Google Offers Free Battery Replacements For Pixel Phones. Check Eligibility

Google is offering a free battery replacement or a compensation of $100 (Rs 8,500) for Pixel 6a users, including in India, experiencing battery drain and overheating issues. The company will also implement a mandatory Android 16 update to all Pixel 6a devices to improve battery efficiency and reduce overheating risks, with rollout starting July 8, 2025.

"The battery replacement program provides one battery replacement at no charge for eligible Pixel 6a devices following an initial eligibility check and physical inspection of your device," said Google.

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Who is eligible and how to check eligibility?

All eligible Pixel 6a users can get their batteries replaced for free at authorised service centres. The users can opt for a cash payout of Rs8,500 via Payoneer or $150 (Rs12,700) in Google Store credit.

Google said that the battery replacement will be available starting July 21, 2025, at walk-in repair centres in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and India. Via mail-in repair service, it will be available for customers in the US and India.

Additional battery replacement capability is expected in Japan, France, some other parts of Europe, and Australia soon.

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Follow these three steps to check eligibility:

Step 1: Visit Google's dedicated eligibility checker page

Step 2: Enter your device's IMEI number

Step 3: Submit the email ID linked to the device

What are the conditions?

Google clarified that devices with liquid damage or significant physical damage may not qualify for the free battery service. Out-of-warranty issues like broken screens may incur a service fee.

"Before we start any repairs, we'll provide a cost estimate. You then have the option to proceed with the repair or have your device returned to you," noted Google.

"Payments will be converted to your local currency and the final amount will be calculated using the exchange rate in effect at the time you select your support option," it added.

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"Condemning Terrorism Should Be Our Principle, Not Convenience": PM Modi At BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Pakistan for supporting terrorism and thanked nations that stood with India in condemning the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

PM Modi's criticism of Pakistan came during his address at the BRICS Summit in Brazil.

The Pakistan-linked terror attack in Pahalgam had killed 26 tourists, following which India launched Operation Sindoor and smashed terror infrastructure in Pakistan, along with military targets like airbases and anti-aircraft missile systems.

PM Modi told world leaders at the BRICS Summit that India is a victim of terror while Pakistan is a supporter, and so victims and supporters cannot be weighed on the same scale.

He also alluded to those who say or do nothing against the spread of terror for the sake of personal or political gain, and pointed out that giving silent consent to terrorists should not be acceptable.

India has for the umpteenth time shown with clear evidence how Pakistan has been using terror as a State policy by sheltering terrorists on its soil.

India will host the BRICS Summit in 2026.

In a joint declaration, or the 'Rio de Janeiro Declaration', leaders of the BRICS grouping expressed strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens," the joint declaration said, without naming Pakistan.

However, in the 2017 BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen, the BRICS declaration had explicitly named Pakistan-based terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Hizb-ut-Tahrir, as regional security concerns. Pakistan itself was not named directly though.

"... We look forward to further deepening counter-terrorism cooperation. We call for an expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN framework. We call for concerted actions against all UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities," the Rio de Janeiro Declaration said.

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"False": Police On Pune Techie's 'Rape By Delivery Agent' Complaint

The rape complaint lodged by a 22-year-old IT professional in Pune, who alleged that a 'delivery agent' had entered her flat and sprayed some chemical rendering her unconscious before committing the 'crime', was false and misleading, a top police officer said on Sunday.

She had also claimed that the man clicked a selfie using her phone and typed a message threatening to circulate her photos if she disclosed the "incident".

The case took a dramatic turn after the investigation revealed that the 'delivery agent' was the friend of the woman who visited the flat with her consent. Police ruled out forced entry and the use of spray.

"The evidence, including phone chats, the sequence of events, mobile communication, and the conduct of the woman points out that it is not a case of rape. The complaint filed by her was entirely false and misleading," Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar told reporters.

Police are yet to decide the potential action against the woman, Kumar added.

The motive of the woman is being investigated, police said.

The woman had earlier told the investigators that her unstable mental condition prompted her to make the false claim of rape.

Addressing a function after inaugurating a police beat, Mr Kumar lamented the circulation of "narratives" portraying Pune as an unsafe city for women.

Within 24 hours, police established that the case was entirely false and misleading, he added.

"A complaint of a serious crime was registered two days back which spawned narratives about the law and order situation in Pune and questioned the safety of women," he said.

Mr Kumar reiterated that Pune remains a safe city for women and urged people not to spread false information.

"Pune Police are committed to maintaining law and order, and we will continue to strengthen the safety with the support of citizens," he added.

The woman had claimed that an unidentified man who posed as a courier delivery agent entered her flat in the Kondhwa area on Wednesday evening when she was alone, and forced himself on her. She passed out, and when she regained consciousness, he was gone, she had stated in her complaint.

The woman told the police that the "accused", before leaving, clicked a selfie using her phone in which her back and a part of his face are seen, and left a message warning that he had taken her pictures and would release them on social media if she reported the incident.

The investigation, however, revealed that neither was there any sign of forced entry nor any spray that could be used on the victim, the police commissioner had said.

Moreover, the selfie in question was taken with the consent of both, and it was the victim who edited the photo and typed a threatening message on her phone after he left her place around 8.30 pm on Wednesday, the officer said.

Police obtained a clear image of the accused from CCTV cameras installed on the society premises. However, when the picture was shown to the woman, she refused to identify him.

"Despite this, our teams continued working from various angles to trace the suspect, as no one other than this individual had accessed the particular floor where the woman lives. We also showed the photo to residents of the housing society, but none of them recognised him," Kumar had said.

Police detained the man after tracking the movement of his motorcycle across localities and analysing volumes of footage sourced from five to six CCTV cameras.

During questioning, he told police that he had visited the woman's house on Wednesday night with her consent.

"She was aware that he was coming over, and he was not posing as a courier delivery agent. There was no forced entry, and no spray was used. He was known to the victim," the top police officer had said.

Police served a notice to the man and allowed him to go on Friday evening. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Amid Uproar, Poll Body's Big Decision On Documents For Bihar Roll Revision

In a major decision following scathing criticism by opposition parties, the Election Commission has said voters can get verified in the electoral rolls as part of the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar even without submitting the mandatory documents. If the documents are not given, the Electoral Registrar Officer will carry out verification based on investigation at the local level.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which is being carried out months ahead of the Assembly elections in Bihar, has been criticised by the opposition, which has said crores of voters risk being left out and even termed the exercise a "conspiracy" to ensure the BJP wins. One of the key sticking points for the opposition is the fact that the Election Commission (EC) made submitting at least one of 11 documents a must for verification. 

The documents being accepted include birth certificates, passports, identity cards or pension payment orders issued to government employees or pensioners, permanent residence certificates, forest right certificates, caste certificates, family register prepared by state and local authorities, and land or house allotment certificates issued by the government. Aadhaar is not part of the list. 

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav had told NDTV earlier this week that, according to the Government of India, only two to three per cent of people have these documents. "This is clearly a conspiracy to remove crores of people from the voter list... The Constitution has given everyone the right to vote," he had said.

His views have been echoed by other opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena,  and the Left parties. 

Verification Process

In a poster on the enumeration forms, the Election Commission has now said that the Electoral Registration Officer can take a decision on verification for the rolls even without the documents being submitted.

"If the necessary documents and photo are not available, then just fill the enumeration form and provide it to the Booth Level Officer," the poster says.

It adds, crucially, that, "If you are unable to provide the necessary documents, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) can take a decision on the basis of local investigation or evidence of other documents."

Sources in the Election Commission said the EROs will go to the spot and meet the voters who have not submitted documents. They will ensure that the person filling the form is 18 years old, get information about their residence period, talk to people living in the area and decide on the basis of available evidence and other documents.

According to data from the Election Department, 1.21 crore voters in Bihar have filled and submitted enumeration forms so far. Of these, 23.9 lakh have been uploaded. 

The forms are supposed to be submitted by July 25.

The Election Commission had earlier made it clear that 4.96 crore voters - accounting for 60 per cent of total electors - who were listed in the 2003 special intensive revision need not submit any supporting document.

The poll body has also maintained that the exercise is being conducted in a transparent manner and "every eligible citizen will be a part" of the voters' list.

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Gambhir's "Retire Ho Gaya" Comment On Rohit On Kapil Sharma Show Is Viral

The Indian dressing room is without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli these days. Both greats have retired from Tests and T20Is, and ODI is the only format where they are playing. The side that is playing in England currently is pretty young with KL Rahul being the senior-most member. Amid the India vs England Test series, a video clip from a Netflix broadcast of a 'Kapil Sharma Show' episode involving Rishabh Pant, Yuzvendra Chahal and Gautam Gambhir is going viral.   

"In most families there is a jethani who's calling the shots. Who is such a player? Someone who orders everyone, even if they're just taking advantage of their seniority," Kapil Sharma can be seen asking the cricketers. 

"Rohit bhai is like that," Rishabh Pant said.

"Maine kaha, Rohit ka naam lele, abb toh retire ho gaya (Take Rohit's name, he's retired now)," Gambhir said with a smile on his face. 

Look how happily this guy is saying "ab toh retire hogya" , and you want me to believe he isn't behind it pic.twitter.com/jO5JlDZKdO

— Dev 🇮🇳 (@time__square) July 5, 2025

Ahead of the second Test against England in Edgbaston, India captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir brought back an old tradition that was missing during the team's tour of Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sources informed NDTV that captain Shubman Gill hosted a team dinner with the entire squad on Sunday, ahead of the second Test against England. The intent behind the activity was to strengthen team bonding, considering the number of newcomers the team has. The decision comes as a welcome move, as no such activity was held in Australia under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma.

As India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the lack of 'team spirit' in the group was categorically called out, with head coach Gambhir reportedly not being happy seeing the team being divided into different groups.

With Gill as the new coach, Gambhir seems to have ensured that the trend breaks and an old custom returns.

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Why Diljit Dosanjh Is In Border 2 Despite Film Body Ban

Diljit Dosanjh was at the receiving end of a social media backlash after the trailer of his recently released Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3, also featuring Pakistani actress Hania Aamir, dropped online. The film released overseas on June 27, 2025.

Following the controversy, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) had expressed disappointment and concern about the casting of actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh in the upcoming film Border 2.

Latest update from India Today suggests that Diljit Dosanjh will continue to be a part of Border 2. The development comes after film's producer Bhushan Kumar made a special request to the film body to make an exception as the movie is nearing the completion of its shooting.

What's Happening

• Amid the Hania Aamir-Sardaar Ji 3 row, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) appealed to Border 2 makers to oust Diljit Dosanjh from the upcoming film.
• The FWICE had sent a letter to Border 2 producers Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, T-Series, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta Producers, JP Films, and director Anurag Singh.
• BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, told India Today why they allowed Diljit Dosanjh to be a part of Border 2 despite the ban.
• He said, "We met Bhushan Kumar a couple of times, and he shared with us how they had almost completed the shoot of the film. Only a small portion of the song remained to be shot at the NDA (National Defence Academy). He requested that it would cause a lot of difficulties for the production if they had to replace Diljit now. This is why we decided to revoke the ban on Border 2."
• Tiwari added, "Bhushan ji and his team were quite keen on taking a decision which is pro-country, but he also explained to us that the film is nearly 80-85 per cent complete. Most of the work with Diljit is over. So, he requested the federation to allow him to complete this film, and in the future, he will never cast him. That was the request he made, and he will be issuing a letter to us on the same." 
• The film body then came to the conclusion that they could not let producers incur financial losses.
• Tiwari said, "The federation will not bow down and hence will not be responsible for the heavy losses which will be suffered by the producers who decide to work with it in the future. As of now, we have taken a call to support our producer in this situation."
• Speaking for the remaining cast of Border 2, they said, "There's Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty in the film, whom we have always supported. They also have a bigger role in the film. We have had a cordial relationship with the production house, and hence decided to let it go. Also, this film doesn't have any Pakistani actors, and talks about national integrity and our army. These were the reasons we considered their request and allowed the team to continue with Diljit."
• Earlier this week, Diljit Dosanjh put all rumours about his exit from Border 2 to rest after he shared a BTS video from the sets of the film.

FWICE's Letter To Team Border 2

On June 23, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) expressed strongest condemnation and outrage against actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu and director Amar Hundal for casting Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in their upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3.

Following which they sent a letter to Bhushan Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, T-Series, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta Producers, JP Films, and director Anurag Singh, to remove Diljit Dosanjh from Border 2.

The letter read, "The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), representing the core workforce of the Indian film and television industry, is deeply disappointed and concerned by the casting of actor-singer Mr Diljit Dosanjh in your upcoming film Border 2 produced under the banner of JP Films in collaboration with T-Series and directed by Mr Anurag Singh."

Calling the casting decision "a blatant violation" of FWICE's official directive to boycott Mr Diljit Dosanjh, which was issued after his unpatriotic act of working with a Pakistani actress, Ms Hania Aamir, in the film Sardaar Ji 3.

The letter added, "By choosing to collaborate with an artist who has so brazenly ignored the ongoing tensions and national sentiment, your production has directly undermined the stand taken by the Indian film industry in solidarity with the nation."

Asserting how "disturbing" it is that a film like Border 2, which is supposed to honour the valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, has engaged an individual who has recently chosen to prioritise personal gain over national respect by associating with talent from a hostile nation. This not only defeats the spirit of the film but also sends a disheartening message to every Indian."

In A Nutshell

After Bhushan Kumar, producer of Border 2, requested FWICE for a special permission, they lifted the ban on Diljit Dosanjh for Border 2. However, they will continue to boycott him and not let filmmakers collaborate with him in the future.

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Man Made To Pay 10% Interest Per Month For 3.8 Lakhs Loan, Dies By Suicide

In a case of alleged usury and harassment, a 33-year-old small entrepreneur, Vikram, died by suicide in Puducherry, after he was unable to cope with relentless pressure from private moneylenders charging exorbitant interest. Vikram, who also worked at a chicken shop to support his family, had become immobile after an accident-leaving him unable to repay loans.

According to police sources, Vikram left a suicide note naming several moneylenders who, he said, drove him to take the extreme step. The letter mentions shocking instances of harassment and alleged exploitation, including a deeply offensive demand by one moneylender, who allegedly told Vikram to send his wife and daughter to his house until the dues were cleared.

In the note, Vikram reportedly wrote that for a loan of Rs 3.8 lakh, he was paying Rs 38,000 per month as interest, a staggering 10% monthly interest rate. Another moneylender, he alleged, demanded Rs 6,000 in interest every month for a Rs 30,000 loan.

The harassment reportedly intensified after Vikram became bedridden following the accident, pushing him and his family into a spiral of debt, fear, and desperation.

Vikram was a local functionary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the political outfit recently launched by actor Vijay. In his note, he made a heart-wrenching appeal to the actor to look after his wife and daughter, underscoring the depth of his helplessness.

Police have launched an investigation into the allegations and are verifying the identities and activities of the named moneylenders. No arrests have been made so far.

The case has reignited concerns over unchecked usury in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where informal lending networks often operate beyond legal limits, especially targeting small entrepreneurs and vulnerable families.

Authorities have promised a thorough probe, and Vikram's death has triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for immediate action to curb illegal moneylending and provide justice to the victim's family.

Helplines
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health	9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS iCall	022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)

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3 Indians Kidnapped Amid Attacks By Al Qaeda-Linked Terror Group In Mali

India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali amid a series of terrorist attacks in various parts of the West African country.

A day after the Indians were abducted, New Delhi on Wednesday called upon the Mali government to take all necessary measures to secure their "safe and expeditious" release.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its "deep concern" regarding the abduction of Indians, employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.

"The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages," the MEA said.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the kidnappings.

Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks across Mali on Tuesday.

The MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in "close and constant" communication with the relevant authorities, local law enforcement agencies as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory.

It said the mission is also in touch with the family members of the abducted Indian nationals.

"The government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals," the MEA said in a statement.

"Senior officials of the ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian nationals," it said.

The MEA also advised all Indians currently residing in Mali to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance.

The ministry said it will extend all possible support to Indians and "remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest". PTI MPB KVK KVK

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"This Amount Is Nothing...": Hasin Jahan's Big Comment On Shami's Alimony

Cricketer Mohammed Shami's estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, has said that Calcutta High Court directions to the Indian pacer to pay her and daughter a monthly alimony of Rs 4 lakh as maintenance is a "victory" for her after "a long battle". Calcutta High Court has directed Indian pacer Mohammed Shami to pay his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, and daughter a monthly alimony of Rs 4 lakh as maintenance. Jahan will have to be paid Rs 1.50 lakh per month, while the daughter will get Rs 2.50 lakh per month. Jahan, a former model, married Mohammed Shami in 2014.

The couple had a daughter in 2015. Mohammed Shami and Hasin Jahan separated in 2018 after she accused him of domestic violence. They have been in the midst of a divorce case since and legal battle regarding alimony.

"I am thankful to God that I finally got victory after fighting such a long battle... Now I will be able to give my daughter a good education and maintain her life easily... If you see the life Shami leads, the status he maintains, his earnings, this amount is nothing in comparison to that... We had demanded Rs 10 lakhs from the court around seven years ago. Since then, Shami's income and inflation have both increased," Hasin Jahan said.

"The status with which he leads his life, my daughter and I also have the right to maintain the same status," she added.

Jahan's advocate Imtiaz Ahmed confirmed on Wednesday that Shami will be required to pay a monthly alimony of Rs 4 lakh as maintenance to Jahan and said there is a high chance the maintenance might be upgraded to Rs 6 lakh.

Imtiaz Ahmed said it was "the best moment" for Hasin Jahan.

"From 2018 to 2024, she had been running from pillar to post. Ultimately, it was pronounced in open court yesterday that Rs 1.5 lakh would be provided for Hasin Jahan, Rs 2.5 lakh for the daughter (both to be paid monthly), and that any time the daughter requires assistance, it would be provided by Mohammed Shami," he said.

"The High Court has directed the trial court to dispose of the main application of the interim order within six months. There is a high chance that when they return to the trial court to conclude the hearing on maintenance, it might be upgraded to Rs 6 lakh because the claim of Hasin Jahan in her maintenance application was for Rs 7 lakh and Rs 3 lakh," he added.

Earlier, in 2018, Hasin Jahan had accused the cricketer of domestic violence. She had filed a petition in the Alipore court, accusing Shami and his family of harassing her. Jahan had demanded Rs 7 lakh per month from the pacer to maintain the family.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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BCCI Shoots Off Stern Letter To RCB Over Bengaluru Stampede

IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have landed in further trouble after BCCI Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra directed the franchise, along with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), to file written submissions over gross negligence during the team's victory celebrations in Bengaluru, which led to the death of 11 people. The Ombudsman has granted RCB and KSCA four weeks to respond, following an official complaint filed by IPS officer Vikas Kumar. PTI is in possession of a copy of the Ombudsman's directive.

The complainant has also urged the Ombudsman to bar the current owners from selling the franchise until the investigation into the tragedy is complete.

"Looking at the gravity of the incident, it is considered appropriate that the Karnataka (State) Cricket Association, as well as the concerned franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore be asked to submit their written replied to the complaint," Justice Mishra wrote in his directive.

"This complaint has been filed in relation to the unfortunate stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 04.06.2025. Complaint alleges gross negligence and violation of safety norms by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. Complainant submits that accountability must be fixed. Prayer has been made for the suspension of the RCB franchise and for invalidating ongoing sale negotiations." Justice (Retired) Mishra in his directive also mentioned that complainant Kumar would get 10 days time to give a rejoinder to the respondents.

"Let the KSCA and RCB file their respective written replies to the complaint within four weeks, with copy to the complainant as well. Showing cause why the reliefs prayed for and specified in rules be not granted. Rejoinder if any may be filed within 10 days thereafter with copy to the respondents." One of the possible reasons for seeking a written explanation from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be the growing speculation within IPL circles that the franchise is considering a sale, with the current owners allegedly attempting to distance themselves from the recent tragedy.

"Apprehension has been expressed that the franchise may be attempting to distance itself from accountability and possibly offload ownership to avoid potential consequences. In the meantime, status quo be maintained," it stated.

Recently the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) also deemed RCB responsible for the massive crowd gathering that led to the death of 11 fans including women and children.

The Tribunal had also quashed the Karnataka government's suspension order against senior IPS officer Kumar, who faced the action in the wake of a fatal stampede. Kumar had subsequently challenged the decision of the Karnataka State government.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"I'm Transport Minister": How Illegal Bike Taxi Op Was Exposed In Mumbai

Illegal bike taxis are not functional in Mumbai, Transport Minister of Maharashtra Pratap Sarnaik was told by a senior official. However, rather than taking this at face value, he decided to test the claim. How? He booked a ride himself from Mantralaya to Dadar using the Rapido app, using a different name.

In the next ten minutes, the bike reached his location to pick him up. He offered Rs 500 as fare to the driver of that bike while telling him that bike taxis were illegal in Mumbai. "I am the Transport Minister. These rules are for your benefit," the minister was heard saying to the visibly surprised rider.

"You came here, for that I am giving you Rs 500," he said. However, the rider refused to accept the money.

मंत्रालय येथूनचं ट्रॅप ऑपरेशन - अनधिकृत रॅपिडो बाईक टॅक्सी सेवांवर थेट कारवाई...#PratapSarnaik #TransportMinister#MaharashtraTransport #ActionAgainstIllegalBikeTaxi@rapidobikeapp pic.twitter.com/K81GiHydIb

— Pratap Baburao Sarnaik (@PratapSarnaik) July 2, 2025

No action was taken against the rider. "We will not gain anything by filing a case against a poor person like you. But the people behind the illegal operation should be punished. That is our intention," the minister said.

The state government is yet to grant official permission to any app-based bike aggregator to operate in Maharashtra.

As per the recently announced e-bike policy, only companies that comply with specific norms to operate services in cities with a population of more than 1 lakh are allowed. The government has yet to notify the rules, which makes such services illegal.

However, when the minister asked the official to cross-check whether the illegal bike taxi application and services were operational, the official assured that the app and service were not operational. He said, in an "official" answer, that there were no unauthorised bike taxi apps in Mumbai or other cities.

Last month, the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner's office lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Rapido and Uber companies at Azad Maidan police station for allegedly operating bike taxis illegally.

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India-US Trade Talks In Advanced Stage, Farm Products A Hurdle: Official

The India-US trade negotiations are at an advanced stage and a consensus on an interim deal is within reach, a key official told NDTV on Tuesday, adding that Washington's demands on agricultural products are proving to be a hurdle. 

Indo-American Chamber of Commerce Executive Council Member Sunil Jain spoke to the channel on Tuesday, a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was reported as having said that agriculture and dairy are "big red lines" for India in the trade talks.

"The deal has progressed a lot and the chief negotiators of India are extending their stay in the US and trying to complete the deal. I think the two areas where the deal is getting stuck are related to agricultural products. Agriculture is the lifeline of the Indian GDP and Indian people. It is very difficult for us to import agricultural products. There are many difficulties and sensitivities involved," Mr Jain said in Hindi. 

"The second thing is that the products the US sells to us are genetically modified products, which are banned in India. Till date, no law has been enacted in India to allow these products. So, it is very difficult for us to import maize, cotton, soya, almonds, apples, etc. The US is telling us to make a deal on these products," he added.

The negotiations between India and the US entered the sixth day in Washington on Tuesday. The Indian team, headed by Rajesh Agrawal, special secretary in the Department of Commerce,  was initially scheduled to stay for two days.

The extension is important because US President Donald Trump's 26% reciprocal tariffs had been suspended for 90 days till July 9. The baseline tariffs of 10%, though, are still in place. 

"I think both countries can keep this obstacle aside and move forward with other products. For the US, exports of auto components, aluminium and steel from India are a problem. I think we should make a deal and keep some products out of it... We can debate and come to an agreement on these products after three to four months," he said. 

If this can be worked out, the executive council member said, a large part of India's exports to the US will be saved from the reciprocal tariffs, but the base tariff of 10% is likely to remain. 

"The zero tariff trade will be settled only after September-October. But, even if we work with 10% as the base tariff, it is fine for the country... If there is any bilateral trade agreement, it will have to involve give and take. So, we will move forward and America will move forward. Both are the largest democracies in the world and they will have to move together," Mr Jain said.

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Tortured For "300 Gold Sovereigns", Newlywed Woman Dies By Suicide

A 27-year-old woman, who was married only about two and a half months ago, has died by suicide after holding her husband and in-laws responsible for her decision to end her life, police said on Monday.

Just before she ended her life by consuming pesticide, the woman, Rithanya, in an audio message to her father, alleged that her husband, Kavinkumar, tortured her physically. She alleged that her father-in-law Easwaramurthy and mother-in-law Chitradevi caused her mental torture.

The victim's father alleged that her husband and in-laws demanded dowry, and problems began just about 15 days following the wedding. He told reporters that her daughter had to endure "physical, mental and monetary torture." Her in-laws harassed her, stating that her father assured "300-500 sovereigns gold" but she had brought less to her matrimonial home.

On such allegations of dowry harassment, a police officer said the accused would be charged with that offence only if the inquiry by the RDO recommends such an action.

On June 28, the woman parked her car on the roadside at Chettipudur near Sevur, about 12 kms from Avinashi in Tiruppur, and consumed poison. Local people alerted police after finding the car parked for a long time, police said.

Further, in that message, she allegedly said that her marriage to Kavin was actually a "plan." It was hatched by her husband and his family.

"It is very much a torture daily, daily; they are assaulting me mentally. Physically, he (Kavinkumar) is torturing me," she said, weeping in her message.

She said she did not think that it was possible to continue with such a life. "You (father) and mom are my world," the young woman is heard saying in the audio, adding her parents' dreams for her did not realize.

Finally, before ending her life, she sought forgiveness from her parents.

The woman's husband and his parents were arrested subsequently, and the Revenue Divisional Officer initiatedan inquiry into the death. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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