The Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by former Justice J. Chelameswar, to probe the operations of Vantara, the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre run by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The inquiry, to be completed by September 12, will examine allegations of illegal animal procurement—especially elephants—from India and abroad, adherence to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and zoo rules. It will also assess compliance with CITES, animal welfare standards, environmental concerns, financial irregularities, and more, following PILs prompted by the transfer of an elephant from a Kolhapur temple. 

Ram G Vallath, an IIT alumnus and growth coach, has sounded the alarm on India’s healthcare meltdown, warning that each year, 39 million Indians are plunged into deep poverty by catastrophic medical expenses . He attributes this crisis to underfunded public hospitals, prompting patients to seek expensive private care. Compounding the problem, global private equity firms are profiting, with hospitals and even doctors facing steep revenue targets that drive unnecessary tests and procedures . Vallath calls for significantly increased government investment and stringent regulation of private healthcare to protect vulnerable patients and uphold the nation’s true freedom. 

Scientists from Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur, have uncovered India’s first phytosaur fossil in Megha village near Jaisalmer, dating back approximately 200 million years to the Jurassic era—making it a landmark paleontological find. The nearly 1.5–2 metre-long crocodile-like reptile skeleton, discovered along with a fossil egg, sheds light on the region’s prehistoric aquatic ecosystems . Led by Prof. V. S. Parihar and supported by geologist Dr. Narayan Das Inakhiya, the excavation positions Jaisalmer as a vital Jurassic-era fossil hotspot in India, with implications for both scientific research and geotourism.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that any voter whose name is deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls is entitled to a mandatory hearing before removal. This assurance addresses concerns about procedural fairness following the removal of approximately 65 lakh names. The ECI emphasized that no name will be omitted without prior notice and a reasoned order, ensuring due process. The Supreme Court had also directed ECI to publish deleted names and reasons and allow affected persons to submit claims using Aadhaar or other approved documents. (PC: The Hindu)

Fresh details have emerged in the shocking dowry murder of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida. Her husband, Vipin Bhati, who set her ablaze on August 21, has shown no remorse, telling police that “husband-wife fights are normal.” Disturbing videos recorded by Nikki’s sister show him pouring liquid and Nikki engulfed in flames. Police have arrested Vipin, his parents, and his brother in connection with the crime. Investigators revealed years of dowry harassment and abuse, despite expensive gifts given earlier. Public anger is rising, with the “Justice for Nikki” campaign gaining traction across India as demands for strict punishment grow. (PC: HT)

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the use of pen drives and unsecured apps like WhatsApp and iLovePDF in official offices to enhance cybersecurity. All departments must now use GovDrive, a secure cloud platform offering 50GB storage per official. Exceptions for pen drives require NIC reconfiguration and whitelisting. Sharing sensitive technical data like system configurations and vulnerability reports is restricted to secure channels only. The directive warns of disciplinary action for non-compliance under IT and conduct rules. This move aims to prevent data breaches and enforce digital hygiene across government operations, marking a significant shift toward secure, centralized data management. (PC: Palton)

The Supreme Court of India has directed comedian and host Samay Raina to apologise on his podcast for ridiculing persons with disabilities. Four other influencers—Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjit Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar—are also named in the case. The court asked the government to frame guidelines to curb online content offending disabled people, women, children, and senior citizens. The petition, filed by CURE SMA Foundation, accused the influencers of making insensitive jokes and spreading hate speech against people with spinal muscular atrophy and other disabilities. The bench emphasized that free speech cannot demean others. (PC: HT)

Police have revealed shocking details in the Greater Noida dowry murder case of 26-year-old Nikki. Her husband, Vipin Bhati, allegedly tortured and killed her after demanding ₹36 lakh dowry. A viral video showed Nikki being beaten and dragged before she was set ablaze. Another clip showed her walking while burnt before collapsing. Police said a fight started when Nikki wanted to reopen her beauty parlour, which Vipin opposed. He was arrested on Saturday and shot in the leg while trying to escape custody. Nikki’s family accused Vipin and his relatives of years of torture and constant demands. (PC: X)

The first look of Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Sunday, August 24, ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations starting August 27. The idol, dressed in striking magenta attire, left devotees spellbound. Located in Putlabai Chawl, Lalbaugcha Raja is one of Mumbai’s most visited Ganesh mandals, attracting lakhs of devotees, including celebrities, every year. The ten-day Ganeshotsav is celebrated across Maharashtra and India with rituals, prayers, music, and cultural events, ending with a grand visarjan. The Lalbaugcha Raja mandal, established in the early 1900s, continues to symbolize faith, devotion, and the cultural spirit of Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi.

BJP leader and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur told schoolchildren in Una, Himachal Pradesh, that Lord Hanuman could be seen as the “first astronaut.” Speaking at a PM Shri School on National Space Day, he asked students to “look beyond textbooks” and connect with India’s traditions. Thakur later shared the video on X, writing, “Pawansut Hanuman Ji… the first astronaut.” He said Hanuman’s journey showed India’s ancient knowledge and culture. “If you look at our traditions, you will find many things,” he added. His comments came as India celebrates new achievements in space exploration this year. (PC: HT)