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.

The BJP has rejected allegations by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) that its workers attacked party members during a government-school inspection in Jaipur’s Rampura Kanwarpura village. CJP leaders, including Ashutosh Ranka and founder Abhijeet Dipke, alleged that volunteers were assaulted, stones were thrown, vehicles damaged and a volunteer injured while visiting the school under their “School Thik Karo” campaign. BJP leaders denied involvement and accused Congress-linked elements of using the CJP to create unrest. Rajasthan ministers called the CJP an “anarchic” group. The allegations have not been independently verified, while villagers also denied involvement in the reported attack. (PC: PTI)

Retail sugar prices in Kolkata have climbed to ₹70 per kg ahead of the festive season, rising ₹20 over the past month. Traders reported a sharp 10% increase during the last four to five days, while jaggery, batasa and nakuldana have also become more expensive. The Centre has allowed sugar mills to import one million tonnes of raw sugar and reduced stockholding limits for bulk consumers to 15 days. Traders cite tight supplies, increased festive demand, ethanol diversion and lower Brazilian production among the factors driving prices. Sweet manufacturers warn that continued increases could push up the cost of traditional sweets. (PC: Shutterstock)

India has directed Google to shut down hundreds of accounts on its Firebase platform after authorities detected criminals using the service for online fraud. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) ordered the removal of at least 57 Firebase-hosted websites and databases in August, citing malware distribution and theft of sensitive financial data. Some phishing pages impersonated major banks, including SBI, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank. Scammers also allegedly used fake PM-KISAN apps to trick users into installing malware capable of accessing phones and stealing information. Google said it maintains strict anti-abuse policies and cooperates with law enforcement. (PC: Reuters)

A 26-year-old woman, Bharati Mukhi, was killed after an Aston Martin allegedly driven at high speed by Lingamaneni Sanjush, son of Jana Sena Party Rajya Sabha MP Lingamaneni Ramesh, struck her near Inorbit Mall in Hyderabad’s Madhapur on August 16. Mukhi, a mall saleswoman, was crossing the road after returning from lunch when the collision occurred. She suffered severe head injuries and was taken to hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Madhapur police registered a case against Sanjush under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing death by negligence. Police have issued him a notice, and the investigation continues. (PC: News18)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener Ashutosh Ranka and party volunteers were allegedly assaulted on Friday while travelling to inspect a government school in Rampura Kanwarpura village, Jaipur’s Bagru constituency. Ranka claimed that a group of people attacked the team, leaving one volunteer with a fractured arm. He alleged that BJP workers were behind the incident, though Hindustan Times could not independently verify the claim, and a BJP response was awaited. The visit was part of CJP’s campaign to highlight poor government-school infrastructure. The incident follows Rajasthan’s recent restrictions on unauthorised outsider entry, photography and videography inside government schools. 

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that authorities brought students from another school to a Zilla Parishad primary school in Latur’s Ausa during his inspection on August 20. As part of the “School Thik Karo” campaign, Dipke claimed some children admitted their school bags were at their actual schools, suggesting they were not enrolled at the institution. He also alleged that newly supplied steel plates were arranged before his visit and raised concerns over inadequate drinking water, damaged walls and sanitation. Dipke further claimed liquor bottles were found on the premises. The allegations have not been independently established. 

Former ISRO chairman S. Somanath has been appointed as a part-time, non-official director on the Reserve Bank of India’s Central Board for four years, effective August 20, 2026. Somanath, who retired from ISRO in January 2025, brings extensive experience in aerospace engineering and India’s space programmes to the RBI’s governing board. Meanwhile, the government has reappointed Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra as a part-time, non-official director for another four-year term from the same date. The appointments add expertise from science, technology and industry to the RBI Central Board, which oversees the central bank’s general affairs and management. (PC: PTI)

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant, identified as Suraj Subhash Shinde, was found dead at his home in Khandala, Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. According to preliminary information, he was under intense stress related to his studies and future. Suraj had been preparing for the highly competitive NEET medical entrance examination from a room at his home. Before his death, he reportedly left an emotional note apologising to his parents and expressing hope that he would become a doctor in his next life. The incident has renewed concerns about the severe academic and emotional pressure faced by medical aspirants in India. (PC: NDTV)

The Andaman and Nicobar administration has withdrawn its Expression of Interest (EoI) for developing a private sector-led “green” artificial intelligence or data centre in Great Nicobar or Little Andaman. The EoI, issued on August 10, invited companies to assess the feasibility of such facilities, including infrastructure, technology and private-sector participation. However, an August 14 notice stated that the proposal was withdrawn with immediate effect due to “administrative reasons.” The decision comes amid wider scrutiny of development plans in the ecologically sensitive islands, particularly the proposed Great Nicobar infrastructure project. The administration has not provided further details about the reasons for withdrawal.