1. President Murmu Unveils Supreme Court’s New Flag Featuring Ashoka Chakra, Constitution Symbols
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Supreme Court of India’s new flag and insignia on Sunday, introducing a powerful symbol during the National Conference of District Judiciary in New Delhi. The newly launched flag, set against a deep blue background, prominently features the Ashoka Chakra, the image of the Supreme Court building, and the Constitution of India, encapsulating the court’s commitment to justice and democracy.
The accompanying insignia is inscribed with “Supreme Court of India” and the Sanskrit phrase “Yato Dharmastato Jayah” in Devanagari script, which translates to “Where there is Dharma, there is victory.” This reflects the court’s dedication to righteousness and justice in its rulings.
2. Rajasthan Education Minister Revises Curriculum: No More ‘Great’ Akbar
Rajasthan’s Education Minister, Madan Dilawar, has announced a big change in the state’s educational curriculum, stating that Mughal Emperor Akbar will no longer be referred to as a “great” historical figure in school textbooks. At the 28th state-level “Bhama Shah Samman Samaroh” event in Udaipur on Sunday, Dilawar criticized Akbar, accusing him of exploiting India and opposing his glorification in academic materials.
This decision follows Dilawar’s controversial statements in January, where he labeled Akbar a “rapist” and called for the removal of any glorifying references to him in school syllabuses, aiming for a revised portrayal of historical figures.
3. Uddhav Thackeray Leads Protest Against Eknath Shinde with ‘Slippers Slap’ Agitation
During a massive rally held by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in South Mumbai on Sunday, Uddhav Thackeray participated in a unique form of protest called ‘jode maro andolan’ (hitting with slippers). In this demonstration against the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue, Thackeray, alongside Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress leaders, struck a banner featuring Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar with slippers.
4. Monsoon Havoc in Andhra and Telangana: Hundreds of Villages Submerged, Trains Disrupted
Severe monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for the second consecutive day, resulting in at least 10 more deaths. The Khammam district in Telangana is among the worst-hit areas, with over 110 villages submerged under floodwaters. Significant waterlogging on railway tracks has led to the cancellation of 99 trains, with additional partial cancellations and diversions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured state authorities of the Centre’s support in managing the crisis.
5. Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ Release Delayed Due to Sikh Community Backlash
The release of Kangana Ranaut’s film “Emergency” has been postponed amid rising controversy over its depiction of the Sikh community. Initially set to premiere on September 6, the film’s release has been delayed pending further clearance from the Certification Board. The decision follows a strong backlash in Punjab after the trailer’s release, prompting the board to request additional edits to avoid offending any community.
6. Bangladesh: Hindu Educators Forced to Resign Amid Rising Tensions
In Bangladesh, minority Hindu teachers are increasingly facing harassment and coercion, leading many to resign from their roles in government institutions. Since August 5, about 50 Hindu educators have been forced to step down amid growing insecurity and threats. A prominent case involves Dr. Chandranath Poddar, a professor in the Mathematics Department at Dhaka University, who resigned under pressure from students.
7. Protests Erupt in Israel Demanding Ceasefire After Hostages Found Dead in Gaza
Thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday night, protesting after the discovery of six more hostages dead in Gaza. Chanting “Now! Now!”, demonstrators demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas to secure the release of the remaining captives.
In a show of solidarity, Israel’s largest trade union, the Histadrut, called for a general strike on Monday—the first since the October 7 Hamas attack—to pressure the government. The strike aims to halt major sectors, including banking, healthcare, and operations at the country’s main airport.
8. Wreckage of Missing Helicopter Found in Russia; 17 Bodies Recovered
The wreckage of a helicopter that went missing in Russia’s far east has been located, with officials confirming the recovery of 17 bodies. The helicopter, which had 22 people on board, is believed to have crashed due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. Russian authorities continue their search for the remaining occupants, but all are presumed dead, according to the Emergencies Ministry.
9. Far-Right AfD Party Set to Historic Victory in German Regional Elections
Voters in two east German states began casting their ballots today, with the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) poised for a historic win. If successful, this would mark the first time in nearly a century that a far-right party holds the most seats in a German state parliament. Current polling indicates the AfD is leading in Thuringia and a close second in Saxony, while the far-left BSW party also gains traction.
10. Netanyahu Vows Retaliation Against Hamas Following Hostage Deaths
Following the discovery of six hostages’ bodies in a Gaza tunnel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “settle the score” with Hamas. In a stern statement, Netanyahu declared, “Those who kill hostages do not want an agreement,” and promised to pursue Hamas leaders aggressively, stating, “We will hunt you down, we will catch you and we will settle the score.” The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing attacks, including a shooting near Hebron in the occupied West Bank that resulted in the deaths of three police officers.
