Despite a statewide ban on riverbed mining, illegal extraction continues unabated in Himachal Pradesh’s Chakki and Mand regions. Heavy machinery like JCBs is being used at night in Nurpur, Indora, and Fatehpur subdivisions, particularly around the Chakki, Beas, and Chhonchh rivers. Local MLAs, including Bhiwani Pathania and Malinder Rajan, raised the issue in the state assembly, warning of severe environmental degradation and riverbank damage. They demanded strict FIRs against violators, the declaration of Mand as a no-mining zone, and a 3.5 km no-mining stretch downstream of the Beas, urging stronger enforcement measures.  

Supreme Court Judge Justice Vikram Nath, who led the bench that recently revised India’s controversial stray dog order, humorously said he is “thankful to the stray dogs for making me known across the country and globally.” Speaking at a human–wildlife conflict conference in Thiruvananthapuram, he revealed he even received “blessings” from dog lovers. On August 22, his bench overturned an earlier directive mandating permanent sheltering of stray dogs. Instead, it ruled that sterilized and vaccinated dogs should return to their localities, with separate feeding zones, balancing public safety and animal rights. (PC: X)

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who represented Kishangarh as a Congress MLA from 1993–1998, has applied to reinstate his Rajasthan Assembly pension. His pension was halted in 2019 when he became Governor of West Bengal, and later Vice President of India. Following his July 21, 2025 resignation from the vice presidency, Dhankhar has formally sought the benefits again. The Assembly Secretariat has begun processing his request. Under rules, he is entitled to a ₹35,000 monthly pension, plus a 20% age-related hike. At 74, Dhankhar will receive approximately ₹42,000 per month once the pension resumes. (PC: PTI)

In Kochi, Kerala, Canara Bank employees staged a symbolic “beef festival” outside their branch after the regional manager allegedly banned beef in the office canteen. The protest, led by the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), was initially against mental harassment and insulting behavior by the manager. Upon learning of the beef ban, the protest shifted focus to food freedom. Employees served beef and parotta, asserting that food choice is a constitutional right. Local MLA KT Jaleel backed the protest, warning against Sangh Parivar ideologies. The event reignited debates on cultural autonomy, workplace rights, and resistance to ideological imposition.

India's economy delivered unexpected strength in Q1 FY2026, expanding 7.8% year-on-year in the April-June quarter, accelerating from 7.4% growth in the previous quarter. This upside surprise reinforces India's position as the world's fastest-growing major economy amid global economic uncertainties. The acceleration contradicts analyst expectations and demonstrates economic resilience despite challenges including inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions. The robust growth likely stems from strong domestic consumption, investment momentum, and favorable base effects. This performance provides the Reserve Bank of India with policy flexibility and strengthens the government's fiscal position. The data supports projections that India will soon become the world's third-largest economy, overtaking Japan and Germany in coming years. (PC: The Week & News Bytes)

At the NDTV Defence Summit on August 30, 2025, Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, shared new footage and details of Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the May 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities. Tiwari disclosed that the IAF launched precision strikes using fewer than 50 weapons, targeting nine key terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation aimed to deliver a strong, visible message and deter future attacks, with the armed forces given full operational freedom while preparing for potential escalation into a conventional conflict.  

The National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) has launched a technical survey in Palghar after residents complained of cracks in nearly 290 houses due to tunneling and blasting for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project. The 508-km corridor involves major engineering works, raising safety concerns among locals. Authorities said the expert review will assess structural impact and recommend corrective measures to ensure community safety while construction continues. (PC: PTI)

India’s economy delivered a surprise 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 FY26 (April–June), outperforming forecasts of 6.7% and maintaining its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This marks an uptick from 7.4% in the previous quarter, driven by front-loaded government spending, soft deflator effects, and early exports to the U.S. before the impact of 50% tariffs. Agriculture grew 3.7%, and manufacturing rose 7.7% year-on-year. Economists warn that tariff effects may soon dampen exports, employment, and private investment. Meanwhile, India’s fiscal deficit reached ₹4.68 lakh crore by July, or 29.9% of the full-year target, signaling pressure on public finances despite strong growth. (PC: Business Standard)

The NARI 2025 report has found that 40% of women in India’s urban areas feel unsafe. The survey covered 12,770 women in 31 cities. It revealed that 7% of women faced harassment in 2024, with the 18–24 age group most at risk. Staring, catcalling, lewd remarks, and touching were the most common complaints. Poor lighting, weak transport safety, and lack of infrastructure were blamed. Kolkata, Delhi, Ranchi, Srinagar, and Faridabad were rated least safe, while Mumbai, Kohima, and Vishakhapatnam ranked safer. Only 22% reported harassment, and over half were unsure if workplaces had sexual harassment policies. (PC: HT)

Bihar Police has issued a high alert after inputs that 3 Pakistani terrorists entered the state from Nepal on August 15. The men are linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and have been identified as Hasnanin Ali from Rawalpindi, Adil Hussain from Umarkot, and Mohammad Usman from Bhawalpur. Police have shared their names, photos, and passport details with all border districts. Security checks have increased at railway stations, bus stands, airports, and hotels. Sashastra Seema Bal jawans are on alert. Intelligence units are monitoring movements. With assembly elections nearing, police urged people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. (PC: HT)