The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir was temporarily suspended on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall and safety concerns. Earlier, helicopter and battery car services had been stopped, but the yatra was later halted fully. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the region as rivers crossed danger levels, flooding low-lying areas. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was also suspended after landslides. Chief minister Omar Abdullah called the situation “serious” and directed officials to stay on high alert. People were advised to avoid water bodies and landslide-prone areas. (PC: X)

India’s Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into Vantara—a wildlife rescue park in Jamnagar run by Reliance Foundation—following Public Interest Litigations over the transfer of the elephant Mahadevi. The allegations include irregular animal acquisition, mistreatment, and financial compliance issues, although no concrete evidence has been presented. The SIT, led by retired Justice J. Chelameswar and including former high court justices and law enforcement officials, must submit its report by September 12, 2025, with a hearing set for September 15. Vantara has affirmed its commitment to transparency, animal welfare, and full cooperation with the investigation. (PC: Mint)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV, the eVitara, from Hansalpur, Gujarat. He said EVs made in India will now be exported to more than 100 countries. Modi praised Suzuki Japan for choosing India as a hub for EV production, calling it proof of global confidence in India. He also announced the start of hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing in Gujarat, a big step towards self-reliance. Modi linked the plant’s 13-year journey to “teenage years,” saying it was now ready to spread wings. Suzuki plans to invest ₹70,000 crore in India in coming years. (PC: HT)

Delhi Metro fares have gone up for the first time in eight years. From August 25, passengers will pay Rs 1 to Rs 4 more on most routes, while the Airport Express Line fares rise by up to Rs 5. Short trips up to 2 km will now cost Rs 11, while the longest ride above 32 km is Rs 64. Popular routes like Huda City Centre to Connaught Place will cost Rs 54, and Noida City Centre to CP is now Rs 43. Smart card users get a 10% discount, plus extra savings during off-peak hours. (PC: News18)

In the tragic case of Nikki Bhati's dowry death in Greater Noida, her husband, Vipin Bhati, was found to have been involved in an extramarital affair. Nikki reportedly caught him with his lover, leading to a confrontation. Subsequently, Vipin allegedly assaulted his lover. The situation escalated, culminating in Nikki's death, which is suspected to be a result of dowry-related violence. In a separate incident, Vipin attempted to escape police custody but was shot in the leg during the attempt. He later denied responsibility for his wife's death, claiming she died on her own. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by former Justice J. Chelameswar, to probe the operations of Vantara, the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre run by Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The inquiry, to be completed by September 12, will examine allegations of illegal animal procurement—especially elephants—from India and abroad, adherence to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and zoo rules. It will also assess compliance with CITES, animal welfare standards, environmental concerns, financial irregularities, and more, following PILs prompted by the transfer of an elephant from a Kolhapur temple. 

Ram G Vallath, an IIT alumnus and growth coach, has sounded the alarm on India’s healthcare meltdown, warning that each year, 39 million Indians are plunged into deep poverty by catastrophic medical expenses . He attributes this crisis to underfunded public hospitals, prompting patients to seek expensive private care. Compounding the problem, global private equity firms are profiting, with hospitals and even doctors facing steep revenue targets that drive unnecessary tests and procedures . Vallath calls for significantly increased government investment and stringent regulation of private healthcare to protect vulnerable patients and uphold the nation’s true freedom. 

Scientists from Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur, have uncovered India’s first phytosaur fossil in Megha village near Jaisalmer, dating back approximately 200 million years to the Jurassic era—making it a landmark paleontological find. The nearly 1.5–2 metre-long crocodile-like reptile skeleton, discovered along with a fossil egg, sheds light on the region’s prehistoric aquatic ecosystems . Led by Prof. V. S. Parihar and supported by geologist Dr. Narayan Das Inakhiya, the excavation positions Jaisalmer as a vital Jurassic-era fossil hotspot in India, with implications for both scientific research and geotourism.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that any voter whose name is deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls is entitled to a mandatory hearing before removal. This assurance addresses concerns about procedural fairness following the removal of approximately 65 lakh names. The ECI emphasized that no name will be omitted without prior notice and a reasoned order, ensuring due process. The Supreme Court had also directed ECI to publish deleted names and reasons and allow affected persons to submit claims using Aadhaar or other approved documents. (PC: The Hindu)

Fresh details have emerged in the shocking dowry murder of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida. Her husband, Vipin Bhati, who set her ablaze on August 21, has shown no remorse, telling police that “husband-wife fights are normal.” Disturbing videos recorded by Nikki’s sister show him pouring liquid and Nikki engulfed in flames. Police have arrested Vipin, his parents, and his brother in connection with the crime. Investigators revealed years of dowry harassment and abuse, despite expensive gifts given earlier. Public anger is rising, with the “Justice for Nikki” campaign gaining traction across India as demands for strict punishment grow. (PC: HT)