Shahid Spends Day Playing Friendly Cricket At Lord’s, Mira Cheers From Stands

Actor Shahid Kapoor seems to be having a great time in London, as he spent a day playing cricket at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The actor, known for his fitness and love for sports, seemed thrilled to take the field in a friendly match and had a special cheerleader in the stands, his wife, Mira Rajput.

The ‘Jab We Met’ actor took to his Instagram account on Wednesday to share pictures from his cricket outing. Dressed in full cricket gear, including a white jersey and proper shoes, Shahid looked ready for the pitch. His excitement was clearly visible in the photos.

One of the images showed Shahid standing proudly with Mira, who was dressed in white and cheered for her husband from the stands.

Shahid captioned his post with a short but happy message: “What a day!”

Take a look

On the work front, Shahid was last seen in ‘Deva.’ In the film, Shahid plays ACP Dev Ambre, a police officer who loses his memory while investigating his best friend’s murder. The film also starred Pooja Hegde, who played the female lead, a reporter and Dev’s love interest. Deva hit theatres on January 31. (ANI)

‘Squid Games’ Actor Lee Jung-Jae To Star In Romantic Comedy ‘Nice To Not Meet You’

‘Squid Games’ star Lee Jung-jae is set to star in a romantic comedy series ‘Nice to Not Meet You’, along with actress Lim Ji-yeon in the lead roles, reported Variety.

The project marks a genre shift for Lee Jung-jae, who rose to international fame with his Emmy-winning performance in Netflix’s survival thriller ‘Squid Game’ before expanding into the ‘Star Wars’ universe with ‘The Acolyte.’

In the upcoming series, the actor will play the role of Lim Hyeon-jun, an actor pigeonholeed in detective roles who’s angling for meatier dramatic parts, reported Variety.

As for actress Lim Ji-yeon, who is known for her critically acclaimed performance in Netflix’s revenge thriller ‘The Glory,’ takes on the role of Wi Jeong-sin, a political reporter whose beat gets switched to entertainment coverage mid-investigation, according to the outlet.

Kim Ga-ram, who helmed legal drama ‘Good Partner’ and Netflix’s drama-romance ‘Nevertheless,’ will direct from scripts by Jung Yeo-rang (‘Doctor Cha’), reported Variety.

The series is expected as both an industry satire and romantic comedy, mining humour from the entertainment world’s inner workings.

‘Nice to Not Meet You’ will join Prime Video’s growing slate of Korean originals, alongside titles like ‘Head Over Heels,’ ‘Good Boy’ and anime acquisitions including ‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ and ‘Rurouni Kenshin.’

Prime Video will roll out the series globally across more than 240 countries and territories with weekly episode drops.

The makers have not announced the release date of the series yet. (ANI)

Kerala: Madayipara’s Deep Blue Flower Blooms Thrill Tourists

Madayipara in Kerala’s Kannur and a storehouse of biodiversity, has transformed into a mesmerising carpet of deep blue flowers as the heavy rains of the Malayalam month of Karkadakam sweep through the region. The vibrant blooms of Utricularia, along with the white flower heads of Eriocaulon and Rhamphicarpa, have painted the entire plateau in stunning shades of blue, violet, and white.

Every year, the top of this ancient and serene laterite plateau in Kannur attracts numerous tourists and research students who come to observe and study its rich biodiversity. Madayipara is also a favoured spot for migratory birds, adding to its allure for nature enthusiasts. Boasting around 300 different plant species, Madayipara becomes a floral treasure trove during Onam, with children travelling long distances to collect native flowers.

The annual deep blue bloom of Madayipara is a natural wonder that underscores the region’s ecological richness. While it continues to draw admiration from visitors, there is a growing need for conservation efforts to protect this unique landscape from environmental degradation.

On July 8, Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said the state government will go ahead with its action plan to support newcomers, especially women, to the tourism sector, aligning with the vision of inclusive and sustainable development of tourism. The Minister delivered the inaugural address at the state-level consultation workshop, aiming to develop a Gender Inclusive and Women-Friendly Tourism Policy as part of the women-friendly tourism initiative here.

The Department of Tourism organised the workshop in collaboration with Kerala Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission Society and UN Women India. In her keynote address, Kanta Singh, Country Representative, UN Women, India, said Kerala has been showing the way for the country in many things, and it is a privilege to partner with the state government and the RT project to do more for women in the tourism sector.

K Rupeshkumar, CEO, Kerala RT Mission Society, in his presentation of a framework for Gender Responsive Tourism Policy, said the upcoming policy will lay down guidelines for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of gender inclusive practices.

“The major objectives of the policy include fostering women’s participation in the tourism industry, ensuring safety and security and women’s empowerment,” he said.

The Gender Inclusive Tourism Policy will include stakeholders like tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators, hotels, local communities, tourists from diverse backgrounds, especially women.

Earlier in June, the Odapoo, a unique flower, attracted numerous visitors to Kerala’s annual 28-day Kottiyoor festival held in Kannur. The special flower is only found in Kottiyoor during the festival season and it is given by people to their relatives to symbolise sharing their joy and blessings after people visit the Kottiyoor temple.

The Otapoovu, or Odappu flower, is made from bamboo pieces, and people buy the flowers to hang them up on their homes for over a year. (ANI)

Delhi CM Assures Slum Dwellers Of Proper Housing, Employment

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at an event on Friday assured that no slum in Delhi will be removed without providing proper houses to its residents.

She emphasised the need for collective effort to transform Delhi, criticising those who politicise slum issues, including Rahul Gandhi, who she noted is only now visiting the slums.

Gupta guaranteed that every slum dweller would be provided with permanent housing before any demolition, allocating a budget of Rs 700 crore for slum development.

The government plans to offer employment opportunities and skill training to slum residents, aiming to improve their living standards.

“Delhi has to be changed, we have to work together. Those involved in politics in Delhi’s slums have no connection to it. Rahul Gandhi is coming to the slums now… The people of Aam Aadmi Party, who completed their entire tenure and left. They never laid pipelines in the slums of Delhi. Today, I want to say that not even a single slum in Delhi will be removed without giving them proper houses. We will provide them with employment, skills, and houses. If there is a need to change the policy, we will change the policy…,” said Delhi CM.

Gupta is willing to amend policies to ensure dignity and housing for all, focusing on accelerated development and rejuvenating the Yamuna river. The Delhi government has initiated development projects in slum areas, including laying pipelines and constructing new roads.

Gupta visited a slum camp near the railway crossing at Shalimar Bagh, assuring residents of proper rehabilitation and housing arrangements.

She also mentioned that all ISBTs, bus depots, and the entire transport station need to be developed following the cleanliness drive at the Women and Child Development (WCD) Office, ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Delhi CM said, “I just came from ISBT…all the ISBTs have to be developed, all the bus depots have to be developed, and the entire transport station has to be developed. You bring the ideas…we will do the work. Bring your vision…it is our job to put that work in place. Delhi has to be changed, and for that we have to work together.”

Calling out Rahul Gandhi and the previous AAP government for using Delhi’s slums as political props, Rekha Gupta said, “And let me tell you that those people who want to do politics in the slums of Delhi, who had no connection with anyone, even then Rahul Gandhi is coming to the slums. Have you ever come in your life to ask about the condition of slum dwellers? They only gave them a name, after that, they didn’t give even the slightest facility to the slum dwellers.”

“Those AAP party people who completed their work and went away, never laid a single pipeline in the slums of Delhi…,” Gupta added.

Gupta claimed that even though the previous AAP left the government drowning in debt, she will make sure that houses will be given to everyone, and she will not allow demolition of even a single slum. She added, “…We have come to revive Delhi, to take Delhi forward…”

Delhi CM launched the ‘Delhi Ko Koode Se Azaadi’ campaign today, and also took part in the cleanliness drive and cleaned piles of waste at the Women and Child Development (WCD) Office, ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh and BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay also participated in the Swachh Bharat Mission in the Green Park area of Delhi today. (ANI)

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SC Refuses To Entertain Plea To Apply POSH Act To Political Parties

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction to apply the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) to all political parties across the country.

A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said that the issue falls within the domain of the parliament.

“This is the domain of the Parliament. How can we interfere? It is a matter within the domain of policy,” said CJI Gavai to senior advocate Shobha Gupta representing the petitioner.

The bench allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea with liberty to challenge a judgment of the Kerala High Court, which held that the POSH Act wouldn’t apply to political parties.

The petitioner filed by advocate Yogamaya MG highlighted non-compliance with the Act by political parties, particularly when it comes to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) to deal with sexual harassment complaints.

It sought direction that all political parties constitute ICCs in compliance with Section 4 of the PoSH Act, 2013 and declare that individuals engaged in activities within political parties fall within the scope of “employees” under Section 2(f) of the POSH Act.

“Direct the Election Commission of India to mandate compliance with the POSH Act as a prerequisite for political parties’ registration and recognition under the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” the petition stated.

The petition has made the Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, All India Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Nationalist People’s Party, Aam Aadmi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party as respondents in the petition. (ANI)

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Himachal: Heavy Rainfall Expected To Continue Till August 6

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for three districts in Himachal Pradesh, warning of continued heavy rainfall across the region over the next several days. The alert comes as monsoon activity remains intense in the state, which has already witnessed widespread rain over the past week.

“During the past 24 hours, most parts of Himachal Pradesh received light to moderate rainfall,” said Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, while speaking to ANI in Shimla on Friday.

“The Chuwadi area of Chamba district recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall. Kullu, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur experienced moderate rainfall,” he said.

According to the latest data shared by IMD, Chuvari in Chamba received the highest rainfall in the state at 57mm. Banjar in Kullu recorded 52 mm of rain, Naina Devi in Bilaspur recorded 43 mm, and several other areas witnessed light rainfall.

Sharma said the rainfall trend is expected to continue in the mid-hill and lower-hill regions of the state.

“An orange alert has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts on August 1 due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall,” said Sharma.

“A yellow alert has been issued for Kullu, Bilaspur, Una, and Hamirpur districts for the same day,” he said.

“On August 2 and 3, rainfall is expected in Bilaspur, Mandi, Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts, with yellow alerts in place,” he added.

“For August 3, yellow alerts have been issued for Chamba, Kangra, and Sirmaur,” he said.

“Rain activity is likely to intensify again on August 4 and 5, with rainfall expected across the entire state,” Sharma warned.

“On August 6, heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in all districts except Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, for which yellow alerts have also been issued,” he added.

Commenting on the monsoon performance so far, Sharma noted, “In the month of July, rainfall was recorded at -2%, which is close to normal.” However, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts received below normal rainfall, while the rest of the state experienced either normal or above-normal precipitation.

“In fact, Mandi and Shimla districts recorded rainfall that was 70 percent above normal for the month,” he added.

From June 20 to July 31, the state saw 10 percent more rainfall than the average, Sharma confirmed. Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur continue to report a rain deficit even during the broader monsoon period.

Sharma also explained the cloudburst classification. “If over 100 mm of rainfall is recorded in a particular location within one hour, it qualifies as a cloudburst,” he said.

He warned that a few locations in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours, raising the risk of localised flash floods.

“The IMD is closely monitoring the situation and updating alerts through the Mausam mobile app and official coordination with the administration,” Sharma said.

He urged citizens to stay away from water bodies and major river sources during this period, especially in vulnerable areas.

“Visibility is expected to remain poor in districts such as Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur. People are advised to drive cautiously in hilly terrain and adhere strictly to all state government advisories,” he added.

With the rain spell expected to last several more days, authorities are on high alert, particularly in areas that have already been hit hard by the ongoing monsoon season. (ANI)

Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh Takes Over As Vice Chief Of Army Staff

Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, an officer of the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment, on Friday took over as the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS). Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh will be succeeding Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as the VCOAS.

His appointment marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career, spanning over 38 years of dedicated service to the Indian Army.

Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh took part in the ceremony in South Block in the national capital as he took charge as the new VCOAS.

The General Officer was tenanting the appointment of Director General Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement at Army Headquarters.

Lt Gen Singh was commissioned into the 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) in December 1987. He is an alumnus of La Martiniere College, Lucknow, Lucknow University and the prestigious Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. The General Officer has served in ‘OP PAWAN’, ‘OP MEGHDOOT’, ‘OP ORCHID’ and has had multiple tenures in ‘OP RAKSHAK’.

During his illustrious career spanning 38 years, the General Officer has held various Command and Staff appointments. He commanded a Special Forces Unit in the Kashmir Valley and on the Line of Control. He later commanded an Infantry Brigade and a Mountain Division in ‘OP SNOW LEOPARD’ along the Line of Actual Control. The General Officer was GOC of a Corps headquartered in Himachal Pradesh and responsible for sensitive Jammu, Samba and Pathankot areas. The General Officer has insightful knowledge and a deep understanding of operational dynamics on both Western and Northern Borders.

He has attended the prestigious Staff Course at DSSC, Wellington, Higher Defence Management Course at CDM Secunderabad and Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration at IIPA. He holds a Master’s in Management Studies from Osmania University and a Master’s in Philosophy from the Punjab University.

For his distinguished service to the Nation, the General Officer has been awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Sena Medal Bar.

Earlier on Thursday, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani was superannuated after 39 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army.

Lt Gen Subramani laid a wreath to honour the supreme sacrifice of the army officers at the National War Memorial, and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block during the superannuation ceremony.

Sharing an X post, Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) wrote, “Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, #VCOAS superannuated today after 39 years of distinguished service in the #IndianArmy. In a solemn ceremony, he laid a wreath to honour the supreme sacrifice of the #Bravehearts at the National War Memorial, #NewDelhi and reviewed the Guard of Honour at South Block.”

“The Indian Army expresses deep gratitude for his exemplary leadership, utmost professionalism & unblemished service to the Nation and extends best wishes for continued success and distinguished accomplishments in all his future endeavours,” the X post read. (ANI)

US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio Slams India Over Russian Oil Purchases

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed sharp disappointment over India’s continued oil imports from Russia, calling it a “point of irritation” in the bilateral relationship and noting that such purchases are “helping to fund the war effort” in Ukraine.

Speaking to Fox Radio’s Brian Kilmeade, Rubio said, “India is an ally. It’s a strategic partner. Like anything in foreign policy, you’re not going to align a hundred percent of the time on everything.”

“India has huge energy needs and that includes the ability to buy oil and coal and gas and things that it needs to power its economy like every country does, and it buys it from Russia, because Russian oil is sanctioned and cheap and – meaning they have to – in many cases, they’re selling it under the global price because of the sanctions,” he explained.

The US State Secreatary underlined the impact of this trade on the ongoing war in Ukraine. “That – unfortunately that is helping to sustain the Russian war effort. So it is most certainly a point of irritation in our relationship with India – not the only point of irritation. We also have many other points of cooperation with them,” he said.

“But I think what you’re seeing the President express is the very clear frustration that with so many other oil vendors available, India continues to buy so much from Russia, which in essence is helping to fund the war effort — and allowing this war to continue in Ukraine,” he added.

Rubio’s comments came in the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s post on Truth Social, where he announced a 25% tariff and additional penalties on India starting August 1, citing its Russian oil imports making up 35% of its overall supply in the first half of the year.

Rubio also detailed the broader context of US engagement with Russia and possible punitive options, saying, “The President has waited over six months now and given the best efforts possible… We’ve not seen any progress.” He added that Trump has options like “secondary sanctions on oil sales of Russia oil” and “sectoral banking sanctions” if there’s no sincere interest in peace from Moscow.

On Russian threats, Rubio dismissed former president Dmitry Medvedev’s recent comments as inflammatory but irrelevant. “He’s not a relevant player in Russian politics… he’s certainly someone in an official position in Russia who’s saying things that are inflammatory… I don’t think that’s going to be a factor one way or the other,” he said.

He also ruled out any real possibility of a U.S.-Russia war, saying, “That’s not even a fathomable thing… I think what you worry more about is a skirmish or a miscalculation… since the Russians are not very good at conventional weaponry, they would almost invariably have to rely on some other means like a tactical nuclear weapon.”

Commenting on the recognition of a Palestinian state by some Western countries, Rubio called the move “irrelevant” and “counterproductive,” warning it only emboldens Hamas and hurts ceasefire efforts. “There can be no Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to it… It’s counterproductive,” he said.

He also credited Arab nations like Qatar for pushing Hamas toward a ceasefire but criticized the impact of international statements recognizing Palestine. “Israel actually made a bunch of concessions that Hamas had asked for… and then Hamas came back and just rejected the deal – and by the way, rejected it on the same day that Macron from France made his announcement,” he noted.

On China, Rubio acknowledged complex ties and recent trade talks: “We have plenty of issues that we disagree with China on… but a mature foreign policy requires strategic balancing of equities.” He added, “There are vulnerabilities that we need to close… and I think it’s time we have a responsible –” before being cut off by the end of the interview.

Rubio also strongly defended his earlier Senate investigation into the 2016 US election interference, reiterating, “There was zero, zilch proof whatsoever – any evidence of any kind – that the Trump campaign in any way colluded with the Russians.” He slammed the handling of the Steele dossier, calling it “a lie” that “cost millions of dollars in investigations – all chasing a hoax.”

He criticized US and international media for neglecting the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. “We’ve done more than, frankly, anybody else in terms of providing funding… You know what the cameras don’t capture? The suffering of 20 people living in tunnels right now taken hostage by Hamas.”

Rubio’s remarks highlight escalating tensions between Washington and its key allies, particularly over Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the shifting geopolitical calculus around China, Israel, and West Asia. (ANI)

ED Summons Anil Ambani In Rs 17,000-crore loan fraud case on August 5

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned industrialist Anil Ambani for questioning in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged Rs 17,000-crore loan fraud case, official sources said on Friday.

Ambani has been directed to appear before investigators at the ED headquarters in New Delhi on August 5 in connection with the probe pertaining to suspected financial irregularities and possible violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The agency is examining the role of various entities and individuals linked to the case, and Ambani’s statement is expected to play a crucial role in the investigation.

The move comes almost a week after the ED launched a massive search operation at 35 premises, 50 companies and over 25 persons linked to a money laundering case against Reliance Anil Ambani Group (RAAGA) Companies. The raids were carried out on July 24. The action followed an investigation launched by the ED under the offence of money laundering by RAAGA companies, subsequent to the recording of a First Information Report by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

As per the officials, ED’s investigations are based on information shared with the agency by other agencies and institutions such as the National Housing Bank, SEBI, National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), and Bank of Baroda.

“Preliminary investigation by ED has revealed a well-planned and thought after scheme to divert and siphon off public money by cheating banks, shareholders, investors and other public institutions. The offence of bribing bank officials, including the promoter of Yes Bank Limited, is also under scanner,” officials, privy to the development, told ANI.

Preliminary investigation reveals illegal loan diversion of around Rs 3,000 crores from Yes Bank (period 2017 to 2019).

ED then said it had found that “just before the loan was granted, the Yes Bank promoters received money in their concerns.”

“ED is investigating this nexus of bribe and the loan.”

“ED has found gross violations in Yes Bank loan approvals to RAAGA companies, such as, Credit Approval Memorandums (CAMs) were back-dated, Investments were proposed without any due diligence and credit analysis in violation of the Banks Credit Policy inter alia,” said the officials.

In violation of the loan terms, the officials said, these loans were further diverted to many group companies and shell companies.

“Some red flags found by ED include- loans given to entities with weak financials, no proper documentation of loans, no due diligence, borrowers have common addresses, and common directors etc., diversion of loans to promoter group entities, ever greening of GPC loans, loans onward lent on same date, loans disbursed on same date as date of application, loans disbursed prior to sanction, Misrepresentation of financials,” the officials said.

It is also informed that “Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is also learnt to have shared its findings with ED in the case of RHFL.”

“Dramatic increase in corporate loans by RHFL, from Rs 3,742.60 crore in Financial Year 2017-18 to Rs 8,670.80 crore in Financial Year 2018-19 is also under ED lens. Issues of irregular and expedited approvals, process deviations, and many other illegalities have been found,” added the officials.

As per officials, Reliance Communications Ltd has also committed a loan fraud of over Rs 14,000 crores.

“Bank of India (SBI) had classified Reliance Communications (RCom) and its promoter, Anil Ambani, as ‘fraudulent’ in accordance with RBI guidelines. SBI reported this classification to the RBI and is preparing to file a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI),” officials said.

It is also informed that “Reliance Communications Ltd has also cheated Canara Bank of more than Rs 1,050 crores.”

“Undisclosed Foreign Bank Accounts and Foreign Assets are also being investigated. Investigations are likely to reveal more,” said the officials.

It has also found that “Reliance mutual fund invested Rs 2,850 crore in AT-1 bonds of YES Bank (perpetual FDs) for suspected quid pro quo.” “These bonds were eventually written down, money siphoned off. This was the money of the public, the mutual fund investors. CBI is also investigating this issue,” said the officials.

Furthermore, based on information received from SEBI, ED said it has found that Reliance Infra has diverted a large sum of money disguised as ICDs to Group Companies of RAAGA through C Company, an undisclosed related party company. Reliance Infra did not disclose C Company as its related party in order to avoid proper approval from the shareholders and the audit committee.

“It was also hidden presumably to circumvent checks and balances imposed on related party transactions as per laws,” said the officials.

It has been found that “R Infra has taken a haircut of Rs 5,480 crore and only Rs 4 crore has been received in cash.”

“Remaining Rs 6,499 crores has been settled in the form of assignment, transfer of assets and economic rights mainly in certain discoms. These discoms don’t have any business for previous many years and are not operational. Therefore, there are zero chances of recovery of this amount. The loan diversion in this case is over Rs. 10,000 crores,” the official said. (ANI)

Ruckus In Lok Sabha; Proceedings Adjourned Till 2 pm

The proceedings in Lok Sabha began on Friday with a ruckus as the Opposition resorted to sloganeering against the on-going Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the assembly election in the state.

The Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the house minutes after it convened.

Before adjourning the house, Lok Sabha Speaker said, “You are not representing the public by sloganeering. People have given you an opportunity to put their issues in the House.”

“This is wrong behaviour. You should follow parliamentary rules. If we have to strengthen democracy, issues have to be raised,” he added.

The Lok Sabha will now resume at 2 pm today.

Earlier in the day, INDIA Bloc MPs protested in front of Makkar Dawar in Parliament, demanding a discussion in both Houses on SIR of electoral rolls.

On Thursday, the INDIA bloc parties, in a unanimous decision at their meeting, resolved to intensify their protests against the ongoing SIR both inside and outside Parliament.

The INDIA bloc’s protest comes as the Election Commission is scheduled to publish the draft electoral rolls of Bihar today.

“The draft electoral rolls of Bihar are being published on Friday, August 1, at https://voters.eci.gov.in/download”, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, said in a message to voters.

“Physical as well as digital copies will also be given to all recognised political parties in Bihar in all 38 Districts by all the 38 District Election Officers (DEOs) of Bihar.”

Meanwhile, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is set to move the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, for further consideration and passing.

Additionally, Sarbananda Sonowal will move the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, to update and unify existing law to align with international maritime treaties. (ANI)