Good morning! Here’s your quick catch-up on the biggest stories making headlines today.
Bengal’s political contest has taken an unexpected turn, with the Election Commission splitting the Trinamool Congress into two factions with temporary identities. Mamata Banerjee plans to challenge the decision in court, while Nandigram has seen the ‘Mamata TMC’ candidate withdraw her nomination after meeting CM Suvendu Adhikari, followed by the arrest of the Congress nominee over alleged involvement in the 2007 land protests.
In Pakistan, Friday prayers turned deadly as a blast near a mosque in Kohat killed at least 16 people and injured over 50, adding to the country’s mounting toll of militant violence.
Also in today’s Bhaskar Smart Brief, don’t miss our investigation into an alleged cross-border network involving Nepali women who are reportedly brought in to bear fair-skinned babies for childless couples. We look at what happens behind the scenes. Plus, Gondhal takes India’s Oscar 2027 campaign to the global stage.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day. Today’s Top Headlines
Mamata’s Nandigram candidate withdraws; Cong nominee arrested
A party name, a symbol and two bypoll twists have thrown Bengal politics into fresh uncertainty. After the Election Commission’s decision split the Trinamool Congress into two factions with temporary identities, Mamata Banerjee said she would challenge the ruling in court. Her faction has also backed Congress in Nandigram, where its candidate withdrew after meeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
But the contest has taken another turn: Congress leader Milan Pradhan was arrested over alleged involvement in the 2007 land-acquisition protests, according to a party leader. What happens next? READ MORE
Nepali girls ‘sold’ in India to bear fair-skinned babies
What if a childless couple’s search for a baby leads to a hidden cross-border network? An investigation by Dainik Bhaskar has uncovered allegations that Nepali women are being brought into Uttar Pradesh through brokers, paid to become pregnant and later sent back after giving birth. Brokers allegedly charge up to ₹1 crore, while the women receive ₹20–25 lakh.
The practice reportedly targets couples unable to conceive naturally who fear IVF. How does the network operate, and who controls it? Our investigation follows the trail. READ MORE
21 killed, over 50 injured in blast near Pak mosque
A Friday prayer gathering turned into a deadly security challenge in Pakistan, raising fresh questions over how explosives reached a heavily guarded area. At least 16 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a blast near a mosque in Kohat. Police said an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the old Police Lines, damaging the mosque’s outer structure.
The attack adds to Pakistan’s mounting militant violence, with 990 incidents and 1,129 deaths reported since January. The probe will now focus on how the attack was carried out. READ MORE
Marathi thriller ‘Gondhal’ is India’s Oscar 2027 entry
What happens when a traditional all-night ritual turns into a night of old grudges, political tensions and buried rivalries? That is the world of ‘Gondhal’, the Marathi psychological thriller chosen as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards. Directed by Santosh Davkhar, the film emerged from a field of 33 Indian entries, including 14 Hindi films, taking a regional story to the global stage.
The film now faces a bigger test: the Oscar race. With Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh and Yogesh Sohani in key roles, ‘Gondhal’ will represent India as the international competition unfolds. READ MORE
BCCI leaves Agarkar’s future uncertain, Parthiv emerges frontrunner
The BCCI’s latest move could reshape India’s senior men’s selection set-up, with the future of chief selector Ajit Agarkar now uncertain. At its 95th Annual General Meeting on Friday, the board authorised its officials to decide on the selection committee, putting Agarkar’s tenure under fresh scrutiny. The decision matters because any change could influence India’s squad-building and selection strategy ahead.
Reports suggest Parthiv Patel is among the names being considered if Agarkar is not retained. The board’s final call will determine what changes, if any, lie ahead. READ MORE
The Day Ahead
1. Monsoon is likely to start withdrawing from today. It will begin as usual from western Rajasthan, driven by an incursion of dry air and a building high-pressure system. The monsoon started with a brutal 40% shortfall in June. Around 16 states, making up 43% of the country’s geographical area, are concluding the season with a severe deficit.
2. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to participate in the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ student outreach programme in Indore today at 5:00 PM. The mega student-dialogue campaign aims to directly address youth grievances against the current education and employment system. Organisers expect a crowd of up to 100,000 students; over 50,000 students have reportedly registered to attend.
3. PM Modi will distribute over 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth in various government organisations at the 20th Rozgar Mela today at 12:30 PM. Rozgar Mela will be held at 45 locations across the country.
4. Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election votes will be counted today starting at 8:00 AM. Voting ended yesterday, and the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were moved safely under police guard to the University Sports Stadium on the North Campus, where the counting will take place. 5. Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony today in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya at 2:30 PM IST. Manu Bhaker & Tajinderpal Singh Toor to be India’s flagbearers. The Asian Games are scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4. Visual Of The Day
‘Deep in Devotion’: A devotee immerses a Lord Ganesh idol in a canal on the outskirts of Amritsar during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. (Photo: PTI)
Today In History
Statement Of The Day
News With A Twist
Couple gets engaged right in front of shark
Truth can be stranger than fiction, and some real-life stories need no embellishment. From an underwater marriage proposal staged face-to-face with a shark to a monkey making regular visits to a lawyer’s chamber for rotis, the day’s oddities span the wonderfully unexpected.
Elsewhere, a Chinese woman’s 20.5-cm eyelash has been growing since 2015, while five generations of an American family share the same birthday. In Indonesia, an unusual court-ordered punishment has also drawn attention. Here are five quirky stories that grabbed attention across the world. READ MORE News In Headlines
1. Tharoor makes grammar gaffe wishing PM, X user points READ MORE
2. Why are 97% of POCSO rape accused known to victims? READ MORE
3. Nithari killings convict Koli dies by suicide READ MORE
4. APAAR ID gets workplace verification role READ MORE
5. US approves Saudi F-35 deal amid China risk READ MORE
6. Nestle India faces legal action over baby food products READ MORE
7. Warren Buffett steps down as Berkshire Hathaway chairman READ MORE
