In a landmark move, the West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill 2024', proposing capital punishment for rape convicts if their actions result in death or leave the victim in a vegetative state. The Bill, passed during a special two-day session, aims to strengthen laws against sexual violence. The move comes after the recent rape-murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's proposed amendments were rejected. The new law seeks to ensure swift justice for victims and their families, with no room for mercy for perpetrators.

Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor's horror comedy, Stree 2, has achieved a major milestone by crossing the ₹500 crore mark in India. According to film trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film has earned ₹509.4 crore in its third week. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the sequel has maintained a steady pace at the box office, with mass circuits driving its business. With no major releases till Dussehra, Stree 2 is expected to enjoy a smooth run. The film's success can be attributed to its original cast, including Abhishek Banerjee, Pankaj Tripathi, and Aparshakti Khurana, who have reprised their roles from the 2018 original.

On Tuesday, a search operation by security forces in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, led to an encounter with Naxalites, resulting in the deaths of at least 9 insurgents. The operation, based on intelligence, targeted the PLGA company No 2 on the Dantewada-Bijapur border. Security personnel recovered several weapons, including SLR and 12 Bore guns. No security personnel were injured. The encounter follows recent Naxalite killings of 3 villagers in Bijapur district. An ongoing operation continues in the area, with sporadic firing reported. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently reviewed anti-Naxal strategies with top police officials in Chhattisgarh.

A fire broke out on the sixth floor of a multi-storey building in Nizam Palace on Tuesday morning. Locals quickly took action, bringing the fire under control before it could spread. Three fire engines arrived on the scene, but their assistance was not needed. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The building where the fire occurred houses quarters and is distant from the office of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is also located within Nizam Palace. Notably, Sandip Ghosh and three others, recently arrested in connection with RG tax financial irregularities, is currently in the CBI office at Nizam Palace. The fire incident has raised concerns.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged that shoot-at-sight orders be used only as a last resort after a series of wolf attacks in Bahraich district. On Monday night, a five-year-old girl was attacked by a wolf while sleeping at her home. Quick action from her family and neighbors saved her life, though the wolf escaped. This was the first time a wolf had appeared in the village, according to a neighbor. The girl, along with two others injured in the incident, is being treated at the Community Health Centre in Mahasi. The attacks have heightened concerns in the area.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu praised Nithya Sre Sivan for winning bronze in Women’s Singles Badminton SH6 at the Paris Paralympics 2024. The 19-year-old’s victory, which came after defeating Indonesia’s Rina Marlina, pushes India's medal tally to 15. This medal marks India’s fifth consecutive badminton medal at the Games. The SH6 category features short-statured athletes. Modi and Murmu highlighted Nithya's dedication and performance, celebrating her achievement as a significant contribution to India's Paralympic success. India's current medal count surpasses the previous milestone of 10 medals at the Games.

The West Bengal government has introduced the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024' in the state Assembly. This legislation aims to enhance protections for women and children by revising and adding new provisions related to rape and sexual offences. Notably, it proposes the death penalty for rapists if their actions result in the victim’s death or a vegetative state. BJP MLA Shikha Chatterjee expressed support but noted that West Bengal had not contributed to the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, which also addresses women’s crime. The bill is introduced amidst protests over a recent rape and murder case in Kolkata.

The collapse of a 35-ft statue of warrior king Shivaji in Maharashtra has ignited political unrest and protests. The statue, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December, fell on August 26 amid heavy monsoon rains. The incident has fueled opposition demands for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s resignation, with allegations of corruption in the statue’s construction. BJP state chief Ashish Shelar and other officials have apologized and promised action. The collapse has become a contentious issue in the run-up to Maharashtra's elections, with opposition parties accusing the ruling coalition of mismanagement.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the time is right for India and Singapore to strengthen their bilateral relationship. Jaishankar pointed out that the partnership has been strong for the past two decades, but now, with changes in India and globally, there’s a need to make it more contemporary. He highlighted that Modi's visit, early in his third term, reflects the importance of these ties. Jaishankar also urged Singapore to take advantage of the current opportunities, similar to those in 1992 and 2006, and noted that some views in Singapore may be outdated.

A 13-year-old boy, Jahziah Coke, was fatally stabbed at his home in Oldbury, near Birmingham, last Thursday. Two teenage boys have been charged with his murder. A man in his 40s has also been charged with assisting an offender. All three suspects are in police custody and will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court. Jahziah's mother described him as a kind and family-oriented young man. The investigation is ongoing, and the community is mourning the loss of a young life. The incident highlights concerns about youth violence and safety in the area.