Former MP Prajwal Revanna Sentenced to Life in Prison for Rape
A special court in Bengaluru has sentenced former Janata Dal (Secular) MP Prajwal Revanna to life imprisonment for the rape of a 48-year-old domestic employee. The court, which convicted him on Friday, also imposed a fine of ₹10 lakh. The case, one of four against Revanna, pertains to sexual assaults committed in 2021 that were filmed by the accused. The verdict marks a significant conclusion to a high-profile case that gained national attention after explicit videos surfaced before the 2024 elections.
India Reaffirms Russian Oil Purchases Despite US Pressure
Amid threats of tariffs from US President Donald Trump, Indian government sources have confirmed that oil refiners continue to purchase Russian crude based on favourable pricing and economic factors. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India’s energy procurement is guided by national interest and that its relationship with the US has weathered many challenges. The clarification comes after Trump claimed he "heard" India would halt Russian oil imports, a move he would consider a "good step."
Rahul Gandhi Alleges 2024 Election Was 'Rigged', Promises 'Atom Bomb' of Proof
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha election was "rigged" and that the election system is "dead". Speaking at a legal conclave, he claimed to have "100 per cent proof" of electoral malpractice, which he called an "atom bomb" of data that would be released soon. His allegations, which the Election Commission has refuted, question the integrity of India's electoral process and institutions, sparking a major political controversy at the national level.
Delhi Government to Table Bill Regulating Private School Fees
The Delhi government is set to introduce a bill to regulate fee hikes by private schools during the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Assembly. The proposed legislation aims to establish a three-tier verification system for fee increases, involving school-level committees, a District Fee Appellate Committee, and a State-level revision committee. The bill includes provisions for penalties up to ₹10 lakh for non-compliance and fines for harassing students over fee payments, a move that will significantly impact millions of families in the national capital.
Malegaon Blast Judgment Reveals Witness Alleged Coercion by ATS
Following the acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, the full judgment revealed a key witness claimed he was tortured by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and pressured to name UP CM Yogi Adityanath. The special court deemed the witness's statement involuntary and unreliable, striking it from the record. The judgment further undermines the prosecution's case, which the court found lacked cogent evidence, ending a politically charged legal saga.
Andhra Pradesh Disburses ₹3,174 Crore to 4.7 Million Farmers
The Andhra Pradesh government has released the first tranche of its 'Annadatha Sukhibhava' scheme, depositing ₹7,000 into the bank accounts of 4.7 million farmers. The total disbursal amounts to ₹3,174 crore, combining state funds with the Centre's PM-Kisan aid. This initiative fulfills a key election promise of the new government, aiming to provide farmers with a total of ₹20,000 annually. The large-scale direct benefit transfer provides significant financial relief to the state's agricultural community and marks a major policy implementation.
Pragya Thakur Alleges Custodial Torture After Malegaon Blast Acquittal
A day after her acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur alleged she was subjected to severe custodial torture by police. In her first public statement, she claimed investigators pressured her to falsely implicate senior RSS and BJP figures, including UP CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Thakur described the case as fabricated and politically motivated, vowing to seek punishment for the officials involved, reigniting controversy over the investigation and the term "saffron terror".
Odisha Teenager Set on Fire by Miscreants Succumbs to Injuries
A 15-year-old girl from Odisha's Puri district, who was allegedly set on fire by three unidentified men a fortnight ago, has died while undergoing treatment at AIIMS-Delhi. The girl had sustained over 70% burn injuries in the attack on July 19. The incident has sparked outrage across the nation, placing the state government and police under intense scrutiny over women's safety and the delay in apprehending the culprits. The State Crime Branch is investigating the case.
Ukraine Strikes Oil Refineries and Airfield Deep Inside Russia
Ukraine's military has claimed responsibility for successful long-range strikes on several strategic targets deep within Russian territory. The attacks reportedly hit an oil refinery in Ryazan, an oil storage facility in Voronezh, an electronics factory in Penza, and the Primorsko-Akhtarsk military airfield used to launch drones. The operation demonstrates Ukraine's growing capacity to disrupt Russia's critical infrastructure and military logistics far from the front lines, marking a significant phase in the ongoing conflict.
Odisha and Chhattisgarh Agree to Amicably Resolve Mahanadi Water Dispute
In a significant breakthrough, the state governments of Odisha and Chhattisgarh have expressed their willingness to amicably resolve the long-standing dispute over sharing Mahanadi river water. Both states informed the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal of their intent to pursue a negotiated settlement. The tribunal has granted them more time, scheduling the next hearing for September 6. This move towards dialogue could end years of legal battles over a vital resource that impacts millions of people in both states.
US Positions Nuclear Submarines Near Russia Amid Escalating Tensions
US President Donald Trump announced he has ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned near Russia. The move is a direct response to what Trump called "foolish and inflammatory" threats from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. This action significantly escalates the war of words between the two nuclear powers, coming after Trump gave Russia a 10-day ultimatum to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, raising concerns about potential miscalculation in a tense geopolitical climate.
US Imposes 25% Tariff on Indian Goods, Citing Trade Imbalance and Russia Ties
The United States has imposed a 25% tariff on all Indian exports, effective August 7, as part of a revised tariff structure for 70 nations. President Donald Trump cited India's high tariffs, trade barriers, and significant energy and military purchases from Russia as reasons for the levy. He also referred to India's economy as "dead" and stated India may face an additional "penalty" for its ties with Russia. The move has created uncertainty for Indian exporters and the bilateral trade relationship.
All Accused, Including Pragya Thakur, Acquitted in 2008 Malegaon Blast Case
A special NIA court in Mumbai has acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit. The court cited a lack of "reliable and cogent evidence" for the verdict, nearly 17 years after the attack killed six people and injured over 100. The judgment has sparked political debate, with the BJP hailing it as a refutation of the "saffron terror" narrative, while opposition parties have questioned the investigation.
Supreme Court Recalls Order to Liquidate Bhushan Power & Steel
The Supreme Court has recalled its May 2 judgment that ordered the liquidation of Bhushan Power and Steel Limited (BPSL). A bench led by the Chief Justice noted that the earlier verdict did not correctly consider the legal position and that the larger picture, including the fate of 25,000 workers, must be considered. JSW Steel had acquired the debt-ridden BPSL in 2019 for ₹19,700 crore. The court will now hear the matter afresh, keeping all questions open.
Bihar Draft Electoral Roll Shows Drop of 6.5 Million Voters, Sparking Opposition Concern
The Election Commission of India has published a draft electoral roll for Bihar showing 65 lakh fewer voters than the list published in January 2025. The ECI attributes the reduction to deaths, permanent migration, and duplicate entries. However, opposition parties in the state have raised alarms about potential mass disenfranchisement ahead of assembly elections. They have questioned the process and demanded detailed data on the excluded names, escalating concerns over the integrity of the voter revision exercise.