Three people were killed and four injured when a portion of a two-storey building collapsed in Jahangirpuri, northwest Delhi. The building, housing three factories, was old and dilapidated. Rescue efforts by the National Disaster Response Force, fire department, and police lasted until evening. The deceased have been identified as Mukesh Kumar, Phoolwati, and Vinod, all factory workers. The injured, working on the terrace, are receiving treatment. A case has been registered and an investigation is ongoing.

In response to the Wayanad landslide tragedy, the Centre has proposed a draft notification to declare around 57,000 sq km of the Western Ghats as an ‘ecologically-sensitive area.’ Issued on July 31, the draft includes 13 villages in Wayanad and about 10,000 sq km in Kerala. This designation aims to curb commercial activities that contribute to environmental degradation. Citizens have 60 days to provide feedback before the final notification is published. The protected area spans six states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Gujarat, with restrictions on mining, new thermal plants, and large construction projects.

In response to the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, that have claimed over 300 lives, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has pledged to build more than 100 houses for survivors. Over 10,000 people have been relocated to relief camps, with hundreds still missing. Gandhi, visiting the disaster area with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, emphasized the need for urgent and comprehensive aid. He committed to raising the issue with both Union and State Governments, calling the tragedy one of the worst Kerala has ever faced. Rescue operations continue despite challenging conditions.

Cloudbursts in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have led to at least 18 deaths and significant disruption. In Uttarakhand, 13 bodies have been recovered, with 16 still missing. An orange alert is in effect for Uttar Kashi, and the Kedarnath Yatra has been suspended. Himachal Pradesh reports five deaths, with 49 people missing. Multiple roads and highways are closed, hampering rescue efforts. Authorities have deployed NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Army personnel, and rescue operations continue despite challenging weather conditions.

The death toll from the Wayanad landslides in Kerala has exceeded 300, with rescue operations ongoing for the fourth day. Heavy rain and muddy terrain have complicated efforts, with 130 body parts recovered. Approximately 300 people remain missing, and 9,328 have been relocated to relief camps. Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi visited the affected areas, promising 100 new homes. A recently constructed bridge is aiding rescue operations. The Kerala government is prioritizing the rescue and rehabilitation of survivors, with an orange alert issued until Saturday.

The Delhi High Court criticized the Delhi Police and civic authorities over the deaths of three IAS aspirants who drowned in a coaching centre's flooded basement. A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan transferred the investigation to the CBI, citing criminal neglect. The court rebuked the police for arresting an SUV driver instead of addressing infrastructural failings and highlighted the inefficiency of civic bodies. The court directed the formation of a committee to reassess Delhi's administrative, physical, and financial infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.

The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the sale of electoral bonds, citing the availability of other legal remedies. The court ruled that allegations of "quid pro quo" deals between political parties and corporate donors must be pursued through existing legal channels, such as approaching authorities with specific claims. The bench emphasized that judicial intervention is premature without exhausting these remedies. The decision means that petitioners must first seek relief through established legal processes before seeking court intervention, and only if those efforts fail can the court consider stepping in.

The death toll from Tuesday's landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district has risen to 308, with rescuers racing to find survivors trapped under debris. Over 200 people were injured in the disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall. Rescue efforts, now in their fourth day, are being expanded to include drone-based radar to locate survivors. Challenges include treacherous terrain, destroyed roads and bridges, and equipment shortages, hindering efforts to clear mud and debris. Emergency personnel are working tirelessly to reach trapped survivors and provide aid to affected areas.

The Supreme Court will deliver its judgment today on the NEET-UG medical entrance exam controversy. The court had declined to cancel the 2024 exam despite allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. A 3-judge bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, will provide reasons for its decision. Petitioners had sought re-examination or cancellation of the exam. The verdict will determine the fate of thousands of students who took the exam. The court's decision will be closely watched by students, educators, and the medical community, and will provide clarity on the future of the exam.

Rahul Gandhi visited a relief camp in Meppadi, Wayanad, where over 800 people affected by landslides are sheltered. During his visit, a victim, Unnikrishnan, appealed for help, saying "humko bachao" (save us). Gandhi responded by speaking with Unnikrishnan one-on-one. The camp, set up at Meppadi Higher Secondary School, provides aid to those rescued from landslide-hit areas. Gandhi's visit aimed to assess relief efforts and offer support to affected individuals. The interaction highlighted Gandhi's engagement with those in need.