India

Opposition to protest FCRA Amendment Bill, calls it attack on minorities and NGOs

Opposition parties are gearing up to strongly oppose the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Congress leaders have alleged that the bill is unconstitutional and specifically targets minority communities and non-governmental organisations. Alongside the FCRA concerns, opposition members have also raised issues over the government's handling of student protests and proposed delimitation changes. The parties are coordinating their strategy ahead of parliamentary debates and possible legislative responses to the bill.

Jharkhand Government Considers Cancelling Three Public Service Exams After Student Talks

The Jharkhand government is reportedly considering cancelling three major competitive examinations following discussions with student groups. The exams proposed for cancellation include the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) exams of 2023 and 2025, along with the 14th preliminary examination. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed the proposal is under consideration. The development comes after the state administration held talks with students, suggesting growing pressure from exam aspirants over the conduct of these tests.

Jharkhand CM Vows Justice as Student Protests Grip State

Jharkhand Chief Minister addressed ongoing student protests in the state, assuring that justice would be delivered. He alleged that vested interests were actively working to destabilise democracy in Jharkhand. The CM urged that the student agitation should not be turned into a political issue. He also warned individuals with political ambitions against misleading or misguiding the youth for their own gains.

Crude oil prices, Hormuz tensions, and earnings to steer Dalal Street this week

Indian stock markets are set for a data-heavy week as investors monitor global geopolitical developments alongside key domestic economic indicators. Crude oil price movements and news surrounding the Strait of Hormuz will be closely watched for their potential market impact. On the domestic front, inflation data and foreign exchange reserve updates are expected to influence investor sentiment. The Q1 FY27 corporate earnings season is also gaining momentum, with several company results due this week.

Mamata Banerjee Claims Her Car Was Attacked During Halisahar Visit

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that her vehicle came under attack near Kolkata, saying she could have died in the incident. The episode occurred in Halisahar, where she was travelling to visit the family of a Trinamool Congress worker who allegedly died in police custody. Banerjee faced protests during her visit to the area. The incident has drawn significant political attention given the seriousness of the alleged threat to the Chief Minister.

Russia Weighs Direct Train Link to India Amid Hormuz Shipping Disruptions

Russia is reportedly considering establishing a direct rail connection to India as an alternative trade route. The proposal comes amid growing disruptions to maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions in the region have escalated following armed hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. A land-based rail corridor would offer both countries a more stable channel for trade if sea routes remain compromised.

5-month-old baby among 2 dead as boat capsizes near New York’s Liberty Island

Five Indian firms aim to raise Rs 7,443 crore through IPOs this week

India's primary market is set for a busy week as five companies prepare to launch their initial public offerings. Together, the firms aim to collectively raise Rs 7,443 crore to fund various corporate purposes. Dhoot Transmission and Molbio Diagnostics are scheduled to open their IPOs on August 10, marking the start of the week's activity. Milky Mist Dairy Food and Shiprocket are also among the companies expected to debut their offerings later in the week.

US conducts first live-fire hypersonic test with repurposed HATS launcher

VVS Laxman lauds Virat Kohli's professionalism and integrity in cricket

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has praised Virat Kohli as an exemplary professional and role model in international cricket. Laxman highlighted that Kohli consistently upholds high standards both on and off the field. The batting stalwart has accumulated over 28,000 international runs across formats, along with numerous centuries to his name. This remarkable record firmly establishes Kohli as one of the greatest batsmen the sport has seen.

Google Reshapes AI Leadership at DeepMind to Accelerate Research Strategy

Google has announced major leadership changes within its DeepMind division, as revealed in a letter from CEO Sundar Pichai to staff. Demis Hassabis takes on a dual role as Chair of Google DeepMind and Chief Scientist, while Koray Kavukcuoglu is elevated to Senior Vice President to lead Gemini model development. Veteran Google employee Jeff Dean is departing the company to establish a new public benefit corporation. The restructuring is designed to sharpen Google's focus and speed up its artificial intelligence research and strategy.

Saudi Arabia Signs Defence Pact with Pakistan and Turkey Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia has entered into a defence agreement with Pakistan and Turkey as the kingdom navigates a complex regional security landscape. The deal comes amid ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, as well as threats from Iran-aligned groups. Riyadh has long depended on Washington for its security needs, but recent regional crises have pushed Gulf states to diversify their defence partnerships. The agreement reflects a broader Gulf push toward regional burden-sharing and reduced reliance on a single security guarantor. Analysts note the pact carries potential implications for India's future military considerations in the region.

India's Organ Transplant Process: From Application to Lifelong Follow-Up

Receiving an organ transplant in India involves a lengthy, multi-stage process that begins with a thorough medical evaluation of the patient. Once cleared, the patient is enrolled in a national registry and placed on a waitlist, with priority determined by various clinical factors. Organ matching is then carried out based on compatibility criteria before surgery can be scheduled. Even after a successful transplant, patients are required to undergo lifelong medical follow-up and monitoring. The entire process is governed by a combination of clinical protocols, regulatory frameworks, and coordination between hospitals and transplant authorities.

Six Dead After Truck Rams Car Near Badnawar in Madhya Pradesh

A deadly road accident in Madhya Pradesh claimed six lives after a truck collided with a car. The crash took place around 1:30 pm near Panchak Vasa, approximately 4 kilometres from Badnawar town. The incident was confirmed by a local official. The cause of the collision has not yet been detailed in available reports.

Scientists make lettuce and tobacco produce meat protein

USS Colorado Survived 22 Shell Hits at Tinian in 1944, Kept Fighting

On July 24, 1944, the USS Colorado was struck 22 times by concealed Japanese shore batteries during the Allied invasion of Tinian in the Pacific. The attack killed 43 sailors and left 198 others wounded. Despite the heavy damage sustained, the battleship remained operational and continued providing fire support for the landings. U.S. forces ultimately captured Tinian, which went on to serve as a significant American bomber base in the Pacific theater.

Bollywood Stars and Business Leaders Rally Support for Assam Flood Victims

A wave of celebrities and prominent figures have stepped up to support flood relief and rehabilitation efforts in Assam. Actors Kartik Aaryan and Randeep Hooda made notable financial contributions toward the cause. Alia Bhatt and Bhumi Pednekar used their platforms to urge the general public to come forward with support. Business figures Nita Ambani and Gautam Adani also provided significant financial aid. The collective efforts are aimed at helping thousands of families displaced and affected by the devastating floods.

Rajasthan School Students Publish Own Newspapers to Bridge Information Gap

Students at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School in Raholi village, Rajasthan, have taken on the role of journalists by producing their own newspapers. The school publishes two editions: 'Raholi Shiksha Samachar' in Hindi and 'Raholi Education Times' in English. The initiative was launched as an innovative educational approach to address the limited availability of newspapers in the village. By creating and distributing their own publications, students are developing journalism and communication skills alongside their regular studies.

Indian national accused of strangling US girlfriend arrested in Germany

Six from Vadodara killed as wrong-side trailer rams car in Madhya Pradesh

Six men from Vadodara, Gujarat, lost their lives and one was critically injured in a road accident in Madhya Pradesh. A trailer traveling on the wrong side of the road lost control and collided head-on with their car. The impact was so severe that the car was completely mangled, killing six occupants on the spot. Local residents helped rescue the seventh survivor from the wreckage. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances behind the fatal collision.