The National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) has launched a technical survey in Palghar after residents complained of cracks in nearly 290 houses due to tunneling and blasting for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project. The 508-km corridor involves major engineering works, raising safety concerns among locals. Authorities said the expert review will assess structural impact and recommend corrective measures to ensure community safety while construction continues. (PC: PTI)

India’s economy delivered a surprise 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 FY26 (April–June), outperforming forecasts of 6.7% and maintaining its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This marks an uptick from 7.4% in the previous quarter, driven by front-loaded government spending, soft deflator effects, and early exports to the U.S. before the impact of 50% tariffs. Agriculture grew 3.7%, and manufacturing rose 7.7% year-on-year. Economists warn that tariff effects may soon dampen exports, employment, and private investment. Meanwhile, India’s fiscal deficit reached ₹4.68 lakh crore by July, or 29.9% of the full-year target, signaling pressure on public finances despite strong growth. (PC: Business Standard)

The NARI 2025 report has found that 40% of women in India’s urban areas feel unsafe. The survey covered 12,770 women in 31 cities. It revealed that 7% of women faced harassment in 2024, with the 18–24 age group most at risk. Staring, catcalling, lewd remarks, and touching were the most common complaints. Poor lighting, weak transport safety, and lack of infrastructure were blamed. Kolkata, Delhi, Ranchi, Srinagar, and Faridabad were rated least safe, while Mumbai, Kohima, and Vishakhapatnam ranked safer. Only 22% reported harassment, and over half were unsure if workplaces had sexual harassment policies. (PC: HT)

Bihar Police has issued a high alert after inputs that 3 Pakistani terrorists entered the state from Nepal on August 15. The men are linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and have been identified as Hasnanin Ali from Rawalpindi, Adil Hussain from Umarkot, and Mohammad Usman from Bhawalpur. Police have shared their names, photos, and passport details with all border districts. Security checks have increased at railway stations, bus stands, airports, and hotels. Sashastra Seema Bal jawans are on alert. Intelligence units are monitoring movements. With assembly elections nearing, police urged people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. (PC: HT)

Rajasthan has become the first Indian state to fully follow the Supreme Court’s order on stray dogs. The government has ordered all municipal bodies to mark feeding points in every ward and locality. Stray dogs will be sterilised, vaccinated, dewormed, tagged, and released back to their areas. Even rabid dogs will be given food and water at feeding points. CCTV cameras will monitor sterilisation centres for transparency. Only trained teams can catch dogs, and puppies below 6 months will not be sterilised. Monitoring committees with NGOs will track the process. Rajasthan said this move balances public safety and animal welfare. (PC: NDTV)

The Greater Noida dowry death case has taken a new turn after doctors revealed Nikki Bhati’s dying statement. The 26-year-old said her burns came from a cylinder blast at her in-laws’ home, not from being set on fire. Nikki died last week with 80% burns while being shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. Her sister Kanchan earlier alleged Nikki was set ablaze by her husband Vipin Bhati and his family over dowry. Police have arrested Vipin, his parents, and brother Rohit. Videos of Nikki being assaulted surfaced online, while police continue to investigate dowry harassment and family disputes. (PC: India Today)

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has called the new US tariffs on Indian exports “deeply distressing” and a “wake-up call.” The 50% duty, including an extra 25% linked to Russian oil imports, came into effect Wednesday. Rajan warned that trade, investment, and finance are now weaponised, urging India to diversify its partners and reduce dependence on any single country. He suggested India reassess Russian oil imports and push reforms to achieve 8–8.5% growth. Rajan said small exporters like shrimp farmers and textile makers will suffer most, while US consumers will also face higher costs. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to citizens on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, sharing his message on X (formerly Twitter). He prayed to Lord Gajanan for the well-being, peace, happiness, and good health of all devotees. Emphasizing the spirit of unity and devotion the festival brings, Modi invoked “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” encouraging people to celebrate with faith and joy. Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival widely celebrated across India, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing new beginnings, wisdom, and prosperity. Modi’s wishes echoed the cultural and spiritual essence of the occasion. (PC: ANI)

India’s Supreme Court has ordered an inquiry into Vantara, the private zoo run by Anant Ambani, son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The court said allegations of illegal animal acquisition, mistreatment, wildlife law violations, and money laundering must be checked. Vantara, spread over 3,500 acres in Gujarat, houses around 2,000 species, including 200 elephants and 300 big cats. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March. The zoo has faced protests after elephants were moved there. Vantara said it is committed to transparency and animal care. A special panel of retired judges will report by 12 September. (PC: BBC)

As Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations continue, a heartwarming video has gone viral online. It shows a cat sleeping peacefully on the arm of a beautifully decorated Lord Ganesha idol dressed in yellow attire. The calm scene has left devotees and social media users delighted. Many called it one of the sweetest sights of the festival, while others added humour, joking about Ganesha’s loyal companion, the mouse, feeling insecure. Some viewers also shared emotional reactions, saying it shows God’s love for all beings. The clip has quickly become one of the most talked-about festival highlights this year.