Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday expelled former Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Anant Kumar Mishra, popularly known as Untu Mishra, from the party with immediate effect. The action was taken over what Mayawati described as alleged “anti-party activities.” In a post on X, Mayawati confirmed Mishra’s removal, recalling that he had served as Health Minister during an earlier BSP government in Uttar Pradesh. However, she did not disclose the specific actions or incidents that prompted the expulsion.
The development comes as political preparations gather pace in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. With parties stepping up organisational efforts and campaign planning, Mayawati also urged BSP leaders, workers and office-bearers at every level to remain cautious about attempts by political rivals to weaken the party.
She said the electoral environment in the state had become increasingly intense and warned party cadres against tactics such as inducements, financial offers, pressure, punishment and efforts to create divisions within the organisation. Mayawati called on BSP members to remain united and dedicated to the party’s ideological objectives. She urged workers to work with honesty and loyalty to advance what she described as the BSP’s Ambedkarite mission.
Mishra’s expulsion is notable given his previous role in the BSP government and his association with the party. The move also highlights Mayawati’s emphasis on organisational discipline as the party prepares for the elections. The BSP has traditionally focused its political messaging on the representation of Dalits, backward classes and other marginalised communities, while drawing heavily on the principles and legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar. As the Uttar Pradesh election atmosphere intensifies, Mayawati’s latest message appears aimed at keeping the party’s grassroots organisation united and preventing internal disagreements or outside political influence from disrupting its preparations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
India’s overall trade deficit, covering both merchandise and services, widened by 31.5 per cent year-on-year to USD 15.03 billion in July 2026, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry. The increase came as imports grew at a faster pace than exports during the month. India’s combined exports of goods and services rose to USD 80.14 billion in July 2026, compared with USD 70.72 billion in July 2025, marking a growth of around 13.3 per cent. Imports, however, increased more sharply by 15.8 per cent to USD 95.16 billion from USD 82.16 billion a year earlier. As a result, the overall trade deficit increased from USD 11.43 billion in July 2025 to USD 15.03 billion this year.
Merchandise exports provided a major boost to India’s export performance. Goods shipments rose 19.63 per cent to USD 44.24 billion in July, compared with USD 36.98 billion in the same month last year. The Commerce Ministry said the figure represented India’s highest-ever merchandise export value for July, surpassing the previous record of USD 38.34 billion set in July 2022.
At the same time, merchandise imports climbed 17.52 per cent to USD 76.22 billion from USD 64.86 billion in July 2025. Services exports were estimated at USD 35.89 billion, up from USD 33.74 billion, while services imports increased to USD 18.94 billion from USD 17.30 billion. During April-July 2026-27, India’s total exports grew 13.16 per cent to USD 316.42 billion, compared with USD 279.63 billion in the corresponding period last year. Overall imports rose 17.28 per cent to USD 365.85 billion from USD 311.94 billion. Consequently, the cumulative trade deficit widened to USD 49.43 billion from USD 32.32 billion, an increase of 52.97 per cent.
Merchandise exports during the four-month period rose 17.04 per cent to USD 173.78 billion, while merchandise imports increased 19.27 per cent to USD 292.38 billion. Exports to China also recorded strong growth, reaching USD 7.78 billion from USD 5.72 billion, while shipments to the US edged higher to USD 34.49 billion from USD 33.48 billion.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
A 17-year-old Indian-origin teenager has been charged with allegedly killing his mother and younger brother inside their family home in Acton, Massachusetts, in a case that has drawn attention after investigators reportedly discovered disturbing online searches involving fantasies about killing his family.
The teenager, identified as Arjun Aravind, is accused of killing his 45-year-old mother, Sudha Venkatesan, and his 14-year-old brother, Siddharth Aravind. Police discovered the bodies at the family’s Martha Lane residence on Tuesday evening after Arjun’s father requested a welfare check when he could not contact his wife and children. A tutor who had arrived at the home for a scheduled appointment also became concerned after receiving no response. When police entered the house, they reportedly found Siddharth on the first floor and Sudha in the basement. Both had suffered apparent trauma, according to authorities.
Investigators said Arjun was not at the residence when officers arrived. Police later determined that he had allegedly left in his mother’s Honda Accord and launched a search for him. He was eventually located early Wednesday in nearby Wayland after officers responding to an unrelated alarm encountered the vehicle. He was taken into custody without incident.
The investigation took another troubling turn when authorities said they had uncovered online activity involving Arjun and ChatGPT. According to prosecutors, the teenager had reportedly explored theoretical ideas and fictional scenarios involving the killing of his family. Investigators are examining the material as part of their effort to determine what may have led to the alleged attack.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive, and officials have cautioned that disturbing internet searches or fictional writing, by themselves, do not establish criminal intent or prove guilt. Investigators are continuing to examine digital records, physical evidence and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Arjun faces two murder charges along with additional allegations involving assault and battery and the unauthorized use or theft of a motor vehicle. Because he is 17, the case involves specific rules concerning juvenile defendants, although the murder charges are being handled in district court. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Arjun have not been proven in court. Authorities are continuing to establish the sequence of events inside the home and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the mother and son.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. According to initial reports, Badal was allegedly attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang while visiting the religious site. He was subsequently rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The incident reportedly occurred during Badal’s visit to a gurdwara in Nanded. The exact circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain unclear, and authorities are investigating what led to the alleged assault. Badal reportedly suffered an injury to his hand in the incident. A member of his security team was also injured while attempting to intervene. Both were taken to a private hospital, according to reports. Further information about Badal’s condition was awaited as authorities continued their investigation.
Police have reportedly taken the alleged attacker into custody. Investigators are examining eyewitness accounts and other evidence to establish the sequence of events and determine the motive behind the attack. The incident has attracted significant attention because of Badal’s prominent political position and his previous experience of being targeted.
In December 2024, Badal survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A gunman had fired at him while he was performing religious service, but the attempt was foiled after people nearby intervened. The latest incident in Nanded is expected to raise fresh questions about security arrangements for political leaders visiting religious places and other public locations. Authorities are continuing to investigate the attack, while more details about the suspect, the motive and Badal’s medical condition are expected to emerge.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
Kerala CM VD Satheesan said a probe has uncovered “shocking” irregularities in the Kerala PSC, with action promised after the investigation concludes. He also defended the government’s handling of LPST candidates’ protests and highlighted alleged irregularities in Sabarimala ghee supplies under the previous LDF government.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
On today’s (13 August) episode of Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss discuss the latest market trends and economic developments with Will McGough, Chief Investment Officer at Prime Capital Financial. The conversation explores current market conditions, investment sentiment, inflation, interest rates, and the broader outlook for investors as global financial markets respond to evolving economic signals and changing expectations.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Only weeks after basking in the success of the World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is now facing growing pressure over his position. Infantino has apologised for his controversial proposal to sell the World Cup, but the apology has failed to stop calls for him to step down. The plan has sparked widespread criticism, raising fresh questions about his leadership and whether this latest controversy could prove too damaging. Why did the proposal trigger such a strong backlash, and could it ultimately bring Infantino’s FIFA presidency to an end? Sport reporter Jack Snape joins host Reged Ahmad to examine the growing crisis surrounding the FIFA chief and what could happen next.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most popular new tech products, with reports suggesting that more than seven million pairs were sold in 2025. Supporters praise the glasses for making photography and accessibility more convenient, but the technology has also sparked privacy concerns. Critics have dubbed them “pervert glasses,” while some UK pubs and restaurants, including Wetherspoons, have reportedly banned customers from using the devices on their premises.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Every Wednesday and Friday throughout August, we’re revisiting some of the standout audio long reads from 2026, giving listeners another chance to experience stories they may have missed. Each feature is accompanied by a note from our editorial team explaining why it earned a place among this year’s highlights. This edition revisits a story first published in February, chronicling one writer’s decades-long search for answers to a mysterious illness before finally receiving a diagnosis. The piece also explores whether techniques aimed at retraining the brain could offer a path toward recovery.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
