The big news: Former CPI(M) leader Somnath Chatterjee dies at 89, and nine other top stories
Other headlines: Karunanidhi’s elder son Alagiri staked claim to the support of DMK loyalists, and the Indian rupee hit a record low in early trade today.
A look at the headlines right now.
- Former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee dies in Kolkata at 89: Chatterjee, who was suffering from kidney-related ailment, was put on ventilator support on Sunday after he suffered a heart attack.
- Week after Karunanidhi’s death, elder son Alagiri claims support of cadre loyal to his father: The announcement is being seen as Alagiri’s first moves to jostle for prominence in the party once more. He was expelled from the DMK in 2014.
- Indian rupee hits record low as domestic indices suffer because of Turkish lira crisis: Asian markets took a tumble as the Turkish currency fell almost 9% due to worsening relations with the United States.
- Two priests accused in Kerala rape case surrender in court: Last week, the Supreme Court ordered Father Sony Verghese and Father Jaise K George to surrender by August 13.
- Next summit between North and South Korea to be held in Pyongyang in September: The decision was made after a high-level meeting between the two countries on Monday.
- One more woman accuses director of private hostel in Bhopal of raping her: The Congress alleged that the state government had provided a grant to a boys’ hostel run by Ashwini Sharma, who was arrested on Thursday.
- Journalists protest outside Manipur CM’s bungalow after colleague is arrested for Facebook posts: Kishorechandra Wangkhem, a journalist with ISTV network, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly writing inflammatory social media posts.
- Telangana BJP MLA resigns from party, accuses it of not aiding his efforts to protect cows: T Raja Singh, who represents Goshamahal in the Assembly, said he had resigned as he did not want to embarrass the party.
- Several commuters in Himachal Pradesh stranded as landslides block highways: At least nine people have reportedly died in rain-related incidents.
- Indian diaspora groups hold rally to counter pro-Khalistan public meeting in London: More than 2,000 people took part in an event at Trafalgar Square in support of an independent Sikh nation.