Gold loan outstanding of banks rises 43.4% in 1st half of FY25

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit India, with discussions ongoing to finalize a date, as stated by Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk. The envoy emphasized India's supportive stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and urged India to take a more active role in peace talks, reflecting the growing dialogue between the two nations. Want More Context? 🔎

A man attempted to approach Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Purnea, Bihar, causing a brief disturbance before security intervened. The yatra, which aims to cover over 1,300 km and culminate in Patna, features RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav calling for unity against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, with Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah joining Gandhi on August 29. Want More Context? 🔎

Cheteshwar Pujara, a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, announced his retirement from all formats at age 37, reflecting on the pride of representing India since his Test debut in 2010. Over his career, Pujara played 103 Tests, amassing 7,195 runs with 19 centuries, and his legacy as a resilient and technically skilled batsman will inspire future generations. Want More Context? 🔎

South Africa's young cricket star Dewald Brevis shared a touching story about his first encounter with his idol, AB de Villiers, where he was too nervous to ask for a photo until de Villiers' wife prompted the moment. This initial meeting led to a mentor-mentee relationship as they stayed in touch during lockdown, helping shape Brevis's cricket journey. Want More Context? 🔎

In Uttarakhand, devastating monsoon conditions have left many government schools in disrepair, forcing children to study in unsafe environments. Despite the allocation of Rs 20 crore for repairs, officials acknowledge that the estimated cost exceeds Rs 72 crore, with urgent action needed as schools continue to face collapse and flooding, jeopardizing student safety. Want More Context? 🔎

In Bihar, voters like Diwakar Sharma are racing against a September 1 deadline to restore their names on electoral rolls after the Supreme Court allowed submissions of Aadhaar and other documents for those struck off during the SIR. Confusion and urgency prevail as booth-level officers await formal instructions, while many voters face challenges due to limited internet access and political apathy amid significant deletions from the rolls. Want More Context? 🔎