Kerala's Wayanad, along with nine other districts, ranks among India's top 30 landslide-prone areas, according to a 2023 ISRO report. Experts highlight that despite warnings from the 2011 Gadgil report, which suggested strict controls on land use in the Western Ghats, little has changed. The recent deadly landslide in Wayanad, which has claimed nearly 160 lives, underscores the urgent need for preventive measures. Scientists stress that the region's vulnerability, exacerbated by deforestation and high population density, calls for immediate action to prevent future disasters.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the state was warned early about potential landslides in Wayanad. Vijayan stated, “A red alert was issued only after the landslides hit on Tuesday morning.” He clarified that the India Meteorological Department had only issued an orange alert before the landslides occurred. Shah had claimed that the Kerala government was notified seven days prior and further warned on July 24 and 26. Vijayan emphasized focusing on crisis management rather than the blame game.

Rescue operations continue in Wayanad after landslides triggered by heavy rains. So far, 158 bodies have been found, and 191 people are still missing, according to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities are working together on the rescue mission. Temporary bridges are being built to aid efforts. The weather department has forecast more rain, and alerts are in place for several districts. The Kerala government has set up 45 relief camps. Prime Minister's Office announced ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Sindhudurg police have charged a man named Satish with attempted murder and illegal confinement after his wife, Lalita Kayi Kumar, was found chained to a tree in a jungle for around 40 days. A shepherd alerted the police after hearing her screams. Lalita, a US national, is recovering in a Goa hospital. In written notes to the police, she revealed, "Husband tied me to a tree in the forest and said I would die there." Police are investigating and have traveled out of state for further inquiries. Lalita had been living with her husband in Tamil Nadu for a decade.

On Wednesday, a nursery student at a private school in Supaul, Bihar, brought a handgun to school and fired at a 10-year-old Class 3 student, hitting him in the arm. The injured student was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police are investigating how the young boy obtained the firearm and brought it to school. Superintendent of Police Shaishav Yadav is leading the inquiry. The incident occurred at a school in the Lalpatti area. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation is ongoing to ensure safety measures are in place.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has cancelled Puja Khedkar's selection as a trainee IAS officer and barred her from taking the entrance exam for life. Khedkar was found guilty of violating Civil Services Examination rules by faking her identity to take the exam multiple times. A show cause notice was issued on July 18, 2024, after UPSC discovered she had exceeded the permissible attempt limit. Khedkar's actions were deemed fraudulent, leading to her disqualification and lifetime ban. This decision upholds the integrity of the examination process and ensures fair opportunities for all candidates.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has requested Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to withdraw the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on life and medical insurance premiums. In a letter dated July 28, Gadkari stated that the tax hinders the growth of the industry and affects senior citizens. He emphasized the social importance of medical insurance and urged priority consideration for the GST removal. Currently, 18% GST is levied on life and medical insurance premiums, impacting the sector's expansion and society. Gadkari's request aims to alleviate this burden and promote the industry's growth.

The Delhi High Court has taken a strong stance after three civil services aspirants died in a flooded coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar. The court criticized the Delhi government's "freebie culture" for neglecting infrastructure development. Authorities have been directed to remove encroachments on drains by Friday. The court has summoned the MCD commissioner, DCP, and investigating officer to appear on Friday. The judges highlighted the need for upgraded infrastructure, particularly drainage systems, to accommodate the city's growing population. The court's orders aim to prevent similar incidents in the future.

IndiGo has cancelled flights to and from Leh due to high temperatures exceeding 32°C, the maximum operating limit for Boeing 737 planes at Leh's airport. The airport, located at 10,682 feet above sea level, has imposed runway restrictions. The airline cites circumstances beyond their control. The cancellation comes as the region experiences an unusual temperature surge, linked to climate change. Flight operations will resume once temperatures drop. The incident highlights the impact of climate change on aviation operations in sensitive regions like Leh.

A moment of silence was observed in the Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi, to pay tribute to the victims of the Wayanad landslide and Delhi floods. The tribute was part of the Congress Parliamentary Party's general body meeting. The Wayanad landslide claimed over 150 lives, while three UPSC aspirants lost their lives in Delhi's floods. MPs and leaders honored the memory of the deceased and expressed condolences to their families. The gesture acknowledged the lives lost and expressed condolences to the affected families, recognizing the devastating impact of the recent disasters.  [Video Courtesy: ANI]