A newly constructed farm well in Gujarat’s Morbi district has drawn crowds after its water repeatedly surged and fluctuated, triggering speculation about earthquakes and supernatural activity. The unusual movement was reported at farmer Pranjivanbhai Sardiya’s well in Veerparda village after it recently filled to capacity. The turbulence continued on Sunday and Monday, settled on Tuesday, and resumed Wednesday evening. Morbi Collector Swapnil Khare urged people not to spread rumours, citing a preliminary geological assessment that linked the movement to trapped air beneath the water. Geologist Jagdish Vadher attributed it to groundwater recharge after heavy rainfall, roadside wind flow and local conditions. The Institute of Seismological Research found no seismic activity, while a groundwater team will conduct a final study.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday described the E20 issue as a “very big issue”, alleging it is affecting people’s cars, scooters and lives. Speaking on the matter, Gandhi said Congress would take up the issue “in a massive way”, while linking it to what he described as widespread corruption. Stressing the seriousness of the controversy, he remarked, “Yeh E20 ka jo maamla hai bohot bada issue hai... daal mein kuch kaala nahi, daal hi kaali hai.” Gandhi said the E20 issue would not be ignored despite several other concerns, arguing that the scale of alleged corruption had created a long list of issues requiring attention and careful sequencing before action.

India on Friday clarified that it does not endorse remarks made by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her August 5 press conference that criticised Bangladesh's BNP-led government. Responding to questions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the event was organised by a private media entity and that the Government of India had no role in hosting or conducting it. He stressed that New Delhi does not support or endorse any comments made at the forum, particularly those concerning Bangladesh's duly constituted government.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free public entry for both Tests of the upcoming two-match series against India, aiming to boost stadium attendance and promote the longest format. The series begins on August 15 and marks India’s first Test assignment since their 2025 whitewash against South Africa. With both teams chasing crucial World Test Championship (2025-27) points, the fixtures carry added significance. Amid concerns over declining crowds and viewership for Test cricket, SLC said the initiative will allow fans, families and young cricket enthusiasts to watch world-class cricket without purchasing tickets. The board hopes the move will encourage greater public participation and strengthen support for red-ball cricket across Sri Lanka. (PC: X)

India has officially mapped 27 locations and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh on the Survey of India’s maps, responding to China’s repeated attempts to rename places in the border state. Conducted in consultation with the Arunachal Pradesh government, the exercise aims to ensure accurate identification of these locations and improve public awareness. The move comes after Beijing repeatedly issued so-called standardised names for areas it claims as "Zangnan", a position India has consistently rejected, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country. By formally recording these places on official maps, India has reinforced its territorial position while strengthening geographic documentation and administrative recognition of key border-region landmarks. (PC: ITG)

Commonwealth Games 2026 gold medallist Sakshi Chaudhary has thanked former India captain Virat Kohli for supporting her boxing career through the Virat Kohli Foundation. After winning the women's 51kg (Flyweight) title in Glasgow, the Haryana boxer said Kohli had been her sponsor during a crucial phase of her journey. Chaudhary, who serves in the Indian Army, made a successful comeback after missing the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Asian Games. Speaking after her victory, she recalled taking up boxing after being inspired by Vijender Singh but said Kohli's financial support and motivation played an important role in helping her achieve Commonwealth Games gold.

A young innovator from Uttarakhand's Almora district has successfully tested Hapida Skynex, an electric personal flying vehicle developed through his startup, Hapida Sky Private Limited. Ravi Tamta, from Kaflikhan village near Jageshwar Dham, says the prototype is powered entirely by electricity, eliminating the need for petrol, diesel or CNG while offering a zero-emission transport alternative. The successful test marks a major milestone after years of research and development, bringing personal air mobility closer to reality. Tamta aims to make flying vehicles safe, affordable and sustainable. Experts say the technology could improve connectivity in remote Himalayan regions, support disaster relief, strengthen emergency response and open new tourism opportunities across Uttarakhand.

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra's plea challenging a Calcutta High Court order directing her to appear before police in a hate speech case. During the hearing, the bench questioned Moitra's concerns that eggs could be thrown at her if she appeared before investigators, remarking that freedom fighters had faced bullets. The court refused to grant relief, following which Moitra's counsel withdrew the petition. The case comes amid claims that several Trinamool leaders, including Moitra and Abhishek Banerjee, have faced egg attacks after the BJP formed the government in West Bengal following the Assembly elections earlier this year. (PC: PTI)

Iran has criticised the newly signed defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, warning that the trilateral pact will not guarantee Riyadh's security. Iranian MP Ebrahim Rezaei said Saudi Arabia should not expect a "paper agreement" to provide protection, arguing that years of close security ties with the United States also failed to ensure its safety. His remarks came after the three countries formalised a defence partnership aimed at strengthening military cooperation amid regional security concerns. The pact has drawn attention across the region, with Iran emerging as one of its first vocal critics. Tehran's response highlights growing geopolitical tensions surrounding the agreement and its potential implications for regional security dynamics.

Heavy rain brought Delhi-NCR to a standstill on Friday, triggering widespread waterlogging, severe traffic snarls and commuter distress as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert till 8 pm. Many office-goers reported being unable to book cabs for hours. Congestion hit key routes including Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, ITO, Wazirabad Road, Patel Road, Rohtak Road, Shankar Road, Kirti Nagar, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Peeragarhi and Shaheen Bagh. Waterlogging was reported in Chhatarpur, Mehram Nagar near Terminal 1, Shakarpur and Mandawali, while traffic crawled on NH-48 and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. IMD attributed the disruption to multiple active weather systems, warning of continued heavy rain, flooding and traffic disruption.