Category: TOP STORIES

New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) The deployment of AI in China is progressing at a much faster pace, triggering concerns of more job losses in an uncertain labour market, a media report said.

Taxi drivers in Wuhan were rendered jobless as driverless cabs were rolled out in the city. There was some relief, and drivers got back their jobs when some of these cabs suddenly stalled, causing traffic jams on the roads and the fleet was withdrawn for investigation, highlights the report by journalist Amy Hawkins in the Guardian newspaper.

Recent incidents of white-collar workers being replaced by AI have also added to the fears of large-scale unemployment resulting from the use of this new technology.

Addressing Shanghai’s World AI Conference in July, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that AI should be “an important driver for shared prosperity and common security”.

However, the report noted that the “goal is being pursued amid an increasingly fragile labour market”.

“As well as suffering from high levels of unemployment, China has seen tens of millions of workers drop out of formal employment into the gig economy. According to one thinktank, the number of people in flexible employment will rise to 320 million this year, up from 160 million in 2019. That is about 44 pc of China’s workforce,” it said.

Across the country, as industries such as real estate and education have gone into a recession, workers have turned to ride-hailing apps to make ends meet. But now the rollout of robotaxis, one of the most popular applications of AI that is already in use in China, is threatening their livelihoods, the report pointed out.

Recent court rulings have awarded compensation to white-collar workers laid off by their firms to be replaced by AI. But many workers fear that the rollout of AI will leave fewer jobs in the market for them to get employment.

The report also highlights the experience of cinematographer Tian Zemin, who has been working in the film industry in Beijing for close to 20 years and has lost his job to AI.

“I spent six gruelling years working my way up to become a cinematographer, only to be replaced by a piece of software,” the report cites him as saying in a social media post about AI.

Many analysts believe that China, where the government exerts significant control over the private sector, will be better placed than the US to contain the fallout from AI-related job losses. Beijing could, for example, instruct companies to comply with hiring quotas.

However, the dilemma is that these protections may not come in time to save jobs that are currently being lost, the report added.

–IANS

sps/vd

Noida, Aug 2 (IANS) Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the Noida Authority following the death of a four-year-old boy after he fell into an uncovered water tank and died, officials said on Sunday.

The child, identified as Firoz Alam, died after falling into an open pump tank in the Sector-122 green belt area. The incident, reported on Saturday, falls under the jurisdiction of the Sector-113 police station in Noida.

The accident reportedly occurred while the child had gone to drink water from the tank.

According to officials, no Noida Authority employee was stationed at the site when the accident took place, raising safety concerns.

Speaking to reporters a day before, pump operator Anil said: “I came to know about the incident this evening. The family has​ already taken the dead body to the village. The child died here.”

“As soon as I got to know (about the tragedy), I informed the authorities who then arrived at the spot. I don’t know anything more than this,” he added.

As authorities face questions over the incident, the staff of the Sector-113 Police Station have registered an FIR against the concerned employees of the Noida Authority following the tragic death of the four-year-old.

Moreover, the roles of the Horticulture and Water departments are also under police investigation.

In a similar incident reported in July, a six-year-old boy had lost his life after falling into a 15-foot-deep water-filled pit at Kala Dham Society in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

The victim was identified as Avyaan Surya, the son of Siwan Yadav, Vice Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya.

According to police and local residents, the incident occurred in the Knowledge Park area of Greater Noida on Saturday. The pit, nearly 15 feet deep, had reportedly been dug by the Greater Noida Authority for boring work and had filled with rainwater following recent showers.

Residents alleged that the excavation site had neither barricades nor warning signs, making it hazardous for people, especially children. They said Avyaan was playing with other children near the site when he accidentally fell into the open pit.

–IANS

cg/mr

Meerut, Aug 2 (IANS) BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Sunday visited several villages in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, and interacted with farmers about the impact of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme launched by the Centre.

Bhandari’s visit included Fafunda and Chandasara villages, where he met farmers engaged in sugarcane and rice cultivation.

According to the BJP leader, the farmers said that since the ethanol blending initiative began, they are receiving timely payments for their sugarcane, which has significantly reduced their dependence on local moneylenders (sahukars). They also noted an increase in sugarcane procurement rates, giving them a renewed sense of financial security.

Further, several farmers said that the programme has opened up a new market for their crop, giving sugarcane an additional avenue for sale beyond traditional channels, Bhandari said.

On the visit outcomes, Bhandari mentioned that the ground-level feedback confirms that the ethanol blending programme is firmly in the interest of farmers — boosting their incomes, reducing debt dependency, and strengthening their economic confidence.

Bhandari’s interaction with farmers on ethanol blending comes following AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s speech on Saturday on the E20 issue.

In a video post on his official X handle on Saturday, the BJP leader said: “Arvind Kejriwal said that ethanol-blended petrol damages a car’s engine, however the truth is that it leads to improvement in the car’s acceleration.”

“For the last three years, over three to four crore four-wheelers and more than 20 crore two-wheelers are functioning on around 15 per cent of ethanol-blended petroleum. Still, no major case of vehicle damage has been reported so far,” he claimed.

Responding to the AAP chief highlighting farmers’ concerns, he said: “Kejriwal had said that farmers would bear the loss of the blending. In reality, they are the ones who are benefiting the most. Corn, rice and sugarcane farmers are the ones who will benefit the most from this.”

Bhandari said this is because Corn farmers have a “40 per cent” contribution in ethanol-blended petrol.

“Corn farmers are getting Rs 2,400 per quintal rate after this blending, which means their income has nearly doubled,” he asserted.

About rice cultivation, Bhandari stated: “India produces more rice than what the demand is, so the leftover rice is being used in ethanol blending, and the farmers are getting paid for it.”

Moreover, the BJP spokesperson remarked that whoever is opposing the ethanol-blended petroleum is “somewhere supporting foreign powers who don’t support the country’s middle class and farmers”.

“Sugarcane farmers are now getting their full payment of Rs 25,000 crore, that too within 15 days; this means they too are benefitting from it.”

–IANS

cg/vd

Imphal, Aug 2 (IANS) Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh has stressed the need for proactive and intelligence-led policing to strengthen law and order and enhance counter-insurgency operations in the state, officials said on Sunday.

A senior police official said that as part of his ongoing visits to districts, police stations and security establishments across the state to review operational preparedness and motivate personnel, the DGP visited the headquarters of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Manipur Rifles, as well as the office complex of the Superintendent of Police (SP), Imphal West district, during the past 24 hours.

During the visit, he assessed security arrangements, reviewed operational readiness and emphasised the importance of effective intelligence gathering, strict discipline and coordinated policing to maintain peace and public order across the state.

The official said that DGP Singh, accompanied by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in charge of Law and Order and Intelligence, Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo, visited the historic 1st Battalion of the Manipur Rifles in Imphal, one of the oldest battalions in the state with a legacy spanning 134 years.

During the visit, the DGP was briefed about the history of the Manipur Police, beginning with the raising of the 1st Manipur Rifles in 1892, and its evolution and contributions over the years.

An official statement said that the Manipur Police are not only a law enforcement agency but also an integral part of the state’s history, growth and institutional reforms.

The DGP inspected several key facilities of the British-era heritage battalion, including the Quarter Guard, the Manipur Police Officers’ Club, the Banquet Hall, the Transport Wing, the Parade Ground, the Church, the Temple, the Canteen and the Petrol Pump.

He also interacted with officers and personnel of the battalion, during which various issues relating to the revamping of the unit, adherence to deployment protocols, regular inspections and compliance mechanisms were discussed in detail.

The statement said that valuable feedback and suggestions were shared to ensure the battalion’s continued development and the implementation of projects suited to modern-day policing requirements.

The police chief also visited the 2nd Battalion headquarters of the Manipur Rifles in Imphal.

During the visit, the DGP inspected the unit’s quarter guard, construction site of the Manipur Police Research Institute, recreation hall, barracks, Parade Ground and Jawans’ Mess. He also held an interaction with officials of the battalion. Various issues were discussed, including security of the Battalion, rationalisation of existing manpower deployment, and construction of new barracks in place of the old dilapidated ones.

The senior IPS officer also visited the office of the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West district and held a meeting with the officers of the district Police. Superintendent of Police, Imphal West District, Shivakanta Singh briefed the DGP on the prevailing law and order situation, crime trends, and policing initiatives in the district.

During the review meeting, the DGP emphasised the need for proactive and intelligence-based policing.

He directed all officers to ensure prompt and professional investigation of criminal cases, with special focus on NDPS, extortion, and arms-related offences. He also stressed the importance of improving the quality of investigations to ensure effective prosecution.

The DGP further urged all officers to remain dedicated and uphold professionalism and integrity, and strengthen public confidence by projecting a positive image of the police through efficient and people-friendly policing, an official statement said.

Mukesh Singh, who earlier served as the Director General of Police in Ladakh, assumed charge as the Manipur Police chief on June 1. Since then, he has been visiting districts in both the Imphal Valley and the hill regions, holding a series of meetings with senior police officers, Army personnel, paramilitary forces and officials of various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to review the prevailing law and order situation, crime trends and operational preparedness.

–IANS

sc/dpb

Washington, Aug 2 (IANS) India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, has said that the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed in a spirit of goodwill and friendship in 1960, but Pakistan spent 50 years dismantling this, and its abeyance “merely acknowledges what Pakistan’s conduct had already destroyed”.

The IWT was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, concerning the utilisation of the waters of the Indus system rivers. Under the treaty, India received control over the three eastern rivers, which account for roughly 20 per cent of the basin’s water, while Pakistan received the water of three western rivers, which carry roughly 80 per cent of the water share.

“That asymmetry stifled development for decades in Indian regions that could have benefited from better water rights. India honoured the treaty anyway,” Kwatra, a former Foreign Secretary, wrote in an opinion piece in Newsweek.

However, after last year’s heinous Pahalgam terror attack, India exercised its rights as a sovereign nation under international law and placed the IWT in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjured its support for cross-border terrorism.

The Indian envoy said that Pakistan’s approach towards India had been marked by wars, hostility and cross-border terrorist attacks, including on the Indian Parliament, the Mumbai terror attack, the Uri and Pathankot attacks and the Pahalgam attack. More than 40,000 people have been killed in India due to Pakistan’s terror campaign, according to Kwatra.

According to Kwatra, Pakistan’s approach to India-initiated projects was using obstruction and bureaucratic delays. Repeated targeting of Indian project sites, including the terrorist attack on the Tulbul Navigation Project in 2012, stopped India from exercising its rights under the treaty. Kwatra stated that Pakistan opposed India’s initiatives to renegotiate the treaty in view of the technological change, which would have enabled India to build its hydropower potential.

Pakistan “eroded India’s faith” that it could exercise its rights under the treaty or hope for a better one considering the current realities of the world, he said, noting that Pakistan was facing water scarcity due to its government’s “mismanagement.”

In the opinion piece, he said: “It is worth remembering that the treaty’s preamble declares it was concluded ‘in a spirit of goodwill and friendship.’ Pakistan spent half a century dismantling that goodwill and friendship. The abeyance merely acknowledges what Pakistan’s conduct had already destroyed.”

Responding to calls for India and Pakistan to resume talks, Kwatra said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly voiced India’s stand today, ‘Terror and talks cannot go together… Terror and trade cannot go together…. Water and blood cannot flow together.’ Pakistan’s aggressive rhetorical incitement, casting India as a ‘water aggressor,’ betrays the truth that the water scarcity Pakistanis face today is the product of their own government’s mismanagement.”

Kwatra urged the Pakistan government to fix its dismal water productivity instead of holding conferences for blaming India and issuing threats.

“The habit of pinning every domestic failure on its neighbour has grown old. The world should say so, unequivocally. And, if Pakistan does sincerely want India’s cooperation on bilateral issues, it must first dismantle the terror infrastructure that it has built.”

–IANS

akl/vd

Srinagar, Aug 2 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that India’s greatest strength lies in its young population, which accounts for nearly 65 per cent of the total population.

L-G Sinha attended the launch of the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” at a UT-Level function organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and SKUAST-Kashmir.

The 100-week mega campaign was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a nationwide resolve to secure India’s future by empowering its youth and eliminating the menace of drugs.

Addressing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that India’s greatest strength lies in its young population, with nearly 65 per cent below the age of 35.

He also highlighted that 37 crore youth in the 15-29 age group are eager to contribute to nation-building. “The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan seeks to energise this demographic, guiding them towards healthy lifestyles and active participation in development.

He said India’s youth must emerge like a cloud of energy, spreading across the horizon of development.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2020 by the Prime Minister, is not merely a government programme but a social movement against the drug menace. Its objective is to instil values of self-discipline, positive thinking, and strong determination among citizens.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that over one crore youth are joining the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” at nearly 10,000 locations nationwide, reflecting the collective responsibility of society to protect young people from drugs.

More than 35,000 MY Bharat youth clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, schools, colleges, and industry organisations are participating in the 100-week campaign, which connects youth every Sunday across the country.

The L-G expressed confidence that this initiative will become a milestone in uprooting drugs from society. Congratulating the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, he praised their active participation in the 100-day Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan conducted from April 11 to July 20.

He said this campaign has become a model of success for the entire nation. “The combined efforts of administration, police, social organisations, educational institutions, religious leaders, and citizens proved that even the biggest challenges can be overcome when society unites for a common purpose,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also highlighted the significant achievements of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign.

Around 2,300 FIRs have been registered, 2,600 people arrested, and 1,500 kilograms of narcotics seized. More than 331 properties worth around Rs 200 crore belonging to narco-terrorists and drug smugglers have been attached.

Additionally, over 370 driving licenses and 750 vehicle registrations have been cancelled, with recommendations made to cancel nearly 3,000 Aadhaar cards. The Lieutenant Governor said these actions demonstrate the government’s unwavering policy against the drug network that threatens the future of youth.

“While enforcement remains crucial, public awareness and rehabilitation are equally important. We will soon initiate the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. The pilot project will begin in the two most-affected districts of Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Designed as a three-year rehabilitation cycle, the scheme will focus on medical treatment, counselling, education, skill development, employment, reintegration, and long-term monitoring. I see youth affected by drugs as victims, and we need to ensure their dignity, livelihood, and a meaningful future,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He urged families, teachers, and youth organisations to play a proactive role in guiding youth. “Parents and teachers are the greatest guides and must support youth through dialogue, trust, and encouragement. Volunteers of MY Bharat, Nehru Yuva Kendras, and youth clubs should take the campaign’s message to every village, school, college and community,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor exhorted the youth to stay away from drugs, inspire peers, and become healthy, disciplined, and responsible citizens. He expressed confidence that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will dispel the darkness of drugs and spread the light of knowledge, progress, and positive energy.

“A healthy youth, a strong family, and an aware public will become the identity of Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also administered the Nasha Mukt Yuva Pledge to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Nitin Hangloo, Director, Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) J&K; senior officials, members of Youth Clubs, Nehru Yuva Kendras, prominent citizens, and youth in large numbers attended the UT-level function.

–IANS

sq/dpb

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) India’s installed solar power capacity has surged by a massive 50-fold from a mere 3 GW in 2014 to scale the 162.15 GW mark till June 30, 2026, marking the dawn of a new era in renewable energy, according to a factsheet issued by the government on Sunday.

The country added 37 GW of solar capacity in 2025, surpassing the United States in annual additions to emerge as the world’s second-largest solar growth market, it said.

One of the most significant developments in the solar sector has been the decline in power tariffs over the past decade. This was driven by bidding through the e-Reverse Auction mechanism, where developers compete to supply electricity at the lowest tariff. As more developers participated, the tariffs declined from around Rs 18 per unit in 2010 to a record-low of Rs 2.44 per unit.

The decline in tariffs has made solar power increasingly affordable. As a result, India has emerged as one of the world’s lowest-cost solar power markets. In 2025, the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) from utility-scale solar PV stood at $35 per MWh, well below the global average of $44 per MWh.

India’s solar sector has received a major boost with the approval of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) on July 31, 2026. The scheme aims to support 5,000 MW of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects with co-located Energy Storage Systems (ESS). The ESS with a minimum storage capacity of two hours (10,000 MWh) will further help states manage peak demand. By utilising existing reservoirs and industrial ponds, the scheme will reduce pressure on scarce land resources. It will also improve grid reliability through integrated energy storage. With an outlay of Rs 5,070 crore, the scheme will be implemented from FY 2026– 27 to FY 2030– 31.

Large solar projects in India contribute 118.79 GW of installed capacity. Some of the large solar projects include the Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan), Pavagada Solar Park (Karnataka), and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park (Madhya Pradesh). Rooftop solar systems connected to the electricity grid contribute another 27.88 GW. The remaining capacity comes from hybrid solar projects and off-grid solar systems. Hybrid projects combine solar power with battery storage or other power sources, while Off-grid systems provide electricity in areas not connected to the grid.

Total non-fossil fuel capacity reached 283.46 GW, including 274.68 GW of renewable energy capacity. On 29 July 2025, renewable energy sources met 51.5 per cent of India’s electricity demand, the highest monthly share recorded so far.

At COP26 in Glasgow, India announced the Panchamrit goals, which include 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. These commitments were reflected in India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

–IANS

sps/vd

Bhopal, Aug 2 (IANS) The southwest monsoon is poised to regain strength across Madhya Pradesh, with a fresh spell of rainfall expected to commence around August 4-5, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal centre experts.

While no heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for the next 48 hours, light rain or drizzle is likely in several parts of the state over the next two days.

Following this spell of light to moderate showers, intense rainfall is anticipated from August 4-5, particularly in the northern and eastern districts. Heavy rain alerts have been issued for Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Maihar, Sidhi, Umaria, Shahdol and Anuppur on August 4. Similar warnings cover Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa and Mauganj on August 5.

Weather summary based on Sunday observation showed rainfall at many places in the Indore, Narmadapuram, Ujjain and Gwalior divisions, at a few places in Bhopal division, and at isolated locations in the Chambal, Rewa, Jabalpur, Shahdol and Sagar divisions. The rest of the state remained largely dry.

Maximum temperatures fell appreciably by up to 2.8 degrees Celsius in Ujjain division districts, while minimum temperatures showed no significant change statewide. The highest maximum temperature recorded was 36.0 degrees Celsius at Khajuraho (Chhatarpur), and the lowest minimum was 17.8 degrees Celsius at Khargone.

Gusty winds reached 50 km/h in Morena and 47 km/h in Gwalior. Thunderstorms with lightning and rain occurred in large parts of the Narmadapuram, Indore (except Khargone and Khandwa), Ujjain, Bhopal, Rewa, Shahdol and Gwalior divisions, among others.

On Saturday, intermittent rain lashed several districts including Ratlam, Bhopal and Khargone. Ratlam has already received over 13 inches of rainfall this season, filling Hanuman Tal completely. Continuous showers have swollen the Kunda waterfall in Khargone, prompting authorities to ban entry of devotees to the Sirvel Mahadev Temple. Gwalior experienced heavy afternoon rain followed by night-time drizzle.

Despite the ongoing monsoon activity, 43 districts in the state continue to report below-normal rainfall, while only 12 have recorded above-normal amounts. June rainfall was 14 per cent below normal, and July ended approximately 13 per cent deficient.

The seasonal normal for Madhya Pradesh is 37.3 inches, with major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior typically receiving 38-39 inches.

IMD officials estimate that the intensifying spell in the first week of August could help reduce the existing rainfall deficit to some extent.

Farmers have been advised to ensure proper field drainage, avoid irrigation and chemical sprays during rainy periods, protect harvested produce and livestock, and stay updated with official weather advisories.

–IANS

sktr/dpb

Kolkata, Aug 2 (IANS) The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police on Sunday found a tailoring shop owned by Hamim Mondal, a suspected Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (JeM) member, who was arrested from a posh housing colony in Burdwan town in West Bengal’s East Burdwan district.

Sources aware of the development said the shop is located at Pilkhana, a predominantly minority-dominated area in Kolkata-adjacent Howrah district. Apparently, the said shop was mainly involved in minor tailoring-related activities like preparing and stitching clothing tags.

However, sources said, the investigating officials doubt that this shop might be an important point of contact for Mondal with his associates, where the tailoring works were just used as a camouflage.

A state police officer said on condition of anonymity that in his initial days in West Bengal, Mondal stayed at Pilkhana and probably during those days he set up the tailoring shop. However, the cops added, after setting up the shop there, he first shifted to the New Town area in the northern outskirts of Kolkata and subsequently to Burdwan town.

It is learnt that the shop is located at a narrow alley at Alam Mistry Lane in the Pilkhana area. The investigating officials have come to know that in his initial days in West Bengal, Mondal used to stay in a rented one-room flat in a housing complex there.

Meanwhile, Hamim Mondal’s father, Moinuddin Mondal, who also used to reside with his son at Pilkhana, has gone absconding since his son was apprehended by the STF.

As claimed by the local resident to media persons, Hamim Mondal was an extremely reserved person and rarely interacted with people during his stay at Pilkhana. However, the locals have claimed that his absconding father was known to interact at times with the local people. The locals, at the same time, said there were doubts that the absconding person who introduced himself as Hamim’s father was really his father.

Meanwhile, following the integration of Hamim and his arrested aide, Arpita Sarkar, the STF sleuths have revealed that they planned to disrupt the recent protest rally organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

“There were plans to procure police uniforms for this purpose, so that they could mix with the crowd posing as cops and thus create chaos. However, it is not clear whether Hamim or Sarkar went to Jantar Mantar or not, or whether they were ultimately successful in procuring police uniforms,” said STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma on Saturday.

–IANS

src/dpb