Good morning! Here’s your quick catch-up on the biggest headlines shaping the day.
The Assembly by-election results have offered an early reading of the political mood. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor broke through the BJP’s long-held Bankipur stronghold in Bihar, while Congress won Datia in Madhya Pradesh and the BJP retained Gujarat’s Manjalpur.
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the wrestlers’ sexual harassment case, but the legal battle is set to continue as Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia prepare to appeal.
Also in today’s Bhaskar Smart Brief, don’t miss our coverage of Abhijeet Dipke’s challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show his degree and why fresh US-Iran diplomacy remains overshadowed by military pressure.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day.
📰 Today’s Top Headlines
Prashant Kishor storms Bankipur; Congress wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur
A single by-election rarely changes the political map, but it often reveals where public mood is shifting. The results from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat did just the same. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor defeated BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar by 19,324 votes in a constituency long regarded as a political bastion of the party’s national president Nitin Naveen, while Congress took Datia in MP and the BJP retained Gujarat’s Manjalpur. READ MORE
Brij Bhushan acquitted in sexual harassment case
A case that reshaped Indian wrestling and sparked one of the country’s biggest sporting protests has taken another turn. Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the sexual harassment case, nearly three years after allegations by women wrestlers brought the issue into the national spotlight.
The verdict is unlikely to end the legal battle. While Brij Bhushan welcomed the ruling, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia said they would challenge it in the Delhi High Court, keeping the controversy alive. READ MORE
‘Will the emperor reveal his degree?’: CJP’s Dipke challenges Modi
A political attack over personal finances has quickly turned into a wider debate on transparency and accountability. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke defended the funding of his US education, saying it came through a scholarship and an education loan, before throwing a pointed challenge at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dipke invited an inquiry into his finances but asked whether the Prime Minister would reveal his degree. He also demanded the withdrawal of FIRs against student protesters and called for equal legal action against BJP leaders over alleged inflammatory remarks. READ MORE
Centre drops FIR against students; cases to continue against 2,700 serious offenders
Student protesters have secured a key assurance, but the legal battle is far from over. The Centre told the Supreme Court it will not file FIRs against students who protested the NEET paper leak, while making it clear that cases against more than 2,700 people accused of serious offences will continue. The Supreme Court backed accountability on both sides, saying police excesses should not be shielded, nor should serious crimes be overlooked in the name of protest. The matter will return to court on 18 August. READ MORE
US exploring ‘creative, unconventional’ ideas to punish Iran
The US and Iran appear to be pursuing pressure and diplomacy at the same time, underscoring how fragile their relationship remains. A CNN report says US military officials are exploring new ways to tighten pressure on Tehran even as President Donald Trump announces fresh indirect talks between the two countries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Iraq ahead of the expected negotiations. Whether the renewed diplomatic effort eases tensions or deepens the standoff will become clearer in the coming days. READ MORE
The Day Ahead
- Kejriwal to march to PM’s residence over E20 fuel row; to submit over 2.33 lakh petitions against rollout, citing engine damage and lower mileage
- BJP-led NDA to hold parliamentary party meeting at 9.30 am in Parl’s Library, terms it ‘Mangal Milan’; Monsoon Session strategy on agenda
- NEET UG 2026 counselling for MBBS & other medical courses begins Aug. 4: last date for joining by Aug. 22, classes from Sept. 8
- India to host 2nd BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group meet in Hyderabad; 4th-time BRICS host gears up for Sept. 12–13 summit in New Delhi
- Oppo A7 Pro Max to launch: 10,000mAh battery, 50MP camera, up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage likely to be on offer
Visual Of The Day
Mumbai workers put the finishing touches to India’s Tricolours ahead of Independence Day celebrations
Today in History
Statement Of The Day
News With a Twist
TV anchor falls asleep live on air
Reality had another busy day proving it can outdo fiction. From unexpected moments on live television to celebrations with a remarkable twist, the world’s oddest headlines once again blurred the line between the bizarre and the believable.
An anchor nodded off during a live broadcast, twins took over an entire wedding, guests risked a ₹500 fine for skipping an anniversary party, while China harvested rice grown in space. Here are five quirky stories that grabbed attention across the world. READ MORE News in Headlines
- How did Prashant Kishor stage dramatic comeback in 9 months? READ MORE
- NEET PG in single shift, centres closer to home; security ramped for exam papers READ MORE
- World’s third-smallest nation renames itself READ MORE
- No FIR against minor who abused Modi during CJP protest READ MORE
- Auqib Nabi replaces injured Jasprit Bumrah for Sri Lanka Tests READ MORE
- ‘Ramayana’- Then vs Now: How 80’s ‘Ramayan’ was made with ‘Jugaad’ props READ MORE
