A 2021 NITI Aayog report has returned to focus amid debate over E20 petrol. The report shows the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) wanted E10 petrol to remain available during the shift to E20. SIAM said many older vehicles were designed for E10 and could face lower fuel efficiency, poor performance and possible compatibility issues with higher ethanol blends. It also warned that upgrading older vehicles would be difficult. However, the report said tests by ARAI, Indian Oil and other agencies found no major engine damage with E20. The government continues to maintain that E20 petrol is safe for use. (PC: Reuters)

Malayalam actor Mohanlal has declared possession of 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory idols to the Kerala Forest Department under the state's one-time amnesty scheme. The declaration comes while he continues to face trial in a case involving the alleged illegal possession of wildlife articles. Forest officials said the newly declared tusks and idols, including figures of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama and Tirupati Balaji, will undergo DNA testing to verify their authenticity. Mohanlal has said most of the items were inherited or received as gifts. The trial related to the 2011 wildlife case is still ongoing. (PC: The Print)

At least 13 people have died as relentless monsoon rain wreaked havoc across Maharashtra, disrupting transport and triggering landslides. Mumbai remained under a red alert on Monday as the India Meteorological Department warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding. Train services between Mumbai and Pune were suspended after landslides in the Bhor Ghat section, while a landslide in Pune's Maval area buried a house, leaving three people feared trapped. Rescue teams, including the NDRF, have been deployed as authorities continue search operations and urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. (PC: India Today)

Diljit Dosanjh's film *Satluj* was removed from ZEE5 in India just two days after its release, with sources saying the decision was taken over concerns that certain scenes and narratives could be misused by anti-India forces. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has faced controversy since its production and was delayed for years over certification issues. While the movie remains unavailable in India until further notice, ZEE5 said it is exploring legal options to restore access. The takedown has reignited debate over censorship, national security concerns and creative freedom. (PC: NDTV)

Heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide in Pune's Maval area early Monday, burying around five houses and leaving several people feared trapped under the debris. Officials said at least three members of one family are suspected to be inside a buried house. NDRF teams have been deployed and rescue operations are continuing. The landslide also forced the closure of the Mumbai-bound lane of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway. Meanwhile, Mumbai remains under a red alert as heavy rain, strong winds and waterlogging disrupted daily life, with authorities urging people to avoid unnecessary travel. (PC: NDTV)

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will hold a crucial meeting in Ayodhya on Monday as investigations continue into the alleged embezzlement of temple donations. Trustees are expected to discuss the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr Anil Mishra, whose names surfaced during the probe, though no FIR has been filed against them. The Trust will also review the interim SIT report, approve audited financial statements for 2025–26, and discuss administrative changes, including the possible appointment of a chief executive officer. The meeting is expected to shape the Trust’s future functioning amid the ongoing investigation. (PC: News18)

Diljit Dosanjh's much-awaited film Satluj, previously titled Punjab 95, has been removed from ZEE5 in India just two days after its OTT release. The biographical drama, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had finally premiered on July 3 after years of delays and censorship-related hurdles. In a statement, ZEE5 said the film is currently unavailable in India due to "current developments" and that it is exploring the due legal process to restore the title on the platform. The film remains available for viewers outside India on ZEE5 Global.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a holiday for all government, private and civic-run schools and colleges in Mumbai on Monday after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of students as the city is expected to receive heavy showers and gusty winds. However, government and private offices will remain open. Mumbai has witnessed continuous rainfall over the past few days, causing waterlogging, traffic disruptions and tree-fall incidents. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and step out only if essential while following official weather updates. (PC: HT)

The alleged rape-murder of a 12-year-old girl triggered angry protests in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on Sunday. Her family said she left home on Saturday to buy food and did not return. Her body was later found in a pond near her house. The family alleged she was raped and murdered. Angry locals blocked roads and rail tracks, and burned tyres. A mob also lynched a man suspected of being involved in the crime. Police used force to control the crowd. Some officers were hurt in the clashes. IG Kankar Prasad Barui said police have taken note of the case and promised strict action, adding that no one will be spared. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe both the girl's death and the lynching. (PC: The Times of India)

Motorists gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Sunday for India's first public protest against the E20 fuel policy, alleging reduced mileage, engine problems and expensive repairs after using ethanol-blended petrol. Organised by entrepreneur Tehseen Poonawalla and Team Bharat, protesters claimed their vehicles suffered clogged fuel systems, power loss and higher maintenance costs. Several participants demanded the option to choose conventional petrol instead of E20. The Centre has rejected claims that E20 harms vehicles, citing extensive testing and expert studies supporting the ethanol-blending programme. Protesters, however, called for greater transparency, accountability and independent investigation into their complaints. (PC: India Today)