The Supreme Court has formed a five-member High-Powered Expert Committee to investigate allegations of excessive force during protests over the NEET paper leak at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and other states. The panel will examine claims of harassment and molestation, particularly involving female protesters, and serious injuries caused during police action. The court ordered authorities to preserve CCTV, drone and body-camera footage, along with PCR call records. It also reiterated the release of detained minors, except those accused of serious crimes, and directed police to protect protesters’ personal information. (PC: NDTV)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has warned against using the term “Gen Z” as a threat, saying it could quickly erode public goodwill towards young people.   His remarks came after a video showed a young woman confronting police at a checkpoint near Minimarg in Ladakh. She reportedly complained about being stopped for hours and said, “We are Gen Z and we are not going to tolerate this.”   Reacting to the video, Abdullah compared the phrase to the attitude of saying, “Do you know who my father is?” The incident also drew criticism after the woman reportedly blocked an Army convoy. (PC: X)

Abhijeet Dipke has raised concerns over poor facilities at a government school in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district during his ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign. He highlighted filthy washrooms, missing water taps, broken windows and inadequate infrastructure, questioning how children can study in such conditions. Reports said Dipke’s campaign, launched on August 15, aims to draw attention to the lack of basic facilities in rural government schools and push authorities to improve them. He also alleged that students were being made to sweep classrooms despite the availability of cleaning staff. 

Nearly 600 tribal students left a government residential school in Maharashtra’s Amravati district after four girls began crying and laughing uncontrollably, triggering rumours of spirits and “possession”. A psychological assessment linked the episode to stress, fear, superstition and local beliefs rather than supernatural causes. The panic spread to other students and some villagers, prompting authorities to arrange counselling and involve anti-superstition activists. Officials also identified overcrowding in the girls’ hostel as a concern. A newly constructed separate hostel will accommodate all girl students, who are scheduled to move in from September 1. (PC: India Today)

A Rajdhani Express train halted in Assam’s Hojai district on August 19 to allow a herd of wild elephants to safely cross the railway tracks. The incident occurred near Hawaipur in the Lanka Range, where forest officials spotted the herd approaching as the Down Rajdhani Express neared the area. Immediate communication between forest personnel, the loco-pilot and Lumding Railway Control Room helped avert a potential disaster. The train stopped completely until the elephants crossed safely before resuming its journey. Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah praised the coordination and highlighted the efforts of frontline teams monitoring railway stretches through wildlife corridors. The incident underscores efforts to prevent elephant-train collisions and reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Sugar prices in India have reached record levels ahead of the festive season, prompting the government to consider imports and other measures to boost domestic supplies. Experts have linked the rise partly to the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production under India’s E20 fuel programme, along with lower productivity and tight supplies. Wholesale prices in key markets have surged, while retail prices have crossed Rs 60 per kg in some areas. The government is reportedly considering cutting import duty, imposing stock limits and reviewing cane diversion to ethanol to prevent further price rises. (PC: India Today)

A Rajdhani Express was temporarily halted in Assam’s Hojai district to allow a herd of wild elephants to safely cross a railway track. Forest staff spotted the elephants near the tracks at Hawaipur as the train was approaching. They quickly alerted the loco-pilot and the Lumding Railway Control Room. The coordinated action ensured the elephants crossed safely without any harm or disruption. The train resumed its journey after the herd cleared the tracks. Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah praised the efforts, saying the incident highlighted the importance of protecting wildlife and preventing accidents.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor has called Jammu and Kashmir an “important part of India” during his first visit to Srinagar since taking charge. Gor met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed tourism, horticulture, economic cooperation and other opportunities for deeper engagement. The US envoy also said Washington would review its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, citing improvements in security. A downgrade could help boost foreign tourism in the region. Gor’s visit is also significant as it marks renewed direct engagement between the US envoy and Jammu and Kashmir’s elected government. He is scheduled to visit Ladakh next. (PC: India Today)

At least 36 girl students fell ill after allegedly consuming a mid-day meal containing detergent powder instead of salt at a government school in Nalanda, Bihar. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Middle School in Parasi, under Noorsarai police station. Students reportedly complained of dizziness and vomiting after eating soybean rice. The school principal said the salt and detergent containers were kept in the same place, and the cook allegedly mistook detergent for salt. The affected students were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital, where officials said they were stable and out of danger. Bihar minister Shravan Kumar visited the hospital and ordered a detailed inquiry. (PC: NDTV)

A video from Ladakh’s Minimarg check post has gone viral after a female tourist confronted security personnel over restrictions on road movement. Reports say tourists faced a delay of nearly five hours due to traffic controls and security checks. During the heated exchange, the woman questioned the prolonged wait and reportedly said, “We are Gen Z, and we won’t tolerate this.” She was also seen threatening to raise the matter in Parliament. The incident has sparked debate online, with reactions divided between sympathy for frustrated tourists and criticism of confronting personnel at a strategically sensitive border area.