Police detained 110 ABVP workers in Ranchi on Tuesday as protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations intensified. The protesters were marching towards the Jharkhand Assembly when clashes broke out, with some activists seen climbing onto police vehicles. The action came a day after police used water cannons and tear gas against thousands of JPSC-JSSC job aspirants during a march. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process. The Jharkhand government said it supports peaceful protests, while accusing the BJP of politicising the students’ movement. (PC: HT)

Indian physicist Deepak Dhar has been named a winner of the 2026 Dirac Medal for his major contributions to statistical mechanics. Dhar, 75, shares the prestigious award with Bernard Derrida, Marc Mézard and Haim Sompolinsky. His research on the mathematical “sandpile model” has helped scientists understand unpredictable behaviour in systems such as earthquakes, avalanches and traffic jams. Dhar is an INSA Distinguished Professor at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, TIFR, in Bengaluru. A graduate of Allahabad University and IIT Kanpur, he earned his PhD from Caltech before returning to India. He received the Padma Bhushan in 2023. (PC: The Print)

BJP workers blocked roads and burned tyres in Ranchi on Tuesday as the party enforced a statewide bandh over police action against student protesters marching to the Jharkhand Assembly. Protesters were detained at several locations, while traffic was disrupted in Ranchi and parts of Ramgarh. The bandh followed Monday’s clashes, when police used water cannons, tear gas and batons to disperse job aspirants demanding reforms and an independent probe into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Students said their movement was non-political and demanded talks with Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Schools and businesses remained largely closed, while essential services were exempted. (PC: India Today)

Gujarat Police seized a large consignment of explosives from a Bolero on the Rajkot-Gondal Highway, days before Independence Day. The Rajkot Crime Branch recovered 12,000 gelatin sticks weighing 1,500 kg, 4,000 detonators and 30 bundles of blasting wire. The material was being transported without the required licence or documents, police said. The vehicle’s driver, identified as Dola Mir, was arrested. During questioning, he allegedly named a supplier and a person who was supposed to receive the explosives. Both are currently absconding. Police said the explosives were allegedly meant for mining work. The Crime Branch is investigating their source and intended use.

Ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged village leaders and parents to improve government schools. He questioned why major government buildings have been developed while many rural schools still lack basic facilities. Dipke highlighted problems such as poor toilets, drinking water, electricity and long travel distances. He said he would approach the village head in Hingoli to seek improvements. He also urged parents to conduct a “social audit” of schools and report missing facilities. Dipke proposed recognising village heads who improve schools through social media. He said better schools are needed to give rural children equal opportunities. (PC: PTI)

JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto was hospitalised on Monday after his health worsened during a protest over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams. Mahto had been on a nine-day hunger strike. Doctors said his blood sugar level dropped sharply and described his condition as critical. He was taken to Ranchi Sadar Hospital for treatment. The protest march near the Jharkhand Assembly turned tense after demonstrators breached barricades. Police used water cannons, tear gas and batons to control the crowd. Several protesters and four policemen were injured. Protesters are demanding reforms in JPSC and JSSC and cancellation of several recruitment exams. (PC: PTI)

Jharkhand CID on Monday arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, amid an ongoing student protest in Ranchi. Khiangte, who resigned on July 22, had been summoned for questioning on August 5. The arrest came a day after the state government accepted most student demands, including a judicial inquiry headed by a retired judge. The government said the Enforcement Directorate would probe if financial irregularities were found, but students continued demanding a CBI investigation. Meanwhile, the ED has begun a money-laundering probe into alleged irregularities, including the JSSC-CGL examination, based on an FIR filed by the CID. Thousands protesting outside the Assembly faced police lathicharge and tear gas. (PC: The Statesman)

The pilot of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight reported multiple technical failures after the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet during severe turbulence on August 4. Sources said all three hydraulic systems and flight controls disconnected at the same time. The autopilot also switched off, while warnings showed a risk of altitude loss. The pilot took manual control and stabilised the aircraft without automated assistance. The flight faced four to five minutes of strong turbulence. At least 17 people, including four crew members, were injured. Some suffered neck and spinal injuries. Air India has reportedly contacted Airbus over the technical problems.

A man posing as an IAS officer and claiming to be National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s undercover agent has been arrested in Bihar, police said. Manish Gupta was arrested from his home in Khagaria. Police seized a Tesla with a “Government of India” board, a Tata Safari, phones, bank cards and cheque-books. They also found over 31 litres of imported liquor and suspected wildlife trophies. Police said Gupta used fake government identities to cheat people in Bihar. His claims of working with Doval and the Central Vigilance Commission were found to be false. Officials are now investigating his assets and alleged fraud. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Jharkhand government over police action against protesting students in Ranchi, saying the use of force against them was unacceptable. The remarks came after security personnel used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse students marching towards the state Assembly. The protesters have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and greater transparency in the selection process. Gandhi said students raising legitimate concerns should be heard rather than subjected to force. The crackdown has intensified political pressure on the Hemant Soren government, while the student agitation continues over examination-related demands and alleged recruitment irregularities. (PC: X)