Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury passed away at 72 after a prolonged illness. A key figure in Indian left-wing politics, Yechury played a pivotal role in shaping CPI(M)’s direction over several decades. His leadership and contributions to the party made him an influential voice in the political landscape. The news was confirmed by party and hospital sources. Former Union Minister and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed his condolences, remembering Yechury as a former colleague in Parliament. Yechury’s passing marks the end of an era for the CPI(M) and leftist politics in India.

A video of King Charles warmly hugging New Zealand’s women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns, at Buckingham Palace is winning hearts online. In the clip, shared on Instagram by the Black Ferns and The Royal Family, team member Ayesha Leti-I’iga asks the King if he would share a hug, to which he cheerfully agrees, replying, “Why not?” The King also posed for a selfie with the team. Social media users praised the heartwarming moment, with many commenting on the joy and breaking of royal traditions. One user wrote, “This made me teary! Breaking barriers with one hug.”

The Indian stock market witnessed a significant surge, with the Sensex and Nifty indices rising by 1,439.55 points and 470.45 points respectively. This added Rs 5.14 lakh crore to the market capitalization of BSE-listed companies, reaching Rs 465.9 lakh crore. The rally was driven by global market gains and expectations of increased foreign investment in domestic stocks. The US inflation data release also boosted anticipation of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with the probability increasing to 85%. The market's sudden jump has boosted investor confidence.

A team of astronauts, led by billionaire commander Jared Isaacman, is preparing for the first privately funded spacewalk in SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission. The mission, considered highly risky, involves a spacewalk in orbit and is part of a broader effort to push the boundaries of private space exploration. Final checks are underway as the crew prepares for this groundbreaking event. Polaris Dawn aims to set new milestones in space exploration, with live updates available to follow the mission's progress in real-time. This marks another significant step for SpaceX and private space ventures.

Katy Perry took to the VMAs stage to receive the Video Vanguard Award, delivering a medley of hits and new music. Her performance featured a montage of her iconic videos, followed by a futuristic, aerial performance of "Dark Horse" and "E.T." Perry then debuted her new single "I'm His, He's Mine" with Doechii, featuring a sultry performance and a nod to the VMAs' space theme. The set showcased Perry's signature style and versatility, cementing her status as a music video icon.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed PM Modi and the BJP for the assault of two Army officers and gang-rape of their friend in Indore. Rahul Gandhi called the incident a "shame" to society, criticizing the "non-existent" law and order in BJP-ruled states and the government's "negative attitude" towards crimes against women. He demanded accountability, saying the government's failure has created an unsafe environment, restricting women's freedom and aspirations. The siblings urged the government to take responsibility for protecting women, questioning PM Modi's commitment to women's safety.

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has requested that Hindu communities pause Durga Puja music during Islamic prayer times. Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (ret.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that local puja committees have agreed to stop using sound systems and musical instruments during azan and namaz. This measure aims to respect Islamic practices while ensuring peaceful celebrations. Chowdhury made the statement while reviewing law and order preparations for Durga Puja at the Dhaka Secretariat. The move underscores the government’s efforts to balance religious observances and maintain harmony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted India's growing semiconductor industry at the 'Semicon India' event, saying it's the "right time" to invest in the country. He set a target of increasing the electronics sector from $150 billion to $500 billion by 2030, creating 6 million jobs for youth. Modi's pitch emphasized India's potential, saying "when the chips are down, you can bet on India." The government aims to ramp up production and establish India as a key player in the global electronics market.

The prestigious Canadian literary award, formerly known as the Scotiabank Giller Prize, has rebranded to distance itself from its sponsor's controversial investments. Scotiabank's asset management subsidiary holds shares in Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturer implicated in civilian casualties. Despite the name change, Scotiabank remains the prize's main sponsor. The Giller Foundation cited a desire to focus on authors and their achievements, rather than the sponsor's activities. The move follows months of protests and criticism from literary figures and human rights groups.

At a Washington press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that Indian democracy has been under attack for the past decade, but is now recovering. He cited Maharashtra as an example, alleging legislators were bought off and joined the BJP. Gandhi expressed confidence in democracy's resilience, saying it was "broken" but now "fighting back". The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha made these remarks at the National Press Club, highlighting concerns over India's democratic institutions and authoritarianism. Gandhi's comments come amid ongoing debates over India's democratic health.