The Maldives has seen a significant decline in Indian tourists due to diplomatic tensions, with only 28,604 Indian visitors between April and June 2024, compared to 54,207 last year. Meanwhile, Lakshadweep’s popularity surged, with Agatti Airport handling 22,990 passengers in the same period, up from 11,074 last year. Increased flight services, promotions, and diplomatic stability have contributed to Lakshadweep’s rise. The Maldives faces competition from other Asian destinations like Thailand and Indonesia, while Chinese tourists have become the leading visitors to the Maldives in 2024.

The family of a Kolkata doctor who was found dead at RG Kar Medical College on August 9 claims they are under "house arrest" by the police. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the family and accused the police of offering money to the victim's father to cremate the body quickly. The incident has sparked outrage, with junior doctors protesting for justice. One police volunteer has been arrested in connection with the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now investigating the matter following an order from the Calcutta High Court.

Independent Russian media outlet Mediazona reports that more than 66,000 Russian soldiers have died in the Ukraine war, according to data compiled with the BBC Russian Service. The death toll has increased by over 4,600 in the past month. Mediazona’s count, based on open-source data and reports, includes deaths of conscripts and prisoners. While the Russian government rarely discloses accurate figures, Mediazona’s data reveals a high number of casualties from various regions, including Bashkortostan, and among different age groups. The official Russian count remains significantly lower, with 5,937 reported deaths.

The Seaman Book, issued to Merchant Navy employees, cruise line workers, and fishermen, acts similarly to a passport and can bypass visa requirements for international travel related to their duties. During official work assignments, this document, along with the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), serves as a crew transit visa, easing immigration at ports. However, for personal travel, holders must present a regular passport and visa. The Passport Seva portal is offline for maintenance, affecting appointment scheduling until August 29, 2024. This does not impact those with a Seaman Book for work-related travel.

NorthEast United FC secured their first major title with a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giants in the Durand Cup 2024 final on August 31. Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, NorthEast mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half with goals from Ajarie and Guillermo, leveling the score. The match proceeded to penalties, where NorthEast clinched the win after Mohun Bagan’s Subhashish Bose missed his penalty. This win marks a historic achievement for NorthEast United, ending their pursuit of major silverware.

NASA has assigned SpaceX to rescue astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, extending their ISS stay until February 2025. This decision follows a heated dispute with Boeing over the Starliner's readiness for their return. NASA criticized Boeing's claims of the spacecraft's suitability, citing ongoing issues like thruster malfunctions and helium leaks. Boeing's pushback was met with NASA's strong disapproval, leading to a partnership with SpaceX for the mission. Boeing's uncrewed Starliner return is scheduled for September 6, aiming to validate its capabilities amid the contentious situation.

The Election Commission has rescheduled the Haryana Assembly polls from October 1 to October 5, 2024. Counting of votes will now occur on October 8, instead of the originally planned October 4. This change follows requests from the BJP and concerns about reduced voter turnout due to holidays. The revised schedule aims to increase voter participation. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls will proceed as planned, with voting on September 18, 25, and October 1. Results for J&K will also be announced on October 8.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on August 31, 2024, killed at least 48 people, Palestinian health authorities reported. The strikes come as the United Nations prepares to begin a polio vaccination campaign for 640,000 children in the enclave. The campaign, which depends on daily eight-hour pauses in fighting, follows the confirmation of a polio case in Gaza, the first in 25 years. Health officials stressed that a comprehensive ceasefire is crucial for successful vaccination. The Israeli military continues operations in Gaza, targeting militants and infrastructure amid ongoing conflict that has caused widespread devastation.

India's Rubina Francis clinched a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics on August 31, marking the country's 5th medal of the games. Francis scored 211.1 points, finishing behind Iran's Sareh Javanmardi and Turkey's Aysel Ozgan. This medal adds to India's impressive performance, with shooters contributing significantly to the medal tally. Earlier, Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal won gold and bronze respectively in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, while Manish Narwal secured silver in the men's 10m air pistol SH1 event.

Brazil has banned X, formerly Twitter, after the social media platform missed a Supreme Court deadline to appoint a new legal representative. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension until X complies with court orders and pays fines related to spreading disinformation. The row began in April when the judge demanded X block accounts accused of spreading false information, many linked to former president Jair Bolsonaro. X owner Elon Musk condemned the ban, calling it an attack on free speech. Brazil's telecommunications agency is working to enforce the ban, including removing X from app stores within five days.