India's hopes of making their first Olympic final in 44 years were dashed as they lost 2-3 to Germany in the Paris Olympics semifinal. Despite taking an early lead through Harmanpreet Singh, Germany rallied to win with goals from Gonzalo Peillat and Christopher Ruhr. India had a dramatic final chance to equalize, but Shamsher's shot went wide by millimeters. Coach Craig Fulton and players, including captain Harmanpreet and veteran Sreejesh, were left crestfallen. India will now compete for the bronze against Spain.

Day 12 of the Paris Olympics 2024 is pivotal for India, with wrestler Vinesh Phogat competing for gold in the 50kg freestyle final against USA's Sarah Hildebrandt. Phogat made history as the first Indian woman in an Olympic wrestling final. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, aiming for her second Olympic medal, will compete in the women's 49kg category. Additionally, India's women's table tennis team, featuring Manika Batra, will face Germany in the quarterfinals, while golfer Aditi Ashok and athlete Avinash Sable will also compete in their respective events.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed head of Bangladesh's military-backed interim government following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid massive protests. Student leaders who spearheaded the demonstrations met with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and President Mohammed Shahabuddin, leading to the decision. The Bangladeshi Army has reshuffled several generals and released former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from house arrest. Hasina, who fled to India after resigning, is currently in Delhi. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar assured India’s commitment to the safety of Indian nationals and minorities in Bangladesh during this turbulent period.

Vinesh Phogat has made history as the first Indian woman to reach the finals in Olympic wrestling. On August 6, 2024, she secured her place by defeating Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman with a dominant 5-0 score in the semi-finals. This victory guarantees her a medal at the Paris Olympics. Vinesh initially faced a tough challenge but capitalized on Guzman's passivity, gaining a crucial lead. Earlier in the day, she stunned the wrestling world by defeating reigning champion Yui Susaki of Japan. Phogat will face Ann Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA in the final.

Hamas has named Yahya Sinwar as its new political leader following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions, with Hamas’s armed wing launching rockets into Israel shortly after Sinwar's appointment. Sinwar, a key figure accused by Israel of masterminding the October 7 attack, is now one of Israel's most wanted operatives. The attack led to significant casualties and hostages, and Israel's retaliation has resulted in numerous deaths in Gaza. The situation remains highly volatile with regional implications.

A viral video showing Olympic gold medalist Thomas Ceccon napping in a park has sparked controversy. Initially perceived as a sign of poor conditions, the footage was clarified by Saudi rower Husein Alireza, who stated the location was actually part of the Olympic Village. Ceccon had previously criticized the village for heat, noise, and inadequate food. The incident highlights ongoing complaints about the living conditions at the Paris Olympics, drawing further scrutiny towards the International Olympic Committee’s preparations.

India's men's hockey team fell short in the semi-final of the Paris Olympics 2024, losing 2-3 to Germany. The match was intensely competitive, with India equalizing twice but conceding a late goal from Marco Miltkau that sealed Germany's victory. Despite a heroic performance and a final push in the dying moments, India could not overturn the deficit. The team will now play for the bronze medal against Spain. This defeat means India’s wait for an Olympic hockey final will continue, as their last appearance was in 1980.

In Kerala's Wayanad, Bhavana and her family from Idukki provided aid following devastating landslides. Bhavana, a 27-year-old homemaker, offered to breastfeed babies separated from their mothers or whose guardians were injured. Her husband Sajin's social media post about her offer garnered significant attention, leading them to the disaster zone. For four days, Bhavana fed infants in relief camps, ensuring they received crucial nourishment. Her gesture, driven by compassion and previous experience as a kindergarten teacher, highlighted the family's commitment to supporting affected families despite their own modest means.

India is adopting a wait-and-watch approach regarding the crisis in Bangladesh, with its Army on high alert, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed an all-party meeting. Jaishankar addressed concerns about potential foreign interference and the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. While India has been in contact with Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh Army, details on her plans remain undisclosed. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were briefed on the situation and expressed support for the government's stance. Jaishankar emphasized readiness to respond if the situation worsens.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia declared that Vinesh Phogat's potential medal at the Paris Olympics will be a "slap on the face" of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former wrestling panel chief accused of sexual harassment. Phogat, who has reached the final of the 50 kg wrestling category, is guaranteed at least a silver medal. Punia criticized the Indian government's silence during last year's protests by wrestlers against Singh and the BJP IT cell's negative comments about them. Phogat's success, Punia said, will challenge those who undermined the wrestlers' claims and achievements.