The Akal Takht declared Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' for religious misconduct on Friday, citing actions during his party's tenure from 2007 to 2017. Badal acknowledged the ruling and pledged to apologize. Jathedar Gyani Raghbir Singh instructed Badal to appear before the Akal Takht within 15 days to seek forgiveness for decisions that adversely affected Sikh interests and the Panth’s reputation. Badal will remain 'tankhaiya' until he delivers a formal apology. The decision followed a meeting of the five Sikh head priests at the Akal Takht complex. 

A damaged helicopter crashed near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand during a recovery operation on Saturday. The helicopter, which made an emergency landing at Kedarnath Dham on May 24 due to a technical fault, was being airlifted to Gauchar airstrip for repairs by a Mi-17 chopper. The Mi-17 lost balance due to weight and wind, causing the helicopter to crash. No injuries or casualties were reported as there were no passengers or luggage on board. The incident was captured on camera. Authorities confirmed the crash and are investigating the incident.

The Centre responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's second letter requesting tougher central laws and harsher penalties for serious crimes. The Union government criticized Banerjee’s letter as an attempt to "cover up delays" by the state government. Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi highlighted that West Bengal had not activated 11 additional Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) designated for handling rape and sexual assault cases. The Centre noted that stringent laws for addressing rape and crimes against women are already in place and urged the state to enforce them properly. The response aims to address concerns about the implementation of existing legal measures.

AIIMS doctors in Delhi will hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday to demand justice for the rape and murder victim at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The protest, organized by the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), aims to seek justice for their colleague. Dr. Suvrankar Datta, FAIMA Vice President and AIIMS senior resident doctor, announced the peaceful protest, urging medical professionals to join. The event will take place on August 31, highlighting the medical community's solidarity and outrage over the heinous crime. The protest seeks swift action and justice for the victim.

A hidden camera discovered in a girls’ hostel washroom at Gudlavalleru College of Engineering in Andhra Pradesh has led to a massive student protest. The incident reportedly involved the circulation of over 300 videos among students. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an inquiry, and a final-year student has been detained. Despite the college administration's denial of any hidden cameras, students demand justice and increased security. Police are investigating, and Krishna District officials are monitoring the situation closely.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apologised for the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra. Speaking at the Vadhvan Port project event in Palghar, Modi expressed deep regret to the Maratha king's followers, stating, “I bow my head at his feet and apologise.” The statue, unveiled last year, fell on August 26, sparking widespread outrage. The Indian Navy and Maharashtra Public Works Department are investigating the incident, and a structural consultant has been arrested. Modi also condemned the opposition's criticism of Veer Savarkar, highlighting the government's commitment to upholding revered figures.

The family of a 31-year-old trainee doctor, raped and murdered in Kolkata, has reacted to leaked phone calls from RG Kar Medical College. The father stated they don't know how the calls, which show varying information about the victim’s condition, were leaked. The family criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her comments suggesting the family doesn't seek justice, calling them insensitive. The controversy around the leaked calls and Banerjee’s remarks has intensified protests demanding accountability and justice for the victim.

Actress Sandra Thomas has submitted a four-page letter with 15 recommendations to the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA) demanding improved workplace safety for women in the Malayalam film industry. The letter highlights issues like harassment, inadequate facilities, and gender imbalance in leadership roles. Thomas, who faced industry obstacles for her film Little Hearts, detailed recommendations including better washroom facilities, fair salaries, and a ban on intoxicants on set. Her letter follows the Hema Committee Report, which exposed industry issues but lacked action. The move aims to address systemic abuse and ensure safer working conditions for women.

Protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College continue in Kolkata, with the BJP’s women’s wing staging a demonstration on August 30, 2024. Leaders, including Locket Chatterjee and Agnimitra Paul, demanded the resignation of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and accused the State Women’s Commission of inaction. Mamata Banerjee, in response, wrote to PM Modi, urging stricter Central legislation for heinous crimes like rape and murder. Kolkata remains on edge as political parties and civil society groups organize more rallies and demonstrations.

Delhi court has ordered charges to be framed against former Congress MP Jagdish Tytler in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Rouse Avenue Court found sufficient grounds to proceed with charges of murder, rioting, and abetment under various IPC sections. The case relates to the killings of Sikhs in Delhi's Pul Bangash area. This development marks a significant step forward in the long-pending case. Tytler has been accused of orchestrating the violence that led to the deaths of several Sikhs. The court's order brings hope for justice to the victims' families after nearly four decades.