The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the use of pen drives and unsecured apps like WhatsApp and iLovePDF in official offices to enhance cybersecurity. All departments must now use GovDrive, a secure cloud platform offering 50GB storage per official. Exceptions for pen drives require NIC reconfiguration and whitelisting. Sharing sensitive technical data like system configurations and vulnerability reports is restricted to secure channels only. The directive warns of disciplinary action for non-compliance under IT and conduct rules. This move aims to prevent data breaches and enforce digital hygiene across government operations, marking a significant shift toward secure, centralized data management. (PC: Palton)

At least 20 people, including 4 journalists, were killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. Gaza officials said two strikes hit the hospital, with the second blast killing rescuers who rushed after the first. Among the dead were a Reuters cameraman, an Associated Press journalist, and an Al Jazeera staffer. Doctors said patients and medical workers were also hit. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, saying it “regrets any harm” and does not target journalists. This attack comes two weeks after six journalists were killed near Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital in another Israeli strike. (PC: BBC)

The Delhi High Court ruled that Delhi University is not required to disclose details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 1978 graduation degree. The court set aside the Central Information Commissioner’s 2016 order that allowed inspection of all students’ records from that year. The university argued that student records are private and shared in a fiduciary capacity, not open to public curiosity under RTI. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said privacy outweighs the right to know. The court accepted the appeal. Modi’s degree has long been a political issue, with opposition parties questioning its authenticity despite university confirmations. (PC: India Today)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill says a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister jailed for 30 days will lose office. Shah reminded that in 2013 Rahul Gandhi tore an ordinance by Manmohan Singh meant to protect Lalu Prasad Yadav. He accused Congress of double standards, saying, “Morality should be steady like the Sun and Moon.” Shah claimed the bill ensures constitutional morality and prevents leaders from ruling from jail. He expressed confidence it will pass, with support even from some Congress members. (PC: Mint)

Two sharpshooters linked to the Neeraj Faridpuria Himanshu Bhau gang were arrested for their role in a shooting outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s Gurugram residence, where over two dozen bullets were fired. The suspects Gaurav Singh alias Nikka (22), a school dropout from Faridabad, and Aditya Tiwari (19), a BCA student from Bihar were apprehended near Khera Canal in Rohini while allegedly planning another attack. Acting on a tip-off, Gurugram police laid a trap and subdued the duo, who attempted to fire during arrest. The operation was led by inspectors under ACP Rahul Kumar Singh. The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the targeted attack on the social media influencer. (PC: Instagram)

India will commission two advanced Nilgiri-class stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri on August 26 in Visakhapatnam. Built under Project 17A, these guided-missile warships mark a generational leap in naval design, featuring reduced radar cross-sections and cutting-edge weaponry. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata. Together, they showcase India’s indigenous defense capabilities, supported by over 200 MSMEs and thousands of jobs. Designed to counter China’s maritime expansion, these frigates will bolster India’s presence from the Strait of Malacca to Africa, reinforcing sea trade security and regional power balance. (PC: NDTV & Bharatpedia)

The Prime Minister’s Office will convene a high-level meeting on August 26 to address the impact of the U.S. doubling tariffs to 50% on Indian exports. Chaired by the Principal Secretary, the session will explore targeted support for vulnerable sectors like textiles, leather, engineering goods, and specialty chemicals. Exporters have requested collateral-free credit lines under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, but officials lean toward sector-specific aid. Micro and small firms are pushing for cluster-based working capital solutions. The move follows concerns that the tariff hike linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil that could severely strain margins, disrupt supply chains, and erode competitiveness.

Despite the Indus Waters Treaty being in abeyance, India alerted Pakistan on August 24 about a potential flood in the Tawi River, marking the first major diplomatic contact since May’s military conflict. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad issued the warning, which Pakistani media acknowledged as a goodwill gesture. The treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, governs water sharing between the two nations. India suspended the agreement following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, allegedly backed by Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi criticized the treaty as “unjust and unreasonable,” asserting that “blood and water won’t flow together” until Pakistan halts support for terrorism. (PC: ET Infra)

Uttar Pradesh police made the fourth arrest in the Noida dowry death case of Nikki Bhati, apprehending her father-in-law on Monday. Earlier, her husband Vipin Bhati, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law were arrested. Nikki, 28, was set on fire at her in-laws’ home on August 21 after disputes over Instagram reels and reopening her beauty parlour. Police said the family had demanded dowry of ₹36 lakh, including a Scorpio and a motorcycle. Videos on social media show her being assaulted and set on fire. Vipin Bhati reportedly showed no remorse. Investigations continue, and police are questioning all suspects. (PC: HT)

At least 8 people were killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on Monday. The Hamas-run health ministry confirmed the deaths. 3 journalists were among the victims, including an Al-Jazeera cameraman and a Reuters contractor. The strike occurred mid-morning, causing panic and damage at the hospital. Emergency workers rushed to rescue the injured, while local authorities urged people to avoid the area. The Israeli military and the prime minister’s office have not commented yet. Health officials continue to report casualties and assess the situation, with rescue operations still underway. (PC: BBC)