Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' anthem, calling it an inspiring tribute to the sacrifices of bravehearts for the nation. In a tweet, PM Modi said the anthem resonates deeply with every Indian's heart, reminding us of the sacrifices made for the beloved nation. He described the anthem as beautifully encapsulating the feelings of 140 crore Indians for the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the motherland. PM Modi called upon people to make the movement a success that will inspire coming generations. He signed off urging people to listen to the inspirational anthem Vande Mataram.

Just two days after India's Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon, Jammu businessman Rupesh Masson purchased lunar land in the 'Lake of Happiness' region certified on August 25. Masson, regional director of UCMAS, acquired the tract from The Lunar Registry in New York City. He stated that occupying space on the Moon reflects humanity's quest to see beyond and find deeper meaning. He added that approximately 675 celebrities and former US presidents own extraterrestrial holdings, seeking fulfilment. Masson's lunar land purchase underscores the growing fascination with the Moon and highlights the aspirations to explore new frontiers and escape Earth's realities.

The Centre has appointed Jaya Verma Sinha as Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board, making her the first woman to lead the ministry in its 105-year history. An IRTS officer since 1986, Sinha has served across three railway zones. She will replace Anil Kumar Lahoti starting September 1 until retirement in 2024. Sinha was the public face of railways after the Balasore accident that killed 300. As Railway Advisor in Dhaka, she helped inaugurate the Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express. Her appointment breaks gender barriers in the male-dominated industry.

Despite short-term fluctuations in the prices of specific food items, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured that the country's inflation will remain steady in the coming months. Food price inflation rose to 11.5% in July, the highest in over three and a half years, coinciding with the anticipation of India's weakest monsoon rains in eight years. However, Sitharaman emphasized robust economic growth, particularly during the festive season, anticipating increased consumer spending. She also discussed the role of regulatory tools in enhancing corporate governance while addressing the recent Hindenburg report on the Adani group's impact on stock volatility.

Erratic climate conditions have driven food prices up over 11% in India, a major player in global agri-trade. Tomato prices cooled as onions rose 25% since June, and pulses, essential for dal, are 20% pricier than in January. With a regular vegetarian meal's cost rising by a third in July alone, the Indian government intervened to curb inflation. Bans on wheat and non-basmati white rice exports were imposed, and a 40% duty on onions. There's potential for further measures. India's food inflation could affect global markets, particularly rice, sugar, and onions, impacting food security in vulnerable areas.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan's residence in Mumbai on Wednesday. Banerjee, who was in the city for an opposition meeting, fondly referred to Bachchan as 'Bharat Ratna', saying he is the highest honour for India. She received a warm welcome from Bachchan, his wife Jaya and the family. Banerjee expressed admiration for the Bachchans, calling them the number one family in India for their film contributions. She also extended invitations to Amitabh Bachchan for the Durga Puja festivities and Kolkata Film Festival. Last year, Banerjee had advocated for Bachchan to be awarded the Bharat Ratna at the film festival.

On August 30, as Raksha Bandhan graced the nation, schoolgirls and women expressed gratitude by tying rakhis on Army soldiers' wrists in Jammu and Kashmir. In Akhnoor Sector, local girls adorned soldiers, while Churanda village residents celebrated with soldiers at the Line of Control. BSF soldiers shared Rakhi joy with schoolchildren at the international border in the Samba Sector. In Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, women tied rakhis on CRPF soldiers, symbolizing the protective bond of Raksha Bandhan. In a touching video, Rajputana Rifles jawans were seen lovingly tied rakhi by women and girls, encapsulating the essence of affection and gratitude.

Celebrating the sibling bond, schoolgirls tied rakhis to Prime Minister Modi at a Delhi school on Raksha Bandhan. As the beaming girls approached, PM greeted them warmly, asking their names and classes. In an endearing moment, one girl gave Modi a peck as he bent down to bless her. PM sat as the girls took turns tying rakhis with his photo. The heartwarming celebration reflected the festival's spirit of eternal brother-sister bonds. PM's joyful interaction highlighted his affection for children. His rakhi celebrations emphasized respect for women and connected him with the youth.

India has lodged a strong protest after China released its updated 2023 "standard map" on Monday, laying claims over disputed regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated India rejects these baseless claims that complicate boundary resolution. The new map shows Arunachal and Aksai Chin as Chinese territory despite firm objections. It also depicts Taiwan as part of mainland China and the contested nine-dash line in the South China Sea. India has repeatedly affirmed Arunachal as integral to its sovereignty. The map signals China's hardened stance on disputes amid regional tensions.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated that Article 35A deprived non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir of fundamental rights, including employment, equality of opportunity, and property acquisition. On the 11th day of the hearing challenging the scrapping of Article 370, he noted that the special rights granted to residents resulted in exclusion of non-residents. He concurred with the Centre that the Indian constitution holds higher authority than the J&K Constitution. Article 35A, abolished in August 2019 along with Article 370, had granted "permanent residents" special privileges in terms of employment, property, and settlement.