India

Prashant Kishor wins Bankipur bypoll, signals rise of third force in Bihar

Political strategist Prashant Kishor claimed his first electoral win in the Bankipur bypoll in Bihar. Kishor contested under his Jan Suraaj Party, which he founded following extensive grassroots outreach across the state. The victory disrupts the long-standing political dominance of the BJP-led saffron bloc and the RJD-led green alliance in Bihar. The result is seen as a message to established national parties on key voter concerns. Analysts suggest the outcome indicates Bihar's political landscape may now have room for a credible third alternative.

Cracks deepen in Rajasthan Congress as sabotage charges fly ahead of local body polls

Panel proposes lowering minimum director age to 18, raising upper limit to 75

A parliamentary panel has recommended reducing the minimum age for company directors and managing directors to 18 years, while also proposing to raise the upper age limit to 75. The committee has called for dedicated NCLT benches to handle insolvency cases, aiming to improve efficiency in asset resolution. It has suggested retaining the existing Rs 10 crore net profit threshold that determines CSR obligations for companies. The panel also proposed new provisions to allow foreign companies to re-domicile seamlessly to the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

BJP chief Nitin Nabin’s Patna bastion falls, Prashant Kishor storms into House

Rajasthan’s Mangarh Dham, once promised national monument status, doesn’t make the cut

Foreign and Private Banks Lead 68% Surge in FCNR(B) Deposit Mobilization

Foreign currency non-resident (FCNR-B) deposits saw a sharp rise between June and July, with banks aggressively tapping into RBI incentives to mobilize funds. Foreign banks recorded the fastest proportional growth in their FCNR(B) holdings during this period. HSBC, SBI, and ICICI Bank were among the top contributors to the overall collection effort. The bulk of the mobilization was concentrated within the ten largest banking institutions. Together, foreign and private banks accounted for over 68% of the total FCNR(B) funds raised.

Pacific Island Nation Nauru Officially Renames Itself Naoero

The Pacific Island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero. The country's president announced the renaming, which aligns the official name with the spelling and pronunciation used in the national language. Nauru, one of the world's smallest countries by area, had previously used an anglicised version of its name. The change reflects a move to honour the indigenous linguistic identity of the island nation.

Government to divest 6.5% LIC stake via OFS, targets Rs 31,400 crore

The Indian government is offloading up to 6.5% of its stake in Life Insurance Corporation through an offer for sale. The two-day OFS opens on Tuesday and closes on Wednesday, with a floor price set at Rs 382 per share. A successful sale is expected to generate approximately Rs 31,400 crore for the government. The divestment is aimed at meeting minimum public shareholding requirements ahead of the regulatory deadline. The proceeds will also contribute meaningfully toward the government's annual disinvestment target.

Death Toll from Venezuela's June Earthquakes Surpasses 6,000

Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction. The updated death toll has now exceeded 6,000, released weeks after the disaster. The quakes triggered the collapse of nearly 200 buildings across the country. The coastal state of La Guaira was the hardest hit region, bearing the brunt of the devastation.

Grenade-carrying suspect arrested in Pulwama amid heightened J&K security

A local man was arrested in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, after being found in possession of a hand grenade and anti-national posters. The arrest took place during a security operation launched in the wake of recent killings of migrant workers in the region. Authorities have booked the suspect under stringent anti-terror legislation, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Security forces have since ramped up patrols and checkpoints across the Kashmir Valley. The measures are aimed at preventing further violence and maintaining law and order in the area.

Delhi Man Arrested for Wife's Murder After Friend Tips Off Police

A Delhi man identified as Anurag alias Abhishek was arrested on Sunday for allegedly killing his wife. After committing the crime, the accused sought help from a friend to dispose of the body. The friend, instead of complying, alerted authorities by calling the emergency helpline. Police apprehended the accused outside the friend's residence following the tip-off.

US Plans to Shut Five Overseas Consulates in Major Diplomatic Downsizing

The US State Department has informed Congress of plans to close five foreign diplomatic missions abroad. The affected posts are located in Canada, Japan, and Indonesia, among other countries. This move represents an unusual reduction in America's global diplomatic presence. The notification to Congress follows standard procedure required before such closures can take effect.

India hits record 20,138 organ transplants in 2025, ranks third globally

India performed over 20,000 organ transplants for the first time in 2025, recording 20,138 procedures in total. The milestone places India third in the world for organ transplants, behind only the United States and China. Delhi-NCR led all regions in transplant volume, while Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of deceased organ donors. Despite the progress, deceased donor transplants remain insufficient to meet the country's overall demand for organs. The government has launched initiatives to further strengthen organ donation and transplant infrastructure nationwide.

Supreme Court allows states to drop cases against student protesters

The Supreme Court has permitted state governments to withdraw cases filed against students who participated in protests, enabling them to continue their education without fear of prosecution. However, the relief will not extend to individuals who already have prior criminal records. The court also announced plans to frame guidelines governing the use of graded force by police during protests. Deliberations on the exact modalities for identifying and clearing cases against genuine student protesters are still underway.

UFC Flyweight Allan Nascimento Dies at 34 After Cardiac Emergency

Brazilian UFC flyweight fighter Allan Nascimento passed away at the age of 34 following an apparent heart attack. The UFC confirmed the medical emergency in an official statement shortly after his death. Nascimento, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, had compiled a professional record of 22 wins and 7 losses and was widely respected for his submission grappling skills. He had competed in his most recent fight just weeks before his passing. Fellow UFC fighters including Dustin Poirier, Henry Cejudo, and Mackenzie Dern paid tribute to the late athlete.

India's Census 2027 Phase 2 Starts Aug 17, to Include Caste Data After 96 Years

India will begin the second phase of Census 2027 population enumeration on August 17, starting with snow-bound northern regions. For the first time since 1931, caste details will be recorded as part of the exercise. The census will also capture parents' dates of birth and birthplaces as self-declared by respondents. On a voluntary basis, individuals may provide their Aadhaar and passport numbers during the enumeration. The official questionnaire for this phase is expected to be formally notified in the near future.

Zuckerberg should apologise for removing PM Modi’s video: Nishikant Dubey

Trump Criticizes Big Oil Profits Tied to Iran War Amid Midterm Pressure

US President Donald Trump on Monday accused major oil companies of earning excessive profits linked to elevated energy prices during the Iran conflict. Trump's remarks signal an effort to distance himself politically from rising fuel costs affecting American consumers. The comments come as the administration faces growing scrutiny over economic pressures ahead of midterm elections. High oil prices have become a potential liability for Trump, prompting him to publicly challenge the energy industry.

Parliament Monsoon Session Nears Washout as Opposition Hardens Stance

India's Parliament monsoon session is at risk of a complete washout due to a deepening standoff between the government and opposition. Opposition parties are demanding discussions on Ram temple donations and police conduct, refusing to participate in legislative proceedings until their concerns are addressed. In response, Union ministers have criticized the opposition for boycotting parliamentary business. Several bills have already been passed without any debate as a result of the ongoing deadlock. The government has so far made no assurances that the opposition's key demands will be taken up for discussion.

Only 4% of NPS Subscribers Have Migrated to Unified Pension Scheme

India's Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), introduced for central government employees, has recorded very low uptake since its launch. Just 4% of National Pension System subscribers have chosen to migrate to the new scheme. The government had designed UPS with assured pension benefits and gratuity provisions as key features. Due to the poor response, authorities have extended the deadline for employees to make the switch. The government has clarified that no plans are under consideration to replace or overhaul the UPS.