The Election Commission rejected a citizens' platform analysis criticising voter turnout figures in the Lok Sabha elections. It dismissed it as a "false campaign" to discredit the polls. Congress had raised concerns over significant discrepancies in turnout percentages between initial and final figures, particularly in states like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The EC stated that challenges to election outcomes should be through legitimate means like an election petition, noting a decrease in such filings compared to previous years.
Neethu Jojo, an employee in Wayanad, raised the first alarm about a landslide on July 30, but unfortunately lost her life before rescue teams could arrive. Her heartfelt plea for assistance, though crucial, couldn't prevent the tragedy. Her family members survived the disaster while efforts to reach her were thwarted by blocked paths and debris.
Sri Lanka secured a 32-run win against India in the second ODI in Colombo, thanks to Jeffrey Vandersay's six-wicket haul. India, chasing 241, were bowled out for 208, with Rohit Sharma top-scoring with 64. Charith Asalanka supported with three wickets, setting up an exciting series decider.
Netflix will stream "Sakamoto Days" weekly from January 2025. The anime follows Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman turned store owner, as he protects his family from his past.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the government's proposed amendments to the Wakf Act, arguing that it would undermine the legal status and powers of Waqf boards. The amendments aim to improve accountability and include women in these bodies. The Board plans to take legal and democratic measures to oppose the changes.
Imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, blaming the military for his ouster and incarceration, emphasised the importance of maintaining good relations with the army. He stated it would be "foolish" not to do so due to the military's significant role. Despite his criticisms, Khan expressed willingness to engage in conditional negotiations with the military for the betterment of Pakistan. He rejected the idea of an out-of-court settlement unless his party's election victory is acknowledged.
Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh is set to add to his impressive resume with his upcoming spy thriller, Black Bag. Celebrated for his prolific and groundbreaking work over the past few decades, Soderbergh has left fans eagerly awaiting this new project.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a "multi-front war" with Iran and its proxies, as the U.S. and allies prepared to defend Israel and prevent an escalating conflict. Tensions rose following violence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, with threats of retaliation. Israel is on high alert, with diplomatic efforts ongoing. Attacks and casualties continue in Gaza and Lebanon, while international concern grows over the situation.
At inter-se bidding held on Saturday (August 3), Omkara ARC gave the highest offer of Rs 652 crore, outbidding government-promoted National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL). For IDBI Bank, the distressed portfolio sale equates to a recovery of 10.5%, which will be reflected in its second-quarter earnings.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed his respect for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as an individual and professional relations with her, but criticised the "politician Mamata Banerjee." He highlighted their differences and legal actions taken against defamation allegations. The Governor denied pending bills and criticised the state's financial management, requesting a White Paper from the government to assess the situation before considering any constitutional actions.
Bharat Dynamics Limited has received production clearance from the Indian Air Force for 200 Astra Mark 1 air-to-air missiles, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. These missiles will be integrated with Su-30 and LCA Tejas fighter jets. Future tests include the Astra Mark 2 with a 130 km range and a long-range variant reaching 300 km.
Key parliamentary panels, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), have been formed through consensus rather than elections this term. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to appoint chairpersons soon. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and team facilitated consensus appointments. 15 Lok Sabha and 7 Rajya Sabha members were nominated to the PAC after withdrawals.
In Bangladesh, student-led protests against government hiring rules turned violent, resulting in over 260 deaths. Escalating tensions saw clashes between protesters and government supporters, with schools and universities closing nationwide. Despite efforts from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to restore order, significant unrest continued, fueled by key court decisions and military statements.
The killing of Hamas's political leader in an attack blamed on Israel has heightened concerns of a broader regional conflict and disrupted efforts to end the long-running Gaza war. Qatar's mediation efforts with Hamas have been impacted, with doubts raised over the future of talks following the assassination of the Palestinian negotiator. Netanyahu's alleged obstruction of a Gaza ceasefire has further complicated negotiations, with recent talks in Cairo failing to yield progress.
Israeli airstrikes targeted two schools in Gaza City, killing at least 30 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. The military stated the schools were used by Hamas for operations. This continues a pattern of strikes on educational institutions in the ongoing conflict, contributing to a rising death toll.
The government prepared to introduce a Bill to amend the Wakf Act, 1995, targeting increased transparency and accountability for Waqf boards. The Bill, responding to community demands, would require property revaluation, land verification, and mandatory inclusion of women in the boards. The proposed changes were aimed at addressing longstanding issues and complaints against these boards.
Delhi Police arrested Sanjeev Jain, director and CEO of a Parsvnath Developers subsidiary, due to non-bailable warrants for not appearing before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The arrest came following a chase from IGI airport to Delhi after being informed by local sources at his Gurugram residence. Jain faces multiple warrants in a case filed by Rajat Babbar, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Surendra Choudhary.
Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar slammed the BJP and JD(S) 'padayatra' opposing the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority site scam as a corrupted campaign. He also questioned the wealth of JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, urging voters in the upcoming Channapatna by-polls to support Congress for better governance.
The Supreme Court decided that banks and NBFCs are obliged to restructure MSME loans without awaiting applications, following mandates from the Central Government and RBI. This verdict overturns a Bombay High Court ruling, underlining the statutory force of such directions and stressing early intervention to avoid loans turning into NPAs.
Sylvester Stallone confirms the completion of 'Tulsa King' Season 2 filming. The series, which follows exiled capo Dwight building a crime family in Tulsa, returns to Paramount+ on September 15.
The Embassy of India, in cooperation with IndCham, relaunched the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, aiming to enhance economic collaboration. Attended by business leaders and professionals, the event underscored the significance of India-Indonesia relations and their joint pursuit of growth targets. The revamped Chamber focuses on fostering new collaborations.
