Tourists, including expat Indians, are cancelling trips to West Bengal for Durga Puja, fearing safety issues. This is due to recent crimes on the RG Kar Medical College campus and subsequent protests. Tour operators are hoping the situation will improve before the festive season. Anil Punjabi of the Travel Agents Federation of India noted that the state had seen a 10%-18% rise in foreign tourist footfall for Durga Puja until 2023, but this year, concerns about safety have caused cancellations. The ongoing agitation about women's safety is deterring international visitors, with some choosing alternate destinations like Nepal.

Angelina Jolie was moved to tears during the premiere of her latest film, Maria, at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. The Oscar-winning actress, who portrays opera singer Maria Callas, received an eight-minute standing ovation at the Sala Grande Theater on August 29. Jolie, visibly emotional, embraced director Pablo Larraín and cast members as the audience applauded. The film, depicting Callas's life and final days, has garnered significant acclaim. Jolie expressed that the role offered a profound emotional release, describing it as “therapy I didn’t realize I needed.”

The family of a 31-year-old trainee doctor, raped and murdered in Kolkata, has reacted to leaked phone calls from RG Kar Medical College. The father stated they don't know how the calls, which show varying information about the victim’s condition, were leaked. The family criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her comments suggesting the family doesn't seek justice, calling them insensitive. The controversy around the leaked calls and Banerjee’s remarks has intensified protests demanding accountability and justice for the victim.

Actress Sandra Thomas has submitted a four-page letter with 15 recommendations to the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) demanding improved workplace safety for women in the Malayalam film industry. The letter highlights issues like harassment, inadequate facilities, and gender imbalance in leadership roles. Thomas, who faced industry obstacles for her film Little Hearts, detailed recommendations including better washroom facilities, fair salaries, and a ban on intoxicants on set. Her letter follows the Hema Committee Report, which exposed industry issues but lacked action. The move aims to address systemic abuse and ensure safer working conditions for women.

HSBC Holdings Plc reports that extreme heat is now a better predictor of food inflation in India than rainfall. Over the past decade, the correlation between high temperatures and the cost of agricultural commodities like fruits and vegetables has increased to 60% from 20% in 2014. This shift is attributed to climate change, which impacts crop yields more significantly than rain patterns. As inflation remains high due to volatile food prices, HSBC forecasts that easing temperatures might help stabilize consumer prices later this year, though rising heat poses a long-term challenge.

Avani Lekhara clinched her second consecutive gold in the women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics, breaking her own Paralympic record with a score of 249.7. Lekhara, 22, who had previously won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, defended her title in a thrilling final. Mona Agarwal secured bronze with a score of 228.7. This marks a successful start for India in Paris, with Lekhara becoming the most decorated female Paralympic athlete from India, having also won bronze in Tokyo.

India plans to develop an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a 5.5 generation stealth fighter jet, with the first prototype expected by 2028. The AMCA will be designed to carry a substantial weapons load and feature enhanced stealth capabilities. The project, involving both public and private sector firms, aims for mass production by 2035. The Indian Air Force and Defence Research and Development Organisation are overseeing the development. Additionally, the timeline for the LCA Mark 2 program has been delayed, with the aircraft now expected in 2026 due to funding and engine issues.

The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which launched with NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on June 5, will return to Earth uncrewed on September 7, 2024. Due to faulty thrusters and helium leaks, NASA decided to keep the astronauts aboard the International Space Station and return the capsule without them. The spacecraft will undock from the ISS on September 6, 2024, and land in the U.S. Southwest. NASA plans to have Williams and Wilmore return next year via SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, prioritizing safety over the original mission schedule.

Preethi Pal made history by winning India's first-ever Paralympic medal in a track event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The 23-year-old secured bronze in the women’s T35 100m event with a personal best time of 14.21 seconds. China's Zhou Xia and Guo Qianqian took gold and silver respectively. This bronze also marks India’s first medal in para-athletics at Paris 2024. Preethi’s achievement adds to India’s successful day, with Avani Lekhara winning gold in the women’s 10m air rifle and Manish Narwal earning silver in the 10m air pistol, totaling four medals on Friday.

Avani Lekhara made history by winning her second consecutive gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Lekhara scored 249.7, surpassing her own record of 249.6 set in Tokyo 2020. Mona Agarwal, who took up shooting in 2022, secured a bronze with a score of 228.7. Lekhara, who is wheelchair-bound due to a past accident, continues to inspire as the first Indian woman to win multiple Paralympic golds in shooting. Her latest victory cements her status as a leading figure in para-shooting.