Kaushik Mekala

Uttar Pradesh is grappling with a severe power crisis this summer, prompting a wave of complaints from across the political spectrum. MLAs from both ruling and opposition parties, along with former CM Akhilesh Yadav and MP Chandra Shekhar Azad, have written to the energy minister highlighting widespread outages and public distress.

Petrol and diesel prices saw a significant increase of 87-91 paise per litre on Saturday, marking a cumulative rise of nearly Rs 5 in under 10 days. This hike by state-owned oil companies reflects rising international crude prices, tightening refining margins, and a weaker rupee, which have escalated import costs.

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West Bengal's Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik announced the removal of a controversial football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium. Installed in 2017, the structure, featuring giant footballing legs merging into the Biswa Bangla logo, was criticized for its aesthetics and symbolism. The minister stated it would be dismantled soon, linking its installation to the previous government's decline.

Aravindh Chithambaram recently became the first Indian to qualify for the 2026 Esports Chess World Cup after winning at DreamHack Atlanta. Raised by his mother and grandparents after losing his father at age three, Aravindh discovered chess through his grandfather. With strong family support and guidance from coach RB Ramesh, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a national champion and elite player.

A transformer blast at a Gurgaon substation plunged vast areas into darkness, highlighting the strain on NCR's power grid amidst extreme heat and record demand. The incident disrupted services, impacting thousands of residents and underscoring the challenges of managing escalating electricity needs during heatwaves.

Air India’s losses in 2025-26 at Rs 27,000 crore are the highest ever recorded in its 94-year-old history. In all, Air India has lost Rs 55,000 crore since Tatas took over the airline. Will these complicate final years of N Chandrasekaran’s tenure as Tata Sons chairman?

USCIS has issued a new policy memo requiring most foreigners seeking a green card to apply from their home country, shifting from adjustment of status within the U.S. This stricter standard emphasizes weighing negative factors like immigration violations and inconsistent conduct, demanding stronger evidence of "unusual or outstanding" positive ties to the U.S. for those applying domestically.

An FIR has been registered against UP Congress chief Ajay Rai and others in Mahoba for allegedly making derogatory remarks against PM Modi and violating public order. The complaint cites a gathering at a private residence without permission, causing traffic disruption and inciting discord. Police are verifying allegations and video evidence.

A 30-year-old doctor has been arrested for allegedly raping a 20-year-old patient in a Lucknow private hospital's operation theatre. The incident occurred after the doctor sedated the woman, who was admitted for epilepsy. Following swift intervention by the deputy chief minister, the hospital was sealed and proceedings to suspend the doctor's license initiated.