The Supreme Court on Friday quashed all FIRs against comedian Samay Raina and four others over alleged insensitive remarks concerning persons with disabilities on India’s Got Latent. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that the accused had complied with earlier directions to conduct awareness programmes and raise funds for people with disabilities. The Court had previously imposed ₹3 lakh costs after finding non-compliance with its directions. The latest order brings the criminal proceedings covered by the case to an end, providing significant legal relief to Raina and the other comedians involved in the controversy. (PC: PTI)

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has said he will not allow attempts to disturb Punjab’s peace following a kirpan attack on him at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Badal was attacked on August 13 while visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Deva Ji. Security personnel intervened, and he suffered an injury to his hand. The accused, identified as Nihang Sikh Jaspal Singh, was arrested, while police continue investigating the motive. Badal, after receiving medical treatment, said he was not afraid and suggested the incident was intended to create unrest in Punjab. Authorities are examining security lapses and the circumstances surrounding the attack. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on August 14 criticised the Bar Council of India (BCI) for its now-withdrawn order blocking enrolment of NALSAR University’s 2026 graduates as advocates. Chief Justice Surya Kant called the action “absolutely uncalled for,” saying students have the right to protest even if their views are wrong. The controversy began after NALSAR students opposed inviting CJI Kant to their convocation, citing concerns over his remarks during a case involving alleged police action against protesters. The Supreme Court directed that no punitive action be taken against students or faculty and sought BCI’s response. BCI has since closed proceedings against the batch. (PC: PTI)

India’s bank deposits grew 15.4% year-on-year by the end of July 2026, marking their fastest expansion in nearly a decade. The surge was driven largely by strong inflows from non-resident Indians, who deposited around $37 billion through foreign-currency accounts after the Reserve Bank of India introduced measures to attract overseas funds. Total inflows under these schemes reached nearly $41 billion by July 31. Meanwhile, bank credit growth also accelerated, reaching 19.4%, supported by stronger corporate demand and lending to micro, small and medium enterprises. The developments indicate improving liquidity and stronger financial activity across India’s banking sector. 

An Air India A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude after all three hydraulic systems reportedly failed simultaneously. Preliminary Airbus analysis of the aircraft’s flight-data recorder found that key flight controls, including the elevators and ailerons, became unresponsive for around four seconds, while spoilers were also affected. The first officer’s control inputs initially produced no response before the systems recovered and the aircraft stabilised. The incident injured 24 people. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating with support from Airbus and France’s BEA. The exact cause remains undetermined. (PC: News18)

A second-year Mechanical Engineering student at IIT Kharagpur, identified as Ankit Sharma from Rajasthan, died after reportedly falling from the fourth floor of the Nalanda building on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3 p.m., when security guards found him seriously injured and rushed him for medical treatment. Doctors declared him brought dead. Police have launched an investigation to determine how the student fell, including whether it was an accident or a deliberate act. The circumstances remain unclear. IIT Kharagpur authorities have not yet issued an official comment on the incident. (PC: NDTV)

A food-safety inspection at a private hospital in Bengaluru has uncovered expired ingredients and unhygienic food-storage practices, raising concerns about patient safety. Officials found expired rava, icing sugar, maida, bakery products, mixture and packets of paani puri in the kitchen. Stale bread, plastic chopping boards and large quantities of other food items were also recovered, including methi leaves, fried gram, green peas and moong dal. The inspection was conducted by Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration under a city-wide enforcement drive. Authorities warned food businesses to comply with food-safety laws and said strict action would follow violations. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on August 13 strongly criticised the Centre and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for delaying a decision on front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats. A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran stressed that public health, particularly children’s health, should take priority over commercial interests. The Court questioned the government’s reluctance to introduce clearer warnings and indicated it could issue binding directions if authorities failed to act. FSSAI has instead proposed nutritional tables showing recommended daily intake levels for key nutrients. (PC: The Hindu)

Scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for what he describes as India’s “second Independence movement”, seeking peaceful reforms in the country’s political system. In a post on X, Wangchuk urged citizens to identify and support “selfless” and “fearless” leaders with integrity and substance. He raised concerns over the criminal cases faced by many elected representatives, arguing that this contributes to a growing public trust deficit. Wangchuk said India needs a peaceful revolution in the way political leaders are selected if it wants to remain a respected nation by 2047. He also encouraged wider public participation in developing reform ideas. (PC: PTI)

India’s Defence Ministry has issued a major tender worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore to acquire 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The programme aims to modernise the IAF’s ageing transport fleet, particularly replacing its Soviet-era An-32 aircraft. The procurement is expected to strengthen India’s strategic airlift, logistics and operational capabilities. Major global manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin and Brazil’s Embraer, are expected to compete, with Indian companies likely playing a key role in the programme. The initiative also supports domestic defence manufacturing through local production and technology partnerships, reflecting India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence. (PC: ANI)