Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday staged a dharna at Delhi’s Parliament Street police station, demanding an FIR over alleged excessive force used against students during the July 20 CJP-led protest. Gandhi accompanied student Sahil Lochab, who reportedly suffered pellet-gun injuries during the demonstration over NEET-related issues. After his complaint was not registered at Mandir Marg police station, Gandhi approached senior police officials and continued his protest. He demanded accountability for the alleged use of pellet guns and action against those responsible. Reports and medical records have documented multiple pellet-related injuries among protesters, while Delhi Police has disputed some allegations. (PC: The Hindu)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener Ashutosh Ranka and party volunteers were allegedly assaulted on Friday while travelling to inspect a government school in Rampura Kanwarpura village, Jaipur’s Bagru constituency. Ranka claimed that a group of people attacked the team, leaving one volunteer with a fractured arm. He alleged that BJP workers were behind the incident, though Hindustan Times could not independently verify the claim, and a BJP response was awaited. The visit was part of CJP’s campaign to highlight poor government-school infrastructure. The incident follows Rajasthan’s recent restrictions on unauthorised outsider entry, photography and videography inside government schools. 

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that authorities brought students from another school to a Zilla Parishad primary school in Latur’s Ausa during his inspection on August 20. As part of the “School Thik Karo” campaign, Dipke claimed some children admitted their school bags were at their actual schools, suggesting they were not enrolled at the institution. He also alleged that newly supplied steel plates were arranged before his visit and raised concerns over inadequate drinking water, damaged walls and sanitation. Dipke further claimed liquor bottles were found on the premises. The allegations have not been independently established. 

Former ISRO chairman S. Somanath has been appointed as a part-time, non-official director on the Reserve Bank of India’s Central Board for four years, effective August 20, 2026. Somanath, who retired from ISRO in January 2025, brings extensive experience in aerospace engineering and India’s space programmes to the RBI’s governing board. Meanwhile, the government has reappointed Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra as a part-time, non-official director for another four-year term from the same date. The appointments add expertise from science, technology and industry to the RBI Central Board, which oversees the central bank’s general affairs and management. (PC: PTI)

NASA astronaut Donald Pettit has shared a striking nighttime photograph of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, captured from the International Space Station (ISS). The image shows the brightly illuminated festival grounds along the Ganga, highlighting the enormous scale of the religious gathering from orbit. Pettit described it as his “best shot” of the 2025 Prayag Maha Kumbh. The astronaut, known for his astrophotography, had previously shared images of the event during the festival in January 2025. The photograph provides a rare space-based perspective of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. (PC: X)

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant, identified as Suraj Subhash Shinde, was found dead at his home in Khandala, Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. According to preliminary information, he was under intense stress related to his studies and future. Suraj had been preparing for the highly competitive NEET medical entrance examination from a room at his home. Before his death, he reportedly left an emotional note apologising to his parents and expressing hope that he would become a doctor in his next life. The incident has renewed concerns about the severe academic and emotional pressure faced by medical aspirants in India. (PC: NDTV)

Indian international Ryan Williams has expressed his determination to help the Blue Tigers improve their position in the FIFA rankings. The Australian-born forward, who became an Indian citizen to represent the country, believes his experience and performances can contribute to India’s progress on the international stage. Williams wants to make the most of every opportunity with the national team and help India compete more strongly against higher-ranked opponents. India were ranked 138th in FIFA’s latest official men’s ranking on July 20, 2026. Williams’ focus comes as the team looks to rebuild and improve its international results.

The Andaman and Nicobar administration has withdrawn its Expression of Interest (EoI) for developing a private sector-led “green” artificial intelligence or data centre in Great Nicobar or Little Andaman. The EoI, issued on August 10, invited companies to assess the feasibility of such facilities, including infrastructure, technology and private-sector participation. However, an August 14 notice stated that the proposal was withdrawn with immediate effect due to “administrative reasons.” The decision comes amid wider scrutiny of development plans in the ecologically sensitive islands, particularly the proposed Great Nicobar infrastructure project. The administration has not provided further details about the reasons for withdrawal.

A young girl from Arunachal Pradesh has drawn widespread attention after an emotional video in which she objected to being called “Chinese.” In the viral 56-second clip, she says she feels hurt and angry when people question her Indian identity because of her appearance, stressing that she lives in Itanagar and is Indian. The video has sparked renewed discussion about racial stereotyping and discrimination faced by people from Northeast India. The incident comes amid other reported cases involving racial slurs against Northeastern residents. The girl’s appeal has resonated online, with many users calling for greater sensitivity and respect for India’s diverse communities. 

Moderna’s shares surged dramatically after the US biotechnology company announced positive results from a late-stage clinical trial of its personalized melanoma vaccine, developed in partnership with Merck. The mRNA-based treatment is designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The successful Phase 3 outcome marks a significant development for personalized cancer vaccines and boosted investor confidence in Moderna’s oncology pipeline. The company’s shares nearly tripled following the announcement, according to the Financial Times. However, detailed survival data and the full clinical results have not yet been publicly disclosed, meaning further regulatory review and analysis will be required.