📊 Census 2027 adding caste, COVID, and ID questions

The Union Government notified 40 questions for the Population Census 2027, which will now include caste details. This exercise, being the first to enumerate caste in Independent India outside ST/SC, is being done across the country. The second phase starts on August 17 in Ladakh and J&K, with the rest following in February 2027. New data points cover Aadhaar, mobile numbers, bank accounts, and COVID-19 vaccination status. Officials will gather extensive demographic and economic information from every resident.

⚖️ Chief Justice steps in against Bar Council order

Chief Justice Surya Kant Mishra challenged the Bar Council of India's directive against enrolling NALSAR University of Hyderabad graduates. This order was issued by the BCI following a student campaign opposing the Chief Justice's participation in the university's convocation. The BCI had initially halted the enrolment of 2026 graduates pending an inquiry into the protests. The Chief Justice asserted that this was a matter between himself and the students, not the BCI's concern. The Supreme Court has since asked the BCI not to take punitive action against the students or faculty.

🧐 Farage wins by-election, but finance questions linger

Nigel Farage secured a convincing victory in the Clacton by-election, which he himself triggered for political reasons. The win occurred in the constituency of Clacton, after main opposition parties chose not to field candidates. The result was 22,239 votes, taking place in the context of his political ambitions. Critics argue he was dodging scrutiny regarding his finances, especially a £5m gift. The ongoing investigations into his donations and conduct are expected to continue for months. 🧐

🏛️ Kerala Police Restores Sub-Inspector Led SHO Model

The Kerala government has revamped the Station House Officer (SHO) system across the state's police stations. Sub-Inspector-led models are being reinstated in most regular stations, while Inspectors will remain SHOs in 63 strategically important locations. This shift follows a panel review which found the Sub-Inspector structure more effective for better oversight and grievance redressal. Over 203 surplus Inspector posts will now be moved to specialized units like Cyber Police in Kochi and Kozhikode. A two-month transition period has been set for training and infrastructure changes to ensure a smooth rollout.

🤯 Bengaluru parking rules draft shockers revealed

Bengaluru might be overhauling its parking system with new draft rules for 2026. These rules propose annual permits for residents parking on public roads outside their homes in the Greater Bengaluru Area. Costs range from ₹15,000 for small cars up to ₹25,000 for SUVs, plus admin fees. The aim is to regulate public road space and curb long-term roadside parking. The Karnataka government is currently inviting objections before finalizing these changes. 🚗

🛂 US targets birth tourism: 600+ visas cancelled

The US government has intensified its crackdown on birth tourism, leading to the revocation of over 600 visas. This action was taken against individuals and families associated with the practice in the United States. The revoked visas pertain to various cases identified over the last few months. This move aims to curb illegal immigration practices within the country's borders. Indians planning to travel for this purpose need to be aware of these new stricter guidelines. 🛂

📚 Bihar's Kushal Yuva scheme extended till 2031

The Bihar government has extended the Kushal Yuva Programme for an additional five years until 2030-31. This initiative is for young people in Bihar, with ₹430.08 crore allocated for the 2026-27 financial year. The curriculum will be updated to include modern skills like AI and drone technology. The scheme currently runs through 6,436 training centers, aiming to train 2.57 lakh youths yearly. Eligible applicants are aged 15 to 28, with relaxed limits for specific categories.

📉 Aluminium stocks dip as production ramps up 📉

Shares of Vedanta Aluminium, Hindalco, and NALCO tumbled up to 7% on Friday after aluminium prices retreated from a seven-week high. This dip followed Norsk Hydro increasing production at its Brazilian refinery, Alunorte, after ANP approval. The benchmark aluminium on the London Metal Exchange fell 1.6% to settle at $3,285.50 a tonne. This rise in alumina supply counters previous concerns over shortages from Middle East disruptions. Analysts still see a structural bull cycle for aluminium supported by strong demand.

💰 Reijnders set for massive payday in Saudi Arabia

Netherlands international Tijjani Reijnders is set to earn over €100 million in Saudi Arabia. The midfielder is joining Al-Qadsiah in Dammam for a four-season deal with an option for one more year. This contract guarantees him €80 million, but could exceed €100 million if he plays all five seasons. This move comes after he left AC Milan last year. Nottingham Forest was also linked with him, but Al-Qadsiah secured the signing for €61 million.

🌧️ Heavy rain alert for Uttarakhand and Delhi-NCR this weekend

Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted for parts of Uttarakhand, triggering an 'orange' alert in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued forecasts for intermittent to heavy showers across Delhi-NCR. A previous error showed Delhi exceeding its average rainfall, but actual recorded rain was 18.7 mm on August 6. Delhi is currently at 197.2 mm, slightly below its normal August average of 226.8 mm. Rain activity is expected to continue widely across Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab until at least August 19.

🚀 Zetwerk hits nearly Rs 16,000 Cr revenue in FY26

B2B e-commerce unicorn Zetwerk saw a strong operational recovery in FY26 after a dip in FY25. The company, operating as a manufacturing and construction marketplace, achieved nearly Rs 16,000 crore in GMV. Specifically, gross revenue surged over 40% to Rs 15,913 crore in FY26 from Rs 11,332 crore in FY25. This performance was supported by a positive EBITDA of Rs 457 crore and strong growth in product sales. Zetwerk has filed its UDRHP to raise Rs 2,600 crore amid broader B2B market listings.