Globally, the Microsoft cloud outage led to US airlines cancelling flights, but the tech giant later reportedly said its cloud services outage in the Central US region has been resolved. 

 A new Crowdstrike (cybersecurity software firm) update is being cited as the cause of the outage, which has impacted Windows-based desktop and laptops. Microsoft, crowdstrike and Windows are trending on X (formerly Twitter). On outage tracking website Downdetector, users reported problems across Microsoft line-up including Azure, and Teams. Microsoft said it is investigating the issue "impacting users ability to access various Microsoft 365 apps and services".

 "Our services are still seeing continuous improvements while we continue to take mitigation actions," according to Microsoft 365 Status post on X. The glitch is causing users to see the Blue Screen of Death error messages, and there are widespread reports of disruptions in international airlines, banks and media outlets. "Blue screen of death reported at multiple companies - Crowd Strike attack. Are you also facing ??," wrote a user on X. PTI

 A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar termed the plea as "absolutely misconceived" and said how can it sit in appeal over an order passed by another bench of the apex court. "What is this plea? How is this plea maintainable? This is absolutely misconceived. How can an Article 32 petition be filed? We can't sit in appeal over an order passed by another bench," the bench said.

 Advocate Rishi Malhotra appearing for convicts Radheyshaym Bhagwandas Shah and Rajubhai Babulal Soni sought permission to withdraw the plea. The bench allowed the counsel to withdraw the plea. Shah has also applied for interim bail.

 In March, both the convicts moved the top court contending that its January 8 verdict cancelling remission of their sentence was "in teeth of" a 2002 constitution bench order and sought the issue to be referred to a larger bench for "final" adjudication. PTI

 Governor Das highlighted that traditionally, banks were the primary choice for households to invest their money. However, there has been a noticeable change in consumer behaviour, with a growing preference for capital markets and other financial intermediaries. 

 He noted, "Households and consumers who traditionally leaned on banks for parking or investing their savings are increasingly turning to the capital markets and other financial intermediaries." 

 This trend indicates a broader diversification of household investments into mutual funds and other savings tools, moving away from traditional investment tools. 

 The Governor stated, "While bank deposits continue to remain dominant as a percentage of the financial assets owned by the households, their share has been declining, with households increasingly allocating their savings to Mutual Funds, Insurance Funds, and Pension Funds." Governor Das also pointed out that this shift in investment patterns has significant implications for the banking sector. Banks now need to explore alternative methods to bridge the gap between credit and deposits. 

 He added, "On their part, banks have sought to fill the credit-deposit gap by increasing their reliance on other sources like short-term borrowings and certificates of deposit, etc. This increases their sensitivity to interest rate movements and poses challenges to liquidity management." -- ANI

The IMD said that a low pressure trough located from north Kerala coast to south Gujarat coast, another well marked low pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal and the strong westerly/ northwesterly winds along the Kerala coast would result in moderate to heavy rains in the southern state for the next five days. 

The IMD also issued an orange alert in the four northern Kerala districts of Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod for the day and a yellow alert in five other districts. An orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 to 11 cm. Heavy rains in the state, especially in the northern Malabar region, caused flooding, uprooting of trees, minor landslides and traffic snarls. 

 In Wayanad, due to flooding of the Muthanga National Highway (NH 766), 25 vehicles with around 400 passengers were stranded there for several hours since midnight, the district administration said. The people were rescued to safety following an over three-hour long operation by the fire department with the support of the police, forest officials and locals of the area, it said.

 A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud also issued a notice to the West Bengal government on a plea of a contractual woman employee, who has alleged molestation by state Governor C V Ananda Bose. 

 She sought judicial scrutiny of Article 361 of the Constitution granting immunity" to the governor. The top court sought the assistance of Attorney General R Venkataramani in dealing with the issue. 

 It asked the woman employee of West Bengal 'Raj Bhavan' to also make the Centre a party to her plea. 

 The article is an exception to Article 14 (right to equality) of the Constitution and provides that the president or the governor is not answerable to any court for the exercise of the powers and duties of his office. The woman petitioner has sought directions to frame specific guidelines under which governors enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution. PTI

Identified as Baljeet Singh alias Rana Bhai alias Balli, hailing from Badwani district of Madhya Pradesh, was arrested on Thursday from Punjab and found to be a major weapons supplier to Landa's agents in Punjab. As per the anti-terror agency, these supplied weapons were used to carry out large-scale terror activities, including extortions from businessmen and others.

NIA's investigations in the case (RC 21/2023/NIA/DLI) led to the arrest of one Gurpreet Singh Gopi, identified as an associate of Landa and of another Khalistani terrorist, Satnam Singh Satta.

Investigations into the case, registered by NIA suo moto on July 10 last year, revealed that Baljeet Singh had provided weapons to Satta too as part of the larger conspiracy of various banned Khalistani terrorist organisations to destabilise India by unleashing violent acts in Punjab and other places.

"Both Landa and Satta are believed to be operating from foreign soil to promote terror in India," said the NIA, adding it is continuing with its investigation as part of its crackdown on the Khalistani terrorist outfits.

 Banerjee is likely to raise the issue of central dues to the state and funds for rural housing and MGNREGA, at the meeting, the official said. The Trinamool Congress supremo might also meet party MPs and other senior leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc during her stay in New Delhi. The Council, the apex body of NITI Aayog, includes all chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories and several Union ministers. PTI

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated that food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes display the name and identity of the operator/owner to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims' faith. Additionally, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products.

Earlier, the Muzaffarnagar Police had urged all eateries along the Kanwar route to "voluntarily display" the names of their owners and employees, adding that the intention of this order is not to create any kind of "religious discrimination" but only to facilitate the devotees.

DIG Saharanpur Ajay Kumar Sahni said, "Instances have come to light earlier that Kanwarias had arguments over rate list for food at hotels and dhabas. Besides this, there have been instances where non-veg is available at some hotel/dhaba or a person of some other community has opened a hotel/dhaba under some other name and this has led to issues. In the wake of that, it was decided that the name of the proprietor/owner of shops/hotels/dhabas would be written clearly on the boards, rate lists would be written clearly and names of workers would also be written clearly so that no issues of any kind arise...Talks had been held with everyone, and all hotels/dhabas have agreed to it...This has been decided for our Kanwar route."

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition parties who have accused the UP Govt of singling out one community.

Former Samajwadi Party MP Dr. ST Hasan says,"...A message is being given to boycott Muslims and visit shops of Hindu...How long will this communal thinking last? Unfortunately, these kinds of incidents are happening...A gap is being created between the two communities. These kinds of orders should be cancelled..."

He also blasted the current government led by President Joe Biden. Trump said he was the first president in modern times to start no new wars. There was peace in Europe and the Middle East. 

"Under President Bush, Russia invaded Georgia. Under President Obama, Russia took Crimea. Under the current administration, Russia is after all of Ukraine. Under President Trump, Russia took nothing. We defeated 100 per cent of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, something that was going to take five years, and I did it in two months. I stopped the missile launches from North Korea," he said. 

"Iran was weak, broke, and wanted to make a deal-they were not spending money on Hamas, Hezbollah or other carriers of terror, and Iran was never going to have a nuclear weapon. Now, they can have one within 90 days, and they have USD 300 billion to spread terror across the region. 

"Our opponents inherited a world at peace and turned it into a planet of war. It began to unravel with the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, the worst humiliation in the history of our country. 13 heroic US service members were tragically and needlessly killed, 45 others were horrifically wounded, and 85 billion dollars worth of military equipment was left behind, along with many American citizens," he said. 

Trump said, emboldened by that disaster, Russia invaded Ukraine. Israel endured the worst attack in its history. "Now China is circling Taiwan, and Russian warships and nuclear submarines are operating 60 miles off our coasts in Cuba, and the media doesn't want to talk about it," he said. 

"And to the entire world, we want our hostages back-and they better be back before I assume office, or you will be paying a very big price. With our victory in November, the years of war, weakness and chaos will be over, he said in a stern warning to the adversaries of the United States. 

"We will replenish our military, and build an Iron Dome Missile Defense System to ensure that no enemy can strike our homeland-and this great Iron Dome will all be Made in the USA. We will unleash the power of American innovation-and as we do, we will soon be on the verge of finding the cures to cancer, Alzheimer's, and many other diseases. 

"We will restore and renovate our nation's once-great cities, making them safe, clean, and beautiful again-and that includes our nation's capital in Washington DC. We will be proud of our capital again," he said. America is on the cusp of a new Golden Age, but we must have the courage to seize it, Trump said. -- PTI

 Incessant rain with intermittent heavy spells led to waterlogging on some roads and railway tracks, slowing down the public transport services. 

 The suburban trains, considered Mumbai's lifeline, are running at least 15 to 20 minutes late, said commuters. A railway official said water has accumulated on tracks at Chunabhatti on the Harbour line due to heavy showers coupled with high tide. High tide and heavy rains can potentially cause flooding in low-lying areas as water doesn't flow into the sea during that time. 

 The movement of trains has slowed down a bit, he said. Services on the Main line of the Central Railway were delayed due to a technical glitch in a train engine, officials said. Western Railway claimed that its suburban services were running. 

 In the 24 hours ending at 8 am, Mumbai's island city recorded an average rainfall of 78 mm. The figure for eastern Mumbai and western Mumbai was 57 mm and 67 mm rainfall, respectively, a civic official said. The Mumbai centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted moderate to heavy rains in the city. PTI

Biden, 81, has been rocked by a Democratic rebellion. 

Concerns about whether he can again defeat his 2020 opponent have boiled back up amid lawmakers' concerns about his health and cognitive state and despair over his chances of blocking the extreme possibilities of a second Trump term. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently told the president that polls show he can't beat Trump and could crush Democratic hopes of winning the House if he stays in the race.

Before Trump accepted the Republican nomination, The WWE Hall of Fame wrestler dressed in a navy blue suit, sunglasses, and a red bandana took to the stage to endorse him.

Hogan, who was dressed in a navy blue suit and sporting his trademark blond handlebar moustache, delivered a highly energetic speech.

He took off his jacket to reveal a sleeveless black shirt with the words "real American" on it. He then proceeded to perform his iconic T-shirt rip.

Tearing off the black shirt, he revealed a Trump/Vance Red Hulk Hogan T-shirt. He said that he has seen the "greatest tag team of my life."

Pointing to Trump in the audience, Hogan said," "With our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator, we are gonna bring America back together. One real American at a time, brother!"

The impassioned crowd erupted in cheers and balloons was released from the ceiling -- marking an enthusiastic end to the four-day event. The rest of Trump's family, many of whom had been sitting in the VIP box just moments before, walked onstage to embrace Trump.

Expressing his gratitude to the American people for their outpouring of love and support following the assassination attempt on him, Donald Trump has said that his resolve is unbroken, and he is committed to delivering a government that serves the American people. 

 The former US president said this after he formally accepted the Republican nomination for president for a third time at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday.

He said the United States has "incompetent leadership' and claimed the "inflation crisis is making life unaffordable," before slamming Biden's border policies -- two of Trump's main campaign points.

Biden's physician, Dr Kevin O'Connor, said that US President does not have a fever and that his vital signs remain normal.

According to the statement released by White House on X, Dr Kevin O'Connor said, "The President is still experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms associated with his recent COVID-19 infection. He continues to receive Paxlovid. He does not have a fever and his vital signs remain normal. He will continue to conduct the business of the American people.

"With the President's permission, I will continue to provide regular updates, as we have done before," he added.

Biden, 81, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, a day after he attended the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, where he strongly criticised Donald Trump's policies and also condemned the increase in gun violence in the nation.

"He (Biden) will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time," the White House said in its official release on Wednesday (local time).

The US President is vaccinated and has also had COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, the most recent being in September 2023, the WH said.

Before departing Las Vegas, Biden assured reporters that he felt fine, and he was seen boarding Air Force One without wearing a mask. -- ANI

"In that spirit, the Democrat party should immediately stop weaponising the justice system and labelling their political opponent as an enemy of democracy, especially since that is not true - in fact, I am the one saving democracy for the people of our country..."

Giving a clarion call to his countrymen to unite, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said that it is time to start expecting and demanding the best leadership in the world, leadership that is bold, dynamic, relentless, and fearless.

In his speech to accept the nomination to be the Republican presidential candidate on Thursday, Trump, 78, urged Americans to help him win the race for the White House on November 5.

"Tonight, I ask for your partnership, for your support, and I am humbly asking for your vote. Every day, I will strive to honour the trust you have placed in me, and I will never let you down," Trump said, nearly a week after he survived an attempt on his life.

"To all of the forgotten men and women who have been neglected, abandoned, and left behind, you will be forgotten no longer. We will press forward, and together, we will win, win, win," he said.

"I stand before you this evening with a message of confidence, strength, and hope. Four months from now, we will have an incredible victory, and we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country," Trump said at the Republican National Convention.

"Nothing will sway us. Nothing will slow us. And no one will stop us.  No matter what dangers come our way, no matter what obstacles lie in our path, we will keep striving toward our shared and glorious destiny -- and we will not fail. Together, we will save this country, we will restore the Republic, and we will usher in the rich and wonderful tomorrows that our people truly deserve," the former US president said.

Trump said he was the first president in modern times to start no new wars.

"There was peace in Europe and the Middle East. Under President Bush, Russia invaded Georgia. Under President Obama, Russia took Crimea. Under the current administration, Russia is after all of Ukraine. Under President Trump, Russia took nothing. We defeated 100 per cent of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, something that was going to take five years, and I did it in two months. I stopped the missile launches from North Korea," he said.

Iran was weak, broke, and wanted to make a deal -- they were not spending money on Hamas, Hezbollah or other carriers of terror, and Iran was never going to have a nuclear weapon. Now, they can have one within 90 days, and they have USD 300 billion dollars to spread terror across the region. "Our opponents inherited a world at peace and turned it into a planet of war.

"It began to unravel with the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, the worst humiliation in the history of our country. 13 heroic US service members were tragically and needlessly killed, 45 others were horrifically wounded, and $85 billion dollars' worth of military equipment was left behind, along with many American citizens," he said.

Trump said, emboldened by that disaster, Russia invaded Ukraine. Israel endured the worst attack in its history. -- PTI

Former United States President Donald Trump recounted the assassination attempt on him during a campaign rally on Saturday while addressing the Republican National Convention (RNC). 

"I am not supposed to be here, tonight. I am not supposed to be here," he told the crowd who chanted "Yes, you are".

"Thank you. But I'm not and I'll tell you, I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of almighty God," Trump said.

Former United States President Donald Trump accepted the GOP's nomination for president of the United States at the Republican National Convention (RNC).

"We're going to do it right," he said.

He then recounted. for the first time publicly the assassination attempt at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

Several people close to President Biden said on Thursday that they believe he has begun to accept the idea that he may not be able to win in November and may have to drop out of the race, bowing to the growing demands of many anxious members of his party, The New York Times reported. 

Biden, 81, is spending time at his Delaware residence in isolation after he was tested positive for COVID-19. 

Media reports said that top leaders of the Democratic party, including former president Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have asked him to leave the presidential race, in the absence of which the party risks losing the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

People close to top Democrats said Thursday that it now appeared it was a matter of when -- not if -- Biden bows out of the presidential race. 

In the past day or so, former President Barack Obama has told friends who have called him that Biden's path to victory is narrow, according to people familiar with the calls, The NYT report said. 

The Washington Post reported Thursday night that Pelosi has stepped up her behind-the-scenes role in working to persuade the president to bow out of campaign. 

Obama has said that he has a very slight chance of winning the race. 

According to The Hill, Vice President Kamala Harris has started looking for options for her running mate. The three being talked about right now are Senator Mark Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. 

Most of the media reports said that Biden's announcement on his re-election bid might come after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. 

One of the people close to him warned that the president had not yet made up his mind to leave the race after three weeks of insisting that almost nothing would drive him out. 

But another said that 'reality is setting in', and that it would not be a surprise if Biden made an announcement soon endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement, The NYT reported.

Trump is shortly expected to give his speech '" his first public address since last week's shooting -- accepting the Republican Party's presidential nomination.

A San Francisco-bound Air India flight from Delhi was diverted to Krasnoyarsk international airport in Russia on Thursday due to a technical issue, the airline said.

In a post on X, Air India said the aircraft has landed safely after diversion and it is working with relevant authorities to ensure passengers' care.

The number of passengers on board was not immediately known.

'Air India flight AI-183 operating Delhi to San Francisco has been diverted to Krasnoyarsk international airport (UNKL) in Russia due to a technical reason,' Air India said in the post.

'We are working with relevant authorities to ensure guests are taken care of while we decide the next course of action,' the airline said.

Air India also added that the safety and wellbeing of its customers and crew remains top priority.   -- PTI