In a major breakthrough, geologists have confirmed significant gold deposits beneath Mahangwa Kewalri in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, covering 100 hectares. The discovery, validated through chemical analysis, also includes copper and other valuable metals. Officials from the Department of Geology hailed it as one of Central India’s biggest mineral finds in recent years. With existing mining infrastructure in place, the region could soon see industrial investment and economic uplift. This development strengthens earlier signs from neighbouring Katni and could boost employment, state revenue, and India’s mineral reserves, marking a new chapter in India’s resource-rich heartland. (PC: News18)

A flash flood in Uttarakhand’s Dharali has buried the historic Kalp Kedar temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas. The temple, dedicated to Shiva, was partially submerged for decades, with only its dome—featuring Kalabhairava's face—visible. Now, even that has vanished under debris, leaving locals devastated. Once a stop on Indo-Tibetan trade routes, Dharali was also a spiritual centre, its temple revered as part of the Panch Kedar lore. “It wasn’t just a flood. It took the heart of the village,” said a local. Apple orchards, footbridges, and homes were also swept away in the destruction. (PC: X)

A deadly cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district has left 5 dead and 11 Army jawans missing, with over 100 people still stranded. Triggered by heavy rain, the flash floods and mudslides struck Dharali and Sukhi Top, damaging roads and homes. Around 150 people have been rescued by ITBP, Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams, while 413 pilgrims from the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra were also evacuated. A 28-member Kerala tourist group remains missing. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey and assured all help. MI-17 and Chinook helicopters are on standby, awaiting clear weather to continue the rescue operation. (PC: X)

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson announced on Wednesday that the airline has begun a phased restoration of international operations from August 1, aiming for full resumption by October 1, 2025. The move follows a 15% cut in widebody international flights after the June 18 AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. Wilson assured passengers of safety and operational stability, noting the importance of a “measured approach.” Key routes like Delhi–Tokyo and Delhi–London have already resumed or expanded services. Affected passengers earlier received rebooking options or full refunds. Air India plans to fully restore its global network, including daily operations on several major routes. (PC: HT)

After months of specialized care at Reliance’s Vantara rescue center in Gujarat, elephant Mahadevi has safely returned to Karnataka. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared the update, highlighting the animal’s improved health following treatment for injuries and malnourishment. Originally rescued from illegal captivity in Karnataka, Mahadevi was moved to Vantara in April 2024 for medical attention. The facility provided her with round-the-clock veterinary care, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Her return was coordinated with Karnataka authorities, ensuring proper monitoring and continued care in her natural habitat. The case underscores the importance of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. (PC: HT Photo)

A heartwarming moment unfolded near the western gate of the Taj Mahal when a group of Italian tourists struggled with their sarees. Noticing their discomfort, a female Agra police constable, Lakshmi, stepped in to help them drape the traditional attire properly. She not only fixed their pallus but also taught them how to wear the saree with grace. The kind gesture was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, earning widespread praise. The act perfectly embodied the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” reflecting India’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality.

A group of 28 tourists from Kerala, including 20 settled in Maharashtra, has gone missing after Tuesday’s cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali area, Uttarakhand. The tourists were en route to Gangotri when the disaster struck, sweeping away homes, hotels, and vehicles. Relatives last spoke to them a day before the incident, and communication has since been lost. The travel agency involved also has no updates. The ecologically fragile region is heavily damaged, and rescue efforts led by the Indian Army and NDRF continue. At least 4 deaths have been confirmed, and 9 Army personnel are also missing. (PC: HT)

Rescuers have recovered a fifth body after a massive cloudburst triggered flash floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village, Uttarakhand. At least 11 Army personnel remain missing and 150 people have been rescued. The region is cut off due to landslides and collapsed roads, prompting a red alert across Uttarakhand and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and PM Narendra Modi are monitoring the situation. The Army, NDRF, and SDRF are conducting operations. Nearby Sukki village was also hit. In Himachal, pilgrim routes and highways have been blocked. The IMD warns of more rain, heightening fears of further floods and landslides. (PC: X)

Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad sparked controversy after a viral video showed him saying, “Ganga maiya reaches your doorstep to clean your feet,” while visiting a flood-hit area in Lucknow. His remark, seen as insensitive, drew sharp criticism from Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders, who accused him of trivialising flood victims’ suffering. Nishad later claimed the comment was made “in a lighter vein,” stressing the cultural reverence Nishads hold for rivers. As several districts like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj face severe flooding and waterlogging, opposition parties accused the government of failing to deliver relief and staying disconnected from reality. (PC: HT)

Two bodies have been recovered and over 100 people are missing after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Dharali, Uttarkashi. A second cloudburst hit nearby Sukhi Top, causing further devastation. Rescue efforts, led by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF, continue despite relentless rainfall. PM Modi met Uttarakhand MPs and assured full support. CM Dhami inspected the area and said relief operations are being carried out on a war footing. Schools in the district have been closed, and drones, helicopters, and tracker dogs are deployed. Bollywood celebrities including Sara Ali Khan and Sonu Sood expressed condolences. (PC: X)