Top news of the day: August 14, 2025
The Supreme Court on Thursday (August 14, 2025) ordered the Election Commission of India to publish the list of approximately 65 lakh names excluded from the draft roll that was published on August 1, 2025, after a Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar. In the interim order, the two-judge Bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Surya Kant ordered the poll body to publish a searchable list of the excluded names, booth-wise, along with the reasons for non-inclusion, on the district electoral officers' websites, by 5 p.m. on August 19, 2025. Physical lists with reasons shall also be displayed on the notice boards of booth-level officers and block development/panchayat offices for manual access. The Bench posted the case for next hearing on August 22 at 2 p.m.
Actor Darshan arrested as Supreme Court cancels bail in Renukaswamy murder case
Kannada Film Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was arrested soon after he landed at his wife's apartment in Hosakerehalli on Thursday (August 14, 2025) in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. Earlier, the Supreme Court cancelled the bail granted by Karnataka High Court to actor Darshan and six others while noting that 'whosoever he may be, howsoever high, he is not above the rule of law'. Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, the prime accused in the murder case, was taken into police custody.
Supreme Court reserves order on plea challenging removal of stray dogs from streets of Delhi NCR
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday (August 14, 2025) reserved its order on an interim plea seeking a stay on its August 11, 2025, suo motu directive ordering the removal of stray dogs from the capital's streets and their confinement in shelters within six to eight weeks. 'Local authorities are not doing what they should be doing. They should be here taking responsibility,' a Bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath and also comprising Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria underscored. However, the top court declined to grant a stay on the directions issued to civic bodies by a Division Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan.
At least 30 dead in J&K's Kishtwar cloudburst; more than 100 missing
At least 30 people, including two CISF jawans, have died and more than 100 are missing after a massive cloudburst struck Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday (August 14, 2025), triggering flash floods and large-scale destruction. The cloudburst hit Chasoti, the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata shrine. 'In the aftermath of a cloudburst at the Chisoti village in Kishtwar, troops of the White Knight swiftly mobilised for relief and rescue operations,' a Jammu-based PRO said. The efforts are centred on safeguarding lives and aiding survivors, he said, adding that the search for the missing continues.
Any 'misadventure' will have painful consequences: MEA on comments by Pakistan leaders
India on Thursday (August 14, 2025) warned Pakistan not to continue with its 'hateful' rhetoric against New Delhi, saying any 'misadventure' will have 'painful consequences'. New Delhi's reaction came days after Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's nuclear threat against India as well as certain remarks by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. On Pakistani leadership's comments, Randhir Jaiswal said, 'We have seen reports regarding a continuing pattern of reckless, war-mongering and hateful comments from Pakistani leadership against India. It is a well-known modus operandi of the Pakistani leadership to whip up anti-India rhetoric time and again to hide their own failures. Pakistan would be well-advised to temper its rhetoric, as any misadventure will have painful consequences, as was demonstrated recently.'
Indian nurse on death row in Yemen: Supreme Court told negotiations going on, no immediate threat
The Supreme Court was informed on Thursday (August 14, 2025) that there was 'no immediate threat' to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on death row in Yemen for murder. It then listed the matter after eight weeks. The counsel for the petitioner organisation Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, which is extending legal support to Priya, requested a Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta to adjourn the matter. 'Negotiations are going on. As of now there is no immediate threat. Kindly adjourn it by four weeks. Hopefully, everything will be over by that time,' the counsel said.
Give proof, don't use dirty phrases like 'vote chori': Election Commission to Opposition
Amid relentless attacks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged voter data fudging, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (August 14, 2025) said instead of creating a false narrative by using 'dirty phrases' like 'vote chori' (vote theft), proof should be given. In a statement, the ECI said the law for 'one person, one vote' has already been in existence since the first elections in 1951-1952. 'If anyone has any proof of any person actually voting twice in any election, it should be shared with ECI with a written affidavit rather than colouring all the electors of India as 'chor' without any proof,' it said.
Supreme Court asks Kerala to share its names for V-C search panel with the Governor's counsel
The Supreme Court on Thursday (August 14, 2025) asked the Kerala Government to share with the Attorney General of India, R. Venkataramani, who is appearing for the State Governor, names shortlisted by it for constituting a search committee to zero in on prospective Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) for the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and Digital University. Appearing before a Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, Mr. Venkataramani informed the court that the Governor, who is the Chancellor of the two universities, has also decided on the names of top academicians from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to be considered for the V-C posts. The court scheduled the case for August 18.
16 BSF personnel get gallantry medals for Operation Sindoor
Sixteen Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been awarded gallantry medals for displaying 'conspicuous bravery' and 'unmatched valour' during Operation Sindoor. 'This Independence Day, 16 Brave Seema Praharis (border guards) are being awarded Gallantry Medals for their conspicuous bravery & unmatched valour for being resolute & steadfast during the Operation Sindoor. 'The medals are a testament to the Nation's faith & trust reposed in India's First Line of Defence: The Border Security Force,' the BSF said in a social media post.
Consider ground realities: Supreme Court tells petitioners seeking Jammu and Kashmir Statehood
The Supreme Court on Thursday (August 14, 2025) asked petitioners seeking direction to the Union Government to make good its promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir's Statehood, to be aware of 'ground realities' like the Pahalgam terror attack. Appearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, petitioners, represented by senior advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Menaka Guruswamy, repeatedly drew the attention of the court to the assurance given by the Union Government to restore Jammu and Kashmir as a State. The Court sought a response from the Centre and posted the case for hearing after eight weeks.
Zelenskyy and Starmer meet in London on eve of Trump-Putin talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Thursday (August 14, 2025) morning, a day before the Presidents of Russia and the U.S. are to meet in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. A Downing Street readout of the Zelenskyy-Starmer meeting said the two men looked at Friday's meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a ' viable chance to make progress as long as Putin takes action to prove he is serious about peace'.'We also discussed in considerable detail the security guarantees that can make peace truly durable if the United States succeeds in pressing Russia to stop the killings and engage in genuine, substantive diplomacy,' Mr. Zelenskyy said on X.
Vece Paes, Olympic hockey medallist and father of Leander Paes, passes away
Dr. Vece Paes, a 1972 Munich Olympics bronze medal-winning hockey player and the father of 1996 Olympics bronze medallist tennis great Leander Paes, passed away following prolonged illness at a Kolkata hospital early on Thursday (August 14, 2025), according to Hockey Bengal (HB) sources. The sports icon was suffering from an advanced stage of Parkinson's disease. He was 80 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
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Hindustan Times
29 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
NGT directs Pune police to submit report on last year's Ganesh festival noise violations
Pune: The western bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), during a hearing on August 13, directed Pune police to submit a comprehensive report detailing the actions taken to address noise pollution violations during last year's Ganesh festival. NGT directs Pune police to submit report on last year's Ganesh festival noise violations The directive follows an execution application filed by Pune-based audiologist Dr Kalyani Mandke through Advocate Maitreya Ghorpade. Mandke alleged that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and police were directed to publish a list of violators within seven days of the festival's conclusion, but they failed to do so. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on August 22. The NGT, in its judgment dated August 30, 2024, issued multiple directives to curb noise levels during the Ganesh festival. The NGT directed the MPCB and police to ensure real-time noise monitoring at all pandals and display the readings with permissible limits prominently at at least two locations, besides instructing authorities to limit the dhol-tasha group to 30 members and ban the use of DJ and toll systems. Following the order, the noise level was monitored at 200 Ganesh pandals during the festival last year. In the present application, it has been alleged that several of these directives have not been implemented by the Pune police commissioner and the MPCB. This includes non-disclosure of action taken by police on violators and also from the MPCB. During the hearing on August 13, a bench comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh (judicial member) and Dr Vijay Kulkarni (expert member) issued notices to all respondents, making them returnable before the next hearing date. While counsel representing the state of Maharashtra and the MPCB accepted the notices on behalf of their clients, the tribunal ordered that notices to the remaining respondents be served directly by the registry. Advocate Ghorpade said, 'Based on our complaint, the NGT had issued a landmark order on noise pollution monitoring during last year's Ganesh festival. For the first time, real-time monitoring was carried out at 200 Ganesh pandals, which was commendable work by the MPCB. However, the board was directed to publish a list of pandals violating noise pollution norms within seven days of the festival's conclusion, which did not happen.' 'Also, no significant awareness programmes were conducted throughout the year. This is why we have filed the execution application. We believe the NGT will take an appropriate decision that will help curb noise pollution during the Ganesh festival,' he said. A senior police officer requesting anonymity said, 'We will get more information about the order and appropriate action will be taken.'
Hindustan Times
29 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
SC cancels Darshan's bail; actor, main accused held
Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was arrested in Bengaluru on Thursday, just hours after the Supreme Court cancelled the bail granted to him by the Karnataka high court in the Renukaswamy murder case. Police took him into custody near his Hosakerehalli residence soon after he returned to the city from an outstation trip. Police arrest actor Pavitra Gowda from her residence after the Supreme Court cancelled the bail granted to her by the High Court in the Renukaswamy murder case, in Bengaluru on Thursday. (ANI) The apex court's order also covered Darshan's associate Pavithra Gowda and five other accused, all of whom were arrested and will be produced before the trial court in Bengaluru, police said. According to police, Gowda was picked up earlier in the day by the Annapoorneshwari Nagar police. Pradoosh S Rao, Lakshman M, and Nagaraj are among those detained. While cancelling the bail to the actor, a bench of justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said, 'Granting leniency to such persons despite grave charges of conspiracy and murder sends the wrong message to society and undermines public confidence in the justice system.' In a democracy governed by the rule of law, the bench said, 'no individual is exempt from legal accountability by virtue of status or social capital'. In the present case, it said, 'By treating A2's (Darshan) stature as a mitigating factor, the high court committed a manifest perversity in the exercise of its discretion, thereby warranting cancellation of bail.' Police officers said a copy of the Supreme Court order was submitted to the trial court to secure arrest warrants for all the accused before their remand to judicial custody. The order follows a special leave petition filed by the state government challenging the high court's decision in December 2024 to grant bail to the accused. Darshan, who had been away when news of the court's decision reached him, was contacted by police and asked to appear before investigators. He complied, arriving in a luxury SUV before switching to another vehicle to avoid the media assembled outside his apartment. He entered the premises through the back door. The murder case, began with Darshan's arrest in June 2024. Police allege he orchestrated the killing of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, after the victim allegedly stalked and abused Gowda on social media. The actor was detained on June 11, 2024, in Mysuru while filming The Devil and was held in custody for 131 days. He was released on interim bail in October and granted regular bail in December. With the latest court order, Darshan is expected to be shifted to the Ballari Central Prison. He was previously housed there after being moved from the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison when images emerged of him smoking and mingling with high-profile inmates. Following that episode, Ballari prison authorities heightened security measures, including raising the perimeter wall to 25 feet and preparing a secure cell. The measures were taken after fans breached prison boundaries during his earlier detention, police officers said. The Supreme Court's decision comes a day before the scheduled release of the first song from The Devil. The film's team had announced on August 10 that the track 'Idre Nemdiyaag Irbek' (You should live in peace) would be released on Independence Day morning, an event now likely to be overshadowed by the arrest. For Renukaswamy's family, Thursday's ruling was a moment of relief. His father, Shivanagouda, welcomed the decision. 'Darshan's bail has been cancelled. There is an order to arrest him. This brings our faith back…The Supreme Court order reinstates the belief that no one can escape the law,' he said. Chief minister Siddaramaiah's legal advisor AS Ponnanna said the verdict would strengthen the prosecution's case. 'We had feared that the investigation would be hampered because Darshan was out on bail. There was a possibility that he could influence the witnesses while he was out. However, now all these challenges will be resolved with the order given by the Supreme Court,' he said. Soon after the court's order was received on Thursday morning, senior police officials briefed home minister G Parameshwara at the Vidhana Soudha. 'The law is the same for everyone. No one is above the law in the country. Everyone should respect the law of the land. The accused have the opportunity to fight for justice further, and that is also allowed by the law,' Parameshwara said.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Turning Noida into metropolitan council will need change in law
Noida: Were UP govt to consider a structural makeover for replacing Noida Authority with a metropolitan council, as the Supreme Court has directed it to do, it would have to bring in an amendment to the UP Industrial Area Development Act, 1976, under which New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) was created. Such a change will, however, be complex and protracted, requiring extensive consultations and hinge largely on the state's political will, former officials said. Supreme Court on Wednesday asked UP govt to consider replacing the industrial development authority with a metropolitan council for people-centric governance. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Gold Rates Today in Noida | Silver Rates Today in Noida The direction was based on findings of an SC-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT), which delivered a stinging report into the Authority's functioning, flagging, among other things, decision-making centralised in the hands of a few officers, land allotment policies favouring builders and a lack of transparency. The SIT, led by IPS officer SB Shiradkar, found Noida officers involved in 20 cases of excess compensation to landowners and recommended a probe into the assets of officials and their relatives. It also found the absence of processes for public consultation and environmental impact assessments, along with delays and inadequate grievance redressal. Accepting the recommendations, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed the UP chief secretary to place the proposal for converting Noida into a metropolitan council before the council of ministers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 5 Books Warren Buffett Recommends You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Until a decision is taken, the court ordered the appointment of a chief vigilance officer in Noida, to be an IPS officer or a CAG officer on deputation, for financial audit. The bench also ordered the formation of a Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) within four weeks and banned the implementation of any project in Noida without environmental clearance from the SC's green bench. Under the 1970 Act, UP govt is empowered to nominate five members to the Noida Authority's board, a provision that allows direct citizen representation. However, over the successive years, none of the industrial development authorities in the state has implemented it. Deodatta Sharma, chairman and CEO of Noida Authority between 2004-2005, told TOI that Noida Authority was originally formed in 1976 to shift industries from Delhi and decongest the capital. "However, over the years, Noida evolved into more of a residential and commercial hub. Currently, all land under the Noida Authority is on lease, and it charges lease rent either annually or for the full tenure to maintain and develop infrastructure for the city," Sharma said. "With the SC expressing concern over transparency and public participation, the state can get a study done to identify the best practices worldwide and incorporate them here," Sharma added. Brijesh Kumar, who also served as CEO of Noida Authority for a short period, said while the state or the Noida Authority board can form a citizen advisory board through an administrative order, setting up a metropolitan council would require amendments to Industrial Area Act. In the early 2000s, he said, Greater Noida had set up a neighbourhood council for CEOs to interact with residents for suggestions and feedback. "The practice, however, did not last for long," he said. Kumar said it is for the state to decide how much administrative or financial power such a council can enjoy. "The industrial authorities, being autonomous, can retain core operations, but such a council could bring more public participation," Kumar, also a former chairman and CEO of Greater Noida (1998-2002), added. Between 1966 and 1990, Delhi metropolitan council had functioned as the deliberative wing of the Delhi administration, with positions such as leader of the house, leader of the opposition, whips, and presiding officers, but without full legislative powers. Alok Singh of Active Citizen Forum, residents have long been demanding representation on the Authority's board. "Citizens are never consulted on what the city needs. Instead, projects are imposed on us, many of which prove useless. Residents are connected to the ground and know the city's needs better." Since 2022, the forum has written to the Greater Noida Authority on several occasions seeking an authority-citizen committee and urged that the model be adopted by all industrial authorities in the state. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. 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