A new bill to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha, proposing significant changes to the management and representation in Waqf bodies. The amendments include renaming the Act to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act and ensuring representation of both non-Muslims and Muslim women in central and state Waqf bodies. Major changes also involve removing the Board's authority to classify properties as Waqf, granting this power to District Collectors, and mandating centralized registration of Waqf properties. The bill aims to improve property management, protect women's inheritances, and ensure funds are used for welfare. Opposition from various groups is anticipated, with some criticizing the bill as a ploy to weaken Waqf organizations. The government, however, asserts that the changes are designed to empower women and address illegal occupancy of Waqf lands.

The Quality Council of India (QCI) has unveiled the QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework, a new initiative aimed at driving state excellence and improving citizens' quality of life as part of the Viksit Bharat vision. The framework is built on four pillars: Shiksha (Education), Swasthya (Health), Samriddhi (Prosperity), and Sushasan (Governance).

The Ministry of State (MoS) has addressed public concerns by referring a range of complaints about Auroville to relevant agencies. This action aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the community's management. The complaints involve issues related to Auroville's operations and governance, and the MoS's move reflects a commitment to thorough review and resolution. Auroville, known for its international community living and sustainable development vision, has faced increased scrutiny. The referral underscores the government's proactive stance on good governance and maintaining Auroville’s mission integrity.

The "VIRAASAT" exhibition, organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, commenced on 3rd August 2024 at Handloom Haat, Janpath. Running until 16th August 2024, the event celebrates the 10th National Handloom Day, showcasing India's rich tradition of handloom and handicrafts. The exhibition features 75 stalls, curated displays, workshops, live loom demonstrations, folk dances, and regional cuisines. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has highlighted the sector’s significance, urging public engagement through the hashtag '#MyProductMyPride'. The event honors the legacy of the Swadeshi Movement and aims to promote the handloom sector's sustainability and market presence.

In a significant event held in New Delhi, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, along with Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Communications & Development of North Eastern Region, unveiled commemorative postage stamps celebrating the XXXIII Olympics Paris 2024. The ceremony was attended by notable sports personalities, including bronze medallist Shri Sarabjot Singh, former cricketer Shri Akash Chopra, and steeplechase athlete Smt. Sudha Singh. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of sports as a way of life and a source of national pride, while highlighting government initiatives like Khelo India and TOPS that support and develop young athletic talent. Shri Scindia echoed this sentiment, praising the stamp release as a tribute to India's sports legacy and expressing confidence that it would inspire future athletes.

In Jammu and Kashmir, five policemen and a school teacher have been dismissed from their positions following allegations of involvement in narco-terrorism. The dismissed individuals, including Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Khalid Hussain Shah, Rehmat Shah, Irfan Ahmad Chalkoo, Saifuldin, and teacher Nazim Uddin, were linked to drug smuggling operations connected with a cross-border narcotics syndicate. This action is part of a broader crackdown targeting terror financing and separatist activities in the region. The crackdown follows previous cases of security forces' involvement in drug trafficking, notably the 2021 case where a BSF officer was arrested by the NIA for running a drug syndicate associated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has announced that Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are being equipped with sophisticated weapons to enhance security in rural areas. This initiative aims to bolster the defense capabilities of villages, especially in regions vulnerable to security threats. The government is providing not only advanced weapons but also necessary training to ensure effective use by the VDGs. The program focuses on areas prone to security challenges, aiming to create a safer environment for villagers and boost community confidence in their safety and security.

In Jammu and Kashmir, six individuals, five of whom were members of the police force, were dismissed from their duties due to involvement in activities considered anti-national. The authorities have taken this step to reinforce their commitment to national security and ensure the integrity of personnel in critical positions. The exact nature of the anti-national activities was not disclosed, but the severity warranted immediate dismissal.

Kerala, renowned for its serene landscapes and tea plantations, has been struck by a devastating landslide in Wayanad, resulting in the deaths of at least 150 people. In response, the Kerala Police have issued a rare warning against dark tourism, urging people to avoid visiting the affected areas as it disrupts rescue operations. The phenomenon of dark tourism, where visitors travel to sites associated with death and tragedy, has been a growing trend globally and in India. This trend includes visiting historical sites like Auschwitz and Chernobyl, as well as locations such as Port Blair's Cellular Jail and Roopkund Lake. Despite its historical roots, dark tourism raises ethical concerns and practical issues, particularly when it impedes ongoing emergency efforts.

The Indian Government has presented the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. This bill is designed to update the current disaster management framework by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response mechanisms. Key changes include improved coordination among agencies, revised funding mechanisms, and a focus on capacity building for local authorities and communities. The bill introduces new roles for local bodies and mandates training and awareness programs to boost disaster preparedness.

In the wake of severe landslides in Wayanad, rescue operations are in full swing as teams work diligently to aid affected residents. Efforts include deploying specialized equipment and resources to navigate challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. Support from both local and national entities is critical, with emergency services providing immediate care and community members actively participating in relief efforts. Ongoing assessments aim to gauge the damage and plan for long-term recovery, alongside measures to enhance infrastructure resilience to future disasters.

The Supreme Court of India has recently stirred controversy with its remarks on the "creamy layer" within Scheduled Castes (SCs). The term "creamy layer" refers to the more affluent members of SC communities, who may not need the same level of support as others. During a recent session, judges suggested that prosperous individuals within SCs should be treated differently in terms of affirmative action and reservations. Critics argue that these comments could undermine the principles of affirmative action and create inequities, while supporters believe the "creamy layer" approach could lead to a fairer distribution of resources. The debate underscores ongoing tensions between effective implementation of affirmative action policies and addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged within SC communities. The impact of these remarks on future legal and policy decisions remains to be seen.

On July 30, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has recovered Rs 72.73 crore from pharmaceutical companies for overcharging in the fiscal year 2023-24. This amount includes penalties for violations of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), which regulates the maximum retail prices for essential drugs. Despite the recovery, the sum is small compared to the actual extent of DPCO violations in the market, where 384 drugs are listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) issues notices to companies for these violations, but many evade payment through legal challenges. The DPCO, 2013, also mandates annual revisions of ceiling prices for scheduled medicines based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), while non-scheduled formulations cannot exceed a 10% MRP increase within a year. Manufacturers must comply with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945, and good manufacturing practices, with the NPPA monitoring prices for both scheduled and non-scheduled medicines.

On Tuesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal and disbursed Rs 100 crore in stipends to apprentices via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The new portal aims to streamline apprenticeship registrations and applications, manage vacancies, and support skill development across various sectors including IT/ITes, manufacturing, and automobile. During the event, panel discussions focused on the future of apprenticeships, including apprenticeship embedded degree programs and leveraging technology for DBT. The minister emphasized the need for education curriculums to enhance employability skills and called for broader participation in the NATS 2.0 initiative. The DBT mechanism ensures timely stipend delivery, while the portal, developed with support from AICTE and BoATs/BoPT, manages the full apprenticeship lifecycle. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to integrate vocational and general education.

The Government of India established the National Culture Fund (NCF) on November 28, 1996, under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890. The fund aims to mobilize additional resources through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to promote, protect, and preserve India's tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The NCF focuses on the conservation and up-gradation of monuments, training cultural specialists, expanding museum spaces, and documenting endangered cultural expressions. Managed by a Governing Council chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Culture and an Executive Committee headed by the Secretary (Culture), NCF offers 100% tax benefits on donations and is recognized as a valid recipient of CSR contributions. It plays a crucial role in implementing heritage projects by partnering with corporates, NGOs, and other entities, ensuring timely project execution and compliance with agreed terms.