India

Tamil Nadu is set to introduce a single-window clearance system for hospitals, ending the fragmented approval process that has long delayed healthcare projects. The reform is designed to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading hub for medical infrastructure and healthcare services.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, alleging Shah ordered or allowed police to use pellet guns and brutal force against protesting students over the NEET paper leak. Gandhi demanded Shah’s dismissal and a Supreme Court-monitored probe, calling him either “culpable” or “incompetent.”

High logistics costs, reliance on cash on delivery, low order values, and weak unit economics continue to weigh on the sector

Repeated paper leaks have exposed NEET’s flaws, strengthening the case for restoring State-level medical entrance examinations

Rahul Gandhi accused the RSS of controlling India's education system and influencing educational institutions, alleging that students were being discouraged from independent thinking. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he claimed the organisation wanted young people to become "Andhabhakts" instead of critical thinkers

The Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board approved a proposal to construct a temple dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing his contribution towards giving the transgender community respect and rights. The proposal was made during the board’s maiden meeting

The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea seeking modification of its order permitting the release of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, holding that creativity and artistic expression cannot be curtailed merely because some people are sensitive about the depiction of deities

Jharkhand Police arrested CPI (Maoist) politburo member Misir Besra, carrying a bounty of Rs 2.2 crore and wanted in 175 cases. The arrest was made during an anti-Naxal operation in Dhanbad, with police calling it a major breakthrough

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve celebrated International Tiger Day with exhibitions, awareness programmes, a forest march and the felicitation of Junior Fire Watchers. Officials highlighted the importance of community participation and student involvement in conserving wildlife and protecting the reserve's thriving tiger population

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange announced a fresh agitation from August 29, alleging delays in issuing Kunbi caste certificates based on Hyderabad Gazette records. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said pending cases were few and the government was ready for discussions

The Supreme Court granted bail to two alleged Indian Mujahideen operatives held since 2014 in a Delhi terror case, observing that prolonged incarceration without a likely trial conclusion violated their right to liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution

The government informed Rajya Sabha that investigators found no abnormality in the fuel control switch locking mechanism of the Air India Boeing Dreamliner that crashed in Ahmedabad. The examination of the complete thrust control module is ongoing, with the final report awaited

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke urged the government to stop allegedly harassing students after the NEET protests, warning of a larger agitation if needed. He said students were the country's future and criticised the Centre over its handling of the issue.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making deliberate insult of Vande Mataram a punishable offence. The legislation was cleared after a heated debate, with Opposition members staging a walkout during the discussion

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram. The law makes insulting or obstructing its rendition a punishable offence with up to three years’ imprisonment or fine.

Commercial flight operations will shift from Visakhapatnam Airport to the newly developed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram from August 17, following a Civil Aviation Ministry notification. The new airport will initially handle 6 million passengers annually

Sachin Tendulkar paid a heartfelt tribute to his late coach Ramakant Achrekar on Guru Purnima, visiting his memorial at Shivaji Park and thanking the mentor who shaped both his cricketing career and character through years of dedicated guidance

The French Institute in India has selected 35 laureates for the fourth edition of the Villa Swagatam residency programme. Running from August 2026 to August 2027, the initiative promotes cultural exchange through one- to three-month residencies across France and South Asia.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut and CJP spokesperson Saurav Das exchanged heated insults after Ranaut labeled NEET protestors "Generation gutter." Das questioned her mental stability, while the Mandi MP dismissed him as "useless and unemployed" in a viral Instagram feud

The rupee strengthened for the fourth consecutive session, gaining 16 paise against the US dollar to close at 95.66. Positive domestic equity markets, foreign fund inflows and a weaker dollar supported the currency, while crude prices and global developments remained key factors

The Sensex and Nifty rebounded more than 1 per cent on Wednesday, driven by gains in IT stocks, HDFC Bank and foreign fund inflows. Strong corporate earnings and positive domestic fundamentals lifted investor sentiment despite weak global cues and higher crude oil prices

The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The legislation establishes special fast-track courts, a two-month investigation deadline, and penalties including up to 10 years imprisonment and Rs10 crore fines for organised paper leaks

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal accused Rahul Gandhi of making false allegations in the Lok Sabha over police action against student protesters. He denied claims of firing, demanded an apology from the Congress leader and defended the government's handling of the education system

The Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing tougher penalties for paper leaks and examination fraud. The Bill provides for fast-track courts, stricter punishments, asset confiscation and quicker disposal of examination-related offences