Morning briefing: Kerala CM slams ‘false allegations’ on landslides; Cong's dig at PM Modi over Phogat's win, and more
A shortlist of the biggest headlines, recommended stories, and a special collection of news items you should check out.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav's remark that blamed unauthorized settlements and illegal mining for landslides in Wayanad, calling them false and insulting to the residents affected. Vijayan defended ‘settlers’, stating they are not unauthorized but have lived there for centuries. He refuted claims of illegal mining, noting the nearest quarry is 10.2 km away. Vijayan accused the Centre of pressuring scientists to criticize the state government and labelled Yadav's comments as politically motivated. He emphasized the need for collective efforts and accurate information in the wake of the tragedy. Dig Deeper
The Congress criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning if he would call wrestler Vinesh Phogat after her historic semi-final win at the Paris Olympics. Phogat became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final, defeating Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman and Tokyo 2020 champion Yui Susaki. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted Phogat's assured medal and urged Modi to apologize for the Delhi Police's mistreatment of women wrestlers during their 2023 protest against Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who Phogat had accused of sexual harassment. Top wrestlers, including Phogat, protested in Delhi demanding action against Singh. Dig Deeper
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Global matters
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Business
Sports
Vinesh Phogat did not just leave Susaki shell-shocked, and those thousands glued to their respective viewing sets astounded with a stunning 3-2 win in the opening tie, she scripted a rather comfortable run to the final on Tuesday to become the first Indian woman who will fight for the Olympic gold in wrestling. But what drove Vinesh to script that spectacular run on Day 11 of the Paris Games was not the urge to prove herself after what she went through since the Tokyo Olympics, especially in the last few months; she was rather fighting for a larger cause. Dig Deeper
Also check | Paris Olympics 2024 Day 12 (August 7) India full schedule: Vinesh Phogat to battle for gold; Mirabai Chanu in action
Entertainment
Taylor Swift is likely to be present at the VMAs, taking place on September 10 in New York, since she'd be on a 3-month break from the ongoing Eras Tour then. If she wins the Video of the Year award, it will make her the artist with maximum wins (5), and also the one to get it 3 years in a row. Dig Deeper
Lifestyle
Kiara Advani recently stepped out in the city to attend an event. For the occasion, the actor wore a pink off-shoulder dress and channelled her inner Barbie. We found out the price of her ensemble. Dig Deeper
It's trending
Vinesh Phogat spent a good part of the last one year spearheading a protest against alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the Wrestlers' Federation of India (WFI) former President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She scripted history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic finals. Her old post has gone viral. Dig Deeper