A study by IIT Ropar has refuted claims made by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) regarding the reduction in water storage capacity of the Gobind Sagar reservoir due to siltation. According to the team led by Dr. Reet Tiwari, the storage loss is significantly lower than BBMB's estimates. The study recorded a 38% reduction in reservoir capacity against BBMB's estimate of 47%, and annual silt inflow was found to be 31 million cubic meters compared to the board's 39 million. BBMB officials attributed the accuracy of the IIT study to the use of advanced techniques like bathymetric surveys and drone mapping. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/nation/bbmbs-claims-about-gad-rejected/

During the third day of the Miri-Piri Khalsa March in Tarn Taran, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj emphasized that national unity is the greatest strength of the Sikh community and Sri Akal Takht Sahib remains their spiritual center. He condemned those preventing devotees from joining religious events as violating human rights. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stated the march aims to spread the message of Guru Sahib regarding social justice and de-addiction, and announced plans for memorials dedicated to Bhai Gurdas Ji and Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Ji. https://www.ptcnews.tv/news-in-punjabi/national-unity-of-sri-akal-takht-sahib-is-greatest-strength-of-sikhs-giani-kuldeep-singh-gargajj-4427354

Heavy rains and floods have caused significant damage across India. In Assam, 10 people died in the last 24 hours, bringing the annual flood toll to 41. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are on high alert with heavy rainfall warnings for numerous districts. Tragic casualties were reported in Jammu and Kashmir where a mother and son were swept away by floodwaters. The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts for several states including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh as monsoon systems remain active. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/chandigarh-news/230726/up-mp-heavy-rain-alert.html

Meta has apologized to the Indian government for accidentally removing a Facebook video featuring PM Narendra Modi due to a technical glitch. The video, uploaded on July 23, addressed students regarding strict actions against paper leaks. Although Meta has restored the content and expressed regret, the Central Government has initiated an investigation to verify the technical explanation provided by the social media giant. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/national/meta-apologizes-for-removing-pm-narendra-modi-video-from-facebook/3277013

A viral AI-generated video falsely claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the government would buy back old 20 rupee notes has been debunked by PIB Fact Check. The government has clarified that no such announcement was made and warned citizens against sharing personal and financial details on unverified platforms. For authentic information on government schemes, users are advised to visit official portals. https://punjabi.abplive.com/business/pib-fact-check-news-know-if-government-is-replacing-old-20-rupees-note-pm-modi-viral-video-876650

Punjab Congress MPs, including Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, protested outside Parliament against paper leak cases and police action on sanitation workers in Punjab. They accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of lying about zero paper leaks, claiming six incidents occurred under AAP's rule affecting 5 lakh students. The MPs demanded the resignation of the concerned minister and an apology from the CM. https://sanjhisoch.com/%E0%A8%95%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%82%E0%A8%97%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%B8%E0%A9%80-%E0%A8%B8%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%A6-%E0%A8%AE%E0%A9%88%E0%A8%82%E0%A8%AC%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%82-%E0%A8%B5%E0%A9%B1%E0%A8%B2/

The Indian government has approved the Reserve Bank of India's plan to conduct a trial of polymer (plastic) bank notes. Under this pilot project, 200 crore notes of ₹10 and ₹20 denominations will be printed. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the Lok Sabha that if the trial succeeds, these notes will be issued regularly. Importantly, the existing paper currency will continue to remain legal tender and will not be discontinued. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/nation/270726/plastic-notes-of-10-and-20-denominations-will-soon-be-in-circulation-i.html

Thousands of pensioners under the Pensioners Joint Front held a massive state-level protest rally in Sangrur, Punjab. They are protesting against the state government for freezing dearness allowance, delaying 6th Pay Commission recommendations, and complex pension portal processes. The protesters marched towards the Finance Minister's residence, leading to heavy police deployment. They warned the AAP government of political consequences in the 2027 elections if their demands regarding medical bills and pending payments are not met. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/sangrur/punjab-news-state-level-protest-rally-continues-in-sangrur-under-the-leadership-of-pensioner-joint-front/

Monsoon has intensified in Punjab and Chandigarh, leading to a 3-degree Celsius drop in average temperatures. The Meteorological Department has issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts. Sri Anandpur Sahib recorded the highest rainfall at 81.5 mm. Rain is expected to continue until August 3, with warnings of potential waterlogging in low-lying areas. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/punjab/290726/punjab-weather-update.html