IIT Kharagpur reversed a controversial dining hall segregation policy after facing strong alumni and faculty backlash. The August 16 directive for BR Ambedkar Hall required separate seating for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students, following complaints from 300 vegetarian residents among 1,300 total. Critics condemned "only veg" table signage as institutional endorsement of segregation, calling it regressive and incompatible with campus values. The Hall Management Centre withdrew the rule September 7, emphasizing food segregation should occur only during preparation and distribution, not seating. Similar controversies occurred at IIT Madras (2018) and IIT Bombay, sparking debates about "untouchability" practices. Alumni noted the irony of imposing segregation in a hall honoring equality champion BR Ambedkar during the institute's platinum jubilee year. (PC: India Today & Times Now)

India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday said it is “proud of our Constitution” while referring to unrest in Nepal and protests in Bangladesh. Chief Justice B R Gavai highlighted the stability of Indian democracy, contrasting it with violent protests in Nepal where at least 19 people were killed and government buildings, including Parliament, were torched. Justice Vikram Nath also recalled Bangladesh student protests last year. The remarks came during a presidential reference hearing on Governors’ role in clearing state bills. The bench said India has upheld its Constitution and democracy for 75 years, despite challenges in governance and politics. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission is set to launch a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists by October. Sources said the announcement could come before the Bihar Assembly election ends. Chief Electoral Officers from all states and Union Territories discussed the plan in a meeting. The revision will focus on removing names of deceased, duplicate, and non-citizens while adding eligible voters. States have been asked to prepare a list of acceptable local documents for verification. The poll body said the drive will improve accuracy. Opposition parties have raised concern that it could lead to mass voter deletions. (PC: X)

Activist Umar Khalid has moved the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court denied him bail in the 2020 Delhi riots case. On September 2, the court also rejected bail pleas of eight others, including activist Sharjeel Imam and Gulfisha Fatima. The court said protests cannot be used to justify violence. Khalid and others were arrested under UAPA and IPC for allegedly planning the riots, which killed 53 people and injured over 700. The accused argue they have spent four years in custody without trial. Police claim the violence was part of a conspiracy. The Supreme Court will now hear Khalid’s appeal. (PC: HT)

A motorcycle theft gang responsible for stealing over 40 bikes in Lucknow was apprehended with unexpected assistance from stray dogs. During a police pursuit, the pack of dogs inadvertently blocked the criminals' escape route, forcing them into a dead-end where law enforcement officers were positioned. This unusual incident highlights how unpredictable circumstances can aid police operations. The gang had been operating extensively in Uttar Pradesh's capital city, targeting motorcycles systematically. The arrest represents a significant breakthrough in tackling vehicle theft in the region. The case demonstrates how environmental factors, even involving animals, can sometimes play decisive roles in criminal apprehensions. Police were able to recover the stolen motorcycles and charge the suspects. (PC: OpIndia)

NDA's CP Radhakrishnan won India's Vice Presidential election with 452 votes, defeating opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy who received 300 votes, with 14 abstentions. The election was held after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21 due to health concerns, making this the first VP election in 50 days. Radhakrishnan, Maharashtra's current governor, becomes India's 15th Vice President. A former RSS member who joined Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974, he served as BJP's Tamil Nadu State President (2004-2007). The polling achieved 96% turnout by 3 PM, with PM Modi voting first alongside other prominent leaders. Opposition framed this as an "ideological battle," urging conscience-based voting. (PC: India Today)

India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $3.5 billion to $694.23 billion for the week ending August 29, nearing the all-time high of $704.89 billion set in September 2024. The rise was driven by a $1.7 billion increase in foreign currency assets and a $1.8 billion boost in gold holdings. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed the reserves can cover 11 months of imports. In 2025 alone, reserves have grown by $53 billion. The RBI continues strategic interventions buying dollars when the rupee is strong and selling during weakness to stabilize the currency. FX reserves include assets in USD, Euro, Yen, and Pound, with a growing preference for gold amid global uncertainties.

A Terrorist Was Killed In An Encounter With Security Forces In Kulgam District Of Jammu And Kashmir On Monday Morning. The Gunfight Began In Gudar Forest After Security Forces Launched A Search Operation Based On Intelligence Inputs. Officials Said The Terrorists Opened Fire First, Leading To A Fierce Exchange. A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Of The Indian Army Was Injured In The Firing. The Indian Army, Jammu And Kashmir Police, And CRPF Are Carrying Out The Joint Operation. Chinar Corps Said, “One Terrorist Was Eliminated.” The Operation Is Still Going On As Forces Search The Dense Forest Area. (PC: HT)

An Indian Army jawan was injured in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday. Officials said the anti-terror operation began in the Gudar forest after inputs about the presence of terrorists. Personnel from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF launched a joint search. The encounter started when terrorists opened fire at security forces. The injured Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was airlifted to the Army hospital in Srinagar. Operations in the area are continuing, and further details are awaited. Security forces have tightened cordon and search efforts to neutralize the terrorists. (PC: News18)

Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, grandson of ex-Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, has been given the job of a library clerk in Parappana Agrahara prison. He is serving a life sentence for rape. Jail officials said his duties include issuing books to inmates and keeping records. Revanna will earn Rs 522 per day if he completes the work. Life convicts must take up some form of labour based on skills and interest. Revanna had sought administrative work but was placed in the library. He was sentenced last month after the court found strong evidence, including forensic reports, proving the crime. (PC: India Today)