Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahato joined students in a march towards the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi on August 10, intensifying the ongoing JPSC-JSSC agitation. Mahato, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, reportedly reached the protest site in an ambulance and said the government would have to listen to the students’ demands. The agitation centres on allegations of irregularities and concerns surrounding competitive recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC. The march has increased pressure on the Hemant Soren-led government, as protesting students demand action and greater transparency in the recruitment process. (PC: X)

Indian heavyweight boxer Narender Berwal shared a humorous anecdote with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with India’s 2026 Commonwealth Games medal winners. Berwal recalled defeating a Pakistani boxer at the 2015 World Military Games, after which his opponent reportedly joked that Berwal, his coach and India’s Prime Minister all had similar names. The boxer then said he had “started hating the name Narendra.” Modi reportedly burst into laughter while hearing the story. Berwal won a silver medal in the men’s 90kg boxing category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The interaction highlighted the lighter side of sporting rivalry.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will respond in Parliament to concerns over police action against students protesting in Delhi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on August 10. The Opposition has demanded a statement from Shah, alleging disproportionate police action and reported use of pellet guns during the June 20 protest. Rijiju said the government is ready for a detailed discussion on all student-related issues and urged Opposition MPs not to disrupt proceedings. Parliament has faced repeated adjournments over the issue, limiting legislative business. With only four days remaining in the Monsoon Session, the government hopes Shah’s response will help resolve the deadlock. (PC: India Today)

India has gifted five Indian peacocks to the United Nations Office in Geneva, including a rare white peacock, reviving a decades-old tradition. The donation comprises four blue peafowl and one white peacock and was formally handed over to UN officials. The gesture recalls a similar 1981 donation by India, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sent a breeding pair of peacocks to Geneva. The birds will be cared for by Geneva Bioparc and UN staff and initially kept in an enclosed habitat before being released in Ariana Park. The donation showcases India’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and commitment to international cooperation. (PC: X)

Students of NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad have reportedly opposed the decision to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the university’s upcoming convocation. The students have raised concerns over certain judicial decisions and developments associated with the judiciary. They reportedly submitted a representation expressing their objections and seeking reconsideration of the invitation. The controversy has sparked debate within the law university, particularly among students concerned about judicial accountability and constitutional values. The university’s decision and the students’ protest have drawn wider attention within legal and academic circles.(PC: X)

Thousands of students marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi on August 10, demanding action over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations. Protesters breached multiple layers of barricades erected along the route, prompting police to use water cannons to disperse them. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, who was on a nine-day hunger strike, joined the march despite his deteriorating health. Authorities deployed more than 1,500 security personnel and imposed prohibitory orders around the Assembly. The state government has announced CID and ED probes, a fast-track court and recruitment reforms, while three JPSC members have resigned. 

A gunman opened fire at a local government office in Nonthaburi, near Bangkok, on August 10, injuring the president of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, Thongchai Yenprasert, and his driver. Police said the suspected shooter, a former lawmaker, was arrested after the incident. Both injured men were taken to hospital for treatment. The shooting occurred just days after a 14-year-old’s rampage at a school in the same province killed nine people, including the shooter, and wounded more than 20. The latest incident has intensified concerns over gun violence. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered stricter firearm enforcement and police checkpoints. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has deployed additional warships to the Middle East as Washington intensifies enforcement of its blockade against Iran amid continuing regional tensions. US naval forces are positioned to monitor and intercept vessels linked to Iranian ports, increasing pressure on Tehran and raising concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway is vital to global oil and energy shipments. Iran has warned that military vessels approaching the area could face a response, heightening the risk of confrontation. The deployment comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and uncertainty over the future of the US-Iran conflict and regional ceasefire. (PC: X)

Punjab Police have claimed to have busted an alleged ISI-sponsored Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module operated by foreign-based handlers in Jalandhar. A joint operation by Counter Intelligence Jalandhar and Jalandhar Rural Police led to the arrest of key operative Satbir Singh, from Padiana village. Police recovered a 1.3-kg improvised explosive device (IED) containing high explosives, shrapnel and ball bearings, which officials said indicated preparations for a potentially high-impact attack. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Explosive Substances Act and Arms Act. Investigators are tracing the module’s foreign handlers and local support network. (PC: X)

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution requiring the state song, Tamil Thai Vazthu, to be sung first at government and educational events. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who moved the resolution, said Tamil represents the state’s linguistic and cultural identity and must receive priority. The move challenges a Union Home Ministry directive asking states to play Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events. Both the DMK and AIADMK supported the resolution. Tamil Thai Vazthu became mandatory at government events in 1970 and was formally recognised as Tamil Nadu’s state song in 2021. (PC: X)