The Supreme Court will hear a plea on August 8 asking the Centre to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The plea was filed by Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik. They said the Centre has not acted, even after the Supreme Court's 2023 verdict said statehood should return “at the earliest.” The case was mentioned by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan. Chief Justice BR Gavai said it will stay listed. Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood on August 5, 2019. Recent high-level meetings have raised hopes of progress. Congress will also mark August 5 as a “black day.” (PC: AP)

Seven Delhi Police personnel, including constables and head constables, were suspended after failing to detect a dummy bomb during a security drill at the Red Fort. The Special Cell team, disguised as civilians, entered the premises on Saturday carrying the dummy device, highlighting serious security lapses ahead of the 79th Independence Day. Authorities have intensified surveillance, deploying five types of high-tech cameras and conducting a local census in the area. Meanwhile, five Bangladeshi nationals were arrested for attempting to enter the Red Fort illegally. Delhi Police recovered Bangladeshi documents and launched an investigation into the suspected trespassing incident. (PC: HT)

Shibu Soren, veteran tribal leader and three-time chief minister of Jharkhand, died in Delhi at 81 after battling kidney issues and suffering a stroke. Known as "Dishom Guru," Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and led the movement for a separate tribal state. His son, current CM Hemant Soren, confirmed the death. Prime Minister Modi called him a “grassroots leader,” while Congress’s Jairam Ramesh hailed his role in creating Jharkhand. Soren had served as coal minister but faced convictions in murder cases, later overturned. Political leaders across India mourned his passing, calling him a powerful voice for tribal rights. (PC: BBC)

Buzz around Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood return grew after PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah met President Murmu just before the Article 370 anniversary. Both meetings were held on the same day but without public details, sparking social media speculation. Shah also met J&K leaders recently, and a key NDA meeting is planned. J&K lost statehood in 2019 and became a Union Territory. The Supreme Court had asked for early restoration. Rumours suggest a new law may be coming. Some fear J&K and Kashmir could be split. Many, including Omar Abdullah, are demanding full statehood and fresh elections soon. (PC: India Today)

Ten Central Trade Unions and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (CTUs-SKM) have called for a nationwide protest on August 13 against U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff threats and the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). The protest will feature tractor rallies, public gatherings, and demonstrations across India. Organizers condemned the tariffs and accused both deals of economic coercion and corporate imperialism, likening them to colonial exploitation. They demand India assert its sovereign right to trade with all nations, including Russia, and halt all negotiations with the U.S. until full transparency and parliamentary scrutiny are ensured. The protest aims to defend India’s food security, economic independence, and strategic autonomy. (PC: Hindustan Times & The Economic Times)

An Army officer attacked four SpiceJet staff at Srinagar Airport after a fight over extra cabin luggage. He tried to carry 16 kg, more than the 7 kg limit. When asked to pay, he refused and forced his way to the aerobridge. CISF stopped him, but he then hit the staff with punches, kicks, and a queue stand. One worker had a spinal fracture, another a broken jaw. A video shows him using a check-in board to hit them. SpiceJet filed a police complaint and asked for a no-fly ban. The Army promised full support in the investigation. (PC: News18)

An Indian Army officer was caught on video beating four SpiceJet staff at Srinagar Airport on July 26. The fight started over extra baggage charges at the boarding gate. One staffer got a spinal fracture, and another had jaw injuries. The officer used punches, kicks, and even a queue stand. A worker fainted during the attack but was still kicked. All four staff are in hospital. The video went viral on August 3. The Army said it is helping with the probe and supports discipline in public places. The officer has been charged with “murderous assault.” An investigation is ongoing. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notice to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, requesting him to surrender a voter ID (EPIC: RAB2916120) that was allegedly not officially issued. This follows Yadav’s claim that his name was missing from Bihar’s draft voter roll, using the unrecognized EPIC number. However, the ECI confirmed his valid registration under EPIC RAB0456228 at Serial No. 416 in Digha constituency. The EC suspects possible forgery or duplication and has initiated a probe. The controversy has sparked political backlash, highlighting concerns over voter roll transparency and electoral integrity in Bihar. (PC: The Hindu)  

Lieutenant Colonel Ritesh Kumar Singh, posted at HAWS in Gulmarg, allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar airport on July 26 after being asked to pay for cabin baggage exceeding the 7 kg limit. Singh reportedly refused and attacked staff with a queue stand, causing a spinal fracture and jaw injury. One employee collapsed but was still kicked. CCTV footage has been submitted to police. An FIR has been filed, and the airline is pushing for a no-fly ban. The Army has acknowledged the incident, stating it awaits investigation outcomes while stressing its commitment to discipline. (PC: India Today)

A bulldozer operating to clear debris from National Highway 5 in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla region veered off a steep incline in heavy rain and plunged approximately 300 metres into a gorge . The driver was rushed to hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries . The accident occurred in Jabli (Kumarsain area), where heavy monsoon-triggered landslides and rockfalls disrupted roads and operations . The incident underscores the severity of ongoing rain‑related disasters in Himachal Pradesh, which, along with Uttarakhand, have reported widespread infrastructure damage and fatalities this monsoon season.