1. After backlash from Arab nations, BJP has removed party functionaries: Condemnation from Arab countries, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia against remarks on Prophet Muhammad made by BJP party functionaries has forced the party to remove its spokespersons stating that the party respects all religions.
2. In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, two primary school kids were infected with Norovirus: Two children who displayed symptoms of food poisoning after they consumed mid-day meals served in the school have tested positive for Norovirus. Health officials said they are examining more samples to confirm the infection.
3. Maharashtra registers a 10% rise in Covid cases: Indicating a possible 4th wave of Coronavirus, the state has recorded 1494 new cases on Sunday. According to Dr. Balkrishna Adsul of Andheri’s Seven Hills Hospital, 30-40% of patients seeking admission are below 40 years.
4. Bangladesh Container Depot fire kills 49 and injures over 450: A massive blaze that followed an explosion at a private container storage depot ay Sitakunda near Chittagong sea port has resulted in the tragedy. Around 19 firefighters were engaged to douse the fire, said Chittagong Fire Service and Civil Defense Assistant Director Md Faruk Hossain Sikdar.
5. Gunmen in Nigeria open fire inside church, detonate explosives: The St. Francis Catholic Church in the Ondo State of Nigeria was attacked on Sunday by some armed men. They exploded bombs and opened indiscriminate firing on worshippers killing more than 50 people. They have also abducted the presiding priest.
6. Ford workers in TN protest anticipating state government to act: As many as 1200 workers and 800 shop-floor employees staged protests at Ford’s factory in Maraimala Nagar, some 50 km off Chennai. The workers had anticipated a takeover like how Tata Passenger Electric Mobility took over Ford’s Sanand facility after the latter announced a phased exit from India. With uncertainty looming and no severance package discussed, they want the state government to secure their jobs.
7. Next Maharashtra CM will be from NCP: On Sunday, Minister Dhananjay Munde said that if NCP workers worked hard to get the party to the numero uno spot in the state, it would have its own Chief Ministerial candidate in the chair. However, his remarks soon attracted retort from allies Shiv Sena and Congress, as the coalition MVA has still months to complete its third year.
8. 10% ethanol blending achieved ahead of the deadline, said PM Modi: Speaking at an event in Delhi, PM Modi said that India has achieved its 10% blending of ethanol target five months ahead of the deadline. He added that 20% ethanol blended petrol will be rolled-out by 2025-26.
9. British PM Borris Johnson is expected to face a confidence vote on Wednesday: Many ruling Conservative Party MPs have formally sought a confidence vote seeking the ouster of Borris Johnson from the PM post. If the number of request letters going to the Chairman of the party’s 1922 committee is more than 54, BoJo will have to face the challenge on Wednesday.
10. WHO says there are 780 laboratory-confirmed Monkeypox cases across the globe: The World Health Organization has confirmed the prevalence of Monkeypox cases in 27 non-endemic nations. However, it said that the global risk level is moderate.