National News

A suspect was apprehended in Pulwama carrying a hand grenade and anti-national posters. This arrest occurred during a security operation following recent migrant worker killings. Authorities booked the local man under stringent anti-terror laws, including the UAPA. Security forces are increasing patrols and checkpoints across the valley. This intensified security aims to maintain peace and prevent further unlawful activities.

India performed a record 20,138 organ transplants in 2025, a significant increase over previous years. Delhi-NCR led the nation in transplant procedures, while Tamil Nadu topped deceased organ donors. India now ranks third globally in total organ transplants, after the US and China. Deceased donor transplants continue to fall short of the substantial demand for organs. Government initiatives aim to strengthen organ donation and transplant services across the country.

The Supreme Court permitted governments to withdraw cases against student protesters. This move aims to allow students to pursue their studies without prosecution fears. However, cases against individuals with criminal records will not be dropped. The court will also establish guidelines for the use of graded force by police. Discussions on modalities for dropping cases against genuine students are ongoing.

The police were deployed along with barricades on the route near Mr Gadkari’s house; several protesters attempted to climb over them to proceed. At least 30 Congress office bearers and party functionaries were detained

The Census 2027 population enumeration phase begins August 17 in snow-bound northern areas. This phase will capture caste details for the first time since 1931. Parents' date and birthplace will also be recorded as declared by respondents. Passport and Aadhaar numbers may be collected voluntarily during the exercise. The questionnaire for this significant census phase will be notified soon.

During the Question Hour, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa raised the issue of alleged multiple examination paper leaks in Punjab over the last four-and-a-half years under the Aam Aadmi Party regime

Parliament's monsoon session faces potential washout amid opposition demands. Opposition insists on discussing Ram temple donations and police actions. Union ministers criticize opposition for boycotting legislative proceedings. Bills were passed without debate due to the ongoing parliamentary standoff. The government has not yet assured discussions on the opposition's key demands.

Speculations are rife that leaders from the ‘Kalighat camp’, which comprises of the loyalists of Trinamool founder Mamata Banerjee, are likely to switch sides and join the NCPI

The Unified Pension Scheme for central government employees has seen low adoption rates. Only a small percentage of National Pension Trust subscribers have opted for this new scheme. The government introduced UPS with assured pension benefits and gratuity provisions. However, the response has been tepid, prompting an extension of the migration deadline. No changes are currently being considered to replace the Unified Pension Scheme.

Officials said around 11 blood banks have been barred from organising donation drives until the investigation is over. However, they are still permitted to collect blood from donors at their centres

The Supreme Court has sought the government's response regarding the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act. Concerns were raised that the new law might erase existing benefits for transgender individuals. Senior advocates reported that hormone treatment is being denied due to fear of prosecution. They also alleged the discontinuation of the national portal for transgenders. The court questioned the retrospective invalidation of previously issued transgender identity cards.

The disruption was highlighted around 8 p.m. IST when users started facing the issue without any prior warning from the Meta group's messaging app

Government agencies are considering releasing the ARAI study on E20 fuel's impact. This report, submitted in June 2024, studied E10-compatible vehicles. Fuel consumption increased slightly for two-wheelers and cars in the study. Mass emissions met regulatory requirements for all vehicles tested. The release aims to remove misconceptions among vehicle users about E20 fuel.

Meta and X have been asked to remove videos falsely portraying the concluded agitation as ongoing, while police identify accounts for possible legal action

DMK Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson blames the Congress for ignoring the issue which he said affects nearly everyone in Tamil Nadu

Addressing the gathering in Bathinda, he said the next elections will not be fought by the candidates alone, but by the entire party’s rank and file, underlining the need for strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level

Members of the Samajwadi Party, who took part in the protest, say till now ₹47,000 has been collected and the money would be donated to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and a receipt would be taken

The FSSAI has prohibited adding rum or whisky flavour to spirits. This practice misrepresents the true nature of alcoholic beverages and misleads consumers. Manufacturers were found using neutral alcohol and adding identical flavouring substances. Several companies, including United Spirits, faced prohibitions and notices. The regulator stressed that characteristic taste should develop naturally through base ingredients.