To mark Raksha Bandhan, several renowned Indian cricketers shared touching moments with their sisters. Shubman Gill and his sister Shahneel—known for cheering him on from the stands—reaffirmed their strong sibling support. Rishabh Pant and Sakshi Pant showcased resilience and unity; following the emotional tragedy of losing their father in 2017, Sakshi has stood by her brother in both triumphs and recovery from his near-fatal accident in 2023. Meanwhile, Arjun Tendulkar shared festive joy with his sister Sara, a popular public figure, who was seen cheering him on during his IPL matches. (PC: News 18)

India’s Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure 200 modern light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) to replace its 1960s-era Cheetah and Chetak fleet . The allocation includes 120 units for the Army and 80 for the Air Force, aiming to enhance safety and operational capability amid high crash rates and obsolete avionics . The new RSHs will support night and day missions such as troop transport, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and acting in tandem with attack helicopters . This long-overdue modernization is part of a broader push for defense self-reliance and improved aerial readiness. (The Times of India)

A cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods in Uttarakhand’s Dharali village, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and even a temple, leaving only marsh, mud, and boulders where buildings once stood . Four villagers have perished and many remain missing, including workers and guests from local hotels. Over 500 people have been rescued to date . Displaced residents like Sushila—a relief camp volunteer—say they have “no house, no land, no clothes,” while Sushil from Nepal searches desperately for family lost in the calamity.  ( PC: NDTV)  

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has withdrawn the previously proposed Income Tax (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, citing the need for revisions and wider consultations. The withdrawn bill aimed at simplifying tax structures and implementing key reforms. A new version of the bill is set to be introduced on August 11, 2025. The move comes amid concerns raised by stakeholders and MPs regarding potential loopholes and lack of clarity in the earlier draft. The fresh bill is expected to address these issues while aligning with India’s evolving economic and fiscal priorities. (PC: ANI)

CCTV footage has captured the fatal stabbing of Asif Qureshi, cousin of Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi, in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area. The incident occurred on August 7 around 10:30 pm after Asif asked two neighbours to move their scooter blocking his house entrance. A verbal spat escalated into violence when Gautam (18) stabbed Asif with an ice-pick while his brother Ujjwal (19) held him down. Asif’s wife, Shaina, formerly Renu Jaun, was seen trying to intervene. Asif was rushed to the hospital but declared dead. Police arrested both accused and registered an FIR under sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Locals described Gautam as a drug addict with a history of erratic behavior.

Asif Qureshi, cousin of Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi, was fatally stabbed outside his Delhi home on Thursday night following a parking dispute. The incident occurred around 10 pm in Nizamuddin’s Bhogal Bazaar Lane when Asif asked two local youths to move their scooter blocking his entrance. After a heated exchange, the accused Ujjwal (19) and Gautam (18) returned with a sharp weapon and attacked him. Asif was rushed to the hospital but declared dead on arrival. His wife, Shaheen, alleged prior threats and a history of tension. Police arrested both suspects and seized the murder weapon. A case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 103(1) and 3(5) has been registered. Investigation is ongoing. (PC: The Indian Express)

A major controversy erupted after the Delhi Police referred to Bengali (Bangla) as the “Bangladeshi national language” in a letter seeking translation help for a document. The remark sparked widespread backlash from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Mahua Moitra slamming it as an insult to Indian Bengalis and their linguistic identity. TMC demanded an apology from the Home Ministry, calling the language mislabeling “anti-national” and “unconstitutional.” The backlash drew support from political parties like Congress, DMK, CPI-ML, and prominent Bengali artists defending Bangla as India’s rich cultural treasure.

Three CRPF jawans were killed and 16 others injured after a bunker vehicle carrying 23 personnel overturned and plunged into a gorge near Kandva in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. The mishap occurred around 10:30 am while the troops of the 187 Battalion were returning from an operation in Basantgarh. Rescue efforts were swiftly launched by police and locals. Union Minister Jitendra Singh called the incident “disturbing,” assuring ongoing support. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief and extended condolences to the families. One jawan died en route to hospital, while two died on the spot. (PC: India Today)

India’s premier medical institutes, AIIMS, are battling their worst faculty crisis in four years with over 2,500 teaching posts lying vacant across 21 campuses in 2025-26. AIIMS Delhi alone has 462 vacancies, while newer institutes like Awantipora have filled none of their sanctioned posts. The total vacancy rate stands at 40.2%, unchanged from last year but the highest in absolute numbers since 2022. Experts blame poor pay and better private sector opportunities for the crisis. The government claims recruitment is ongoing, with measures like contract-based appointments and visiting faculty schemes being introduced to address the shortfall. (PC: The Telegraph)

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned 25 books, including Arundhati Roy’s Azadi and AG Noorani’s The Kashmir Dispute 1947–2012, citing concerns over promoting “victimhood, grievance, and terrorist heroism.” The Home Department’s August 5 notification claims these works distort historical facts and radicalize youth. Books by political scientist Sumantra Bose and top academic publishers like Oxford and Stanford have also been forfeited under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. The move coincides with the anniversary of Article 370's abrogation and ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on J&K's statehood restoration. (PC: HT)