Professor Sumit Sarkar significantly impacted the understanding of Indian nationalism, illuminating its intricacies through comprehensive analysis. He explored the evolution of nationalism, internal disputes, and collective movements, while challenging conventional binaries. His focus on ordinary people's cravings for justice defined his contributions as a public thinker and citizen historian. This article pays tribute to his influential teaching and the lasting academic heritage he leaves behind.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju acknowledged border delineation problems in Arunachal Pradesh while rejecting Chinese incursion claims. US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited Srinagar and will review the travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir. A Bengal court issued an arrest warrant for TMC MP Mahua Moitra in a hate speech case. Rahul Gandhi supported tribal residents protesting the Ken-Betwa River Link Project in Bundelkhand.

Congress may approach courts if Pune administration halts Rahul Gandhi's student convention. The party secured college permission for the August 22 event, facing a fortnight's gathering ban. This ban, imposed for protests and festivals, is seen as targeting the Congress program. Previous attempts to block similar conventions occurred in Dehradun, Allahabad, and Kota. The party believes the BJP is attempting to disrupt its youth outreach efforts.

Uttar Pradesh is moving strongly towards becoming a USD 1 trillion economy, said chief minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighting the state's advantages in infrastructure, logistics, industrial growth and good governance as key drivers of its economic expansion.

India's High Commissioner emphasized Prime Minister Modi's desire for a memorable visit. He assured Prime Minister Rahman of an appropriate and honorable reception. This engagement aims to benefit people and businesses in both nations. India calls for trust and dialogue to address current bilateral differences. Both countries should build on shared history and aspirations for future prosperity.

The Supreme Court has instructed the Union government to look into the baffling case of Capt Ashish Kumar's disappearance. His wife presented a petition with ransom calls and WhatsApp messages hinting at his possible survival. After DNA tests disproved his presumed death following a ship attack, the court is now requesting a status report on the efforts to locate him from the Solicitor General by Monday.

The National Testing Agency is undergoing a significant overhaul by replacing existing experts with specialized newcomers. To ensure quality, a rigorous four-tier reviewing system will be introduced to meticulously evaluate every examination paper. This reform comes on the heels of notable mistakes discovered in recent assessments. Additionally, the agency is welcoming fresh personnel and relocating its offices while implementing enhanced security measures and a thorough audit process.

In a significant move, the Goa government has approached the Supreme Court, requesting a harsher sentence for Tarun Tejpal in a sexual assault case. The state argues that his current penalty is insufficient given the severity of the crime. They emphasize that Tejpal exploited his position of power, suggesting that time should not lessen the consequences for such an offense.

The BJP has designated Vinod Tawde as its new state in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, while Satish Poonia takes the helm in Punjab. Additionally, Tarun Chugh has been entrusted with managing Gujarat's party affairs. These strategic appointments are pivotal as the BJP gears up for the imminent state elections, ensuring that influential leaders are aligned for key electoral battles.

Recently, US President Donald Trump commended India’s voter ID system after a meeting between Indian election official Gyanesh Kumar and US Ambassador Sergio Gor. Kumar detailed the extensive issuance of photo identity cards and impressive voter turnout in India. He emphasized that the rigorous examination of elections by political parties contributes to high public trust in the electoral process.

The case includes charges under provisions relating to bribery, criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy. The case was registered on the complaint of Directorate of Vigilance, GNCTD regarding large-scale irregularities, manipulation of tender conditions and criminal conspiracy in the tendering process relating to augmentation/upgradation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

The Bombay high court (Goa) had recently convicted and sentenced Tejpal to ten years of rigorous imprisonment in the rape case. Tejpal was convicted under Sections 376 (2)(f) (person who is a guardian or in a position of trust or authority rapes a woman), 354-A (sexual harassment) and 354-B (using criminal force on a woman with an intent to disrobe her) of the IPC.

Announcing the change in the state assembly during the demand for grants for his department, minister D Sarathkumar said the decision was aimed at strengthening the state's focus on social welfare and women's empowerment. The state had gradually increased maternity leave for its women employees over the years. The original 90-day provision was increased to six months in 2011, followed by an increase to nine months in 2016.