FSSAI recalls raisins over excessive pesticide residues, suspends a nutraceutical licence and bans folinic acid syrup over misleading claims.

India's monsoon rainfall is expected to be below normal during August and September. This forecast is influenced by the continuing risk of El Niño, which often weakens the monsoon. July rainfall, however, turned out to be normal due to plentiful showers in central India. These showers helped reduce the overall monsoon rainfall deficit significantly by the end of July.

A BSF constable returning from Congo developed fever during quarantine. He was admitted to an isolation ward at RML Hospital for surveillance. His blood sample was sent for confirmatory testing to NIV Pune. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely while awaiting test results. The case remains suspected, and Ebola infection has not been confirmed.

India has screened over ten thousand international travellers from Ebola-affected nations. No Ebola cases have been detected in the country so far, officials confirmed. Enhanced screening and preparedness measures were implemented across all entry points. Mumbai and Delhi airports saw the highest numbers of screened passengers. The government continues to strengthen surveillance and public awareness campaigns.

One of the labourers, identified as Deepak Ratray, died before he could be shifted to a hospital. The second victim, Bopinder, was initially admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag before being referred to SKIMS Hospital in Soura, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Officials said both victims were in their twenties and had travelled from Chhattisgarh in search of work.

A bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe made the observations while hearing a batch of petitions over pollution, foul odour, gas emissions and health hazards linked to the Kanjurmarg dumping ground in Mumbai. The judges said public participation was essential to keeping the city clean and urged civic authorities to enforce the rules without hesitation.

Ethanol blending saved consumers nearly thirty rupees per litre on petrol. Global crude prices reached one hundred thirty-five dollars a barrel recently. The government kept fuel prices unchanged for seventy-five days initially. E20 petrol now costs one hundred two rupees per litre in Delhi. Allegations of foodgrain diversion for ethanol were also rejected.

Jammu and Kashmir Police attached properties of eleven Pakistan-based terrorist handlers in Ramban district. These assets, valued at approximately Rs 90.7 lakh, were seized to prevent terror financing activities. Credible evidence established the accused were operating as handlers from across the border. This action is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border terror networks. Similar property attachments were carried out in Reasi and Ramban districts recently.

Terrorists shot dead a 24-year-old labourer from Chhattisgarh in Kulgam. Another worker from the same state was critically wounded in the attack. Security forces have launched operations to trace the attackers responsible for this incident. This incident marks the first fatal attack on migrant workers since October 18. Officials condemned the attack and directed security forces to intensify operations.

Varanasi is launching India's first urban public transport ropeway soon. This aerial system will connect the railway station with Godowlia Chowk. It promises to significantly reduce travel times and ease traffic congestion. The project serves as a test case for aerial mobility in heritage cities. This innovative transport model could influence future urban development across India.

India condemned Pakistan's admission of training and arming militants who have turned against the state. The Ministry of External Affairs also criticized Pakistan's harsh crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Over forty civilians were reportedly killed during the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations. India stated that Pakistan's actions exposed its disdain for the region's innocent inhabitants.

India and Bhutan reviewed development projects and signed a Rs 4,000-crore credit line. They also expanded cooperation in the health sector and approved new projects. India provided financial and technical assistance for various initiatives. Electric vehicles were handed over as part of green mobility support. The two nations also inaugurated new parks developed under Indian funding.

The petroleum ministry defended India's ethanol blending program on Friday. It stated that blending saved consumers nearly thirty rupees per litre. Food security obligations always take precedence over ethanol production needs. Rice is only one approved feedstock, used when surplus stocks are available. Ethanol blending acts as insurance against global oil price shocks.

The Supreme Court ordered the MEA to appoint a nodal officer for families. This officer will coordinate with families of Indians who joined the Russian military. The court also asked for DNA matching and assistance with compensation claims. The Centre previously stated 217 Indians joined the Russian military, with 49 deaths reported. Efforts are ongoing to verify deaths and trace missing individuals.

Exiled writer Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata after nearly two decades. She described her visit as an emotional homecoming to her own country. Nasreen is scheduled to attend a public program in the city on August 1. This marks her first public appearance in Kolkata since 2007. Protests over her memoir «Dwikhandito» had forced her departure then.

Raghav Chadha spoke in Rajya Sabha supporting the anti-paper leak Bill. He stressed institutional solutions are needed to resolve the crisis. The Bill introduces stricter penalties for paper leaks and exam malpractices. Individuals face jail terms and significant fines for unfair means. Parliament approved the Public Examination Amendment Bill after Lok Sabha clearance.

Shehzad Poonawalla's X bio change has sparked rumors about his departure from the BJP. His updated profile omits any mention of the political party affiliation. However, his Instagram bio still lists him as a BJP Spokesperson. Poonawalla joined the BJP in December 2017 and has been a vocal supporter. There has been no official confirmation regarding his status with the party.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah for actions against students. He alleged the government is silencing Generation Z through FIRs and account takedowns. Gandhi demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into alleged police brutality at Jantar Mantar. Opposition MPs also protested alleged police action and financial irregularities. The protests occurred before a bill on public examinations was considered.