Scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for what he describes as India’s “second Independence movement”, seeking peaceful reforms in the country’s political system. In a post on X, Wangchuk urged citizens to identify and support “selfless” and “fearless” leaders with integrity and substance. He raised concerns over the criminal cases faced by many elected representatives, arguing that this contributes to a growing public trust deficit. Wangchuk said India needs a peaceful revolution in the way political leaders are selected if it wants to remain a respected nation by 2047. He also encouraged wider public participation in developing reform ideas. (PC: PTI)

Bangladesh is facing a worsening power crisis, with several areas experiencing electricity outages lasting 8–10 hours. The shortage has disrupted homes, businesses, agriculture and industries, particularly outside Dhaka. To conserve electricity, the government has ordered shopping malls, markets and shops to close by 8 pm, while illuminated billboards must be switched off earlier. The crisis is linked to severe fuel and natural-gas shortages affecting power generation, with wider pressure from disruptions in global energy supplies. Bangladesh has also approached India for additional diesel supplies to ease the situation. Authorities are implementing energy-saving measures as public frustration grows. (PC: AP)

India’s Defence Ministry has issued a major tender worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore to acquire 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The programme aims to modernise the IAF’s ageing transport fleet, particularly replacing its Soviet-era An-32 aircraft. The procurement is expected to strengthen India’s strategic airlift, logistics and operational capabilities. Major global manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin and Brazil’s Embraer, are expected to compete, with Indian companies likely playing a key role in the programme. The initiative also supports domestic defence manufacturing through local production and technology partnerships, reflecting India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence. (PC: ANI)

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on August 13 withdrew its directive temporarily blocking enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduates after a controversy over a student campaign opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as convocation chief guest. Around 450 of NALSAR’s 1,400 students had opposed the invitation. The BCI initially sought a three-day report identifying campaign organisers and halted enrolment of the entire graduating batch. Hours later, it reversed the decision, saying most students were not involved and should not suffer for others’ actions. The BCI will await NALSAR’s inquiry report before considering further action.

At least 19 workers were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, after water and debris suddenly entered the tunnel on August 13. Officials said 16 workers were successfully rescued, while three were still feared trapped as rescue operations continued. Some rescued workers suffered minor injuries and were reported to be stable. Police, SDRF, CISF, ITBP, Army and other agencies joined the operation, with an NDRF team also deployed. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed authorities to conduct rescue efforts on a war footing and ensure the safe evacuation of everyone. (PC: PTI)

Veteran Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando, 62, died after an altercation involving young players during a cricket match in Colombo. The incident occurred on August 8 and reportedly began with a dispute over drinking water before escalating into a physical confrontation. Fernando was taken to hospital following the incident and died on August 11 while receiving treatment. Police have arrested a 17-year-old school cricketer on suspicion of assaulting the coach; he has been placed in child probation custody until August 17. Fernando, a former Prince of Wales College coach, had mentored several players, including Sri Lanka ODI captain Kusal Mendis. (PC: News 18)

Former women Maoists from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region made an unusual transition from conflict-affected forests to the fashion runway at a National Handloom Day event in Raipur. Wearing traditional Chhattisgarhi handloom outfits and Kosa silk, they walked alongside professional models at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium. The women, who had surrendered and entered rehabilitation programmes, underwent a week-long grooming and confidence-building programme before the event. Their participation highlighted rehabilitation, skill development and reintegration into society. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met the participants and encouraged them. The event also drew significant online attention, with many viewing the runway appearance as a symbol of empowerment, resilience and fresh opportunities.

A tunnel under construction for the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project collapsed in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Thursday, with several workers feared trapped inside. The incident occurred in the Pipalkoti area, where approximately 18 workers were reportedly inside the tunnel when it collapsed, according to Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar. Initial reports indicated that a landslide inside the under-construction tunnel caused the collapse. Rescue teams were immediately deployed and began clearing debris and searching for trapped workers. Eight workers have so far been rescued, while operations continue to locate and evacuate those potentially still inside. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as emergency personnel work to reach the remaining workers.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining on the sidelines while Pakistan emerged as a mediator in efforts to resolve the Iran war. Speaking at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in Delhi, Gandhi said India had missed a “huge opportunity” to leverage its relationships with both Iran and the United States. He criticised the government’s foreign policy, arguing that India’s ties with the two countries could have enabled New Delhi to play a meaningful role in efforts to end the months-long conflict. Gandhi contrasted India’s position with Pakistan’s emerging mediation role and questioned why the government failed to use its diplomatic relationships to make India more relevant in resolving the crisis.

India’s merchandise exports rose nearly 20% year-on-year to $44.24 billion in July 2026, supported by stronger shipments of electronics and engineering goods, according to Commerce Ministry data. However, imports grew faster, increasing 17.51% to $76.22 billion, as elevated input and commodity costs linked partly to the West Asia crisis pushed up import values. Consequently, the merchandise trade deficit widened to $32 billion, its highest level in six months, from $27.9 billion in July 2025. Economists noted that both exports and imports have recorded double-digit growth for four consecutive months, partly reflecting higher commodity-price inflation. Imports of coal, fertilisers, electronics and chemical products expanded by more than 20% in July. (PC: @geovishalsharma)