🤝 Govt says ties with Italy are strong, not just jokes

The External Affairs Ministry responded to Congress's remarks regarding PMs of India and Italy. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has strong ties with Italy, built on mutual respect and understanding. These relations have noticeably expanded and strengthened in recent years across various fronts. This statement came after Congress leaders made comments on the government's foreign policy approach. The ministry stressed the importance of respectful diplomatic practice between the two nations.

🤕 Jemimah Rodrigues sidelined for Asia Cup, Asian Games

Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues is out of the Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games due to a high-grade right hamstring tear. This 25-year-old suffered the injury on August 3 while playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred in England. The Asia Cup kicks off in the UAE on August 28, and India is grouped with Pakistan, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Pratika Rawal has been named as her replacement for the upcoming tournaments. India is top-seeded for the Asian Games in Nagoya, starting September 17. 🤕

🇮🇹 MEA slams Congress leader's jab at Italian PM

The Ministry of External Affairs urged respect for India-Italy ties following a comment by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit. This exchange happened after Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi's foreign policy at the Rachnatmak Congress national convention in New Delhi. Dikshit referenced Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the heated discussion. Gandhi questioned India's stance on West Asia conflicts and China's border actions. The MEA emphasized the importance of maintaining mutual understanding with Italy. 🇮🇹

🇮🇳 MEA tells Congress to respect Italy ties

The Ministry of External Affairs criticized the Congress party for making remarks mocking PM Modi's foreign policy. This issue arose after Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit made comments regarding Italian PM Meloni. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the deep and strong ties India shares with Italy. He stressed the importance of mutual respect in all diplomatic practices. The MEA urged Congress to be respectful towards India's relationship with Italy. 🇮🇳

🌟 Constable helps needy tribals in Parvatipuram

Head constable Komiri Krishnamurthy assisted needy tribal people in Kuneru village of Parvatipuram-Manyam District. He distributed saris, dress material, towels, and blankets to poor tribal families in Kondakuneru village on Friday. Mr. Krishnamurthy dedicates a portion of his monthly salary to charitable activities. Locals praised him for choosing the remote village for these service activities. This action is inspiring other common employees to engage in similar community service.

🚧 Rights panel orders safety check at risky quarries

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) ordered the Ernakulam district administration to inspect dangerous abandoned quarries. SHRC Chairperson Alexander Thomas issued the directive after a The Hindu report highlighted threats from around 70 quarries in the district. Officials must identify owners and legally mandate protective fencing installation. If owners fail to act, the District Collector must arrange fencing using the District Mineral Foundation funds. A report detailing actions taken must be submitted within six weeks. 🚧

🧐 India's Census 2027 brings major changes

India's Census will ask citizens about their caste for the first time since Independence, recording it exactly as declared by residents. This is happening in Ladakh and parts of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand starting August 17, with door-to-door counting until September 30. The survey now includes questions on Aadhaar, mobile numbers, and Covid-19 vaccine status. The data collection is part of the second phase, which follows the housing operations already completed. Final results are expected to be published two to three years after data collection concludes. 🧐

⚖️ Judge tells Google to fix rival app store visibility

A judge declared the current visibility of third-party Android app stores on Google Play as "not acceptable." This ruling was made during Google's ongoing court battle following the debut of Aptoide Games earlier this week. The judge demanded that every relevant search phrase should correctly display these stores within one week. Google agreed to make changes, treating third-party stores like standard apps with an "Install" button. Furthermore, the judge criticized the "are you looking for" banner as unnecessary friction.

👑 Prince James dropping royal titles for uni

Prince James, the youngest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, will not be taking on his royal titles as an adult. He is the 18-year-old son of Prince Edward and Sophie, and he will start at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. This decision was announced by the palace on Thursday, August 13, with the course beginning this fall. James is choosing a path focused on personal career over public royal duty. He will first gain hands-on experience as a farmhand on King Charles’ Sandringham estate before starting his studies. 👨‍🌾

📉 Tata uncertainty drags Indian stocks down

Indian equities saw a drop this week as leadership questions at Tata Sons and a slump in metals impacted the market. The Sensex fell 0.09% to 78,009.25 on Friday, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.12% to 24,366.00. This weakness comes as Tata Group's market cap fell nearly 2% on Wednesday. Investors are selectively buying in sectors like pharma and telecom amid global volatility. The market is lagging behind major Asian rallies driven by AI and semiconductors. 📉

⚖️ BCI's batch freeze order faces legal heat

The Bar Council of India initially ordered State Bar Councils not to enrol any NALSAR 2026 graduates following student protests. This directive came after an inquiry into a campaign opposing CJI Surya Kant's convocation participation. The initial ban was later modified, allowing graduates to enrol while the investigation continued. Critics argue the blanket restriction lacks statutory basis, as enrolment is primarily a State Bar Council function. Future actions depend on how the BCI defends its supervisory powers against legal challenges. ⚖️