India’s Census 2027 will introduce 11 additional questions, taking the population-enumeration questionnaire to 40, the highest ever. For the first time since Independence, the nationwide Census will record citizens’ caste based on their own declaration, without a pre-set list. New questions will also seek mobile, Aadhaar and Voter ID details, passport and driving-licence status, Covid-19 vaccination information and the number of bank accounts. The exercise will be conducted digitally through a dedicated mobile app, while self-enumeration will be available online. Population enumeration begins early in snowbound regions from September, while the rest of India will be counted in February 2027. The Census, delayed from 2021 due to Covid-19, has a ₹11,718-crore budget. (PC: HT)

India Post on Friday delivered the National Flag by drone from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh for the first time, on the eve of Independence Day. The initiative, virtually carried out by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, showcased how drone technology can overcome geographical barriers and strengthen last-mile connectivity. The drone took off from Mandi Head Post Office and landed at Rehardhar Branch Post Office, where postal officials handed the Tiranga to an army veteran. The initiative supports the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and reflects India Post’s efforts to use emerging technology for public services in remote areas. The Department of Posts plans drone-based mail transmission across 150 identified routes in Himachal Pradesh and Assam. (PC: X)

President Droupadi Murmu, addressing the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, called making India Naxal-free a major achievement, saying it has enabled all-inclusive development in affected regions. She said India is progressing towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 and stressed that development benefits must reach everyone. Reflecting on Operation Sindoor, Murmu praised the armed forces’ valour and precision, warning terrorists and their supporters that they would be punished. She also backed suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, calling it a decisive step in national and farmers’ interests. Amid concerns over paper leaks and student suicides, she said comprehensive examination reforms were underway. Separately, she approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honours, for defence and CAPF personnel.

3 workers remain missing inside a tunnel in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, after a sudden rush of water and debris trapped workers on Thursday. Rescue teams are facing difficulties due to continuous rain and rising water levels inside the tunnel. A total of 22 people were working at the site when the incident occurred around 1.8 km inside the tunnel. Rescuers brought out 19 workers, but seven later died in hospital. Twelve others were injured and are receiving treatment. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies are using machines to remove debris and pump out water while searching for the missing workers.

4 people died after inhaling toxic gas inside a well in Gaya district of Bihar, officials said. The incident took place in Garh Karmauni village under Dobhi police station on Friday. The victims were identified as Chamari Manjhi, his son Dilchand Manjhi, Vikas Chaudhary and Vijay Chaudhary. Senior Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said the four reportedly inhaled poisonous gas while inside the well. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths. He ordered officials to provide ₹4 lakh each to the families of the victims. Authorities also promised to provide all possible help to the affected families.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on Friday on the eve of Independence Day. She said India is moving towards building a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. Murmu stressed that the benefits of development should reach every citizen. She said India is moving ahead on the path of becoming a modern nation. Her address came a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. India will mark its 80th year of Independence on August 15. The President’s address focused on India’s development and the need to ensure that progress reaches people across the country.

A woman passenger allegedly damaged airport property worth ₹49,000 at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport on August 13. The incident happened after an IndiGo flight to Kolkata was cancelled due to a technical problem. The passenger, identified as Mamoni Kharat, allegedly created a scene in the departure lounge. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) said she damaged a monitor, keyboard and passport-swiping machine. The incident took place around 6 pm in the presence of CISF, IndiGo and AAI officials. Police have registered an FIR against her. Airport authorities have asked police to take action and recover the cost of the damaged equipment.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected Opposition allegations that excessive force, including pellet guns, was used against students during the July 20 NEET paper-leak protest in Delhi. Rijiju said there were no widespread injuries and defended the police response to the large Parliament march. However, India Today reported that a 25-year-old protester suffered around 20 pellet wounds, while another sustained a serious eye injury. Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns. Rijiju said petitions concerning the alleged use of pellets are pending before the Supreme Court and that the matter should be examined judicially. (PC: India Today)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has proposed reducing the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve from the default 10 km to 1 km. The state plans to submit the proposal to the Centre within two months, arguing that the existing buffer restricts development projects and civic infrastructure around Bokakhat. The proposal has triggered concern among conservationists, who warn that a smaller buffer could threaten wildlife corridors and habitats used by elephants, rhinos, tigers and other animals, particularly during annual floods. The existing 10-km protection will remain until any new site-specific ESZ is formally notified. (PC: X)

The student-led protest in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations entered its 21st day on August 14. Demonstrators under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch are demanding greater transparency, cancellation of disputed examinations and an independent investigation. The agitation intensified after clashes during a march towards the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10, when police used tear gas, water cannons and batons. Protesters are now planning a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ranchi on August 15, Independence Day, to strengthen their campaign. The movement continues despite government assurances and partial concessions, with students warning that they will intensify the agitation until their demands are addressed. (PC: PTI)