To prevent exam malpractice, the government has tightened norms for scribes in competitive exams for persons with disabilities. Examining bodies must create their own scribe pools within two years, phasing out candidate-provided scribes. Technological aids will be the primary option, with scribes as a last resort when technology is insufficient or disability-related needs dictate.
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved amendments to the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, potentially increasing daily working hours in private establishments from 9 to 10. These revisions aim to align with international practices and offer greater workplace flexibility. Overtime limits may increase, and women could work late hours upon finalization of new labor codes.
Karunesh Bajaj of ITC Ltd has been elected as the chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) for the 2025-26 term. Mohit Jain from Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd will serve as the deputy chairman. Bajaj brings extensive experience in brand building and marketing strategy to the role, while Jain contributes his expertise in publishing.
In a tragic turn of events, a newborn girl, already weakened by congenital anomalies and abandoned by her parents, died in an Indore hospital after being bitten by rats.
The Army released a video showcasing Operation Sindoor, which involved precision strikes on terror sites in Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists. A ceasefire was declared after communication between the Indian and Pakistani DGMOs, following an announcement by then US President Donald Trump.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasized the importance of predictability in global politics amidst shifting relations with China and US tariffs. He highlighted the need for closer collaboration between India, the EU, and Germany due to global strategic and economic volatility. Wadephul stressed the Western nations' desire for peace in Ukraine, noting Russia's unwillingness to negotiate despite efforts.
Lady Hardinge Medical College doctors wrongly certified two hearing-impaired NEET candidates. AIIMS experts re-evaluated them after a court order. The AIIMS report revealed a significant discrepancy in disability assessment. The court allowed the students to participate in the second round of counselling. Disability rights activists are demanding an inquiry into LHMC's certification process.
Arvind Kejriwal, AAP national convenor, will assess flood-hit Punjab alongside Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, reviewing relief efforts and engaging with affected residents. Saurabh Bharadwaj is already in Punjab with aid, as AAP leaders and citizens nationwide send supplies. With all 23 districts affected and a rising death toll, Punjab faces its worst floods in decades, prompting widespread support.
Tejashwi Yadav has strongly criticized PM Modi, accusing him of hypocrisy in the mother 'abuse' row, citing past controversial remarks. Yadav highlighted Modi's comments about Nitish Kumar's «DNA» and his campaigning for rape accused Prajwal Revanna.
India has exempted specific migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet from penal action under the new immigration law. Simultaneously, US President Donald Trump has labeled India as the «most tariffed nation,» asserting that New Delhi proposed a «no tariff» trade agreement. These developments occur amidst evolving global political and economic dynamics.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta resumed her public hearing program, Jan Sunwai, amidst heightened security following a recent attack. Citizens gathered to present grievances, with Gupta assuring swift action. Security measures included frisking, CCTV surveillance, and a protective police ring. Gupta emphasized the importance of public service and resolving citizen issues, directing officials to address concerns promptly.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assessed flood-affected regions in Firozepur district, assuring villagers of full government compensation for damages. Mann, visibly moved by residents' concerns, urged patience and promised improved disaster preparedness. He directed officials to promptly address complaints and reiterated his call for increased central government disaster relief.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya has accused Congress leader Pawan Khera's wife, Kota Neelima, of possessing two active voter IDs. Malviya also targeted Rahul Gandhi for raising voter fraud allegations without due diligence, accusing him of endangering voters by revealing their identities. He further alleged that multiple Congress leaders hold multiple voter IDs, implicating Sonia Gandhi in the controversy.
The India Meteorological Department issued red alerts for multiple districts across northern India due to continuing heavy rainfall, forecasting flash floods and landslides. Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and other states experienced significant downpours, with Reasi recording extremely heavy rainfall. Consequently, schools in the Jammu Division will remain closed on September 3rd for safety reasons.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai suggests Rahul Gandhi may expose alleged vote theft in Varanasi, hinting at a potential 'hydrogen bomb' revelation. This follows Gandhi's claim of an 'atom bomb' expose in Bengaluru and accusations against the Election Commission and BJP regarding vote manipulation. Modi's victory margin in Varanasi was notably lower this election.
Punjab has declared itself a disaster-affected state due to unprecedented rainfall and flooding, impacting over 1200 villages and displacing lakhs of people. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann compared the situation to the severe floods of 1988, appealing for national support. Across northern India, the IMD has issued red alerts, warning of continued heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides.
German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul is in India to discuss the Ukraine conflict and strengthen trade ties. Talks with S Jaishankar will likely address potential secondary sanctions against Russia, which could impact India's energy relations. Jaishankar is expected to reiterate India's support for dialogue and a peaceful resolution, a message previously conveyed to Vladimir Putin.
Congress refuted Prime Minister Modi's accusations of RJD and Congress members abusing his mother, labeling it a sympathy-garnering «toolkit» orchestrated by Modi himself. The party asserted that no Congress member would abuse anyone's mother. They criticized Modi for allegedly insulting his late mother by referring to himself as «non-biological,» deeming his language inappropriate.
Following heavy rain and floods, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to airlift nine pieces of heavy construction equipment to restore the damaged Kullu-Manali highway. Restoration work is underway at 12 completely damaged and five partially damaged locations on NH-21. The NHAI has requested assistance from the Himachal Pradesh government to expedite the process.
Kathua Police have dismantled an interstate drug trafficking operation that used drones to receive narcotics from Pakistan. The investigation began after 447g of opium was seized near the international border. Authorities arrested four individuals from Punjab and Kashmir, uncovering a network that smuggled drugs across regions and sent proceeds to Pakistan via hawala channels.
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district continued a search operation in forward areas following a foiled infiltration attempt on Monday. Despite challenging weather and terrain, the joint team of the Army, SOG, and CRPF combed several locations based on inputs about suspected terrorist movement.
The Supreme Court questioned Tamil Nadu's defense of deemed assent for delayed bills, raising concerns about potentially overstepping into the governor's role. West Bengal, while supporting the opposition's stance against the Presidential Reference, argued that governors possess discretionary powers under Article 200.
The Supreme Court is questioning whether a man's death, ruled as suicide by authorities, was actually a murder. The court expressed doubt about the possibility of self-inflicted chest wounds with a rifle. It has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to submit an affidavit detailing the investigation, including the autopsy report and rifle specifications, to explore all angles.
The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals convicted in cheque bounce cases can avoid jail time by reaching a compromise with the complainant. The court emphasized that cheque dishonor is primarily a civil wrong, making convictions unsustainable once a compromise deed is signed.
A preliminary investigation revealed that dual cloudbursts, not a glacial lake outburst flood, triggered the devastating flash floods in Kishtwar's Chasoti village on August 14, resulting in 65 fatalities. A prior government study had already warned of GLOF risks in vulnerable tehsils like Padder, Machail, Dachhan, Marwah, and Warwan, highlighting their susceptibility to sudden flooding events.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that the flood situation faced by the state is more severe than that in 1988 and expressed hope that people of the country will stand by the state.