Protesting students in Jharkhand have escalated their agitation over alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations, demanding stronger action from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The protesters have called on Congress to withdraw its support for Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government or remove him from office. They are seeking cancellation of disputed examinations and a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities. The agitation has continued for weeks, with students accusing the state government of failing to adequately address their concerns. Soren has defended his government’s approach and promised reforms to make recruitment examinations more transparent. The escalating protest is increasing political pressure on the ruling alliance. (PC: X)

Former West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker and veteran Trinamool Congress leader Asish Banerjee was found dead at a TMC office next to his home in Rampurhat, Birbhum, on Sunday. Police said his body was found hanging and has been sent for postmortem examination. Banerjee, a five-time MLA from Rampurhat, served as Deputy Speaker and held ministerial portfolios, including agriculture and education, during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure. He was considered a close aide of the TMC chief. Banerjee lost the 2026 Assembly election to BJP’s Dhruba Saha and had stepped down as chairman of TMC’s Birbhum district core committee in June. (PC: X)

At least five people have died in Indiana after severe storms caused the state’s worst flooding in more than 30 years. More than 11 inches of rain fell across some areas in two days, pushing the White River above 24 feet and breaking records dating to 1913. Emergency crews carried out hundreds of evacuations and rescued residents and pets from rising floodwaters. More than 150,000 people remained without electricity. Authorities reported fatalities involving a woman who drove into floodwaters, a teenager who went missing after entering a river, and a four-year-old boy killed by a fallen tree. Officials urged residents to follow evacuation orders. (PC: AFP)

Iran has demanded that Qatar release three Iranian pilots it says were captured alive after their aircraft were shot down during a March military operation. Iran’s Missing Persons Search Committee asked the International Committee of the Red Cross to investigate and secure access to the pilots. Qatar, however, categorically denied detaining any Iranian pilots, calling Tehran’s claims misleading. Doha said its forces had conducted search-and-rescue operations after Iranian aircraft violated Qatari airspace and that the remains of one pilot were recovered. The dispute adds another layer of tension between Iran and Qatar amid ongoing regional conflict and diplomatic efforts. (PC: X)

Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams have demanded Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s resignation. They also asked Congress to withdraw support from the JMM-led government if Soren does not act. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said protesters will burn effigies of Soren and Rahul Gandhi on August 16. They also plan to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20. The students have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC exams. Soren said his government will ensure transparent examinations. He urged students to trust the government and said genuine talent would not be allowed to suffer.

Indian-origin CEO Vishal Garg, who became infamous for firing about 900 employees on a Zoom call in 2021, has been removed from Better Home & Finance. Garg was ousted as CEO on August 3, with hedge fund manager Daniel Lewis taking over. Garg claims Lewis gained his trust before helping remove him from the company. Better once had a valuation of around $8 billion, but its value has since fallen to about $300 million. Garg says the company was nearing a turnaround using AI and new partnerships. He is now seeking to return as CEO and has hired lawyer Alex Spiro.

At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, Lebanese authorities said. Seven people, including three children and two women, were killed when a house near Ansar was hit. Four others died in another strike on Deir al-Zahrani. Israel’s military said it targeted Hezbollah commander Ali Samir al-Haj Hassan after an attack on Israeli soldiers. The IDF said Hassan was a lawful target and accused him of using family members as human shields. Lebanon’s leaders condemned the strikes and called for an end to the escalation. Hezbollah also warned that Israeli attacks would face a response.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s growth plans in his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. He said India aims to become a developed nation by 2047. Modi highlighted self-reliance, manufacturing, technology, defence and clean energy. He said India has moved from the “Fragile Five” to the world’s fastest-growing economy. He also urged Indian companies to use free trade agreements to reach global markets. Modi announced seven key areas, including agriculture, innovation and infrastructure. He called Gen-Z important for India’s future. He also stressed energy security and backed youth participation in building a developed India.

Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra apologised to NALSAR law students after a controversy over their convocation. His apology came a day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant criticised the BCI for interfering in the matter. Mishra said, “I sincerely regret and apologise” if his words or letter had hurt students. The BCI had earlier ordered a freeze on enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates but withdrew it later. The Supreme Court also stopped the BCI and state bar councils from taking action against students. Mishra said students have the right to peaceful protest and should decide independently about attending the convocation.

Indonesia was hit by another strong earthquake on Saturday, hours after a deadly 7.7-magnitude quake killed at least 38 people. The latest quake had a magnitude of 6.5 and was recorded at 4:24 pm IST, according to India’s National Centre for Seismology. It struck at a depth of 165 km. There were no immediate reports of deaths or damage from the latest tremor. Earlier, the 7.7-magnitude quake hit Nagekeo district in East Nusa Tenggara. It caused buildings to collapse and landslides. Around 2,000 people were evacuated. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted as rescue teams continued operations.