations on ensuring fair elections in the future, a notification said.

2:25 PM

Thailand starts banning sale of cannabis without prescription

Thailand has started banning the sale of cannabis to those without a prescription, three years after becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalise the plant.

The new order, signed by Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin earlier this week, came into effect Thursday after it was published in the Royal Gazette. It bans shops from selling cannabis to customers without a prescription and reclassifies cannabis buds as a controlled herb. A violation could result in a maximum one-year jail term and a 20,000-baht (USD 614) fine, according to the order.

1:44 PM

Jaishankar says SCO outcome document without reference to terrorism not acceptable to India

Union External Affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday said India wanted a reference to terrorism in the outcome document of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers' meeting, but it was not acceptable to one member country, an oblique reference to Pakistan. Jaishankar said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's view on the matter was right since the main purpose of SCO was to fight terrorism and without a reference on it (on India's concerns on terrorism), he would not accept the outcome document.

1:43 PM

Sugamya Bharat app revamped to be more user-friendly for people with disabilities

The Sugamya Bharat app that aims to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities has been revamped to be more user friendly with new features, including AI-powered chatbot support to assist users in real time among others. Other features in the revamped version include a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, circulars and notifications about new initiatives related to accessibility and integration of government schemes and other valuable resources for persons with disabilities, the Social Justice and Empowerment ministry said.

12:58 PM

Decomposed body of missing AIIMS electrician found in pond

The body of a 32-year-old AIIMS electrician missing for a week was found in a semi-decomposed condition in a pond near Vasant Kunj, police said on Friday. Anil Kumar, a resident of Inder Camp, Rangpuri Pahari area, went missing on June 20 and his family filed a report the following day.

12:26 PM

No confusion, dispute in Mahagathbandhan on Tejashwi being face for CM's post: Kanhaiya Kumar

Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar on Friday said if the 'Mahagathbandhan' gets a majority in the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, the chief minister will be from the RJD, and added that there was "no confusion or dispute" over Tejashwi Yadav being the main face for the CM's post. Kanhaiya Kumar, however, asserted that issues would be paramount in the polls and there was "a conspiracy" by rivals to divert attention by raking up the matter of the coalition's CM face.

10:45 AM

President, PM wish people on occasion of Rath Yatra

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Rath Yatra on Friday and prayed for happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone's life.

10:12 AM

Trump says 'very big' trade deal coming up with India

US President Donald Trump said a "very big" trade deal is on cards with India, hinting at significant progress in the negotiation process of a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. “We are having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we're going to open up India," said Trump while speaking at the “Big Beautiful Bill” event at the White House on Friday.

9:00 AM

Rajnath meets Chinese counterpart; stresses avoiding new complexities in ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has conveyed to his Chinese counterpart Admiral Don Jun that India and China should maintain the positive momentum in the bilateral ties and avoid adding new complexities. Singh held "constructive" talks with Don on the sidelines of a conclave of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in this Chinese port city on Thursday evening.