India

ICICI Bank has rolled back its minimum average balance hike after public backlash, reducing it to Rs 15,000 for metro and urban customers, Rs 7,500 for semi-urban, and Rs 2,500 for rural areas. Penalties still apply for balances below the limit

Despite Indian government’s efforts to wean youth away, hardcore Maoists remain undeterred and will rise again, though when is hard to predict

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call to treat healthcare and education as fundamental societal duties and not as profit-driven ventures deserves serious attention

Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar of the 23rd Maratha Light Infantry was laid to rest with full military honours in Surya Thanda, Khammam district, after being martyred along the Line of Control in Kashmir's Baramulla district.

The Supreme Court has annulled the MLC appointments of Prof M Kodandaram and journalist Amer Ali Khan, declaring their tenure invalid. The two seats will remain vacant until the court delivers its final verdict on the pending petitions challenging their nominations

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused CM Siddaramaiah of shifting stance in the Dharmasthala case, alleging irresponsibility after SIT-led excavations, ordered by the government, yielded no evidence of the alleged buried bodies.

The SIT’s two-day excavation at the 13th suspected burial site in Dharmasthala ended without finding any human remains, despite witness claims. Of 16 locations identified, only two have yielded remains so far. Further searches are planned at the remaining sites

BJP leader Devarajegowda lodged a complaint with the Karnataka Governor seeking prosecution sanction against CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar over a viral audio clip alleging cash distribution during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

FTCCI is organising an open photography contest for World Photography Day, inviting entries that showcase Telangana’s culture, heritage, and landscapes. With cash prizes up to ₹10,000, the contest is free to enter and open to all photography enthusiasts.

The removal of KN Rajanna from the Karnataka cabinet has triggered protests by the Valmiki community in Tumakuru. PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and community leaders backed Rajanna, alleging conspiracy, and demanded his reinstatement or another Valmiki leader’s inclusion in the cabinet

Gujarat approves 22 industrial projects worth Rs 1,478.71 crore, expected to generate 4,136 jobs. Under the ‘Incentive to Industries’ scheme, investments span multiple sectors and districts, supporting MSMEs, manufacturing growth, and maintaining low unemployment while boosting labour force participation

The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking the immediate restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood, citing its December 2023 direction for early action. Petitioners say the delay violates federalism, with no security reasons hindering the return to full state status.

A study in The Lancet Regional Health found India’s 2020 stillbirth rate at 6.5 per 1,000 births, higher in urban areas. Northern and central states showed hotspots, with anaemia, low maternal weight, and poor antenatal care linked to increased risk.

India and Singapore are expanding cooperation in semiconductors, green infrastructure, digital integration, and maritime connectivity. The Third India–Singapore Ministerial Roundtable aims to strengthen economic and strategic ties, building resilient supply chains and sustainable growth while boosting India’s access to ASEAN and Indo-Pacific markets

From August 15, SBI will charge Rs 2–Rs 10 plus GST for online IMPS transfers above Rs 25,000, while smaller transactions stay free. Salary package account holders remain exempt. Branch charges are unchanged, and customers are advised to check applicable exemptions

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the Election Commission of helping the BJP create fake voters in Bihar ahead of assembly polls, citing cases of BJP leaders holding dual voter IDs. The BJP dismissed the allegations as false and misleading

Graffiti threatening to destroy Puri’s Jagannath Temple was found on a nearby shrine’s walls, prompting a high-security alert. Police are examining CCTV footage and investigating, suspecting a mentally unstable person, amid recent concerns over security lapses at the 12th-century temple

A BESCOM woman officer in Bengaluru was threatened with a knife, sexually harassed, and robbed in her PG room by an unidentified man. Police have launched a manhunt, amid recent similar crimes involving PG owners accused of sexually assaulting residents

The Indian Olympic Association unanimously approved India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, proposing an inclusive edition with all medal-winning and traditional sports. Ahmedabad is the frontrunner host city, with Delhi and Bhubaneswar also in contention after Canada’s withdrawal

A hidden family murder in Karnataka’s Santebasavanahalli surfaced after a father’s death, revealing he allegedly killed his son in 2022 over financial disputes and buried him in a percolation pit. Police exhumed skeletal remains and launched further investigations.

Tripura Power Generation Ltd signed a Rs 1,119.30 crore contract with Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd to set up a 120 MW combined cycle gas turbine plant at Rokhia, Sepahijala. Funded by ADB, the eco-friendly project aims to boost power self-reliance

A free-ranging female cheetah, Jwala, strayed from Kuno National Park into Rajasthan’s Sawaimadhopur district and was safely rescued under challenging conditions. Returned to KNP, she joins 26 cheetahs in the park, part of India’s ongoing cheetah reintroduction project from Namibia and South Africa

The Supreme Court cancelled Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar’s bail in the 2021 murder of wrestler Sagar Dhankar at Chhatrasal Stadium, ordering him to surrender within a week. The decision overturns Delhi High Court’s order, following an appeal by Dhankar’s father

The SIT’s final excavation at Dharmasthala’s 13th alleged burial site found no evidence in the mass grave case. Authorities may seek brain mapping of the complainant, as BJP leaders allege a conspiracy to defame the pilgrimage centre and plan protests