Himachal bans sale of ‘analogue paneer’ as genuine dairy paneer

The Himachal Pradesh government has banned the manufacture and sale of non-dairy "analogue paneer," effective immediately for one year, due to food safety violations. The move follows detection of adulterated products misrepresented as genuine paneer. Food business operators must ensure traceability, proper labeling, and compliance with food safety laws to avoid penalties and legal action.

Court rejects bail for railway ticket agent in VIP quota racket

A Mumbai sessions court denied bail to Mohammed Tarique Mahafuz Ahmad Khan, a railway ticket agent implicated in a network using forged Lok Bhavan documents to obtain VIP railway tickets. The court cited serious allegations of possible evidence tampering and witness intimidation. Approximately 400 fraudulent e-tickets linked to Khan have been identified, prompting an ongoing police investigation.

42-year-old stabs female friend at employer’s home, attempts suicide

A former driver, Shahabuddin Shaikh, 42, allegedly stabbed cook Roshanara Mohsin Ali Memon, 31, multiple times at their employer's Grant Road home after she refused to speak with him, before attempting suicide. Both are in critical condition. Police have registered a case and are yet to arrest Shaikh, who remains hospitalized. The attack occurred in a private kitchen.

Plane crash in Alaska

A charter plane with eight people on board crashed in Alaska, prompting an immediate search and rescue mission. Authorities are investigating the incident and are focused on locating survivors. The plane went down in a remote area, complicating rescue efforts. Such accidents highlight the challenges of air travel in Alaska’s rugged terrain.

Punjab: High court to hear pensioners’ contempt plea in dearness allowance case on August 21

The high court will hear a contempt petition Friday from four retired Punjab employees against state officials for failing to implement a court order on dearness allowance (DA) payments. The August 3 ruling required the government to release DA in line with All India Services rates, prohibiting unproductive spending until compliance. Petitioners claim officials knowingly violated the order.

Haryana fixes ₹7.5 lakh compensation for ‘unnatural’ deaths in police custody

The Haryana government will now provide ₹7.5 lakh compensation for “unnatural deaths” in police custody caused by torture or beating, with half recovered from accountable officials' salaries. This decision, prompted by the Haryana Human Rights Commission, excludes natural deaths and those resulting from escapes or disasters. It aims to enhance police accountability following a specific complaint regarding alleged torture.

Pakistan’ honours for two Bombay Drs who kept 20th century’s big secret

On March 23, 2027, two Parsi doctors from Bombay, Jal Patel and Jal Daeboo, will be posthumously awarded Pakistan’s Nishan-e-Quaid-i-Azam for their secretive role in preserving Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s health during India's Partition. Their actions prevented broader knowledge of Jinnah's terminal tuberculosis, which could have impacted the separation’s timeline, as revealed in 'Freedom at Midnight.'

Punjab: Bathinda government sports school set for a fresh innings

The Punjab government has approved the restructuring of the Government Sports Senior Secondary School in Bathinda, transforming it into a “Centre of Excellence for Sports.” This initiative aims to enhance resources and management, directly involving the sports department in training. Established in 2010 to nurture rural talent, the school has faced funding challenges but is now receiving ₹3 crore for renovations.

HC steps in after CRPF deployed in tense Shillong

The Meghalaya high court has intervened following violence during a Khasi Students’ Union rally, mandating the state government to restore peace and submit a report by August 24. In response to unrest, the Centre has deployed CRPF and RAF. Protests resulted in vandalism and arrests of KSU leaders, highlighting ongoing agitation over local governance issues.

Cyber fraud punishment not sufficiently deterrent: Punjab and Haryana high court

The Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed concern over the inadequacy of current laws against cyber fraud, deeming the existing deterrents insufficient in light of the rising cybercrime rates that leave bank account holders vulnerable. In a bail decision for Sanjay Singh, accused of defrauding ₹73 lakh, the court highlighted systemic issues in tracking fraud masterminds, emphasizing the need for stronger legal measures.

Tejpal moves SC, challenges his conviction, jail term in rape case

Tarun Tejpal has appealed to the Supreme Court challenging his conviction and 10-year sentence in a 2013 sexual assault case, just as the Goa government seeks to enhance his punishment to life imprisonment. The state argues the High Court underestimated the severity of the offences, while Tejpal denies the allegations and claims prosecutorial bias. Background: The case revolves around assaults during the Tehelka THiNK festival.

Structures near visa section of Pak high commission removed

Indian authorities dismantled queue management barriers and unauthorized structures outside the Pakistan high commission, a reciprocal response following similar actions in Islamabad. This demolition included removing a shed and barricades. The escalation comes amid deteriorating bilateral relations since 2019, exacerbated by the Pahalgam attack. Both nations have reduced diplomatic staff and imposed punitive measures against each other.

45 projects to explore critical minerals in Bastar cleared

Chhattisgarh has approved 45 mineral exploration projects for 2026-27, focusing on crucial resources like lithium and rare earth elements, aiming to enhance its mineral base. The State Geological Programming Board meeting included government and industry representatives. The state's prior exploration uncovered significant limestone and iron ore reserves, showing robust growth in the mining sector.

UP police seek terrorist tag for gangster Shahzad Bhatti

The Uttar Pradesh Police have sought Central approval to label Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his network as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act due to their alleged involvement in terror activities. Bhatti is linked to major attacks and recruits young Indians through social media for criminal actions. Investigations have led to numerous arrests and ongoing operations against this network.

India, Singapore deepen ties in telecom, food security, nuclear pacts

India and Singapore finalized cooperation agreements in telecommunications and food security at their fourth Ministerial Roundtable, hosted in Singapore. Discussions spanned advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. Notably, they addressed collaboration on small modular reactors. Established in 2022, the ISMR aims to boost bilateral relations across key sectors. The meeting welcomed initiatives to foster trade opportunities.

Women’s varsity facing financial crisis under BJP govt: Sampat Singh

Former Haryana finance minister Sampat Singh criticized the BJP government for neglecting Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, facing financial collapse due to unpaid salaries and reduced state support. Staff have been on strike since August 18, with only ₹26.83 crore received this fiscal year while monthly salary expenses reach ₹9.50 crore, highlighting severe funding issues. The university struggles with staffing and inadequate income.

SC 5:4 order refines 1978 ‘industry’ test

The Supreme Court, in a 5:4 ruling, refined the definition of "industry" under the now-repealed Industrial Disputes Act while protecting all pending disputes from this new interpretation. The landmark 1978 Bangalore Water Supply judgment's “triple test” for defining "industry" remains applicable, ensuring labor protections. Controversies arose over the relevance of this definition with the new Industrial Relations Code, 2020.

Punjab floods: Dhaliwal meets J&K LG, demands Ujh River dam

Aam Aadmi Party’s Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal urged Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for a permanent solution to recurring floods in Punjab's Ajnala sub-division. He proposed a dam on the Ujh River to regulate flow and prevent devastation to agriculture and infrastructure. Floods have severely impacted the region's connectivity and national security. Dhaliwal calls for a feasibility study.

Govt hands over illegal drug racket case to SIT

The Karnataka government has ordered a special investigation team (SIT) to probe a suspected interstate fake drug racket involved in repackaging medicines under multinational brands. Following a raid that uncovered a large-scale operation, the SIT, led by C Vamshikrishna, will investigate financial transactions and distribution networks. Counterfeit medicines worth ₹5.05 crore were seized from an unauthorized facility. The investigation raises concerns about public health safety.

Punjab: Two youths drown in Bist Doab Canal in Hoshiarpur

Two young men drowned in the Bist Doab Canal near Mehtiana village after diving in for a swim following a motorcycle trip from a religious shrine. One of the three relatives was rescued by bystanders; however, 17-year-old Manjinder Singh was recovered later, while Vicky from Ludhiana is still missing. Authorities plan an extensive search for him.

Seeking political revival, BSP eyes alliance with Waris Punjab De

In preparation for the Punjab assembly elections, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is negotiating a potential alliance with Akali Dal Waris Punjab De while engaging its Dalit base through a 12-day Sri Guru Ravidas Samman Yatra. Historically, the BSP has struggled electorally, dropping from nearly 16% in 1992 to 1.77% in 2022, despite Punjab's significant Scheduled Caste population.

Rahul Gandhi suggests 4 steps for Cong-ruled states in education sector

Rahul Gandhi has urged Congress-ruled states to report on academic calendars, address examination paper leaks, and implement the Karnataka-approved Rohit Vemula Bill to combat caste discrimination, aiming for a new educational framework. This initiative follows student protests that led to the resignation of the Union education minister. The Congress also criticized the NCERT's ties to the RSS in textbook reforms.

Officials crack down on illegal chemical banana ripening units in Udupi village

Authorities, led by Kundapur's assistant commissioner, raided Alevoor village, uncovering an illegal banana-ripening operation using harmful chemicals and artificial colors. They seized 5,000 kg of bananas and processing equipment. Despite a prior court injunction in 2016 against similar practices, the illicit trade persists, posing health hazards linked to banned substances used for artificial ripening.

HC reserves order on plea by Siddaramaiah, DKS seeking to quash defamation case

The Karnataka High Court has reserved its order on petitions filed by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to quash a defamation case linked to Congress advertisements accusing the BJP of corruption during the 2023 Assembly elections. The BJP claims the ads damaged its reputation. The dispute stems from a campaign highlighting alleged corruption, including bribery in various sectors.

Centre to reconsider UGC equity rules flagged as ‘vague’ by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India is analyzing the government's reconsideration of the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 2026 regulations on equity in higher education, previously stalled for being "vague" and possibly misused. Concerns include inadequate definitions of caste discrimination and lack of penalties for false complaints. The 2026 regulations emerged after petitions addressing caste-based discrimination following tragic student suicides.

‘State to recommend rejection of draft on Kasturirangan report’

The Karnataka government plans to recommend rejecting the draft notification linked to the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats, addressing concerns raised by local farmers and residents regarding its implications. Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized previous objections to the report, which aims to limit certain activities in ecologically sensitive areas. Background discussions began after the draft notification stirred fears for livelihoods in the region.

Punjab to give 22,500 crop residue machines to curb stubble burning

As paddy harvesting in Punjab begins, the state agriculture department has prepared a comprehensive action plan to enhance crop residue management and reduce stubble burning, offering 22,500 subsidized machines. With ₹576 crore sanctioned this year, the focus includes Super SMS and super seeder machines aimed at integrating straw management. Previously, central funding has supported these initiatives since 2018, resulting in a significant decline in farm fires.

Punjab Bandh on August 21; schools, highways shut for seven hours

The Punjab Bandh called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha on Friday aims to release Sikh prisoners, disrupting the state from 7 am to 2 pm. Supported by various organizations, it includes highway blockades and shop closures, though essential services will remain operational. The morcha protests for justice for Sikh prisoners imprisoned for decades, including those involved in high-profile cases.

Row over Vijay skipping resolution seeking to freeze LS seats in message to govt

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has called for the Centre to assure that no state will lose parliamentary representation due to population stabilization efforts, during the Southern Zonal Council meeting. The DMK and AIADMK criticized his remarks as inconsistent with a prior assembly resolution seeking to freeze Lok Sabha seats. The TVK maintains its stance on preserving the current allocation.

Ahead of festive season, noise pollution concerns put police, mandals at odds

As the festive season nears, Pune police prepare to enforce noise pollution laws more strictly, responding to nearly 14,000 complaints in eight months. Despite opposition from political representatives and festival organizers against perceived excessive restrictions on loudspeakers, the police emphasize public health. A meeting with stakeholders will seek a balance between celebration and noise control.