India’s Supreme Court has ordered an inquiry into Vantara, the private zoo run by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The court said allegations of illegal animal acquisition, mistreatment, wildlife law violations, and money laundering must be checked. Vantara, spread over 3,500 acres in Gujarat, houses around 2,000 species, including 200 elephants and 300 big cats. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March. The zoo has faced protests after elephants were moved there. Vantara said it is committed to transparency and animal care. A special panel of retired judges will report by 12 September. (PC: BBC)

As Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations continue, a heartwarming video has gone viral online. It shows a cat sleeping peacefully on the arm of a beautifully decorated Lord Ganesha idol dressed in yellow attire. The calm scene has left devotees and social media users delighted. Many called it one of the sweetest sights of the festival, while others added humour, joking about Ganesha’s loyal companion, the mouse, feeling insecure. Some viewers also shared emotional reactions, saying it shows God’s love for all beings. The clip has quickly become one of the most talked-about festival highlights this year.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose is now part of the anime world in a new AI-powered series called ‘DQN’. The trailer shows Bose motivating his troops to fight a fictional nation, Avalon, in a cyberpunk setting. The series is created by Tokyo-based Indian-origin IIT graduate Kushagra Kushwaha and produced by AI studio Morphic. DQN follows 12 strangers racing to uncover a hidden vault that could change power rules. Indian fans praised seeing Bose in anime, calling it a “blessing.” Some, however, criticized the heavy AI use in the series. ‘DQN’ is Kushwaha’s first episodic AI anime. (PC: The Telegraph)

A FIR has been filed against Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, along with six Hyundai officials, over alleged defects in a Hyundai Alcazar SUV. The complaint was made by local resident Kirti Singh, who said the car, bought in 2022 for over Rs 23 lakh, developed serious technical problems months after purchase. Singh claimed Hyundai ignored his complaints. Police registered the FIR on August 25 following court directions under various IPC sections and the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. SRK and Deepika are brand ambassadors for Hyundai, accused of misleading buyers. (PC: X)

A senior Indian Army officer has been banned from flying with SpiceJet for 5 years after assaulting staff at Srinagar airport. The incident took place on July 26 during boarding of flight SG 386 to Delhi. The officer allegedly attacked four staff members after refusing to pay for extra baggage. One staffer suffered a spinal fracture and jaw injuries. A video of the assault went viral online. SpiceJet’s internal committee, formed under Civil Aviation Rules, declared the officer an unruly passenger. An FIR has been filed, and the officer can appeal the ban within 60 days. (PC: HT)

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir was temporarily suspended on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall and safety concerns. Earlier, helicopter and battery car services had been stopped, but the yatra was later halted fully. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the region as rivers crossed danger levels, flooding low-lying areas. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was also suspended after landslides. Chief minister Omar Abdullah called the situation “serious” and directed officials to stay on high alert. People were advised to avoid water bodies and landslide-prone areas. (PC: X)

India’s Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into Vantara—a wildlife rescue park in Jamnagar run by Reliance Foundation—following Public Interest Litigations over the transfer of the elephant Mahadevi. The allegations include irregular animal acquisition, mistreatment, and financial compliance issues, although no concrete evidence has been presented. The SIT, led by retired Justice J. Chelameswar and including former high court justices and law enforcement officials, must submit its report by September 12, 2025, with a hearing set for September 15. Vantara has affirmed its commitment to transparency, animal welfare, and full cooperation with the investigation. (PC: Mint)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV, the eVitara, from Hansalpur, Gujarat. He said EVs made in India will now be exported to more than 100 countries. Modi praised Suzuki Japan for choosing India as a hub for EV production, calling it proof of global confidence in India. He also announced the start of hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing in Gujarat, a big step towards self-reliance. Modi linked the plant’s 13-year journey to “teenage years,” saying it was now ready to spread wings. Suzuki plans to invest ₹70,000 crore in India in coming years. (PC: HT)

Delhi Metro fares have gone up for the first time in eight years. From August 25, passengers will pay Rs 1 to Rs 4 more on most routes, while the Airport Express Line fares rise by up to Rs 5. Short trips up to 2 km will now cost Rs 11, while the longest ride above 32 km is Rs 64. Popular routes like Huda City Centre to Connaught Place will cost Rs 54, and Noida City Centre to CP is now Rs 43. Smart card users get a 10% discount, plus extra savings during off-peak hours. (PC: News18)

In the tragic case of Nikki Bhati's dowry death in Greater Noida, her husband, Vipin Bhati, was found to have been involved in an extramarital affair. Nikki reportedly caught him with his lover, leading to a confrontation. Subsequently, Vipin allegedly assaulted his lover. The situation escalated, culminating in Nikki's death, which is suspected to be a result of dowry-related violence. In a separate incident, Vipin attempted to escape police custody but was shot in the leg during the attempt. He later denied responsibility for his wife's death, claiming she died on her own. (PC: India Today)