India’s sporting spirit soared on Thursday as the men’s hockey team clinched their second consecutive Olympic bronze medal with a 2-1 victory over Spain. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh led the charge with a brace, while Spain’s lone goal came from a penalty stroke by captain Marc Miralles. The nation held its breath for another potential gold as star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra prepared to compete later in the day. The World Championships gold medalist aimed to replicate his Tokyo 2020 triumph and defend his title at the ongoing Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, the business world was abuzz with the release of first-quarter results from prominent companies. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reported a 10% increase in its net profit, reaching ₹ 10,461 crore during the June 2024 quarter. In contrast, state-owned Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd faced a 35% decline in consolidated net profit to ₹ 223.92 crore for the June quarter of FY25, attributed primarily to reduced income.
Political discourse in Parliament revolved around the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill aims to redefine ‘waqf’ as property dedicated by a Muslim for at least five years and ensure inheritance rights for women. It also seeks to streamline the management of waqf properties, including the appointment of survey commissioners and the composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims.
In Bangladesh, a gradual return to normalcy unfolded as Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus arrived in Dhaka to assume the reins of government. His arrival marked a significant shift in the country’s political landscape and signaled a new chapter in its governance.
