JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto was hospitalised on Monday after his health worsened during a protest over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams. Mahto had been on a nine-day hunger strike. Doctors said his blood sugar level dropped sharply and described his condition as critical. He was taken to Ranchi Sadar Hospital for treatment. The protest march near the Jharkhand Assembly turned tense after demonstrators breached barricades. Police used water cannons, tear gas and batons to control the crowd. Several protesters and four policemen were injured. Protesters are demanding reforms in JPSC and JSSC and cancellation of several recruitment exams. (PC: PTI)

Jharkhand CID on Monday arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, amid an ongoing student protest in Ranchi. Khiangte, who resigned on July 22, had been summoned for questioning on August 5. The arrest came a day after the state government accepted most student demands, including a judicial inquiry headed by a retired judge. The government said the Enforcement Directorate would probe if financial irregularities were found, but students continued demanding a CBI investigation. Meanwhile, the ED has begun a money-laundering probe into alleged irregularities, including the JSSC-CGL examination, based on an FIR filed by the CID. Thousands protesting outside the Assembly faced police lathicharge and tear gas. (PC: The Statesman)

The pilot of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight reported multiple technical failures after the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet during severe turbulence on August 4. Sources said all three hydraulic systems and flight controls disconnected at the same time. The autopilot also switched off, while warnings showed a risk of altitude loss. The pilot took manual control and stabilised the aircraft without automated assistance. The flight faced four to five minutes of strong turbulence. At least 17 people, including four crew members, were injured. Some suffered neck and spinal injuries. Air India has reportedly contacted Airbus over the technical problems.

A man posing as an IAS officer and claiming to be National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s undercover agent has been arrested in Bihar, police said. Manish Gupta was arrested from his home in Khagaria. Police seized a Tesla with a “Government of India” board, a Tata Safari, phones, bank cards and cheque-books. They also found over 31 litres of imported liquor and suspected wildlife trophies. Police said Gupta used fake government identities to cheat people in Bihar. His claims of working with Doval and the Central Vigilance Commission were found to be false. Officials are now investigating his assets and alleged fraud. (PC: India Today)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Jharkhand government over police action against protesting students in Ranchi, saying the use of force against them was unacceptable. The remarks came after security personnel used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse students marching towards the state Assembly. The protesters have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and greater transparency in the selection process. Gandhi said students raising legitimate concerns should be heard rather than subjected to force. The crackdown has intensified political pressure on the Hemant Soren government, while the student agitation continues over examination-related demands and alleged recruitment irregularities. (PC: X)

A 47-year-old former Indian Army serviceman was killed and two others were injured after an SUV hit three bikes in Hyderabad’s Hydershakote early Monday. Police said the Mahindra XUV was driving on the wrong side of the road around 5:30 am. The victim, Ravinder, had served as a Subedar in the Army. The SUV driver fled after abandoning the damaged vehicle some distance from the crash site. Police said there were likely two people inside the SUV. CCTV footage is being checked to identify the driver. The vehicle had three pending traffic challans. Police have not confirmed if the driver was drunk.

Jharkhand’s student protests intensified as police lathi-charged and tear-gassed demonstrators marching towards the state Assembly in Ranchi. The protesters are demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and seeking reforms in the state’s examination system. The confrontation came as security forces tried to prevent protesters from crossing barricades near the Assembly. Amid the escalating agitation, the former chairman of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), Sudhir Tripathi, was arrested in connection with an alleged recruitment examination paper-leak case. The developments have heightened tensions, with protesters continuing to demand accountability, transparent examinations and action against those responsible. (PC: X)

Bihar Police arrested Manish Gupta in Khagaria for allegedly impersonating an IAS officer and falsely claiming to work as an undercover agent for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Police said Gupta used fake government identities to allegedly deceive and cheat people across Bihar. A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of a Tesla carrying a “Government of India” board, a Tata Safari, fake identity cards, five iPhones, 20 credit cards, eight debit cards and over 31 litres of imported liquor. Police also recovered suspected wildlife trophies. Investigators are examining his assets and alleged financial activities. (PC: India Today)

Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahato joined students in a march towards the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi on August 10, intensifying the ongoing JPSC-JSSC agitation. Mahato, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, reportedly reached the protest site in an ambulance and said the government would have to listen to the students’ demands. The agitation centres on allegations of irregularities and concerns surrounding competitive recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC and JSSC. The march has increased pressure on the Hemant Soren-led government, as protesting students demand action and greater transparency in the recruitment process. (PC: X)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will respond in Parliament to concerns over police action against students protesting in Delhi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on August 10. The Opposition has demanded a statement from Shah, alleging disproportionate police action and reported use of pellet guns during the June 20 protest. Rijiju said the government is ready for a detailed discussion on all student-related issues and urged Opposition MPs not to disrupt proceedings. Parliament has faced repeated adjournments over the issue, limiting legislative business. With only four days remaining in the Monsoon Session, the government hopes Shah’s response will help resolve the deadlock. (PC: India Today)