Good evening. Friday, August 29 was a busy news day dominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan and India’s GDP growing at 7.8 per cent in Q1. But much more has happened around the world of politics, business, technology, sport, and entertainment. Don’t worry, Express Catch-up is here to bring you up to speed.
- 01
Mukesh Ambani pitches AI for everyone at Reliance AGM
Much like how Reliance Jio disrupted the telecom industry in India a decade ago, the Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate is set to change the face of artificial intelligence in the country. During the Reliance AGM on Friday, Ambani announced Reliance Intelligence, a new wholly owned subsidiary that will make AI accessible for everyone, everywhere.
Reliance Intelligence will also foster global partnerships, bringing together big tech from across the world to open-source communities and also create a hub for world-class researchers, engineers, designers, and product builders. Read more
- 02
Thai court removes PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office
In a major setback to the Shinawatra family that dominated Thai politics for decades, Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office. Paetongtarn (39), the country’s youngest prime minister, was forced to leave office after the court held that she committed an ethics violation. The daughter of former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn, landed in trouble after an audio recording of her phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen during the border conflict between the two countries was leaked. During the conversation, Paetongtarn addressed Hun Sen as “uncle,” promised to “take care of” his requests. Read more
- 03
3 lakh Bihar electors being sent notices by Election Commission
Electoral Registration Officers have found discrepancies in documents of about 3 lakh electors in Bihar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This includes electors who have either not submitted any document, or submitted incorrect documents or whose eligibility, including citizenship, is under doubt. They are being issued notices to appear before the officials within seven days. According to the Election Commission, 7.24 crore electors made it to the draft electoral roll published on August 1. Read more
- 04
Hindu marriage valid even without registration certificate
The Allahabad High Court has held that the absence of a marriage registration certificate does not invalidate a Hindu marriage. The court made the ruling while setting aside a family court’s order which held that it was mandatory that a marriage certificate should be annexed in every proceeding under the Hindu Marriage Act. According to the Allahabad HC, a registration certificate is only evidence to prove the marriage and the absence of registration of marriage will not invalidate the marriage. Read more
- 05
Israel declares Gaza’s largest city combat zone
Amid the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israel on Friday said it was suspending mid-day pauses allowing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza City, calling it “a dangerous combat zone.”
The city was among the places that Israel paused fighting last month to allow food and aid supplies to enter from 10 am to 8 pm. The humanitarian pause was suspended a week after a UN-backed body declared Gaza City was being gripped by famine. Read more
