India

Indian Ambassador Sumit Seth paid a farewell call on Panama President Jose Raul Mulino, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral ties. The talks covered scholarship programmes, Quick Impact Projects and recent high-level engagements aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, education and technology.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rejected Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's criticism of the UPI amendment Bill, saying Merchant Discount Rate applies only to merchants. She accused the Congress of avoiding parliamentary debate, while Ramesh maintained the changes could eventually lead to charges on digital payments.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Generation Z protesters are not anti-national and that their concerns are genuine. Calling for education reforms and greater dialogue, he urged democratic engagement while encouraging youth to remain rooted in Indian values and leadership.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the LGBTQIA+ community is an integral part of society but argued that the institution of marriage should not be altered at present. He suggested a separate legal framework for same-sex couples while stressing that social acceptance should precede legal change.

India’s U20 men’s football team defeated Singapore 1-0 in Bengaluru to register their second consecutive friendly win. Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum scored the decisive goal as the Blue Colts continue preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers

The Centre has opposed the implementation of the creamy layer principle in SC/ST reservations before the Supreme Court, arguing that such a policy requires a comprehensive empirical study and falls within the executive's domain rather than judicial intervention.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Generation Z is more honest than previous generations and defended the right to peaceful protest. He called for education reforms, supported greater public investment in education, and said the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of society.

Government data presented in the Rajya Sabha reveals that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits in 2025 across 23 countries cost nearly Rs 187 crore, with major expenditures in France, the US, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, China, and the UK. For 2026 so far, the figure stands at Rs 74.58 crore, covering trips to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Assam's flood situation remained critical with over 1.68 lakh people affected across 15 districts. While only one river continued to flow above the danger level, relief operations remained underway with camps, rescue teams and essential supplies supporting affected residents.

The Asian Cricket Council has announced the schedule for the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai. India will face Pakistan on September 5 in a key Group A clash, with eight teams competing for continental supremacy from August 28 to September 13

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday evening. The two leaders reviewed progress in the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors and agreed to remain in touch.

Effective teacher assessment must go beyond qualifications to encompass pedagogy, classroom practice, assessment literacy, digital competence, leadership, and student outcomes

Supreme Court’s latest ruling on legal protection against domestic cruelty to women in live-in relationships is a genuine attempt to bring criminal law in step with evolving social realities

Dr P. Raghu Ram, Founder-Chairman of Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation, has submitted a policy brief to Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommending a phased roadmap to strengthen India’s breast cancer screening. The plan emphasises routine Clinical Breast Examination, training of frontline workers, culturally sensitive communication, and survivor-led awareness to reduce stigma and improve early detection.

India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from Chandipur, Odisha, with all operational and technical parameters validated. Conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, the launch highlights India's strategic preparedness and follows recent successful missile tests by DRDO

The Centre is questioning Meta's global team over the temporary restriction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, with discussions focusing on compliance with Indian laws, content moderation, algorithms, intermediary obligations and safeguards against illegal content on the platform

A postgraduate medical student sustained critical head injuries after a car allegedly driven by an intoxicated man rammed the motorcycle she was travelling on outside a Rajahmundry mall. Police seized the vehicle and initiated action to prevent the accused from absconding

The Calcutta High Court has directed the CBI to expedite its fresh investigation into the R.G. Kar rape and murder case, expressing dissatisfaction with the probe's progress and asking the agency to show substantial results before the next hearing on August 28.

The Lok Sabha has passed a Bill amending the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, enabling the government to permit Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI and other notified digital payment modes. The amendment seeks to create a sustainable revenue model for payment service providers

AISA will launch its month-long "Gen Z Rising" campaign from Ranchi on August 7, with national president Neha Bora leading nationwide outreach on education reforms, employment and student issues following the recent Jantar Mantar protest over alleged NEET UG 2026 irregularities

A Delhi man allegedly staged his own kidnapping after concealing his year-long unemployment and mounting debt from his family. Police traced him to Ghaziabad, where he admitted leaving home voluntarily to avoid loan recovery agents and confronting his family

Ladakh will introduce India's first high-altitude wildlife safari featuring guided snow leopard and birdwatching tours. The SHAN Conservation Society will oversee community-led conservation, eco-tourism, wildlife awareness and sustainable livelihood initiatives aimed at protecting the region's fragile Himalayan ecosystem

A Batik Air passenger was arrested after allegedly attempting to open the emergency exit of a Kuala Lumpur-Kochi flight, damaging its window panel and threatening passengers and crew. Police registered a case under the BNS, Aircraft Act and Kerala Police Act

The Rajya Sabha passed the Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2026, authorising excess expenditure incurred during FY2022-23. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the excess grants related to a Railway Ministry court order and debt repayment with no fiscal impact