Kerala became the second state after Mizoram to pass a resolution against the Union’s move to enact Uniform Civil Code at the centre level.  On Monday 7 August Kerala assembly unanimously passed the resolution to stop the introduction of UCC in the state, If the centre wants to Implement the law. Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan moved the resolution in the house against the UCC implementation by pointing this out as a “unilateral and hasty” step taken by the Centre.

The opposition UDF (United Democratic Front) welcomed the move of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the House and proposed several changes and amendments as well. The CM took the proposed suggestions to his attention and read out the final script, which said that the state is concerned and horrified with the Centre’s move to impose UCC as it was a one-sided and speedy decision that would take away the secular character of the country. 

Vijayan claimed “that UCC is based on the grounds of Manusmriti more than the Indian Constitution and is a consciousness of the RSS and this has been made clear by the RSS from the days of Independence struggle. They are not trying to implement something which is written in the Constitution.”

In his speech, Vijayan said that in the Indian Constitution, the idea of common civil law is given in the directive principle of state policy and they are not mandatory. He also talked about Article 25 of the Constitution which guarantees the freedom of religion and includes the right to follow and practise religious personal rules. Hence implementing UCC would prohibit people from exercising their Fundamental Rights.

He pointed out that establishing a common civil code under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution is simply mentioned but a law like UCC should be implemented only after debates and discussions with the people. He said that the government will not implement this without citizens’ consideration.  He called the forcing of UCC a move against Secularism to attack the unity of the people and the nation as a whole and said that the Kerala assembly too shares this concern.

Earlier this year, the Mizoram state assembly also unanimously adopted a resolution protesting the implementation of UCC in the country. Recently, the Law Commission of India initiated a public consultation process on the matter and they received a total of 8.5 lakhs response in just two weeks from the citizens concerning suggestions for the implementation of the UCC. Some anonymous sources also suggest that the government will introduce something big by the end of this year.  Just 2 days ago Assam banned Polygamy by saying it is a feature of UCC and we are looking forward to helping the Union Government.

The Supreme Court on Monday appointed a committee of three former high court judges to look into the ethnic violence cases in the country with a humanitarian aspect. Apart from the investigation, the committee will also keep an eye on reclamation and other issues in cases related to the ethnic violence in conflict-stricken Manipur. The aim of the committee will be much more than just probing incidents of violence. The three-member committee headed by Justice Gita Mittal (Retd.) Chief Justice of J&K High Court along with Justice Shalini P Joshi (Retd.) Judge of Bombay High Court and Justice Asha Menon (Retd.) Judge of Delhi High Court as its members. The Supreme Court also named Ex-Mumbai Police Commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar to monitor the probe by CBI. 

A three-judge bench led by CJI (Chief Justice of India) D Y Chandrachud said that “Our efforts are to reinstall a feeling of trust in the law & order. We will set up a one-level committee of three former HC judges. This committee will also look at things apart from inquiring – including remedial measures, relief and many more aspects.” 

On August 1, the court said there was an absolute failure of government and law and order in the state. It had slammed the state police for an unpunctual and inactive investigation of incidents of ethnic violence, especially those targeting women, and had summoned the Chief of Police, Manipur to answer its queries on August 7. 

Former Maharashtra Police Chief IPS officer Dattatray Padsalgikar will administer the CBI investigation. Adding to this, there will be five more officers of at least the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, brought into the CBI from different states. These officers will also operate within the corners of the framework and organisational structure of the CBI.

The court further added “There will be 42 Special Investigation Teams inspecting the matters which are not transferred to the CBI. These teams should be supervised by DIG-ranked officers outside of Manipur. Each officer will monitor six teams to check if the investigation is going thoroughly or not.”

The most awaited GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi) Bill also known as the Delhi Service Bill gets approval from the Upper House of the Parliament After an 8-hour-long discussion. The bill was already passed in the Lok Sabha via Voice Vote on 3 August after that on 7 August Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved the bill in Rajya Sabha. After a long controversial discussion the bill got a clear nod. During the voting, the bill obtained 131 votes in favour compared to 102 in against. Along with NDA, BJD, YSRCP, and TDP also voted in support of the bill. The highlight of the 8-hour-long discussion was the former Prime Minister and Senior Congressmen Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is turning 91 next month, showing up for the Rajya Sabha session in a wheelchair. 

This bill replaced the ordinance on Control of Group A services by Delhi’s LG (Lieutenant-Governor). Earlier this year, the President passed an ordinance on the suggestions of the government. The government needs to adopt a law to replace the ordinance within six weeks of the start of the new session. 

BJP National spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhansu Trivedi initiated the discussion in support of the bill. He responds to the remarks made by Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, saying “Firstly Delhi is not a state it is a Union Territory, how can a UT ruling government be more powerful than the Union government? There is no such example anywhere in the world.” 

Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A. slams the government saying the unconstitutional bill is a symbol of anarchy and a black day in the history of Indian Democracy. Including this list Arvind Kejriwal CM of Delhi said, “The bill is not against the Delhi government this is against the 3 crore people of Delhi and in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections BJP will not get a single seat from Delhi.”

Around 5 PM Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Rajhav Chadda moved a resolution with the names of 5 MPs without their consent Thambi Durai, Sudhansu Trivedi, Sambit Patra, Phangnon Komyak, and Narhari Amin in the Upper House. All 5 MPs filed a complaint against Raghav Chadda to the chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah had instigated a furious attack on the opposition, asserting “the bill neither violates the orders of Supreme Court nor does it violates the constitution. The provisions of the bill were part of the transaction of business of Delhi Government rules 1993, placed by the Congress.” He further added we are forced to place this law because the government of Delhi transfers and appoints senior officials for their interest. He closed his speech by pointing out the alliance made by 26 parties by saying “Khargeji you are the experienced leader how cannot you understand the motives of AAP, as soon as the bill is passed the alliance will also pass.”

On Sunday, when the expert committee submitted its reports on the legislative assembly capacity of the state to make a law to end polygamy. A 4-member committee headed by Justice (Retd.) Smt. Rumi Kumari Phukan informed the Chief Minister of Assam that the state should ban Polygamy through constitutional legislative actions. Just after the reports submitted by the committee, the state CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on his Twitter account that within this financial year Assam will ban Polygamy. The other members of the committee are Devajit Saikia, advocate general of Assam; Nalin Kohli, senior additional advocate general of Assam; and Nekibur Zaman, a senior advocate of the Gauhati High Court. The committee had a 60 days deadline to submit its reports. 

The committee also said that Ban on Polygamy is also a feature of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that the centre is trying to enact. The committee in complete agreement proposed that the state has a full right to ban Polygamy, and the state government is in full capacity to enact such laws, the committee further added. The committee also identifies that in Muslim law, age is not mentioned. So to remove the conflicts with the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offence) Act, the State can bring legislation with the same provisions in POCSO. 

The time to table the bill is not yet decided, the CM informed that “the Cabinet will decide when to introduce the bill in the assembly, whether it is in the September session or in January.” One of the major points in the enactment of the bill is that the final assent on the bill will be given by the President instead of the Governor.  

Generally, Polygamy is banned in every religion in India except Muslims, Practising polygamy is a crime under sections 494 and 495 of the Indian Penal Code, but not for Muslims, section 2 of Muslim Personal Law (Shariat), Application Act of 1937 allows them to do so. CM said that “We outlaw the polygamy through harmony, not with any aggressive measures.” 

Anime, the vibrant and captivating world of Japanese animation, has garnered a massive global fan base for its diverse storytelling, imaginative worlds, and emotional depth. For newcomers and seasoned anime enthusiasts, discovering the best of the genre is an exhilarating journey. In this article, we present a comprehensive list of anime that are must-watches, ensuring an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood 

This masterpiece seamlessly blends action, adventure, and philosophical themes. Follow the Elric brothers on their quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, delving into morality, sacrifice, and the essence of human nature. “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” excels in both character development and plot, making it a must-watch for any anime aficionado.

• Death Note

A psychological thriller that challenges the notion of justice, “Death Note” follows Light Yagami as he discovers a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. This intense battle of wits between Light and the enigmatic Detective L will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

• Spirited Away

Renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, “Spirited Away,” is a visually stunning and emotionally evocative journey into a mysterious world of spirits and magic. With its enchanting storyline and themes of bravery and self-discovery, this film is an animated gem cherished by people of all ages.

• Attack on Titan

This epic anime series blends post-apocalyptic survival, political intrigue, and giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. “Attack on Titan” keeps viewers riveted with its unpredictable plot twists and emotionally charged narrative that delves into the human condition.

• Your Lie in April

Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged by this heartwarming tale of music, love, and loss. Following a talented pianist who finds his passion for music rekindled by a vivacious violinist, “Your Lie in April” is a profoundly moving anime that will leave you pondering the beauty of life.

• Cowboy Bebop

A genre-defying space western, “Cowboy Bebop” blends action, humour, and a stellar jazz-inspired soundtrack. Join the misfit bounty hunters of the spaceship Bebop as they navigate their troubled pasts and confront their inner demons in a futuristic universe.

• Neon Genesis Evangelion

A groundbreaking mecha anime that transcends the genre’s conventions, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” explores themes of existentialism and human frailty. The psychological depth of its characters and the intricate storytelling has solidified its place as an anime classic.

• One Piece

A timeless adventure that has captured the hearts of millions, “One Piece” follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew on a quest to find the legendary One Piece treasure. With its vast world-building and unforgettable characters, this long-running series promises an amazing journey.

• Steins; Gate

Mixing science fiction, time travel, and gripping character drama, “Steins; Gate” is a compelling rollercoaster ride. It challenges the consequences of altering the past and raises thought-provoking questions about fate and destiny.

• My Neighbor Totoro

Another enchanting work by Hayao Miyazaki, “My Neighbor Totoro” is a heartwarming tale of two young sisters who discover magical creatures in the nearby forest. This feel-good film celebrates the innocence of childhood and the wonder of nature.

The world of anime is a vast and diverse landscape that caters to a wide range of tastes and interests. The ten anime mentioned above offer an exceptional glimpse into the artistry and brilliance of this medium. Each of these shows and films has carved a unique place in the hearts of anime enthusiasts, and experiencing them once in a lifetime is an opportunity not to be missed. So, dive into the mesmerizing world of anime and embark on an unforgettable journey that will resonate with you for years to come with a lesson and joy.

After 137 days, the former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returned to Parliament on Monday after the Lok Sabha secretariat approved his return as an MP in the Lower House. On Friday, the Supreme Court stayed the conviction in the defamation case of Rahul Gandhi which restored his Parliament membership. The celebratory atmosphere among the Congress supporters as the notification of his restoration as a Lok Sabha MP was released by Utpal Kumar Singh, General Secretary of Lok Sabha. Congress party with its INDIA alliance members welcomed Rahul Gandhi very warmly in the Parliament, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and Lok Sabha MP also joined them. Congress leaders expressed their happiness at this news by feeding each other sweets at the party office. 

On his arrival Rahul Gandhi straightforwardly went to the Mahatma Gandhi statue and paid homage to him, after this he also raised the slogans of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ there. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge along with senior leader K.C Venugopal congratulated the people of Wayanad. Unprecedented visuals come from the parliament, where so many leaders greeted him with joy. 

Just after he reached the parliament he organised a meeting with Manipur PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) President Shri Keisham Meghachandra, CLP (Congress Legislature Party) leader and former CM Okram Ibobi Singh and other leaders from the violence-hit state. In the meeting Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi along with Party President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader K.C Venugopal were present. He also changed his Twitter bio to ‘Member of Parliament.’ 

Reports suggested that now the Congress party will take an aggressive approach in the Parliament on the Manipur issue and No-confidence motion. Amid sloganeering and disagreements in the houses, both houses are adjourned till 2 PM. On one side Congress wants a discussion on Manipur while on the other side, BJP Rajya Sabha targets the Congress for atrocities against women in Rajasthan. BJP leaders say that “Rahul Gandhi is still not blame-free, the final verdict is yet to come.” 

The web’s a-buzzin’ like a beehive on a hot day, dig? Two tech big dogs, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, have tossed down the glove, gearing up for a wicked cage brawl. The latest development popped up on Musk’s X account – that is his revamp of Twitter if you did not know,  where he told that the cage fight might be delayed. Seems an MRI report found a fault in his neck and upper back that might need a surgeon’s intervention. However, Rocket Man is keeping his chin up, promising a solid date this week. 

Over in Zuck’s corner, he is all fired up and ready to fight. He suggested August 26 for the cage fight he is still waiting on Musk to green-light it. Zuck says, “I am all ready for this fight. Aug 26 was my call, but no word from him yet. Not holding my breath.” This billionaire bust-up has been the talk of the town since they agreed to it back in June. First, everyone was jawing about it, then the chatter died down by the end of June, leaving Zuck expressing if this cage fight would ever come true. The clash’s venue will be Musk’s Twitter, which is currently undergoing a rebranding as ‘X’. Musk announced that all earnings from this live stream of the battle will be donated to charity for veterans, earning him praise for his philanthropic gesture.

Twitter CEO, Linda Yaccarino, is jazzed about the big event and also commented on Musk’s tweet, telling that she is clearing her schedule to catch every punch. Zuck and Musk are both gunning for this to happen, but we are all playing the waiting game until one of them gives us the go-ahead. In the meantime, Musk’s been sweating it out with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu whiz Lex Fridman and UFC champ George St-Pierre. And Zuck? Well, he has been polishing his reputation, hoping to land a blow on Musk. He has also been promoting his new social network, Threads, which has been shaking up Twitter’s game. Even with the fight hanging in the balance, people are leaning towards Zuck for the win, due to his extensive training and past MMA victories. Only time will tell who will be the last man standing.

Taylor Swift, that absolute queen of pop culture, is constantly grabbing those headlines – and ya know what? She has totally earned it with the game-changing vibe she has put out there. Recently, the lady we know and love as Miss Americana has been trending non-stop due to her latest tour shenanigans. Tay Tay’s ‘The Eras Tour’ has been crowned the grandest tour of 2023, and the gap is significant. It has hit the jackpot, with tickets disappearing faster than hotcakes at Ticketmaster. Imagine the Swifties have really been praying and fighting for the tickets. Now, it has been officially stamped as the top-grossing tour of the touring world in the first half of 2023, leaving all the other contenders behind. 

Well, let’s dig into the groovy highlights from The Eras Tour that got everyone’s eyeballs poppin’: 

•  Taylor Swift & Taylor Lautner’s Reunion

It would not be wrong to say that Taylor Swift can drop surprises like nobody’s business! Swift pulled some magic tricks at her Eras Tour gig in Kansas City, where she rolled out a fresh music video for the tune ‘I Can See You’ on the same day when she re-released her album Speak Now. This showpiece stars Joey King, Presley Cash, and none other than Taylor Lautner, the muse behind Speak Now’s ‘Back to December.’ Lautner shook the crowd, flipping and cartwheeling onstage like a scene from their movie Valentine’s Day, taking folks down memory lane. After that gig, a snap of Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner and his better half (coincidentally also named Taylor Lautner) blew up the internet, giving us the most happening Taylor trio of the decade.

• When fans shook the earth, quite literally

The love Swiftes got for their favourite performer made the earth shake, quite literally. When Taylor performed in Seattle, her fans brought an energetic display of loyalty and devotion, dancing and singing non-stop for jaw-dropping hours on two consecutive days. Their wild moves caused seismic vibes equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake. Talk about shaking things up! The last time this Earthquake of Funk happened in Seattle was during an NFL playoff between the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints. The crowd cheered so loud for player Marshawn Lynch that their enthusiasm rocked a nearby seismometer, earning the epic title ‘Beast Quake.’ These fans sure know how to make the ground quake with excitement!

• Swift’s Wheel Deal for the Drivers

Taylor Swift recently played Santa, handing out a whopping $100,000 bonus to each driver. The queen of the music scene, let loose these big-buck surprises before wrapping up the U.S. leg of her tour. Two companies, Upstaging Inc. and Shomotion LLC, are behind the scene, hauling Swift’s groovy gear for the tour, including the stage, lights, guitars, mics, speakers, you name it. And guess what? Each driver received a handwritten, personalized letter from Swift herself, thanking them for their hard work during the tour. The cherry on top – the big, fat bonus was mentioned at the end of the letter, and the drivers couldn’t believe their eyes. Now, ain’t that the sweetest thing? Long live the queen!

• When the security guard scored the job solely to vibe at Swift’s concert

This Nashville enthusiast was majorly bummed out when he could not grab the tickets for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. He was so shaken that he hustled his way into Nissan Stadium by becoming a security guard just to be there at the concert. A clip went crazy viral showing Davis Perrigo singing out those tunes with all his soul. By day, Perrigo’s crunching numbers as an accountant, and told News Channel 5 Nashville, “My better half gets a laugh saying I sing Taylor’s tracks with the kind of fire despite being someone who has never broken up.” I feel him, though. From where I am, over in India, the ache of not seeing Tay-Tay live is all too real.

With a roller-coaster of emotions, unexpected reunions, literally ground-shaking performances, and surprising bonus bonanzas, The Eras Tour has cemented Taylor Swift’s position in the heart of pop culture. Some reports even say that Taylor Swift might save the USA from a recession. However, the queen of music proved yet again why she deserves her crown, leading not just in numbers, but also in the hearts of her fans worldwide. It is clear that Taylor Swift is not just a singer, but a phenomenon, her tours are a testament to the power and reach of her artistry. From the first chords of her guitar to the last echo of her voice, she captivated us all, setting a new standard for live performances and with the wholesomeness in each tour, she literally drew stars around swifties hearts. As the lights fade for this leg, we are left eagerly waiting for her next leg, ready to sing, dance, and shake the earth once more.

Ashwani Vaishnaw, Cabinet Minister of Communications, Electronics and Information Technology laid down the most anticipated DPDP (Digital Personal Data Protection) bill 2023, today in Lok Sabha. Members of the opposition strongly condemned the introduction of this bill, they pointed out that the bill violates the fundamental right to privacy and it should be sent to the standing committee for inspection. The Government of India had brought a similar bill last year as well, but later they withdrew the bill. It’s important to have some digital rights that uphold the digital privacy of Individuals. In 2017, the Supreme Court of India in one of its judgments recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution.

The bill aims at the extraction of personal data in a manner “which recognizes both the personal right of an individual and protects the personal data in a lawful purpose.” Ashwani Vaisjnaw said that “This is not a financial bill which should be sent for consideration and when the discussion happens we will answer all the questions raised by the opposition.” 

Data is of two types, Personal Data, and Non-Personal Data. Personal Data refers to the data by which an individual is identified. Non-Personal Data is by which we can not identify a person’s traits, characteristics, and attributes. So, the Digital Data Protection Bill is related to the usage of ‘Personal data’ by organisations that must be done legally, fair to the individuals concerned, and transparent to individuals.

The principles of the Bill are; Data will only be used for the aim for which it was collected, and in data minimization; only necessary data should be procured, the bill also emphasises data accuracy, some reasonable precautions to ensure there is “no unapproved collection or processing of personal data,” and the individual who decides the purpose and means of the processing of private data should be accountable for such processing. 

Features of the Bill

Data Principal; A person whose data is collected.

Data Fiduciary; Which decides the “purpose and means of the processing of an individual’s data”.

Significant Data Fiduciary; Significant Data Fiduciaries are those who deal with large data. The Central government will decide them.

Rights of Individual; an individual should have access to basic information.

Right to Consent; Individuals need to permit before their data is refined and “every citizen should know what items of private data, a Data Fiduciary wants to collect and the purpose of such collection and further processing”, and “a person also has the right to withdraw consent from a Data Fiduciary”.

Right to Erase; Individuals will have the right to demand the erasure and correction of data collected by the Entity.

Right to Nominate; Data individuals will also have the right to nominate a person who will exercise these rights in the event of their death or incapacity.

Bill also has some data penalties like data fiduciary; The bill proposes to impose some penalties on businesses that breach the data or fail to notify users when breaches happen. The fine of Rs. 50 crores to Rs. 500 crores will be imposed. For data holders; If a user provides wrong documents while registering for an online service, or files frivolous grievance complaints, the user could be penalised up to Rs 10,000.

India has IT Rules 2011 for Data Protection, but as you know “Data is the New Oil”. We also need some strong laws that protect the Privacy of an individual. The government may face some hurdles in passing the bill as the opposition may oppose the bill and raise other issues like Inflation, Unemployment, Manipur violence, and many other burning issues. In 2018 a committee headed by Justice B.N Shrikrishna prepared a draft of the Data Protection Bill. The bill was also introduced in 2022 but was withdrawn by the government. Attorney General R. Venkataramani already informed a Constitutional Bench led by Justice K.M Joseph, this indicates that the government is in the mood to give their citizens their Digital rights.

August 3rd is going to write a new chapter in the history of Indian cricket when India will play against West Indies in Trinidad in a T20 match, they’ll be only the second team to play 200 International T20I matches. Right now Pakistan is the only team to have an experience of 200 T20I matches at the international level, they achieved this feat last year when they played against England. In the history of the shortest cricket format, Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians were the first team to play 200 T20I matches at any level. In this format of the game, India made their debut against South Africa about 13 years ago at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 1 December 2006.

Twenty20 International (T20I) is the shortest format of cricket at the international level, played between two of the international members of the International Cricket Council (ICC), in which each team faces a maximum of twenty overs. The first-ever T20I match between two men’s sides was played on 17 February 2005, involving Australia and New Zealand.

Just having a 1-match experience in the format, team India participated in the Inaugural edition of the T20 world cup 2007, and they returned as its winner, defeating their arch-rival Pakistan in the final by 5 runs. The inexperienced team led by the young captain MS Dhoni stunned everyone with their performance. The 2007 edition is famous for Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in an over-and-bowl-out incident involving India and Pakistan. 

India’s former T20I captain and modern-day great Rohit Sharma holds the record of playing the most number of T20I matches (148) and hitting the most individual centuries (4) by a player. He is also the second-highest run-getter in the format with 3853 at an average of 31.32. He also tops the six-hitting chart with 182 sixes under his name. His colleague and another modern-day legend, Virat Kohli is the first player to complete 4000 T20I runs in history.

West Indian legend Chris Gayle was the first player to score a T20I century. Since then there are more than 100 centuries scored by the different players of different teams. India is the top contributor in the list with 13 International centuries from 7 players. The leggy Yvzi Chahal is the leading wicket-taker for India in the format with 91 wickets. The best economy rate for a fast bowler in T20I cricket is also held by an Indian Bhuvneshwar Kumar.