Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has demanded a comprehensive report regarding allegations of using "beef tallow," "lard" (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee for preparing laddus at Tirupati's Sri Venkateswara temple. This comes after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed the previous YSR Congress-led government used animal fat instead of ghee in the temple's prasadam. Nadda has spoken to Naidu, seeking details and the available report for examination, and plans to investigate further with state regulators. He assured that suitable action will be taken based on food safety standards.

Visitors at Shanwei Zoo in China were shocked to discover that the supposed pandas were actually painted dogs. The realization came when one of the animals began panting and barking, prompting zoo-goers to question their authenticity. A viral video showed one of the "pandas" lying exhausted on a rock, while another with a curly tail was spotted walking in the enclosure. Initially, the zoo claimed these were a breed of “panda dogs,” but later admitted they had simply dyed two chow chows. Following the revelation, upset visitors demanded refunds from the zoo, expressing their dissatisfaction with the misleading display.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee and current US Vice President, engaged in a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey ahead of the upcoming elections. During the discussion, titled “Unite for America,” Harris made headlines by stating, "If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot," reflecting on personal safety. The interview covered various topics, including reproductive rights and immigration issues, aiming to energize voters in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan. Organized in partnership with the activist group Win With Black Women, the event sought to galvanize support for Harris’s campaign and engage the electorate ahead of the elections.

A controversy has erupted over the presence of animal fat in Tirupati laddoos, a sacred offering at the Sri Venkateswara temple, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleging that fish oil and beef tallow were found in the ghee used to make the prasadam. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, which manages the temple, purchases 5 lakh kg of ghee annually, inviting tenders every six months. The quality of ghee is crucial to the taste of Srivari laddoos, a delicacy drawing thousands of devotees daily. The issue has highlighted the halt in supply of renowned Nandini ghee last year, sparking concerns over the sourcing and purity of ingredients.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated that recent bomb attacks using the group's communications systems "crossed all red lines," accusing Israel of a declaration of war. In a significant speech, he admitted Hezbollah faced an "unprecedented blow" but vowed to continue fighting and deliver "just punishment." The blasts, which occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, reportedly killed 37 people and injured 3,000, though Israel has not claimed responsibility. As Nasrallah spoke, Israeli warplanes created sonic booms over Beirut, further alarming the population, while Israeli military operations aimed to weaken Hezbollah's capabilities and enhance security in northern Israel.

Ernst & Young India chairperson Rajiv Memani expressed regret over the company's absence at the funeral of employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, who allegedly died due to excessive work pressure. Memani, facing backlash over claims of a toxic work culture, stated that missing the funeral was "alien to our culture" and promised it would not happen again. Anna Sebastian Perayil, who joined E&Y in March, passed away on July 20, and the incident gained attention after her mother, Anita Augustine, wrote an open letter accusing the company of contributing to her daughter's death through overwhelming work demands. Memani conveyed his condolences to the family.

Kylie Minogue has announced her biggest world tour in over a decade, along with a sequel to her comeback album Tension. The new album, Tension II, featuring 13 tracks, will be released on 18 October. The global tour begins in February 2024 in Australia, followed by stops in Asia and the UK. Minogue expressed her excitement to celebrate the "Tension era" with fans, referencing her viral Grammy-winning single Padam Padam. So far, 20 tour dates have been announced, with more expected. The 56-year-old pop icon is enjoying a career resurgence, fueled by the success of Tension and Padam Padam.

The Supreme Court rebuked Karnataka High Court judge Justice Srishananda for controversial comments made during a recent landlord-tenant dispute hearing. Justice Srishananda referred to a Muslim-majority area in Bengaluru as "Pakistan" and made a misogynistic remark towards a woman advocate, prompting widespread criticism after the video circulated on social media. A five-judge Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, highlighted the importance of judicial decorum and sought a report from Karnataka's Chief Justice regarding the incident. The Supreme Court's response underscores concerns over maintaining professionalism and impartiality in judicial proceedings.

India's key stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, achieved record highs on Friday. The S&P BSE Sensex surged 965 points to 84,149.80, surpassing the 84,000 mark for the first time. The NSE Nifty50 gained 276.60 points to reach 25,692.40, an all-time high. This uptrend follows a strong rally on Wall Street, fueled by positive US labour market data and a larger-than-expected rate cut. The Indian stock market's gains reflect improved investor sentiment.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) interrogated Ashish Pandey, a TMC youth leader and house staff at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, regarding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. Pandey was questioned for hours at the CBI's CGO Complex office about his activities on August 9, the day the doctor's body was found. Investigators discovered his phone number in multiple call lists and learned he checked into a Salt Lake hotel with a woman friend that day. The CBI summoned hotel authorities to provide booking and payment details, revealing Pandey booked the room via an app and stayed overnight. The purpose of his stay remains unclear, sparking further investigation.