India

At least 16 Indian seafarers have been taken hostage in a series of pirate attacks around the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia between April and July, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) confirmed.

Critical reforms in labour, land, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and the justice system are still pending

India’s women wrestlers delivered a strong performance at the U17 World Championships in Baku, winning four medals. Sandhya Vishnoi and Akshara claimed silver, while Avanshika and Taniya secured bronze medals to continue India’s impressive showing

East Bengal FC returned to winning ways in the 135th Durand Cup with a stunning 8-0 victory over CISF Protectors. Vishnu P.V.’s hat-trick, Jesin T.K.’s brace and a dominant attacking display kept their knockout hopes alive

India created Commonwealth Games judo history as Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh won maiden gold medals, while Yamini Mourya added silver. The three-medal haul marked India’s best-ever judo campaign, ending a long wait for titles at the Games

True reform lies not in individual resignations, but in reforming the institutions that failed

The India Meteorological Department forecast below-normal rainfall across India during August and September, with rainfall likely below 94 per cent of the long-period average. It said July rainfall improved the seasonal deficit, though regional variations and extreme rainfall events persisted

The Supreme Court quashed criminal proceedings in a Chennai cheating case, holding that the allegations disclosed a purely civil dispute. It said continuing the prosecution would amount to abuse of the legal process and set aside the Madras High Court's order

The Karnataka High Court sought the state's response on transferring the probe into alleged irregularities in KPSC's recruitment of 400 Veterinary Officers to the CBI. The court observed that, if proven, the allegations indicate a systematic assault on merit-based public employment

Indian Railways transported a live donor heart from Surat to Ahmedabad aboard the Vande Bharat Express for transplantation at the UN Mehta Institute. A Green Corridor created by railway and police authorities ensured the organ reached the hospital without delay

The Supreme Court sought the Centre's response on a plea challenging the constitutional validity of Muslim polygamy. The petition seeks uniform application of bigamy laws, compulsory marriage registration and legislative measures to abolish polygamy, citing violations of equality and dignity

The Supreme Court stayed the Central Information Commission's order declaring the National Stock Exchange a public authority under the RTI Act. The court issued notice on NSE's plea challenging the Delhi High Court judgment and sought responses within four weeks

India said around two dozen nationals are still serving with the Russian Army and efforts are continuing to secure their release. The government has facilitated the return of 139 Indians and again warned citizens against risky overseas job offers

Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma died at the age of 96. A decorated military leader and 1965 Indo-Pak war veteran, he served as Chief of the Army Staff from 1988 to 1990 and was awarded the PVSM and AVSM

The Supreme Court granted interim anticipatory bail to DMK leader V Senthil Balaji in the TASMAC corruption case, staying his arrest subject to conditions. The court directed him to cooperate with the investigation and posted the matter for hearing after three weeks

The Kerala government increased the Onam festival bonus by Rs 1,000 for Kerala State Lottery agents, sellers and pensioners. The enhanced payment will benefit over 36,000 welfare fund beneficiaries, with Rs 26.47 crore sanctioned for the disbursal

The Karnataka High Court criticised the state government and police over the alleged mob assault on a mentally unstable youth in Chamarajanagar. The court questioned law and order, objected to the FIR against the youth and expressed concern over the police's handling of the case

The Centre said ethanol blending prevented petrol prices in Delhi from rising to about Rs 125 per litre during the recent West Asia crisis. It credited the programme with reducing import dependence, saving foreign exchange and cushioning consumers from global crude price shocks

Bengaluru police registered an FIR after a student allegedly involved in anti-NEET protests was assaulted by unidentified men. Investigators are examining CCTV footage to determine the motive, while AISA alleged ABVP involvement. No arrests have been made so far

A Delhi court sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the 2020 Delhi riots murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma. The court declined the death penalty, holding the prosecution failed to prove the convicts were beyond reformation

Family members of Delhi Police personnel injured during the Jantar Mantar protest alleged that officers were assaulted with stones, shoes and flower pots after the demonstration turned violent. They also claimed protesters damaged barricades, police equipment and public property

The CBI arrested two brothers in the Chandranath Rath murder case, alleging they were involved in the conspiracy and examining suspected links with a rival political party. Investigators said the plot was planned months in advance and further investigation is underway

The Delhi High Court has sought Delhi Police's response to activist Umar Khalid's fresh bail plea in the UAPA case linked to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 northeast Delhi riots and scheduled the matter for hearing on August 27

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Vijay Joseph to postpone his August 3 Bengaluru visit amid protests over the Cauvery water release order. He stressed dialogue, defended the Mekedatu project and announced an all-party meeting