The Times of India
Elections 2026National / The Times of India
Assam's flood death toll has climbed to ninety-five, with over 1.6 lakh people affected. Six more deaths were reported on Wednesday, primarily in Sivasagar district. Authorities have established over one hundred relief camps for displaced residents seeking shelter. Floodwaters have submerged thousands of hectares of cropland and damaged public infrastructure.
Arvind Kejriwal claims Meta restricted his account in India without explanation. He stated that verbal inquiries at Meta's India office yielded no reasons. Emails sent to the company received only routine acknowledgements. Kejriwal alleged Meta bowed down to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meta has not yet publicly responded to these claims.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into a shocking episode of severe turbulence that struck an Air India flight. On Tuesday, multiple passengers and crew were injured as the plane faced an alarming drop in altitude for several minutes. Following a safe landing, medical teams promptly attended to those affected. Vital evidence has been gathered by the regulator to facilitate a comprehensive inquiry.
A national investigation into Chandipura virus outbreaks is currently underway in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where 35 infections and 22 fatalities among young children have been reported. Researchers are analyzing the pathways of transmission and possible animal carriers. Increased surveillance for febrile illnesses and encephalitis cases is in effect, while whole-genome sequencing is being utilized to track the evolution of the virus strain currently affecting the regions.
An Air India flight's recent bout of intense turbulence has left passengers grappling with the aftermath. Injuries sustained during the turbulence might not be felt right away and could need later assessment. Moreover, many may face psychological repercussions like anxiety or fear of flying. Experts suggest it's crucial to seek help for any ongoing distress and take gradual steps towards recovery to restore confidence in flying.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significant transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The repeal of Article 370 opened a new chapter, leading to increased infrastructure and opportunities in the region. Empowerment and constitutional rights have been extended to women and marginalized communities, marking the beginning of a new era characterized by peace and progress for these Union territories.
In a strong rebuttal, India rejected Pakistan's Youm-e-Istehsal, deeming it as propaganda intended to obscure its own human rights abuses and terrorism connections. The Indian government asserted that the constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir fall within its sovereignty, whilst the global community takes note of the human rights oppression occurring in Pakistan-administered regions. Pakistan is called upon to address ongoing bloodshed and relinquish its illegal occupation of Indian territo
The government has directed online intermediaries to block 7,393 links involved in film piracy. This action includes the blocking of 4,996 Telegram channels and 1,263 websites. The information and broadcasting ministry disclosed this directive to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. This move follows amendments to the Cinematograph Act in 2023. The legal framework against online film piracy has been strengthened by the government.
After enduring twenty-two long years of wrongful imprisonment, a man was finally acquitted by the Supreme Court. The injustice stemmed from the trial court's flawed evidence analysis, compounded by the High Court's refusal to entertain his delayed appeal. The Supreme Court emphasized how marginalized communities often find access to justice frustratingly elusive, shedding light on the pressing issues within the judicial system that disproportionately affect the underprivileged.
Indian telecom consumers may soon see network slicing come to life, as the telecom authority has released draft protocols for this groundbreaking technology. These anticipated regulations will enable different internet speeds tailored to various user segments, allowing telecom operators to set unique prices for services like 4G and 5G. This development follows appeals from prominent telecom service providers.
The Supreme Court urged states to decide on raising trial court judges' retirement age. This move aims to align their superannuation age with that of High Court judges. States were asked to make this decision by September 2, dismissing financial constraint arguments. The court stated that retaining experienced judges offers financial benefits to the government. High Courts were also requested to support this age enhancement initiative.
Dozens of Indian and India-bound ships are currently in high-risk maritime zones. The government has facilitated the safe return of over four thousand stranded Indian seafarers. Maritime authorities are actively monitoring distress alerts and coordinating rescue operations. Financial assistance is being provided to the families of deceased seafarers. The government remains committed to the safety of its maritime workers.
The Rajya Sabha approved a bill to increase the Supreme Court's judge count. This legislation replaces an ordinance that raised the sanctioned strength to thirty-eight judges. The bill's passage aims to expedite case disposal and enhance judicial efficiency. It will also provide the Chief Justice greater flexibility in forming constitution benches. India anticipates its first woman Chief Justice in the near future.
The government is pushing its delimitation legislation to increase Lok Sabha seats. This bill also proposes one-third reservation for women starting in 2029. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi rejected the government's outreach for support. The government may reintroduce the Constitution amendment bill soon. Discussions continue regarding the Foreign Contributions Regulation Amendment Bill.
Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg formally apologized to the Indian government over several operational missteps, including issues with paid content amplification. The acknowledgment of these errors comes as officials expressed concerns over the potential loss of safe harbor protection for the platform. As the government reassesses its child online safety regulations, Meta committed to implementing necessary corrective actions to address these concerns.
Addressing a press conference, BJD senior general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar claimed that a nuclear power plant would pose a serious threat to the health and safety of people living in the state. She accused the BJP's double-engine government of ignoring public welfare in favour of corporate interests. Samantsinghar added that the consequences of those disasters were still being felt and argued that nuclear power carries significant risks to human life.
The Primary School, a tuition-free institution, will close in June after a decade of operation. This school provided education, healthcare, and family support to low-income children. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will not continue funding beyond the upcoming academic year. Academic results remained below state averages, prompting the board's decision. The initiative pledged fifty million dollars to aid the transition for affected students.
Parliament has hit yet another impasse as the opposition protests continue for the thirteenth day. Despite this, the government succeeded in passing important legislation, including the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill and a bill concerning Supreme Court judges. In an effort to resolve the deadlock, minister Kiren Rijiju met with opposition figures, while Prime Minister Modi focused on discussing strategies with BJP Members of Parliament.
In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, IMA Headquarters termed the governments August 3 Government Resolution (GR) illegal and urged its immediate cancellation, arguing that it undermines medical education, violates established legal principles and poses a risk to public health. The IMA further pointed out that the issue is already pending before the Bombay high court.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers aided over forty thousand families in Assam's flood-hit regions. They provided rescue, food, and essential supplies to affected villagers in three districts. Medical camps were organized by the organization in collaboration with the National Medicos Organization. Volunteers also assisted with post-flood rehabilitation, including cleaning and agricultural support. These efforts focused on helping communities recover after the recent devastating floods.
Meta's CEO apologized to the Indian government regarding content moderation and platform issues. Rahul Gandhi met student protesters and criticized the Prime Minister and Home Minister. An India-flagged ship was hit and sank in the Red Sea, though its crew was rescued. Parliamentary affairs minister met Rahul Gandhi to discuss breaking the ongoing Parliament deadlock. Trump's immigration crackdown has reportedly detained parents of active-duty US military personnel.
Last year, three-member panel had met the CM and submitted its report concerning the violence that erupted near the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 in 2024 during an ASI-monitored survey of the mosque. The unrest resulted in four fatalities and injuries to several others. In the document, a sharp demographic shift is observed.
An Indian-flagged cargo vessel was struck by a projectile in Yemeni waters. The ship caught fire and sank off Yemens western coast near Hodeidah. All fourteen crew members, including thirteen Indians, were rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard. The National Resistance Forces blamed Houthi rebels for the unprovoked attack. India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident and called for unimpeded navigation.
The Cockroach Janta Party began as a satirical online response to a statement by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant but later developed into a broader youth-led campaign. The movement has focused on issues including exam security, administrative reforms and employment-related concerns. Das became one of CJP's most visible representatives due to his background in journalism and his ability to present arguments through data, documents and legal references.
Tamil Nadu's opposition leader M.K. Stalin criticized the TVK government's budget as a waste. He stated the budget repackaged old schemes and lacked new vision. The finance minister presented a budget aiming for a $1.5 trillion economy by 2031. Opposition parties also pointed out unfulfilled election promises and debt concerns. The budget included allocations for schools, higher education, and welfare initiatives.
Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata after nineteen years of exile and received a civic felicitation. The writer expressed gratitude for the new government's assurance of security and her right to visit. Her return highlights the city's evolving political landscape and its stance on free expression. The article explores whether this visit signifies a permanent homecoming or a ceremonial occasion.
After four days without food or water, Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto drank water following an appeal from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk but said his indefinite fast over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations would continue.

28 C