Morning Digest: Kerala Rains Claim 8 Lives; India's Boxers Shine at CWG
Here is a roundup of significant developments from India and around the world on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Eight people have died in rain-related incidents in Kerala as extremely heavy rainfall lashed the state from Friday night into Saturday. The downpour triggered landslides and flash floods, causing widespread destruction, especially in hilly regions. This comes barely a month after a debris slip at a tunnel construction site in Wayanad killed eight people, highlighting the recurring threat of weather-related disasters in the state.
In a political development, the Varanasi police on Saturday registered a First Information Report against Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Members of Parliament Pappu Yadav and Awadhesh Prasad. The FIR relates to a play staged on the Parliament premises in Delhi, which was based on an alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The police have charged the trio with insulting Sanatan Dharma, and the move is likely to intensify the political confrontation.
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The amended law empowers states to establish fast-track courts for speedy trials in question paper leak cases and provides for stricter punishment for offenders. Parliament had cleared the bill earlier this week, and it is seen as a step towards ensuring the integrity of public examinations.
The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) said it arrested a terror suspect, identified as Hamim Mondal, who was planning to infiltrate a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party in Delhi. The STF also detained his associate, Arpita Sarkar, from Sahebganj in Jharkhand and transferred her to Kolkata for further investigation. The police have not yet provided details about the alleged plan.
Meanwhile, AISA president Neha, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation over the July 20 action against anti-paper leak protesters, stated that the movement has evolved into a broader campaign seeking accountability from the central government. She said the protest will continue until justice is delivered.
In international news, veteran Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja died after an avalanche swept through Broad Peak in the Karakoram range, located in Gilgit-Baltistan. His expedition company confirmed the death on Saturday. Purja, aged 43, was among ten climbers caught in the avalanche at around 7,000 metres on Thursday. He was known for his record-breaking ascents, including climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in record time.
India achieved its finest boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games, with seven gold medals and three silvers. Sachin Siwach rallied to defeat Tryagain Morning Ndevelo of Namibia in a thrilling men's 60kg final. Preeti Pawar set the tone early, while Jaismine Lamboria impressed in the women's 57kg final against Northern Ireland's Michaela Walsh. This performance marks a historic high for Indian boxing on the international stage.
Gulveer Singh added another landmark by winning a bronze in the men's 5000m at the Commonwealth Games. He is the first Indian to win a medal in this event and also the first Indian athlete to secure two track and field medals in a single edition, making his achievement a notable milestone in Indian athletics.
At least three people were killed and 21 wounded when a bomb exploded at a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday, according to Russian state media citing local officials. The blast occurred in a busy area, and the bomber is believed to be among the dead. Authorities are investigating the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility so far.
