THE BIG story

Kerala court says sexual harassment invalid if woman wears provocative dress: When rulings let down women
From observation on marital rapes to what constitutes aggravated sexual assault under the POCSO Act, courts across India have made statements that have angered women and child right activists as well as people on social media. Here are a few such instances when rulings fell short of expectations

Who is Iqbal Singh Lalpura, ex-cop who arrested Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and newest member of BJP's top body?
A former IPS officer, Iqbal Singh Lalpura -- the chairman of the National Commission for Minorities -- has been named to the parliamentary board. A BJP spokesperson, he hails from Punjab and belongs to the Sikh community

GhoseSpot | Is Narendra Modi serious about fighting corruption?
Those who walk the corridors of power would say corruption has indeed come down at the top echelons of the government. However, this isn’t something the common masses experience directly

Why remembering Nehru is not the answer to Modi’s BJP
Attempts are often made by Nehru’s admirers, generally highly educated people, to correct public perception about him. However, this is a failed project

Firstpost Podcast: Detention centres for Rohingya
Are the Rohingyas been provided with flats or kept in detention centre? Tune in

Firstpost Podcast: Spy ships docked in Sri Lanka
Is China responsible for ruining Sri Lanka's economy? Tune in

Will the agreement on food supply result in a moratorium in Russia-Ukraine war?
The agreement between Russia and Ukraine to export food grains to the international market is a welcome move but it is early to say that this agreement will provide any tangible steps towards resolving the dispute

Evolving horizons in trans-disciplinary approaches to humanities and social sciences education
Substantial scholarship and proper adjustment of perspectivist methodology should be the two focal points of research and training in HSS disciplines in India

‘In last few months, of 100 news I made, only five were right’: Ronaldo blasts lies over Manchester United future
In a reply to a fan account on Instagram that referred to a report linking the United frontman to Atletico Madrid, Ronaldo said fans would know the truth in a couple of weeks.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy lead PGA Tour players meeting on LIV Golf threat
Tiger Woods has been a strong opponent of LIV Golf. The rival league's leader, Greg Norman, confirmed in an interview with Fox News last month that Woods was offered in the range of $700 to $800 million to take part.

Ireland edge Afghanistan for T20I series win
Dockrell hit the winning run with two balls to spare after Ireland had been set a revised target of 56 in seven overs, with a seven-wicket victory giving the hosts the five-match contest 3-2

‘I can't even compare myself with these guys; no name could be taken in same breath’: KL Rahul on following MSD
He was missing from the national team dressing room for some time after being ruled out before the start of the T20I home series against South Africa in June.

Talks that ODI cricket is losing its appeal are nonsense, says Rohit Sharma
With the mushrooming of T20 leagues leading to a packed calendar and forcing top players such as Ben Stokes and Trent Boult to take some hard calls, doubts were recently raised over the future of the 50-over cricket

‘Rohit is obviously a bit laid back who takes things in a very calm way’: Sourav Ganguly on different captaincy styles
Ganguly was impressed by Rohit, who has won a record five IPL titles for Mumbai Indians, and said he should be given a longer rope before comparing with former captains.

Dominic Thiem, Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin among US Open wild cards
The US Tennis Association announced the recipients ahead of the August 29 start of the year's final Grand Slam tournament at New York

England vs South Africa: Rabada, Nortje rock hosts on day one; Bairstow, Root out for single digit before rain
Elgar's doubts over whether England could maintain their aggressive approach with the bat against an attack that has helped South Africa climb to the top of the World Test Championship table were soon justified.

Vijender Singh knocks out Eliasu Sulley to return to winning ways
Vijender landed the winning blow in the second round of what was to be a six-round contest to leave the reigning national West Africa Boxing Union Champion dazed

Lalu Prasad arrives in Patna; CM Nitish Kumar walks down for courtesy call
This was the first meeting of the two leaders since the 'Mahagathbandhan 2.0' government came to power in Bihar after the JD(U) dumped the BJP and joined hands with RJD, the Congress and other parties

Army assault dog Axel awarded Mention-in-Despatches on I-Day
Usually, awards like the Army chief or Vice Army chief commendation card are given to dogs, but this is the first in a long time that a dog was awarded Mention-in-Despatches, which is considered more prestigious than the former awards

Focus on fit-again KL Rahul and Deepak Chahar during India-Zimbabwe ODIs
KL Rahul and Deepak Chahar are making a comeback after quite a significant time as the series commences on Thursday.