National News

Devdutt Padikkal last played a Test for India during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. After waiting 632 days, the left-hander seized his opportunity. Karnataka captaincy, role clarity and work on his game against spin reaped rewards as he put India in a dominant position with his maiden ton and a 150-run stand with his statemate and coffee partner KL Rahul on the opening day of the first Test in Galle.

Former defence secretary RK Mathur has recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi insisted on removing the bulletproof glass barrier from the Red Fort before delivering his first Independence Day address as Prime Minister in 2014. Speaking about the episode, Mathur said he and the then Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) had briefed Modi about the security arrangements ahead of August 15.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has praised Islam Makhachev's dedicated journey ahead of his significant welterweight title defense. Makhachev will face Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia this Saturday. While many expect Makhachev to win, Nurmagomedov respects Garry's fighting capabilities. Makhachev aims to extend his impressive winning streak to seventeen victories. Garry, an underdog, seeks to build his own significant fighting legacy.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has laid out some guidelines for lenders on recovery of loans, and whether they can block or lock the device that has been purchased via EMI financing. This new framework will come into effect from January 1, 2027.

Ministers and TVK leaders condemned Nagenthran’s remarks, dubbing them “uncivilised.”

After an extended deployment, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is making its way home. While Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao minimized reports of sailor difficulties and supply deficiencies, the Navy contends that allegations regarding a mental health crisis aboard are overstated. This lengthy deployment highlights the pressures faced by the US Navy's carrier fleet, with the USS George Washington set to take over its operations in the Middle East.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes' recent $5 million donation to Texas Tech marks a transformative moment for the university's football facilities. This substantial amount amplifies the fundraising efforts and ensures naming rights for prominent sections of the new complex. With Patrick's rich history at Texas Tech, their generosity underscores a lasting commitment to elevating the school's athletic programs to new heights.

Govinda has made a public plea for his wife, Sunita Ahuja, to cease her use of foul language, notably phrases referencing mothers and sisters. Concerned about the effects of such behavior on impressionable youth, the actor highlighted the responsibilities of public figures. Sunita's frank comments about their life together have also caught the public's attention, igniting lively discussions among supporters.

In a thrilling display of skill, Steve Smith has matched Joe Root's remarkable world record for non-wicketkeeper Test catches, reaching 218 during the first Test against Bangladesh. Smith's achievement, accomplished with three catches at second slip, showcases his talent as he reaches this landmark in far fewer matches than Root. This puts Smith at the pinnacle of the all-time catching leaderboard.

Searches for homes with air conditioning in the UK have more than doubled this summer. Repeated heatwaves prompt buyers to pay greater attention to property cooling capabilities. Many households are making practical changes to keep cool during hotter weather. Britain's housing stock faces concerns about coping with increasingly hotter summers. This shift influences buyer priorities and what they are willing to purchase.

A significant earthquake registering 7.7 on the Richter scale rocked eastern Indonesia early Saturday, claiming the lives of at least thirty-eight individuals and leading to the destruction of various structures. Ongoing rescue missions are striving to aid the affected population, while landslides and widespread power failures hinder relief efforts in some areas. Although a tsunami alert was briefly raised, it was later cancelled after confirming that sea conditions were stable.

Abishek Porel, Delhi Capitals and Bengal cricketer, has been denied bail in an alleged rape and blackmail case involving a medical student. Arrested in Hooghly on August 11, he was sent to 14 days of judicial custody. The complainant alleged he promised marriage, later threatened to share private photos and illegally confined her during an April incident.

India's liberation from British rule was celebrated at midnight on August 15, 1947, as Jawaharlal Nehru captivated everyone with his famed 'Tryst with Destiny' speech. Following this historic moment, the newly formed government not only celebrated freedom but also faced daunting challenges related to governance and nation-building, with Lord Mountbatten taking charge as the first Governor-General during a time marked by the chaos of Partition.

Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed young lawyers at the Supreme Court Bar Association's event. He acknowledged India's progress while stressing much remains to be done. The responsibility of the legal profession will soon rest on their shoulders. He highlighted the historical connection between law and India's freedom struggle. Young lawyers are encouraged to protect and carry forward justice institutions.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam sustained a hand injury during a warm-up match. He was forced to retire from the game as a precautionary measure. Azam is expected to return to training on Monday before the series begins. The three-Test series against England is scheduled to start on August 19. His availability remains a key talking point for the visiting team.