In Delhi's Peeragarhi neighborhood, at least 50 homes experienced tap water turning bright blue last weekend. The discolored water, which has persisted for four days, causes staining and skin discoloration. Residents are seeking answers and solutions, citing health and safety concerns. Authorities have yet to provide an explanation for the phenomenon. The incident has sparked an outcry, with residents demanding an investigation into the cause. Water samples are expected to be collected for testing to determine the source of the contamination. Residents are advised to use alternative water sources until the issue is resolved.

The Supreme Court has upheld the rights of states to impose royalty on mining and mineral-use activities. In an 8:1 verdict, the court ruled that royalty is distinct from tax and within the states' competence to levy. This decision reverses the court's earlier order and benefits mineral-rich states like Odisha, Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The court clarified that payments to the government for mineral extraction cannot be considered a tax. The verdict is a significant development in the mining sector, allowing states to charge for mineral resources. 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is introducing advanced digital technologies to prevent cheating and fraud in exams. The new measures include Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, facial recognition, and AI-powered CCTV surveillance. Additionally, QR code scanning of e-admit cards will be used to verify candidates' identities. These technologies aim to prevent impersonation and ensure the integrity of the examination process. The move follows recent instances of exam malpractices. The implementation of these digital solutions will enhance the security and transparency of UPSC exams, ensuring a fair selection process for candidates.

The Indian Navy has found the body of Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh, who went missing after a fire broke out on INS Brahmaputra at Mumbai naval dockyard. The body was recovered after intensive diving operations. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi extended condolences to the family. The Navy has begun efforts to repair and restore the ship's functionality. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. The incident occurred earlier this week, and an investigation is expected to follow. The Navy has assured swift action to make the ship seaworthy again.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to Kangana Ranaut, BJP MP from Mandi, in response to a petition challenging her election. The petitioner alleges that their nomination papers were wrongly rejected, affecting the outcome of the election. Ranaut won the seat with 5,37,002 votes, defeating Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh by 74,755 votes. The court has directed Ranaut to file a reply by August 21. The case will proceed based on her response, examining the validity of the election process and potential implications for her membership in the Lok Sabha.

In a significant milestone, India has successfully flight-tested its Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System off the Odisha coast. The test demonstrated India's capability to defend against 5,000 km class ballistic missiles. A target missile was launched and detected by radars, activating the interceptor system. The Advanced Interceptor missile was then launched, fully meeting trial objectives. This validates India's indigenous network-centric warfare weapon system, including long-range sensors and advanced missiles. The test marks a major achievement in India's defense capabilities, showcasing its ability to counter long-range ballistic missiles.

The body of leading seaman Sitendra Singh, who went missing after the Indian warship INS Brahmaputra rolled over during repairs, has been found. The incident occurred on Monday at the naval dockyard in Mumbai after a fire broke out. Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has ordered immediate actions to make the vessel combat ready again. The cause of the fire and the ship's tipping is still unknown. INS Brahmaputra suffered extensive damage and will be out of action for months. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Actor Salman Khan has accused gangster Lawrence Bishnoi of orchestrating the April 14 firing outside his Mumbai residence, aiming to kill him and his family. In a statement recorded by the Mumbai Crime Branch, Khan detailed ongoing threats from Bishnoi and his gang. "I believe that Lawrence Bishnoi, with the help of his gang members, carried out the firing on my balcony," said Khan. The police have filed a 1,735-page chargesheet, revealing that two bike-borne men fired multiple rounds at Khan’s Galaxy Apartments. Six arrests have been made, including alleged shooters Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal. A Rs 25 lakh contract was placed on Khan's life, leading to heightened security measures for the actor and his family.              

The government has vowed to crack down on terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, warning that terrorists will either face jail or "jahannum" (hell). Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai made the statement in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the Modi government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. This comes amid a recent surge in terror attacks in the region, particularly in Jammu. Rai assured that the government will put an end to the terrorist activities. Key points: Government cracks down on J&K terrorism, Zero tolerance policy, Terrorists to face jail or "jahannum", Recent surge in terror attacks in Jammu region.

A delegation of 12 farmer leaders from six states met with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in the Parliament complex on Wednesday. They discussed the need to revamp the Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy. Initially, the farmers were not allowed to enter the complex, but were later permitted to meet Gandhi. Senior Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Deepender Singh Hooda, and MPs Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa attended the meeting. The farmers sought reforms to the MSP policy, which the government has been urged to reconsider.