The former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee claimed that Asish Banerjee was «repeatedly maligned, falsely accused and subjected to relentless pressure». She said: The harassment and mental pressure he faced, despite his long record of public service, should make all of us pause and reflect on the human cost of relentless political hostility". Meanwhile, West Begal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said he would ensure probe into suicide.

The university administration said more than 400 faculty interviews had been conducted and over 200 positions filled since February 2022. It claimed that nearly 70 per cent of those appointed belonged to reserved and marginalised categories. The administration said it had received no complaints from candidates about interview process. According to the university, selection committees include three domain experts, a nominee of the Visitor, concerned dean and the vice chancellor.

Tamil Nadu approached the top court on August 3, arguing that it was not receiving its allocated share of Cauvery water despite the state facing a rain-deficient year. The state government has alleged that both the quantity recommended for release by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee and the actual water supplied by Karnataka were far below its requirement.

Asish Banerjee Banerjee was found dead on Sunday morning at a Trinamool Congress office in Rampurhat, Birbhum district. Police said his body was found hanging and was sent for post-mortem examination. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. A teacher by profession, Banerjee had represented the Rampurhat Assembly constituency five times. TMC legislator Kunal Ghosh called for an impartial probe.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress party for allegedly disrespecting the national song Vande Mataram. He accused Sonia Gandhi of asking for the rendition to be stopped during an event. The Congress rejected these allegations, stating the full song was sung. Party leader Jairam Ramesh cited historical context for their stance on the song. The controversy follows recent legislation on national song disrespect.

I-day snippets

P Chidambaram proudly embraced Prime Minister Modi's 'dimagi naxal' label. Modi warned of ideological Naxals posing threats to the nation. Congress criticized the Prime Minister for targeting political opponents with such terms. The opposition parties also voiced their disapproval of the remarks. Modi stated that armed Naxalism is nearing its end.

'Must Steer Our Youth Towards Developing India'

CM Hails Sheikh Abdullah, Invokes 1947 Resistance

In a commendable effort, twenty-seven doctors in Delhi are dedicating two hours each week to provide free consultations, targeting the underprivileged population. This initiative not only facilitates access to essential medical expertise but also combines in-person visits at hospitals with the convenience of telemedicine. The program aspires to eliminate financial barriers to healthcare, with aspirations of expanding this altruistic venture across the nation.

A recent audit by the CAG exposed the FSSAI's oversight in failing to penalize 2,430 food businesses that delayed their annual returns. Collectively, these businesses accumulated penalties exceeding Rs 5.60 crore due to late or non-filing. The audit, covering 2017-18 through 2022-23, underscores major enforcement shortcomings. While FSSAI has issued improvement notices to a portion of these businesses, no licenses have been suspended or revoked as of August 2023.

Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed young lawyers at the Supreme Court Bar Association's event. He acknowledged India's progress while stressing much remains to be done. The responsibility of the legal profession will soon rest on their shoulders. He highlighted the historical connection between law and India's freedom struggle. Young lawyers are encouraged to protect and carry forward justice institutions.

India's liberation from British rule was celebrated at midnight on August 15, 1947, as Jawaharlal Nehru captivated everyone with his famed 'Tryst with Destiny' speech. Following this historic moment, the newly formed government not only celebrated freedom but also faced daunting challenges related to governance and nation-building, with Lord Mountbatten taking charge as the first Governor-General during a time marked by the chaos of Partition.