The past week has been packed with developments across various fields, from politics and finance to crime and health. Here’s a look at some of the key stories that dominated the news from August 11 to August 17:
Adani-Hindenburg Row Continues to Heat Up
The ongoing saga between the Adani Group and Hindenburg Research took a new turn as SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, released a detailed response to the accusations made by Hindenburg Research. Hindenburg’s allegations, published on August 10, 2024, claimed that Madhabi Puri Buch held stakes in offshore entities linked to the Adani Group, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and regulatory misconduct. The response from the Buchs seeks to address these claims and clear their names, further intensifying the already heated controversy.
Tragedy Strikes Kolkata: Trainee Doctor Murdered and Raped
The medical community was shaken by the brutal murder and rape of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Her body was found inside the seminar hall of the state-run hospital last week, bearing multiple injury marks, suggesting a violent assault. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, raising concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals working in such environments.
India’s Retail Inflation Dips to Lowest in Five Years
Some positive news emerged from India as the government announced that the country’s retail inflation had eased to 3.54% year-on-year in July. This decline, attributed to a high base effect, marked the first time in nearly five years that inflation fell below the Reserve Bank of India’s medium-term target of 4%. The news was welcomed as a sign of economic stability and a potential boost to consumer confidence.
Starbucks CEO Steps Down, Chipotle CEO Takes Over
In a surprising move, Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan announced his resignation after just over a year in the role. The coffee chain has appointed Brian Niccol, CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., as its new CEO and chairman. Narasimhan’s departure comes at a time when Starbucks is facing challenges such as rising costs and competition in the coffee market. Niccol’s experience in the fast-casual restaurant sector could bring a fresh perspective to Starbucks’ operations.
Nykaa Q1 Results Show Significant Growth
FSN E-Commerce Ventures, the company behind popular beauty and personal care firm Nykaa, announced impressive Q1 results for fiscal 2024-25. The company reported a 152% surge in consolidated net profit, reaching ₹13.6 crore compared to ₹5.4 crore in the corresponding period last year. This significant growth reflects Nykaa’s continued success in the booming online beauty and personal care market.
CAS Verdict on Vinesh Phogat Disqualification
Ace grappler Vinesh Phogat expressed gratitude upon returning to India after the Court of Arbitration Sport (CAS) dismissed her plea for a ‘silver medal’ at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite her strong performances at the Games, Phogat was disqualified, leaving her heartbroken and disappointed. The CAS verdict, while disappointing for Phogat, offers her an opportunity to regroup and focus on future competitions.
Kashmir Terrorist Encounter Claims Army Captain’s Life
Tragedy struck during an ongoing operation in the higher reaches of Doda district in Kashmir. An Army captain, Deepak Singh, was critically injured during the operation and later succumbed to his injuries at a military hospital. A civilian was also injured in the encounter. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the sacrifices made by the armed forces.
Mpox Outbreak Declared Public Health Emergency
The World Health Organization declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern on Thursday following an outbreak in Congo. Since January 2023, over 27,000 cases and around 1,100 deaths have been reported in the African nation, making it the worst-ever outbreak. The WHO’s declaration emphasizes the global concern over the virus and the need for coordinated efforts to contain its spread.
