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Most people across Assam’s flood-prone districts know what to expect during six rainy months in a year, but the residents of Sivasagar and Charaideo, two historically safer districts along the Assam-Nagaland border, were not prepared for what hit them following a spell of heavy rainfall from July 18 to 22. The scale of devastation that occurred at an unprecedented speed has increased the challenge of recovering from the shock, with 99 dead and 7.21 lakh people affected, reports Rahul Karmakar

Russia has proposed a direct rail corridor to connect to the Indian Ocean, aiming to circumvent the perilous straits. This ambitious route would pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. However, experts highlight significant logistical and financial hurdles. For New Delhi, gaining Pakistan's commitment to security cooperation is essential. If realized, this corridor might provide a vital overland freight option to reduce reliance on maritime routes.

Following a serious incident involving altitude loss on an Air India flight, the pilot was subjected to a dope screening test. The results were not definitively negative, thereby calling for additional confirmatory tests. As a result, seventeen passengers and crew members were hospitalized. In response, the aviation ministry has initiated an investigation and temporarily removed both pilots from their flying duties until the inquiry concludes.

India is now at par with global leaders in advanced technology and manufacturing. Technology and artificial intelligence have significantly improved access to opportunities and education. Chandrayaan's discovery of water molecules on the Moon showcases India's specific capabilities. Opening the space and nuclear sectors to private companies has spurred rapid expansion. This progress indicates a fast pace in both manufacturing and technological development.

Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns regarding Home Minister Amit Shah's muted response to police actions against students protesting at Jantar Mantar over paper leaks. Jairam Ramesh reminded the minister of his silence during a previous security incident in Parliament, emphasizing the need for accountability as the monsoon session nears its conclusion, with opposition members urging the government to address the youth's grievances.

Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Department said that under the RISE Global Health Security (RISE GHS) Project, the Animal Husbandry Department, in collaboration with the Forest and Wildlife Department, successfully conducted active surveillance for Avian Influenza among wild migratory birds at 19 Ramsar and other important wetland sites

Digitisation initiative to be launched to connect milk to milch animals and to trace anomalies to arrest adulteration process

As Parliament approaches its closing week, the FCRA amendment bill is notably absent from Monday's Lok Sabha agenda, signaling a possible political strategy from the government. The legislation's contentious nature is drawing connections to the pending delimitation exercise. Opposition groups, including DMK and NCP(SP), have raised alarms over its provisions. It seems the government wishes to foster a detailed discussion to address these criticisms.

The Enforcement Directorate has formally charged Reliance Communications and Reliance Infrastructure with serious financial offenses, including money laundering involving over forty thousand crore rupees in misappropriated bank funds. The allegations indicate substantial financial misconduct by both companies and related individuals. The agency is pursuing the confiscation of properties worth more than eight thousand crore rupees, stemming from a deliberate scheme to misdirect public funds from vital infrastructure projects.

Since the inception of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, over one crore urban houses have been built, representing a significant achievement in housing development. Since 2015, 1.25 crore houses have gained approval, with nearly one crore allocated to women. Furthermore, PMAY-Urban 2.0 introduced over 2.09 lakh houses for EWS families, while 1.4 lakh homes were sanctioned for pucca construction under the Beneficiary Led Construction scheme.

Rahul Navin received a one-year extension as ED director, which ends his fixed tenure. His service is now extended until August 2027, including post-superannuation service. Navin's tenure began in September 2023 and was appointed ED director in August 2024. He has established a roadmap for completing probes and auctioning attached properties. This roadmap aims to return assets to rightful claimants and fraud victims.

Mayawati described the RSS’s position a reflection of a ‘casteist mindset’, adding it might serve narrow political interests but would undermine constitutional objectives

In a puzzling incident, a prominent Lashkar-e-Taiba member, Qari Saeed Abdul Aziz, was found dead in Islamabad on August 8. Known for his role in orchestrating the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Aziz collapsed near a mosque after a meal at an unfamiliar restaurant. While the exact cause of death is still being investigated, the possibility of poisoning has not been ruled out, prompting close scrutiny from regional intelligence.

MLC Satyajeet Tambe, nephew of Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat, was detained by police.

Census form likely to have 40 questions, defence structures to be recorded on paper 

Government data tabled in the Lok Sabha last month show that only 14.24 lakh of the country’s 46.02 lakh registered nursing personnel have been enrolled on the Nurses Registration and Tracking System

The Supreme Court collegium recommended four judges for High Court Chief Justice positions. These appointments aim to fill vacancies in key High Courts across India. The collegium also approved transfers of two judges from Orissa High Court. Orissa High Court faces a significant shortage of judges, impacting its functioning. No representation from Orissa High Court has been appointed to the Supreme Court in eight years.

Recent rains have brought relief to Delhi, Haryana, and eastern Rajasthan, yet the national monsoon deficit persists. States like Bihar and Punjab continue to struggle with below-average rainfall. While the sowing of Kharif crops is nearly finalized across the nation, August's rainfall may enhance water reservoirs for hydropower and upcoming planting seasons, with a low-pressure area potentially raising precipitation levels in eastern India shortly.

A Prayagraj court’s summons to Independent MP Pappu Yadav for his skit at Parliament complex over the alleged theft of donations at Ram Temple raises the question of territorial jurisdiction