A protest by government job aspirants in Jharkhand has evolved into a broader movement demanding reforms in recruitment, education and examination processes. At Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, several protesters, including 30-year-old Brahmanand Kumar Mahato from Ramgarh, have been on a hunger strike for four days, with doctors monitoring their health. Mahato, a father, says he cannot return home without securing justice for thousands of unemployed youth, despite his young daughter asking him to come back. Protesters allege repeated delays, irregularities and lack of transparency in recruitment have pushed many aspirants into prolonged uncertainty, turning the agitation into a wider campaign for systemic change.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that the Centre breached a mutual understanding by releasing photographs of him ending his 26-day hunger strike after a meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Speaking to India Today TV, Wangchuk claimed it had been agreed that no images would be made public until Opposition leaders and student representatives were also associated with the announcement. He said the incident left him disillusioned with political leaders across party lines and questioned the government's handling of the engagement. The remarks come amid continuing discussions over Ladakh-related demands and Wangchuk's campaign for constitutional safeguards and greater protections for the region. (PC: India Today)

17 people, including four crew members, were injured after severe turbulence hit an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi. Passengers said the aircraft shook violently, throwing people into the air and damaging overhead luggage compartments. An air hostess repeatedly shouted, "Fasten your seatbelts," as panic spread inside the cabin. One passenger said it felt like "a rebirth" after the plane landed safely. Seven passengers were admitted to a hospital in Delhi for treatment. Air India said the flight landed safely. Passengers praised the crew and called for a detailed investigation into the incident.

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk said, "Don't make me a mascot," as he ruled out becoming the face of student protests over alleged exam irregularities. In an interview with India Today, he said young people should become "their own heroes" in their communities. Wangchuk supported peaceful protests, calling them important for democracy. However, he added, "I do not approve abusive language at all," while urging governments to understand students' frustration instead of punishing them. He also backed the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remaining apolitical. Wangchuk said he is recovering after ending his 26-day hunger strike in Ladakh.

Political parties in Jammu & Kashmir marked the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 with street protests across the Union Territory, amid heightened security. Workers of the ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held demonstrations, demanding restoration of the region's special constitutional status. Police intervened to stop protest marches in parts of Srinagar. Separately, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the August 5, 2019 decision as a "historic turning point" and distributed government appointment letters to family members of terror victims. The contrasting events reflected the continuing political divide over the abrogation and its impact on Jammu & Kashmir's governance and future. (PC: Imran Nissar)

India is well placed to benefit from artificial intelligence (AI), with fewer jobs at risk of automation than in richer countries, according to the World Bank's World Development Report 2026. The report says only 4.5% of jobs in low- and middle-income countries face automation risks, compared with 14.2% in high-income economies. Instead, AI is expected to improve productivity across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and public services. The World Bank urged developing nations to strengthen electricity, internet access, digital skills and institutions while adopting affordable AI tools tailored to local languages and community needs.

The Centre raised concerns over the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook video and the presence of child sexual abuse material on Meta platforms during a 45-minute meeting with senior company officials. Government representatives said social media platforms must follow Indian laws while protecting user safety. Meta explained that the removal of the Prime Minister's video was caused by a technical error and said it has strong content moderation and fact-checking systems. The meeting also reviewed compliance with government rules and platform safety. Another round of discussions between the government and Meta officials is scheduled for Thursday. (PC: India Today)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured the deportation of Vishakha Rathod from the United Arab Emirates in connection with an alleged ₹88 crore investment fraud case. She is accused of misleading investors by promising fixed monthly returns and diverting the money through multiple bank and demat accounts. A Red Notice was issued against her through Interpol. Rathod arrived in Pune on August 3 and was taken into custody by Maharashtra Police. Her husband, Avinash Rathod, who is alleged to be the mastermind of the fraud, was extradited from the UAE to India in July. The investigation is ongoing. (PC: NDTV)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said the youth-led platform will continue to work as a pressure group and has no plans to enter politics. Speaking before the group's core committee meeting in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dipke said CJP will now focus on issues such as the E20 fuel policy, rising unemployment and student protests in Jharkhand over alleged exam irregularities. He said the organisation wants to improve accountability in public institutions through peaceful public action. CJP also said it will support protesting students, seek withdrawal of FIRs against protesters and continue working under the guidance of Sonam Wangchuk. (PC: HT)

Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto drank water on the 3rd day of his indefinite hunger strike after activist Sonam Wangchuk urged him to do so during a video call. Wangchuk expressed concern about Mahto's health and asked him to stay hydrated while continuing the protest. Mahto said taking water did not mean he had ended his fast. "I will not consume food until the government fulfills our demands. I have only taken water," he said. The protest is over alleged irregularities in JPSC, JSSC CGL and other recruitment exams. The protesters want exam reforms and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities. (PC: India Today)