Following Nikki Bhati's death from alleged immolation, conflicting claims emerge. Nikki's sister-in-law defends the husband and in-laws, accusing Nikki's family of dowry demands and abuse. Nikki's father vehemently denies these counter-allegations. Investigators are revisiting the case, re-examining Nikki's sister's statement to clarify the events leading to her death.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasised self-reliance and using indigenous products, advocating for international engagement by choice, not pressure, aligning with the true spirit of swadeshi. He cautioned against excessive imports that harm local vendors and highlighted the growing fanaticism and the crisis of wokeism in the world, urging a return to Dharma for balance and acceptance of diversity.

Kavitha Rao is a London-based journalist and a nationwide bestselling author. In this conversation, Rao discusses her latest book, ‘Spies, Lies and Allies: The Extraordinary Lives of Chatto and Roy’. The book explores the untold stories of Indian revolutionaries and their international exploits in the fight for independence.

Uttar Pradesh is set to launch a 'No Helmet, No Fuel' campaign from September 1-30, enforcing helmet use for two-wheeler riders. District magistrates will lead the initiative, denying fuel to those without helmets, aiming to promote road safety. The government emphasizes cooperation and awareness, viewing the campaign as a pledge for safety, not a punishment, to reduce road accidents.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann surveyed flood-stricken regions in Gurdaspur, directing officials to utilize the state helicopter for aid delivery. Many villages are submerged due to overflowing rivers and continuous rainfall. Mann assured residents of complete support, offering the government's resources for essential supplies. Rescue operations are ongoing, involving NDRF, the Army, and state agencies.

In Virar East, a section of Ramabai Apartment collapsed overnight, potentially trapping 15-20 people. Rescue teams, including police, fire brigade, and NDRF, are on-site, having already rescued five individuals. The collapse occurred during a birthday party on the fourth floor, and authorities have evacuated the remaining wing as rescue and assessment efforts continue.

Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh cautioned against hastily implementing theatre commands, advocating for an India-specific model. He proposed establishing a joint planning and coordination center in Delhi under the Chiefs of Staff Committee to prepare for future conflicts. Singh emphasized learning from Operation Sindoor's success, highlighting inter-service coordination.

Awami Ittehad Party organized a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, marking six years of Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid's imprisonment. AIP workers and civil society activists protested, deeming his continued detention an assault on democracy. Demonstrators demanded Rashid's immediate release, emphasizing that his incarceration undermines the mandate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Bihar government unveiled the 'Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package 2025' to boost industrial growth and create jobs. The policy offers free land allocation and interest subvention up to Rs 40 crore for investors. Units investing over Rs 100 crore or Fortune 500 companies can get free land.

The proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, intended to automatically remove arrested leaders, faces opposition accusations of being a tool to destabilize non-BJP governments. Kapil Sibal criticized the government's «constitutional morality» pitch citing instances of alleged misuse of investigative agencies like the ED against opposition leaders.

In a tragic incident in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district, a 40-year-old man, Tikuram Sen, allegedly committed suicide after a dispute with his wife. The disagreement arose when she refused to cook egg curry, citing the 'Karu Bhaat' festival and her upcoming fast.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, advanced stealth frigates, in Visakhapatnam, significantly boosting India's maritime capabilities. Singh highlighted the Navy's crucial role in safeguarding national economic security, especially in the Indian Ocean. He also referenced 'Operation Sindoor' as a firm response to terrorism.

Amid escalating trade tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly declined multiple calls from US President Donald Trump, signaling a strain in relations. This comes as Trump claimed to have averted a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, a claim widely disputed.

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, leading to road closures, school shutdowns, and disrupted utilities. The Manali-Leh highway is blocked, and a truck was swept away by floodwaters. Tragically, numerous fatalities and significant financial losses have already occurred due to the relentless downpour, with more heavy rain forecasted.

Following Amit Shah's criticism of Justice Sudershan Reddy's Salwa Judum judgment, 56 retired judges, including former CJIs Sathasivam and Gogoi, issued a counter-statement disagreeing with the initial group of judges who defended Reddy. They urged their colleagues to avoid politically motivated statements, emphasizing that the judiciary should remain distinct from political entanglements.

AAP leader Atishi has denounced the ED raids on Saurabh Bharadwaj's residence as a fabricated attempt to divert attention from questions surrounding PM Modi's education degree. She asserted that the raids, linked to alleged irregularities in hospital construction, are baseless and intended to intimidate the AAP, emphasizing the party's integrity and resilience against such actions.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) refuted YSRCP's claims about land allocation to Oberoi Hotels, clarifying the initial allotment was made in 2021. Following protests and TTD's request, the TDP government cancelled the original allotment to Mumtaz Hotels, offering alternative land. The government aims to protect investor interests while respecting religious sentiments, according to TDP spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagari.

Heavy monsoon rains triggered a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine route in Jammu and Kashmir, injuring at least six. The yatra has been suspended, and trains to Katra cancelled. Widespread disruption continues across the region with landslides blocking the Jammu-Srinagar highway and cloudbursts causing flash floods in Doda.

Kerala's Mahatma Gandhi University has inaugurated the state's first hostel exclusively for transgender students, a significant step towards inclusivity in higher education. Social Justice Minister R Bindhu highlighted the increasing number of transgender students pursuing higher education and emphasized the importance of societal support. The hostel, accommodating at least six students, addresses the accommodation challenges faced by the community.

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi affirmed the Indian Navy's readiness to act decisively, continuing Operation Sindoor if necessary. Speaking at the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, he highlighted their role in deterring enemies and keeping Pakistan in check. Rajnath Singh commissioned the frigates, emphasizing their advanced capabilities for various missions and contribution to India's maritime security.