The Supreme Court on Wednesday urged law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint while dealing with young protesters during the hearing of a plea seeking action against organisers of the July 20 CJP-led 'Sansad Chalo' march. Chief Justice Surya Kant said that even if some "misguided elements" resort to stone-pelting, the priority should be to counsel and pacify youngsters instead of escalating tensions. The court observed that listening to protesters is the most effective way to prevent further violence. The plea, filed by a retired Air Force officer, also seeks action against those accused of inciting violence and using abusive language against police. (PC: X)

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have proclaimed August 15 as "India Day" to mark India's Independence Day and recognise the contributions of the Indian-American community. The proclamation highlights India's position as the country with the world's largest diaspora, with over 36 million people living abroad. It also acknowledges the growing cultural, economic and educational ties between India and Massachusetts. The move comes ahead of India's 79th Independence Day and celebrates the achievements of Indian-Americans across sectors, including healthcare, technology, business, education and public service. (PC: Tribune India)

India's historic Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey is facing questions over her eligibility for Uttar Pradesh's sports rewards due to her permanent domicile in Tripura. The UP government's 2024 policy requires athletes to meet specific criteria, including domicile, education, or representation of the state in international events. Dey, a sub-inspector with UP Police since 2023, has represented Uttar Pradesh in several national and international competitions, making her eligible under at least one provision. UP Sports Secretary Suhas LY said officials will review the case before taking a final decision. Dey is entitled to ₹1.5 crore if approved. (PC: HT)

A parliamentary panel has given Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg 3 days to apologise over the brief removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's July 23 video from Facebook, warning that failure to do so could lead to action against the company. The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, called the incident an "attack on democracy." While Meta said the removal was caused by a technical glitch and restored the video, the government rejected the explanation. The panel also warned that Facebook's Safe Harbour protection could be reviewed if similar incidents continue. (PC: India Today)

Nineteen-year-old Rajasthan cyclist Harshita Jakhar has become the first Indian woman to feature at the Tour de France Femmes, marking a landmark moment for Indian cycling. She led a group of eight young cyclists during the ceremonial start of Stage 2 in Aigle, Switzerland. The riders completed a 4.5-kilometre neutralised section alongside members of the WCC Road Team. Selected by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Jakhar has already made a strong mark in Indian cycling, winning numerous junior medals and competing successfully at senior level. She now aims for a top-10 finish at the 2026 Asian Games. (PC: X)

The BCCI is reportedly considering replacing chief selector Ajit Agarkar when his current contract ends in September 2026. Agarkar’s tenure has come under scrutiny following controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future and India’s recent results. According to reports, the board is weighing former India batter VVS Laxman as a potential successor. Laxman currently heads cricket-related development at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has extensive experience in player development and coaching. While no final decision has been announced, the possible change could significantly reshape India’s selection strategy ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. (PC: X)

US Congressman Riley Moore has criticised India’s proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a “clear attack against Christians” and warning it could strain India-US relations. Moore alleged that the proposed law could enable government authorities to take control of churches and religious charities whose FCRA registrations are cancelled, surrendered or not renewed. The Bill proposes creating a Designated Authority to manage foreign contributions and assets in such cases, while requiring places of worship to retain their religious character. The Indian government says the amendments aim to strengthen transparency, oversight and accountability in foreign funding. (PC: X)

A tragic incident occurred at a CRPF camp in Katimari, Nagaon, Assam, on August 4, when an Assistant Sub-Inspector allegedly took an INSAS rifle from the guard room and opened fire on three colleagues. Sub-Inspector Ramnawal Singh Yadav and Head Constable Vishnu Prasad Baghel died at the scene, while ASI Mane Govind Sripul suffered severe gunshot injuries and was taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. The officer, who was from Andhra Pradesh, later died by suicide. Police and CRPF authorities have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the incident. (PC: PTI)

Artist Prashant Kumar Singh, 28, says he was struck by metal pellets during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march in Delhi, allegedly after Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel opened fire on protesters. An X-ray conducted on July 29 reportedly showed at least 10 pellets still lodged in his right arm and chest. Doctors advised against removing them because surgery could damage muscles and tendons. Singh also claims another injured protester reached Lady Hardinge Hospital around the same time, suggesting a possible sixth pellet-injury victim. RAF has maintained that it used plastic or rubber pellets. (PC: India Today)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, living in exile in India since her government was ousted in August 2024, is set to make a virtual public appearance from New Delhi. Her planned address has intensified tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, with Bangladesh warning its media against broadcasting her statements. Dhaka continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India after she was sentenced to death in absentia in 2025 over alleged crimes against humanity during the 2024 protests. Hasina has rejected the verdict. India has said it has no involvement in the private event. The issue remains sensitive for India-Bangladesh relations. (PC: X)