Duma

President Vladimir Putin has been invited to attend the first sitting of the State Duma's ninth convocation, scheduled for 9 September, according to Interfax. The opening session will mark the start of the new parliament's work following recent elections. The news is circulating widely in Russia as attention turns to the Duma's leadership choices and legislative agenda.

Kommersant reports that Russia's General Staff opposed the appointment of General Alexander Lapin as head of a State Duma committee, blocking his candidacy. The newspaper cites reasons for the military leadership's decision, though details remain sparse. The report has drawn attention in Russia as it touches on tensions between the army command and political leadership over senior appointments. Lapin, a commander in the Ukraine war, has been a polarizing figure among Russian military bloggers.

A major fire broke out in Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, destroying two clothing shops. Firefighters responded to the blaze, and the extent of injuries or the cause of the fire is not yet known. The incident is drawing local attention as reports and visuals from the scene circulate, with residents assessing damage to the shops in the busy commercial area.