Bihar has been placed on high alert following intelligence reports of three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists infiltrating India via Kathmandu, Nepal. The infiltration reportedly occurred on August 15, coinciding with India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations. Authorities are intensifying surveillance and security measures across the state in response to the threat. The terrorists, linked to the Pakistan-based militant group, are believed to have entered Indian territory with unknown intentions, prompting swift action from law enforcement agencies. The alert has triggered coordination between central and state security forces to prevent any potential incidents. Further details are awaited as investigations continue into the nature and scope of the infiltration. (PC: Daily Excelsior & Project Gecko)

The FBI is investigating the US Minneapolis school shooting as an anti-Catholic hate crime and domestic terrorism. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others injured when the attacker fired into Annunciation Church during morning Mass. The suspect, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said the attacker used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and also left a smoke bomb. Mourners gathered at the church, leaving flowers. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow, while officials called the act cruel and cowardly. Security agencies have stepped up monitoring as investigations into the motive continue. (PC: BBC)

Mexico’s Senate descended into violence on Wednesday after a heated debate ended in a brawl between lawmakers. Livestreamed footage showed opposition leader Alejandro “Alito” Moreno grabbing Senate president Gerardo Fernandez Norona’s arm during the national anthem. Norona shouted “Don’t touch me” as both began shoving each other. Moreno knocked over a photographer, and another opposition member threw punches as Norona tried to back away. The fight followed a tense debate on foreign armed forces in Mexico. Norona accused Moreno of threatening to kill him. An emergency session has been called to propose expelling Moreno and other PRI lawmakers.

Bihar Police has issued a high alert after inputs that 3 Pakistani terrorists entered the state from Nepal on August 15. The men are linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and have been identified as Hasnanin Ali from Rawalpindi, Adil Hussain from Umarkot, and Mohammad Usman from Bhawalpur. Police have shared their names, photos, and passport details with all border districts. Security checks have increased at railway stations, bus stands, airports, and hotels. Sashastra Seema Bal jawans are on alert. Intelligence units are monitoring movements. With assembly elections nearing, police urged people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. (PC: HT)

Rajasthan has become the first Indian state to fully follow the Supreme Court’s order on stray dogs. The government has ordered all municipal bodies to mark feeding points in every ward and locality. Stray dogs will be sterilised, vaccinated, dewormed, tagged, and released back to their areas. Even rabid dogs will be given food and water at feeding points. CCTV cameras will monitor sterilisation centres for transparency. Only trained teams can catch dogs, and puppies below 6 months will not be sterilised. Monitoring committees with NGOs will track the process. Rajasthan said this move balances public safety and animal welfare. (PC: NDTV)

Former Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke has undergone another skin cancer surgery, this time to remove cancer from his nose. Clarke, who led Australia to the 2015 World Cup, shared a photo after the procedure and urged people to get regular skin checks. He was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006 and has since undergone several surgeries. Clarke said prevention and early detection are key, especially in Australia, which records the world’s highest skin cancer rates. Despite health challenges, Clarke remains one of Australia’s most respected players, remembered for his batting and leadership achievements. (PC: Instagram)

Sex crime convictions of Indian nationals in the United Kingdom rose by 257% between 2021 and 2024, according to data analysed by the Centre for Migration Control (CMC). Convictions increased from 28 in 2021 to 100 in 2024, the sharpest rise among foreign nationals. Overall, foreign nationals saw a 62% rise in sex crime convictions during this period. Nigerians, Iraqis, Sudanese, and Afghans also recorded major increases. The report also noted Indian nationals ranked third for serious crime convictions, which more than doubled. UK authorities have introduced new rules to speed up deportations of convicted foreign criminals. (PC: Times Now)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa qualified for the Grand Chess Tour finale after finishing runner-up at the Sinquefield Cup. American Grandmaster Wesley So won the title by defeating him in the playoff. So first beat Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final round to tie with Praggnanandhaa and Fabiano Caruana at 5.5 points. In the playoff, Praggnanandhaa beat Caruana but lost to So, who then held Caruana to a draw to secure the trophy. Caruana finished third. With Maxime Vachier-Lagrave leading the standings, Levon Aronian also qualified for the finale. The Grand Tour will now move to Uzbekistan for the Grand Swiss. (PC: X)

India’s solar manufacturing capacity has surged 50-fold over the past decade, producing enough panels to generate 100 gigawatts of electricity. The government aims to position India as a global clean-energy hub. However, a 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration now threatens exports to the U.S., India’s largest market. Compounding challenges, India remains heavily reliant on Chinese imports for solar cells and silicon wafers. To counter this, New Delhi is promoting energy self-sufficiency through incentives and mandates for local sourcing, especially for rooftop solar installations across 27 million households. Despite progress, China still dominates over 80% of global solar manufacturing, raising concerns about India’s competitiveness in the renewable energy race. (PC: Ember & LinkedIn)

Sunny Varkey, Indian-born chairman of Dubai-based GEMS Education, reignited the work-life balance debate by claiming success demands the ability to work 24/7. In a podcast with Anas Bukhash, Varkey shared his journey from modest beginnings to leading one of the world’s largest private education groups. He emphasized that his achievements stem from relentless discipline and hard work, not luck. While acknowledging the value of balance, he insisted extraordinary commitment is essential. His remarks sparked online backlash, with critics arguing that glorifying nonstop work undermines mental health and ignores privilege. Supporters praised his honesty, but many questioned whether such a lifestyle should be idealized in today’s workforce. (PC: GEMS Legacy School)