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/

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

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

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

Actress and MP Kangana Ranaut has sparked a controversy by criticizing the GenZ generation. During an event, she compared today's youth to 'cockroaches,' stating that their actions match their nicknames. This remark highlights her dissatisfaction with the lifestyle and behavior of the younger generation, leading to widespread discussion on social media. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/kangana-ranaut-on-cjp-party-genz-990851.html

The Miri-Piri Khalsa March, which started from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, reached Gurdwara Sri Goindwal Sahib on its third day. Led by acting Jathedar Kuldip Singh Garhraj, the march received a warm welcome from the devotees. The Jathedar prayed for the prosperity of the Sikh community and urged the youth to embrace the Sikh identity and connect with Gurbani. After an overnight stay at Gurdwara Baoli Sahib, the march is scheduled to proceed to its next destination on July 27 at 9 AM. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/punjab/miri-piri-khalsa-march-reaches-baoli-sahib/

Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has written to the DGP Punjab to return his official security cover. He requested that the 6 personnel deployed with him be shifted to Lohian and Sultanpur Lodhi police stations to tackle rising crime and staff shortages. He highlighted concerns over drug cases and theft incidents, including 8 robberies in a single night in Seechewal village, stating that public safety is more important than his personal security. https://punjab.news18.com/news/punjab/sant-balbir-singh-seechewal-returns-security-punjab-dgp-letter-skm-990713.html

Sawan 2026 will start on July 30 and conclude on August 28. Based on Udaya Tithi, the holy month dedicated to Lord Shiva begins on Thursday. The four Mondays of Sawan will fall on August 3, 10, 17, and 24. Devotees perform Shivalinga Abhishekam and observe fasts during this period for spiritual growth and prosperity. Shravan Purnima starts on August 27 and ends on August 28. https://punjabi.abplive.com/religion/sawan-2026-know-date-time-shubh-muhurat-sawan-somwar-list-shravan-kab-se-hai-sawan-876769

Rajinder Singh, a 24-year-old hockey player from Santnagar, has been selected for the Indian national hockey team for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. The tournament will be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 14 to August 30, 2026. Rajinder, who plays as a midfielder, has previously represented India in the Asia Cup and participated in various national leagues. His family and village are celebrating this achievement as he currently trains in Bengaluru. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/sports/hockey-world-cup-2026-rajinder-singh-of-santnagar-village-selected-for-indian-team/