Thousands gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday under the banner of Reservation Reform Andolan, opposing the University Grants Commission’s equity regulations and seeking reforms in the caste-based reservation system. The protesters, primarily from unreserved and upper-caste groups, described the gathering as a peaceful demonstration and a show of strength. The mobilisation took place amid confusion over Delhi Police permission and heavy security, with Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force deployed at the site. As the protest continued, police and RAF personnel moved in and detained several protesters. Those gathered said they would leave only after submitting a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There was no official estimate of the crowd, though protesters claimed thousands attended.

Delhi Police on Friday registered an FIR over alleged pellet injuries suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab during the July 20 CJP-led protest, hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a nearly six-hour dharna outside Parliament Street Police Station.   The FIR was filed under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, though no individual has been named as an accused. Gandhi alleged that Lochab had three pellets lodged in his eye and around 200 in his body. After the FIR was registered, Gandhi called it the “first step towards justice” and alleged that pressure from higher authorities had delayed the case. (PC: X)

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the food licences of several prominent South Mumbai establishments, including the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, a McDonald’s outlet in Colaba, Status Restaurant and Khar Gymkhana, following surprise inspections. At the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, officials found active fly infestations, a dead cockroach, open pest traps and poor food storage practices. Food and utensils were reportedly kept on the floor, while chemicals were stored near food items. The Colaba McDonald’s outlet allegedly failed 18 of 20 food safety checks and submitted falsified compliance reports. All establishments have been ordered to halt food operations until full compliance is verified. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai Police have approached the Ministry of Home Affairs to serve proclamation orders through Interpol on six absconding accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, including Lashkar-e-Taiba founders Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. The move could pave the way for their trial in absentia under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Other accused include Sajid Mir, Abu Alqama, Asim alias Abu Qahafa and Major Abdur Rehman Pasha. The 2008 Mumbai attacks killed 166 people. A special court will hear the matter again on September 14. (PC: HT)

Thousands of protesters gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday, opposing the University Grants Commission’s equity regulations and demanding reforms to India’s caste-based reservation system. The protest, organised by the Reservation Reform Andolan and led by NEET aspirant Harsh Dubey, drew support from several groups. Protesters demanded that reservation benefits be linked to economic need and raised concerns over the alleged misuse of the SC/ST Act. The demonstration was held amid confusion over police permission and venue arrangements. Dubey said protesters would leave only after submitting a memorandum outlining their demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PC: India Today)

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged serious irregularities at a government school in Maharashtra’s Latur district during his “School Theek Karo” campaign. Dipke claimed students from other schools were brought in during his visit and liquor bottles were found on the premises. He also alleged poor drinking water and toilet facilities. However, school principal Balaji Gawali rejected the allegations, saying Marathi- and Urdu-medium schools operate from the same building and all children present were enrolled students. Dipke has demanded School Education Minister Dada Bhuse’s resignation and action against local education officials.

India’s space programme is set for a major shift, with ISRO gradually moving away from manufacturing launch vehicles and routine satellites. IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka said production and related technologies will increasingly be transferred to private companies and PSUs, allowing ISRO to focus on research, scientific missions and advanced space infrastructure. The SSLV technology has already been transferred to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The PSLV and LVM3 could also move towards private-sector production. Goenka said ISRO has already transferred 120 technologies to industry as India aims to expand its space economy from about $8 billion to $44 billion by 2033. (PC: India Today)

Delhi Police on Friday registered an FIR after a student alleged that he suffered pellet gun injuries during the July 20 Jantar Mantar protest. The action came after Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi staged a more than six-hour dharna at Parliament Street Police Station, demanding that the student's complaint be registered. Gandhi ended his protest after the FIR was filed. The Congress had alleged that police initially refused to act despite a written complaint. The pellet gun issue has triggered demands for an independent probe. The Supreme Court has also formed a five-member committee to examine allegations of police excesses during the protest.

India’s rocket launch costs are more than four times higher than those of the United States, a new study has found. The study estimates that sending one kilogram of payload into low Earth orbit cost about $13,302 in India in 2025. In the US, the cost was around $3,225. Researchers studied more than 6,740 rocket launches from 1960 to 2025. They found that launch costs fall as countries gain more experience. The US has seen faster cost reductions due to its larger launch scale. Experts say India needs more launches, stronger technology and greater private-sector participation to cut costs.

The ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’ protest drew a large crowd at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on August 21, even though Delhi Police had permitted a gathering of up to 500 people at Ramlila Maidan until 4 pm. Protesters remained at Jantar Mantar after the permitted time, prompting heightened security. The movement is demanding major changes to the caste-based reservation system, merit-based admissions and jobs, and the rollback of certain UGC rules. Organisers also criticised the last-minute change of the protest venue, claiming it was an attempt to limit participation.