Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine.
| Photo Credit: AP

If India changes its attitude towards Russia, the war will end: Zelensky

Describing India as a “big country” with a “big influence” on the Russian economy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said if India and Indians “change their attitude” towards Russia, the war will end because Russian President Vladimir Putin will end it. He was talking of India’s “record breaking” deals for oil from Russia.

Not every ‘insult’ against SC/ST persons can be considered as offence under SC/ST protection law, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held in a judgment on Friday (August 23, 2024) that not all insults and intimidatory comments aimed at a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe person would be an offence under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspends U.S. presidential campaign, endorses Trump

 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent campaign for president Friday and endorsed Donald Trump, a late-stage shakeup of the presidential race that could give the former president a modest boost from Kennedy’s supporters.

Three dead, four inured in knife attack in western Germany’s Solingen

Three people were killed and four were seriously wounded in an attack on Friday at a festival in the western German city of Solingen, police said.

Bangladesh’s ex-supreme court judge detained near border with India

The BGB headquarters, in an SMS, informed reporters that they have detained former apex appellate division judge of the Supreme Court Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik as he was trying to cross over to India through Sylhet’s Kanaighat border.

‘Savukku’ Shankar: Why are you after YouTuber, Supreme Court asks Tamil Nadu

The Supreme Court on Friday (August 23, 2024) accused the Tamil Nadu government of targeting YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar, saying the State is using its might to ensure that he stays in prison.

Indian Army’s mini drone falls into Pakistani territory

An Indian Army’s mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on Friday “drifted into Pakistan”. The incident took place around 9:25 a.m. when the mini-UAV was on a training mission “well within the Indian Territory”. 

Arrested Kejriwal as he was evasive, reluctant in liquor policy case probe, CBI tells SC

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has told the Supreme Court that it became necessary to arrest Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal due to his “evasive and non-cooperative” attitude to questions about his alleged role in the liquor policy case.

Larger conspiracy behind Swati Maliwal assault, Delhi Police submits in Supreme Court

The Delhi Police have claimed in the Supreme Court that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his aide, Bibhav Kumar, accused of “brutally” assaulting Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal at the Chief Minister’s residence, spent a “significant” period of time together at the “scene of the crime” immediately after the incident.

Implement school safety guidelines, Centre tells States

In view of protests over the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur near Mumbai last week, the Union Education Ministry has directed all States and Union Territories to implement its guidelines to ensure safety and security of children in schools.

No immediate need to collaborate with China on space, says ISRO

India will collaborate with China on space research if it sees the need to do so, but at present, there is no need for such engagement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S. Somanath told The Hindu on Friday (August 23, 2024), seconded by Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for the Department of Space.

La Nina likely to miss Southwest Monsoon

The early signs of the likelihood of a La Nina weather pattern in the eastern Pacific Ocean are clear, but it looks like it is going to miss the peak Indian Southwest Monsoon, which will end next month, according to scientists at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).

CBI brings former principal of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Dr Sandip Ghosh to CBI Special Crime Branch at CGO complex, Salt Lake in Kolkata.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Kolkata doctor rape and murder: CBI allowed to conduct polygraph test on R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital ex-principal Sandip Ghosh, 4 other doctors

A special court in Kolkata on Thursday allowed the CBI to conduct a polygraph test on former R.G. Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh and four other doctors in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at the hospital, officials said.

Delhi Police bust ‘terror network’

The Delhi Police on Thursday (August 22, 2024) said they busted an “Al-Qaeda-inspired” terror network that was active in the States of Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, and detained 14 suspects in the case. 

Sanjoy Roy, prime accused in the Kolkata rape and murder case, had a violent and abusive past

Sanjoy Roy, prime accused in the rape and murder of a doctor at the R.G. Kar College and Hospital, has a history of violence and abuse, according to his estranged family members and neighbours. Early investigations also show that he was a civic police volunteer who enjoyed perks not available for his rank, possibly indicating the patronage of a senior officer or politician.

Election Commission to deploy over 400 observers for J&K and Haryana Assembly elections

The Election Commission on Thursday said that it would deploy over 400 observers for the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. It has asked the observers to stay vigilant against false narratives and be accessible to all political parties and voters.

Anakapalli industrial accident is a clear case of negligence, says Factories Department official

Officials of the Factories Department have ascertained that the industrial accident at the Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited in Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh on the afternoon of August 21 (Wednesday), is a clear case of negligence by the management.

At least 12 dead in Tripura floods; helicopters deployed

Two IAF Mi-17 helicopters were deployed to Tripura on Thursday (August 22, 2024) to evacuate stranded people from flood affected areas. Besides these, 11 NDRF teams, 26 SDRF units and emergency service teams are working tirelessly in relief and rescue operations as the State grapples with unprecedented flash floods.

NDMA identifies 189 glacier lakes for monitoring

Following disasters inflicted by overflowing glacial lakes in the Himalayas, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has finalised a list of 189 “high-risk” glacial lakes for mitigation measures to reduce the risk emanating from them.

Centre talks to States on new mechanism to gather crop data

Ahead of the nationwide implementation of the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), the Centre has convened a national conference with the States to discuss the improvement in crop production statistics in New Delhi on Thursday (August 22, 2024).

Akasa Air expects MAX delivery in a matter of ‘days and weeks’ after six-month delay from Boeing

Boeing customer Akasa Air is hopeful of taking the delivery of its 25th 737 MAX aircraft “in a matter of days and weeks” after being hit by delays due to a slowing of production following increased scrutiny on the aerospace manufacturer from regulators in the U.S. The airline inducted the 24th aircraft in its fleet in February, and has since not added any planes.

SC rejects pleas of BCCI, Byju’s to defer Committee of Creditors from meeting

The Supreme Court on Thursday (August 22, 2024) did not heed repeated requests by debt-ridden ed-tech firm Byju’s and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to defer the Committee of Creditors (CoC) from meeting.

Workers who were injured in the fire accident in a pharma company at AP SEZ being provided treatment in a hospital at Anakapalli on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

17 killed, 20 injured in reactor blast at pharma company in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli

At least 17 workers were killed and 20 others sustained burns in a major fire that broke out reportedly after a reactor blast in Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Ltd. in the Special Economic Zone at Atchutapuram in Anakapalli of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. 

Centre debates taking caste count during Census

The Union government is yet to take a call on conducting the next Census exercise but active discussion is on to expand the data collection to include caste enumeration, a top government source told The Hindu.

Ahead of Ukraine visit, PM Modi says India supports peace in this region

On the eve of his visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India was a supporter of peace in this region as he reiterated that “this is not an era of war” and any conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.

Rahul Gandhi an impactful voice, ready to join hands with him to address issues of Kashmir: PDP leader Naeem Akhtar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday (August 21, 2024) kept its doors open to engage the Congress for talks on a pre-poll coalition for the Assembly elections in J&K and described visiting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi “as an impactful voice who could raise issues of Kashmir and work towards broader coalition in J&K”.

Kerala seeks around ₹900 crore Central assistance for compensation and rehab of Wayanad landslides victims

Kerala is canvassing for a Central assistance to the tune of ₹900 crore as compensation for the loss sustained in the Wayanad landslides and the funds for rehabilitating the affected population.

Puja Khedkar’s fraud affected other aspirants, UPSC tells Delhi HC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Wednesday (August 21, 2024) opposed an anticipatory bail plea by former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits, before the Delhi High Court saying she committed a fraud against the commission and the public.

IT Ministry orders social media firms to delete posts revealing Kolkata rape-murder case victim’s identity

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said on Wednesday (August 21, 2024) that it ordered social media platforms to remove posts naming the victim of the alleged Kolkata rape and murder that occurred on August 9.

Governor meets R.G. Kar victim’s family; protests rage across Kolkata

Twelve days after the rape and murder of a doctor at the R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, there has been no let-up in the protests, with over a dozen rallies organised across Kolkata on Wednesday (August 21, 2024).

Health Ministry to set up national task force for security of healthcare professionals

The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday issued an office memorandum for the constitution of the National Task Force (NTF) to formulate protocols governing the safety of doctors.

Supreme Court to examine need for a permanent environmental regulator

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (August 21, 2024) decided to examine the need for a ‘permanent environmental regulator’ similar to those found in the telecom and electricity sectors.

A banner hung by junior doctors at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in protest against the alleged sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital, in Kolkata.
| Photo Credit: PTI

R.G. Kar hostels deserted; mob violence has instilled fear in us, say MBBS students

On a day the Supreme Court ordered deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital here, where a doctor was raped and murdered on August 9, the college’s hostels bore a deserted look with woman students and doctors having left the premises after the midnight violence on August 15.

Health Ministry announces series of measures to provide additional security to healthcare employees at workplace

Despite orders by the Union Health Ministry directing its institutes to put in place additional measures to provide security to healthcare employees at workplace, resident doctors from several parts of the country on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) maintained that they will continue with suspension of services from all elective areas including OPD, elective OT, ward services and lab services on Wednesday.

Centre says Meghalaya polio case is vaccine-derived

A case of vaccine-derived polio has been confirmed in a two-year-old child from Tikrikilla in Meghalaya. A senior official from the Union Health Ministry official emphasised on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) that this is not a case of wild polio, but an infection that presents in some people with low immunity.

West Bengal govt. to engage retired police, Army officers to guard healthcare facilities

With the Supreme Court directing the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to provide security to the doctors at R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, the West Bengal government on Tuesday (August 20, 2024) issued an order to engage retired police and Army officers as security officials in State-run health facilities.

Mallikarjun Kharge terms Modi government ‘minority’, calls BJP ‘poisonous’

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a trenchant attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government stating that the current dispensation is a ‘minority’ government that heavily relies on the support of allies, particularly Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP and his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).

Chandrayaan 4 and 5 design complete; 70 satellites likely to be launched in 5 years: ISRO chief

ISRO chairman S Somanath said the space agency has completed the design for the next round of moon missions — Chandrayaan 4 and 5 — and is in the process of seeking government approval for the same.

Ravneet Singh Bittu from Rajasthan, Kiran Choudhary from Haryana among nine BJP nominees for Rajya Sabha bypolls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced nine candidates for bypolls to the Rajya Sabha, to be held on September 3, fielding Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, respectively, and former Congress leader Kiran Choudhary from Haryana.

In Sri Lanka, two candidates promise to abolish executive presidency

Ahead of Sri Lanka’s September 21 presidential election, two leading aspirants have promised to abolish the executive presidency, reviving a familiar pre-poll pledge that many political leaders have made in the past, but none has kept.

India, Japan hold ‘2+2’ dialogue with focus on Indo-Pacific

The India-Japan partnership is set against a larger context of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific and it will continue to grow, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Tuesday as the two sides held a fresh edition of “2+2” dialogue amid China’s increasing military muscle-flexing in the region.

Blinken visits Egypt, Qatar in pursuit of Gaza ceasefire deal but Hamas and Israel signal challenges

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar as he pressed ahead on Tuesday with the latest diplomatic mission to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, even as Hamas and Israel signaled that challenges remain.

ICC moves Women’s T20 World Cup from strife-hit Bangladesh to UAE

The ICC moved the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE, saying it “wasn’t feasible” to conduct the event there after governments of a number of participating countries advised against travelling to the unrest-hit nation

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. File 
| Photo Credit: PTI

Ties with Russia, Ukraine stand on their own: MEA official

India has “substantive and independent” relations with Russia and Ukraine that “stand on their own”, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Tanmaya Lal, said on Monday while announcing the “landmark” visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Poland and Ukraine later this week.

Contentious Broadcasting Bill to proceed only after wider consultation: I&B Minister

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has put the draft Broadcasting Bill, 2023, on hold, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, indicated to reporters on Monday (August 19, 2024), saying there would be a wider consultation with creators and other stakeholders. 

Kolkata rape and murder: doctors march to police headquarters; CBI seeks nod for polygraph test on accused

Hundreds of doctors marched to the Lalbazar, the headquarters of the Kolkata police, on Monday (August 19, 2024) along with two senior physicians Kunal Sarkar and Subarna Goswami, who were summoned by the police for allegedly revealing the identity of the victim of the gruesome rape and murder at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Risk of large outbreak of mpox low in India for now, says Health Ministry official

The Union Health Ministry on Monday (August 19, 2024) said the strain of monkeypox virus currently in circulation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and more than a dozen African countries is virulent and has a death rate of 3% as opposed to 0.1% from the less virulent strain.

K. Hema Committee report reveals sexual exploitation in Malayalam film industry

The K. Hema Committee report on the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, published on Monday, five years after it was submitted to the Kerala government, revealed horrid tales of sexual exploitation, illegal bans, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, wage disparity and in some cases, inhuman working conditions.

Blinken says Netanyahu supports Gaza ceasefire bridging proposal, urges Hamas to do the same

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, and he called on Hamas to do the same, without saying whether concerns cited by the militant group had been addressed.

British tech magnate Mike Lynch among those missing after luxury superyacht sinks off Sicily

British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five other people were missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early on Monday, Italy’s civil protection and authorities said. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived.

BJP accuses Mamata of destroying evidence in R.G. Kar case, demands her resignation

The BJP on Monday (August 19, 2024) demanded the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that crucial evidence in the rape and murder of a doctor at the State-run R.G. Kar hospital was destroyed at her behest in an alleged attempt to provide cover for the culprits in the case.

Rules for data protection Act within one month: Vaishnaw

The rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, will be released within one month, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday. Mr. Vaishnaw said that the implementation of the data privacy law would be “digital by design”, in terms of the processes followed by the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI), a body that is yet to be formally constituted. 

Moily hits back at BJP over ‘lateral entry’ charge

Former Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily on Monday (August 19, 2024) acknowledged that the second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), under his chairmanship in 2005, did recommend lateral entry into government service to perform specialised roles that were not “easily available within traditional civil services”.

Optimise loan recovery and resolution, pursue deposits: FM tells banks

Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday acknowledged public sector banks’ efforts to improve asset quality, with net non-performing assets dipping to 0.76% in in 2023-24, but advised them to optimise resolution and recovery proceedings, and make ‘concerted efforts’ to spruce up deposits that are lagging credit growth.

Supporters of football clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal protest against the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata.
| Photo Credit: PTI

PM Modi continuously monitoring the Mpox situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been continuously monitoring the MPox situation with the principal secretary Dr. P.K. Mishra directing that surveillance be enhanced and measures be taken for prompt detection of cases. He further directed that the testing laboratories network should be geared up for early diagnosis. At present, 32 labs are equipped for testing.

East Bengal, Mohun Bagan fans unite to protest Kolkata rape, murder at Salt Lake stadium

Violent protests erupted near Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata’s Eastern Metropolitan Bypass on Sunday as thousands of sports lovers raised slogans demanding justice for the rape and murder of a doctor at the city’s R.G. Kar Hospital and questioned the decision to cancel the Durand Cup Derby match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of Kolkata rape-murder case; hearing on August 20

The Supreme Court on Sunday (August 18, 2024) took suo motu cognisance of the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud is scheduled to hear the case, instituted on the court’s own motion, on Tuesday (August 20, 2024).

Five arrested for gangrape of minor girl in Arunachal Pradesh

The police in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district arrested five people for allegedly abducting a 13-year-old girl and gangraping her for five days.

Kolkata rape-murder case: Differences emerge in Trinamool ranks as protests continue

As protests continued to rage across Kolkata over the rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, differences in Trinamool Congress ranks came to the fore on Sunday (August 18, 2024).

Indian Coast Guard Director-General Rakesh Pal dies in Chennai

Director-General of Indian Coast Guard Rakesh Pal passed away in Chennai on Sunday. He was 59. The Coast Guard chief, who was in Chennai to take part in an official function scheduled to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Hamas says new Gaza proposal too close to Israel’s demands

The Palestinian group Hamas said on Sunday that a new proposal meant to bridge the gaps between Israel and the Islamist armed group over a Gaza ceasefire were too close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent positions.

Bangladesh jailbreaks a worry for India: think tank

The escape of some leaders of terrorist groups after mob-aided jailbreaks during the political turmoil in Bangladesh could have a debilitating effect in eastern India, specifically Assam and Tripura, a new think tank said.

Malaysian PM to meet Modi, issue of Zakir Naik still unresolved

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will land in Delhi on Monday (August 18, 2024) on a three-day visit, where he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will sign a number of agreements and chart out a “multi-sectoral cooperation agenda” to enhance trade, strategic ties, and people to people links, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.

Indian, Sri Lankan canines train in Exercise Mitra Shakti

The armies of India and Sri Lanka have deployed canines — ”K9s” in military parlance — in the bilateral exercise Mitra Shakti underway in the island nation. The Indian Army has deployed Zac, a Belgian Malinois, while Sri Lanka has fielded two canines. The 10th edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti is being held from August 12-25 at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.

People protest against the recent alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Kolkata doctor rape and murder: Kolkata Police issue prohibitory orders around R.G. Kar hospital

The Kolkata Police has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023) around R G Kar Medical College and Hospital for seven days with effect from August 18 to prevent unlawful assembly.

If an investigation indicts Siddaramaiah, Governor has to grant another sanction for his prosecution

The sanction granted by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot paves the way for an investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988, at present, and not for his prosecution under the Act.

Air India cabin crew member complains of sexual assault at London hotel

An Air India cabin crew member was allegedly sexually assaulted at a London hotel on Thursday night after an intruder entered her room.

Rise in militancy in north Kashmir casts shadow over border tourism

The growing militant footprint in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir has cast a shadow over the border tourism that had picked up two years ago against the backdrop of a renewed ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. The process to get passes for areas closer to the Line of Control (LoC) has now been made stringent again, and many areas in north Kashmir are now listed as no-go zones, official sources said. 

Harsher anti-rape laws alone do not deter crimes against women, SC had warned govt. in Nirbhaya verdict

Stringent laws and punishments against rape may not be enough to fight rising crimes against women, the Supreme Court had warned the government in 2017. The court was at the time confirming the death penalty of four men, accused of the gruesome gangrape of a 23-year-old paramedic in a moving bus in the national capital in 2012. The woman, simply identified as ‘Nirbhaya’, succumbed to her injuries a few days later.

VHP plans nationwide Dharm Sammelans to counter Opposition’s attempts to divide Hindu community 

In an attempt to strengthen its outreach to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities and to counter the Opposition’s narrative that the BJP wants to make changes to the Constitution, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is set to organise “Dharm Sammelans” (religious conferences) in SC/ST clusters and villages across the country. Many seers will visit and eat at Dalit homes as part of the campaign which is scheduled to start a month before Deepavali.

X says it is closing operations in Brazil due to judge’s content orders

Media platform X said on Saturday it would close its operations in Brazil “effective immediately” due to what it called “censorship orders” by Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes.

BIS promotes standardisation for Ayush products and procedures

With focus on promoting safety, efficacy, and quality of Ayush products and practices, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been fast-tracking standardisation for the Ayush sector with the establishment of a department to expedite the process.

Panel for SC status to all Dalit converts racing against time as deadline nears

The Commission of Inquiry set up by the Centre to look into the possibility of granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians and Muslims is racing against time to submit its report as its two-year term is set to expire in October 2024.

Congress has demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) inquiry into the charges against Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chief Madhabi Puri Buch in the latest Hindenburg report. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

SEBI chief’s rebuttal confirms ‘massive conflict of interest’, raises fresh questions: Hindenburg Research

Hours after the stock market regulator’s chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, and her spouse Dhaval Buch, issued a clarification on a Hindenburg Research report red-flagging their investments in obscure offshore funds linked to the Adani group, and ownership of consulting firms, the U.S.-based short seller said their rebuttal contains important ‘admissions’, raises fresh questions and confirms a ‘massive conflict of interest’.

Hindenburg Research report on SEBI chief raises political storm

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) inquiry into the charges against Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chief Madhabi Puri Buch in the latest Hindenburg report. The BJP dismissed the claims asserting that many global forces, with the help of the Congress “dynasty”, were attempting to hinder India’s progress.

Adani case: Supreme Court had said it can transfer probe if bias found

The Supreme Court had said cogent evidence of bias or portrayal of inadequacy would convince it to transfer a probe to an independent agency or a court-appointed Special Investigation (SIT) while refusing a plea to drop Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) from investigating Hindenburg’s allegations of share price manipulations and other irregularities against the Adani group.

Protests continue in Bengal over rape, murder of Kolkata doctor

Protests continued to rage across medical colleges in West Bengal on Sunday over the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, affecting services for the third consecutive day.

NDA eyes majority in Rajya Sabha after bypolls

The BJP-led NDA is expected to achieve a clear majority in Rajya Sabha after by-elections for 12 seats scheduled next month, which would help the party get the nod for key legislations such as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Paris Olympics: Six medals and six near misses; India finishes 71st in medal tally

Paris 2024 will be remembered for the six medals which brought joy to the Indians as well as the six fourth-place finishes that resulted in heartbreaks. A medal less than what the country got in the previous edition may have restricted the celebrations in the Indian camp, but the mixed bouquet of hits and near misses paints a promising picture of Indian sports.

NCERT removes cartoon on coalition politics, says it cast ‘India in a negative light’

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has removed a political cartoon from the Class 12 Political Science textbook saying that “it shows India in a negative light”. It is one of the multiple changes introduced and made public by the NCERT in its document that chronicles the latest set of changes in rationalised textbooks. 

NEET-PG 2024 held in two shifts across 170 cities

The NEET-PG 2024 was successfully conducted in two shifts at 416 centres across 170 cities by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, an autonomous body under the Union Health Ministry.

28 dead as rains wreak havoc in north, northwest; several Haryana villages inundated

At least 28 people died in rain-related incidents Sunday as heavy downpours lashed north and northwest India, causing landslides, traffic chaos and house collapses, as well as a dam breach which inundated several villages in Haryana.

Olympics: Bye from Paris and over to vibrant Los Angeles

The gigantic Stade de France resembled a concert hall hosting a party to celebrate the fortnight of sporting excellence as a breathtaking closing ceremony kicked off with athletes marching into the iconic Stade de France to thunderous applause.

Students protest outside the Rau’s IAS study circle in Old Rajinder Nagar area, where 3 students died in a coaching centre Saturday night, after it was waterlogged in basement of IAS study circle building, in New Delhi on Monday, July 29, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Paris Olympics day 3 highlights

Manu Bhaker led India’s performance for the third day in a row at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Together with Sarabjot Singh, she advanced to the bronze medal-winning 10m air pistol mixed team match after the pair placed third in the qualification round.

Centre blames Delhi government for students’ drowning in coaching centre library; Opposition MPs demand action against culprits

The death of three civil services aspirants at the flooded basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle in the national capital came up in both the Houses of Parliament on July 29 with Union Urban Development and Housing Minister M.L. Khattar blaming the Delhi government for the accident. While Rajya Sabha took up the matter as a short duration discussion after an intervention by Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, several leaders expressed their anguish in the Lok Sabha over the incident.

Two children dead and 11 people injured in stabbing rampage, says U.K. police

A teenage boy with a knife attacked a children’s dance and yoga class in northwest England on Monday, killing two children and wounding 11 other people in a “ferocious” rampage that sent bloodied children running into a street to escape the horror, police and witnesses said.

Centre likely to lodge complaint against International Labour Organisation’s India Employment Report

India, a founding member of the International Labour Organization (ILO), is likely to raise a complaint against the UN agency over its India Employment Report 2024, released in March this year. A Union Labour Ministry official said the “model” ILO had used to assess the employment scenario in India was not suitable and India has its own assessment of the situation.

Ministers criticise Rahul Gandhi for ‘questioning’ Lok Sabha Speaker

A war of words erupted between the Ministers and the Congress in the Lok Sabha over Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s exchanges with Speaker Om Birla during the former’s speech on the Union Budget on Monday.

Discrepancy in number of votes polled and votes counted in 538 constituencies in Lok Sabha polls: ADR

Poll watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on July 29 said that there was a discrepancy in the number of votes polled and the number of votes counted in 538 constituencies in the recently concluded 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Court suspends Medha Patkar’s sentence in defamation case filed by former Delhi L-G V.K. Saxena

A Delhi court on July 29 suspended the sentence awarded to social activist Medha Patkar, known for Narmada Bachao Andolan, in the criminal defamation case filed by former Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Delhi, V.K. Saxena.

150 people killed in student unrest, says Bangladesh govt; announces nationwide mourning

For the first time, the Bangladesh government on Monday officially acknowledged that 150 people were killed across the country during the students’ unrest over the quota system.

Congress, SP, TMC among others to join INDIA bloc rally on July 30: AAP

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Monday said Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress are among the parties that will be part of the INDIA bloc rally at Jantar Mantar to raise the issue of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s declining health in judicial custody.

Manika Batra becomes first Indian table tennis player to reach round of 16 in Olympics

Manika Batra on Monday became the first Indian table tennis player to reach the round of 16 in the Olympic Games singles competition after a 4-0 thrashing of higher-ranked Prithika Pavade of France here.

Tripura CM Manik Saha, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Manipur CM N. Biren Singh, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at BJP headquarters, in New Delhi on July 28, 2024.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Paris Olympics Day 2 highlights

India opened their medal tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics as shooter Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event and became the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the Summer Games. 

Biren meets PM Modi to discuss Manipur situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday, first such meeting between the two since ethnic violence erupted in the State more than 14 months ago, sources said. The meeting was also attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

Malleswari to Bhaker: Eight Indian women and their nine Olympic medals

Manu Bhaker, showcasing remarkable resilience, ended India’s 12-year drought for an Olympic shooting medal by becoming the first Indian markswoman to secure a podium finish with a bronze in the 10m air pistol event at the Paris Games on Sunday.

Two arrested day after three UPSC aspirants die in flooded basement illegally used as coaching centre library

A day after three UPSC aspirants drowned in the basement of a private coaching centre, Rau’s IAS Study Circle, the Delhi police arrested the coordinator of the centre and the owner of the building, and booked them for culpable homicide. The accused have been sent to 14 days of judicial custody

NTA announces CUET-UG results

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on July 28 announced the results for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-UG, paving the way to begin the undergraduate admission process which has been delayed this year.

Delhi coaching centre flooding: For many, harrowing memories of narrow escape from death

Traumatised students who were inside the library of the coaching institute that flooded on July 27 evening in the National Capital shared harrowing accounts of their narrow escape — gasping for air, climbing on top of tables and chairs, getting pulled out by ropes.

Sunken museum at Humayun’s Tomb site in Delhi to be inaugurated on July 29

The country’s first sunken museum at the Humayun Tomb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Delhi is all set to be inaugurated on Monday.

Gaza civil defence says 5 killed in Israeli strike on displacement camp

The civil defence agency in Hamas-run Gaza said an Israeli strike on July 28 hit tents at a declared safe zone in the Palestinian territory’s south, killing at least five persons.

Paris Olympics: Simone Biles makes stunning return to competition

Simone Biles made a stunning return to Olympic competition on July 28, powering through left calf pain to get her multiple-medal bid off to a rousing start.