Massive nationwide protests have erupted over widespread mismanagement during the SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exams held from July 24 to August 1, 2025. Aspirants reported abrupt cancellations, technical glitches, biometric failures, and misallocated exam centers as many traveling hundreds of kilometers only to find their exams canceled without notice. Viral videos show students being mistreated at centers, fueling outrage and trending hashtags like #SSCMisManagement and #JusticeForAspirants. The unrest is linked to SSC’s recent vendor switch to Eduquity Career Technologies, which critics say lacks capacity for large-scale exams. Protests peaked in Delhi under the “Delhi Chalo” campaign, with demands for vendor review, systemic reform, and accountability from SSC officials.

Abhay Devadas Nayak, a 41-year-old man of Bengaluru origin, was arrested in Glasgow for causing a mid-air scare aboard an easyJet flight from London to Glasgow. Nayak shouted slogans including “Death to America,” “Death to Trump,” and “Allahu Akbar,” prompting passengers to restrain him and the pilot to initiate emergency procedures. No explosives were found, and authorities ruled out terrorism charges, instead charging him under the UK’s Air Navigation Order for endangering aircraft safety. Nayak’s family in Bengaluru confirmed he suffers from schizophrenia. He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court again next week. The incident has sparked debate over mental health and aviation safety protocols.

India has discovered rare earth elements (REEs) in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, marking a strategic breakthrough amid China’s tightening export controls. Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy revealed that Coal India Ltd is conducting R&D to extract REEs from coal waste and overburden strata, with promising concentrations of 250–400 ppm. These minerals are vital for clean energy, electronics, defense, and EVs including sectors currently reliant on Chinese imports. India is collaborating with premier institutes to develop indigenous extraction technologies. Experts warn that continued Chinese restrictions could impact manufacturing and banking sectors. The discovery could help India build a self-reliant REE supply chain and reduce geopolitical vulnerability. (PC: Times Now & The Economic Times)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan during his address in Varanasi, declaring that BrahMos missiles will now be manufactured in Lucknow as part of the UP Defence Corridor. He stated that any future terrorist act by Pakistan would be met with decisive retaliation using these indigenous missiles. Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, and praised India’s air defense systems, drones, and missiles. He emphasized that “even hearing the name BrahMos keeps Pakistan awake at night,” and asserted that India’s self-reliant defense capabilities will ensure no act of terror goes unanswered. (PC: Hindustan Times & Defence News)

Kolkata-based filmmaker Arjunn Dutta has won the National Award for Best Bengali Feature Film for Deep Fridge, a poignant drama starring Abir Chatterjee and Tanushree Chakraborty. Dutta dedicated the award to his late mother, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease during the film’s production and passed away before its completion. He shared an emotional note saying, “This award is for you, Ma. It’s not mine.” The film explores emotional distance within relationships and premiered at IFFI 2023. Dutta called the win a morale booster for the indie film community and a proud moment for Bengali cinema, hoping it inspires young filmmakers to tell personal, socially resonant stories.

Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered a covert military collaboration between the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), triggering national security concerns. Held secretly from April 15–19, 2025, the meetings focused on joint development of drone swarming simulators, encrypted Tactical Air Data Link Systems, and cyber warfare protocols. Pakistan, with Chinese support, is reportedly transferring advanced drone and cyber capabilities to Bangladesh. Leaked documents also suggest discussions on space-based reconnaissance and even a potential political coup to replace Bangladesh President Shahabuddin. India’s Eastern Air Command is on high alert, viewing the alliance as a strategic threat. Experts warn this could reshape South Asia’s military balance and compromise India’s northeastern security. (PC: Strategic Vision Institute & NDTV)

Shah Rukh Khan, recovering from an on-set injury, expressed heartfelt gratitude after winning his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for Jawan. In a video message, Khan said the award is “a reminder that what I do matters,” and pledged to continue serving cinema with passion. He thanked the jury, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and directors Atlee, Rajkumar Hirani, and Siddharth Anand. Khan also acknowledged his team, family, and fans, promising to return to screens soon. Sharing the award with Vikrant Massey (12th Fail), Khan appeared with his arm in a sling, humorously noting he could only offer fans “half a hug” this time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Varanasi, reaffirmed India’s trajectory toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, directly countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remark calling India a “dead economy.” Modi emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests amid global instability and urged citizens to embrace swadeshi products, stating “we will buy only those things that are made by Indians.” He called for unity across political lines to strengthen India’s economic future. Modi’s remarks came just days after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Indian imports and criticized India’s ties with Russia. The Prime Minister asserted that India’s resilience and self-reliance will drive its rise in the global economic order.

Hossain Ahmed Mazumdar, a gym trainer from Assam, has gone missing after being slapped mid-flight by a co-passenger on an IndiGo Mumbai-Kolkata flight. Mazumdar was reportedly experiencing a panic attack when the assault occurred, captured in a viral video showing crew members escorting him. He was scheduled to board a connecting flight to Silchar but never arrived, and his phone remains unreachable. His family, including a cancer-stricken father, is devastated and demanding answers. IndiGo condemned the assault and confirmed the assailant was handed over to security, but offered no clarity on Mazumdar’s post-flight status. Authorities have launched an investigation amid growing public outrage over passenger safety and mental health protocols.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines near Russia in response to “foolish and inflammatory” remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, invoked the Cold War-era “Dead Hand” nuclear deterrent system, warning that continued U.S. threats could escalate into direct conflict. Trump responded via Truth Social, stating the submarines were positioned “just in case” and emphasized that “words are very important.” The move follows Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Indian imports over energy ties with Russia and a sharply reduced ceasefire deadline for Ukraine. Tensions between Washington and Moscow are intensifying amid escalating rhetoric and strategic posturing. (PC: Britannica & India Today)