4 people died after inhaling toxic gas inside a well in Gaya district of Bihar, officials said. The incident took place in Garh Karmauni village under Dobhi police station on Friday. The victims were identified as Chamari Manjhi, his son Dilchand Manjhi, Vikas Chaudhary and Vijay Chaudhary. Senior Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said the four reportedly inhaled poisonous gas while inside the well. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths. He ordered officials to provide ₹4 lakh each to the families of the victims. Authorities also promised to provide all possible help to the affected families.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on Friday on the eve of Independence Day. She said India is moving towards building a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. Murmu stressed that the benefits of development should reach every citizen. She said India is moving ahead on the path of becoming a modern nation. Her address came a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. India will mark its 80th year of Independence on August 15. The President’s address focused on India’s development and the need to ensure that progress reaches people across the country.

A woman passenger allegedly damaged airport property worth ₹49,000 at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport on August 13. The incident happened after an IndiGo flight to Kolkata was cancelled due to a technical problem. The passenger, identified as Mamoni Kharat, allegedly created a scene in the departure lounge. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) said she damaged a monitor, keyboard and passport-swiping machine. The incident took place around 6 pm in the presence of CISF, IndiGo and AAI officials. Police have registered an FIR against her. Airport authorities have asked police to take action and recover the cost of the damaged equipment.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected Opposition allegations that excessive force, including pellet guns, was used against students during the July 20 NEET paper-leak protest in Delhi. Rijiju said there were no widespread injuries and defended the police response to the large Parliament march. However, India Today reported that a 25-year-old protester suffered around 20 pellet wounds, while another sustained a serious eye injury. Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns. Rijiju said petitions concerning the alleged use of pellets are pending before the Supreme Court and that the matter should be examined judicially. (PC: India Today)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has proposed reducing the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve from the default 10 km to 1 km. The state plans to submit the proposal to the Centre within two months, arguing that the existing buffer restricts development projects and civic infrastructure around Bokakhat. The proposal has triggered concern among conservationists, who warn that a smaller buffer could threaten wildlife corridors and habitats used by elephants, rhinos, tigers and other animals, particularly during annual floods. The existing 10-km protection will remain until any new site-specific ESZ is formally notified. (PC: X)

The student-led protest in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations entered its 21st day on August 14. Demonstrators under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch are demanding greater transparency, cancellation of disputed examinations and an independent investigation. The agitation intensified after clashes during a march towards the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10, when police used tear gas, water cannons and batons. Protesters are now planning a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ranchi on August 15, Independence Day, to strengthen their campaign. The movement continues despite government assurances and partial concessions, with students warning that they will intensify the agitation until their demands are addressed. (PC: PTI)

The Supreme Court on Friday quashed all FIRs against comedian Samay Raina and four others over alleged insensitive remarks concerning persons with disabilities on India’s Got Latent. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that the accused had complied with earlier directions to conduct awareness programmes and raise funds for people with disabilities. The Court had previously imposed ₹3 lakh costs after finding non-compliance with its directions. The latest order brings the criminal proceedings covered by the case to an end, providing significant legal relief to Raina and the other comedians involved in the controversy. (PC: PTI)

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has said he will not allow attempts to disturb Punjab’s peace following a kirpan attack on him at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Badal was attacked on August 13 while visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Deva Ji. Security personnel intervened, and he suffered an injury to his hand. The accused, identified as Nihang Sikh Jaspal Singh, was arrested, while police continue investigating the motive. Badal, after receiving medical treatment, said he was not afraid and suggested the incident was intended to create unrest in Punjab. Authorities are examining security lapses and the circumstances surrounding the attack. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on August 14 criticised the Bar Council of India (BCI) for its now-withdrawn order blocking enrolment of NALSAR University’s 2026 graduates as advocates. Chief Justice Surya Kant called the action “absolutely uncalled for,” saying students have the right to protest even if their views are wrong. The controversy began after NALSAR students opposed inviting CJI Kant to their convocation, citing concerns over his remarks during a case involving alleged police action against protesters. The Supreme Court directed that no punitive action be taken against students or faculty and sought BCI’s response. BCI has since closed proceedings against the batch. (PC: PTI)

India’s bank deposits grew 15.4% year-on-year by the end of July 2026, marking their fastest expansion in nearly a decade. The surge was driven largely by strong inflows from non-resident Indians, who deposited around $37 billion through foreign-currency accounts after the Reserve Bank of India introduced measures to attract overseas funds. Total inflows under these schemes reached nearly $41 billion by July 31. Meanwhile, bank credit growth also accelerated, reaching 19.4%, supported by stronger corporate demand and lending to micro, small and medium enterprises. The developments indicate improving liquidity and stronger financial activity across India’s banking sector.