White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a “very good working relationship” and will resolve differences over potential tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases. His remarks came as the Lindsey Graham Russia Sanctions Bill threatens tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian crude and natural gas, including India and China. The bill passed the US Senate 86-11 but still needs approval from the House of Representatives. Navarro also criticised India’s response to his earlier comments on Russian oil, saying he faced strong online backlash from Indians. (PC: X)

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the Centre to abolish NEET for undergraduate medical admissions. Moved by Health Minister KG Arunraj, the resolution argued that the exam places rural, economically disadvantaged and Tamil-medium students at a disadvantage by increasing dependence on costly coaching centres. It also cited alleged paper leaks, examination irregularities and student distress as reasons for ending the system. The ruling TVK, Congress, DMK, AIADMK and other parties supported the resolution, while the lone BJP MLA walked out. The state has proposed using Class 12 marks for medical admissions instead of NEET. (PC: HT)

Union Minister JP Nadda on Monday denied claims that police opened fire at protesting students at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of misleading people and disrupting Parliament. Nadda said the firing claim was false and called for a proper discussion on the issue. He said Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to answer questions from the Opposition. Nadda also alleged that Congress was avoiding discussions on issues such as electoral roll revision and inflation. He accused Rahul Gandhi of changing his demands and creating confrontation. Nadda also questioned Congress’ response to student protests in Jharkhand and alleged double standards. (PC: PTI)

The article reports that the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has formed a 12-member leadership team to steer its movement for the next six months. The team was announced after a two-day meeting in Sambhaji Nagar, shortly after the organisation ended its 36-day Jantar Mantar protest following acceptance of its key demands. CJP says it will remain a youth-focused organisation rather than become a formal political party. Founder Abhijeet Dipke has been named national convener, while Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das are co-conveners. The team includes professionals from journalism, engineering, law, accountancy, entrepreneurship, hotel management, public policy, finance and technology.

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the use of force against protesting students in Jharkhand, calling for dialogue to resolve their grievances. His remarks came as thousands of JPSC-JSSC aspirants marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Police used water cannons, tear gas and lathi-charge after protesters breached barricades, with several protesters claiming injuries. Gandhi said students have a right to peaceful protest and urged the Jharkhand government to continue hearing them out and resolve their issues immediately. The students’ agitation has continued for weeks, with protesters demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

The Supreme Court on August 10 allowed Trinamool Congress MP and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for three weeks in September for eye treatment. The court emphasized that individuals have the right to travel overseas and choose their medical treatment. Banerjee must provide details including his travel itinerary, flights, accommodation, doctors and hospital. The decision came after the Calcutta High Court had denied his request, observing that similar medical treatment was available in India. Banerjee, who has faced a police case over alleged intimidatory statements during the 2026 West Bengal election campaign, had sought permission for specialised treatment. 

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution requiring the state song, Tamil Thai Vazthu, to be sung first at government and educational events. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who moved the resolution, said Tamil represents the state’s linguistic and cultural identity and must receive priority. The move challenges a Union Home Ministry directive asking states to play Vande Mataram before the national anthem at official events. Both the DMK and AIADMK supported the resolution. Tamil Thai Vazthu became mandatory at government events in 1970 and was formally recognised as Tamil Nadu’s state song in 2021. (PC: X)

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured protesting students that the government will investigate alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and take strict action against those found guilty. The students’ agitation in Ranchi entered its 16th day on Sunday. Soren urged the protesters to hold talks and warned political groups against influencing the movement. Meanwhile, the health of student leader Devendra Nath Mahto deteriorated during his hunger strike after his blood glucose level fell to 53. Six protesters are on hunger strike. Students have demanded action over alleged exam irregularities, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and independent probes into recruitment exams. (PC: X)

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s convoy was attacked by protesters in Halishahar on Saturday while she was travelling to meet the family of TMC worker Birju Keot, who died after falling ill in police custody. Protesters surrounded her vehicle, smeared it with mud and allegedly threw stones, water bottles and footwear at the convoy. Banerjee alleged that large stones were hurled at her car in front of police personnel and claimed the attack could have caused serious injuries. The BJP condemned the incident and denied involvement. The protest followed allegations of custodial torture by Keot’s family, while police said he died of a heart attack. (PC: India Today)

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has spoken about his resignation following protests over alleged NEET irregularities, saying some people tried to “mislead” Gen Z. Addressing students and teachers in Odisha, Pradhan said he had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and offered to resign, while seeking permission to acknowledge the aspirations of young people. He said the Prime Minister agreed and later addressed the issue himself. Pradhan maintained that the ministerial post was not important to him and said young Indians have major aspirations. His remarks came amid continuing political debate over the handling of student protests and the NEET controversy. (PC: Mint)