National News

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya defended Champat Rai amid embezzlement allegations concerning the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. While acknowledging the incident's painful nature, Maurya urged against turning it into a public debate, stating investigations are underway. Meanwhile, the Faizabad Bar Association demanded the resignation of Rai and two others, threatening protests if they don't leave Ayodhya within three days.

Arrested accused Avinash Shukla has revealed a meticulous plan to steal Ram Temple donations. The gang studied CCTV blind spots, used human shields during counting, and smuggled cash out in small batches. A key to the counting room was held by an individual with no official role, further compromising security. Recoveries include over Rs 79 lakh in cash and valuables, highlighting significant lapses in the donation handling process.

A 66-year-old pilot named Liu faced a harrowing battle with anxiety and suicidal thoughts, culminating in a crash into the CITIC Group headquarters, the tallest building in Beijing. The aircraft, which took off after a routine flight, strayed off its intended path, resulting in injuries to 13 individuals. This alarming incident has ignited serious discussions about aviation security in a city known for its stringent controls.

Dinesh Karthik backs Sanju Samson despite recent struggles, urging continued faith in the experienced batter over rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Karthik highlighted Samson's past T20 World Cup performance as a reason for backing. He also commented on India's decision to bat first against England, attributing it to an 'Ireland hangover'. Captain Shreyas Iyer's crucial half-century was praised for relieving pressure.

Shraddha Kapoor has reportedly hiked her acting fee to a whopping Rs. 15 crore for her upcoming 2026 film 'Eetha', a biographical drama directed by Laxman Utekar. Based on the life of legendary Marathi Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, Eetha marks a massive salary jump for the actress following the historic success of Stree 2. Backed by producer Dinesh Vijan, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 28, 2026, amid an ongoing title controversy raised by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Vithabai’s surviving family members.

A solar installation firm has been ordered by a consumer commission to refund over Rs 25,000 to a homeowner. The company was found to have overcharged for net-metering and failed to deliver promised electricity generation from a rooftop solar system. The commission ruled the company vicariously liable for its agent's actions and awarded compensation for the shortfall in power and mental agony.

In the wake of a substantial Russian airstrike, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine is appealing to the US for permission to manufacture Patriot air defense missiles domestically. This move comes as Kyiv strives to enhance its defenses following attacks that have left 13 dead and over 90 injured. By producing Patriots locally, Ukraine aims to secure a steady supply and lessen its dependence on external aid for sustained security.

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Summers faces a possible jail sentence after pleading guilty to child sexual abuse and grooming offences committed in 2018 while he was with the Hobart Hurricanes. Summers, who previously served prison time for separate child exploitation offences, was remanded in custody after a Tasmanian court rejected the possibility of a suspended sentence. He will be sentenced in August.

Day 22 saw Harry Kane save England from Congolese chaos with a thunderbolt for the ages, Belgium summon one last Golden Generation miracle from the penalty spot, and the US survive both Bosnia and Herzegovina and VAR’s latest audition for villain of the tournament.

The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle from August 15 to 19. The second Test will take place at the Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

A man legally named Santa Claus, formerly George Quigley, was arrested in Louisiana for allegedly soliciting a minor online. The 75-year-old, who adopted the Christmas persona, was apprehended during a sting operation after engaging in explicit online exchanges and sending nude photos. Police warn parents about the dangers of such online interactions, especially given the suspect's history of posing with children.

Shreyas Iyer made history in Durham, becoming the first Indian captain to score a T20I half-century on English soil with a brilliant 68. His composed innings, crucial after an early collapse, helped India post 189/7. Though rain forced an abandonment, Iyer's return to form and record-breaking knock provides a significant boost for India ahead of the next match.

A dentist, Muskan Soni, has publicly apologized after facing severe backlash for mocking the death of Pune realtor Ketan Agrawal. Soni attributed her actions to a "funny personality" and claimed no intent to offend. The apology follows her five-year suspension from the All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association due to her "inappropriate and disrespectful remarks." Agrawal's death is being investigated as a murder, with two individuals arrested.

A 60-year-old man, Aslam Isak Shaikh, has vanished after plunging into an open stormwater drain on Khairani Road in Mumbai's Sakinaka area. The incident occurred while civic workers were undertaking repairs on a drainage grill, leaving a manhole unattended. Authorities are actively conducting search operations and investigating the precise circumstances surrounding Shaikh's disappearance into the drain.

India and Japan elevated their trade and strategic ties with a new Memorandum of Cooperation signed during the 16th Annual Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi welcomed his Japanese counterpart, highlighting shared priorities for a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The leaders discussed initiatives to boost Japanese investment in India, aiming for significant growth in capital and company presence, underscoring a strengthened partnership built on trust and shared values.