✊ Pensioners protest in Vellore over hospital issues

The Vellore District Pensioners Association held a protest outside the Collectorate in Vellore on Wednesday. The association, led by President R. Murugan, raised several demands regarding pensioner welfare. Key demands included creating a special block in all district government hospitals. They also sought to reduce the medical insurance premium from ₹644 to ₹390. Furthermore, they demanded inclusion in the District Grievances Cell chaired by the District Collector.

🏛️ MLA asks Centre to hand over defence land for IT park

MLA Abhay Patil appealed to the Union government to transfer unused defence land for a planned IT park in Belagavi. He met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to push for the land transfer to the Karnataka government. The proposal was for setting up an IT and Semiconductor Park, with an alternative being a Defence Manufacturing Unit. Minister Singh assured that the suggestions would be seriously considered by the government. Additionally, Patil met Nitin Gadkari regarding the Yellur Cable Car Project.

✊ Activist Wants Clearance to Return to Protest Zone

Activist Devendra Mahto is actively seeking permission to re-enter the site of his ongoing protest. He is looking for the necessary clearance from the Civil Surgeon. The protest has been an ongoing issue for some time, with specific dates and locations implied. This request highlights the administrative hurdles faced by activists trying to maintain their demonstration. His next move depends entirely on the Civil Surgeon's approval.

✊ Protester seeks medical clearance to return to strike

Activist Devendra Mahto, who has been fasting for 11 days, requested permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to go back to the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. He is a leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha and was hospitalized on Monday due to health issues after a student march. Students have been protesting for 19 days over alleged recruitment exam irregularities in Jharkhand. Mahto stated that the protest is a responsibility and a source of hope for him. He hopes to rejoin the youth engaged in this struggle for their future.

😔 Ambedkar statues vandalized in UP villages

Statues of B.R. Ambedkar were vandalized in Hasnapur village of Unnao and Chandpur village of Etawah on the intervening night. Villagers, predominantly Dalits, held protests on Wednesday demanding action from the administration. The Unnao police confirmed a case was registered and a new statue was installed at the Hasnapur site. The Congress Opposition called these incidents an organized attempt to humiliate the Dalit community. The situation is currently being managed with new installations at both locations. 😔

🚧 Chennai-Bengaluru highway lane gets concrete upgrade

The NHAI has reopened the service lane of the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway near CMC in Puttuthakku village. This lane was damaged after excess rainwater from quarries washed away the bitumen during the December 2025 monsoon. The 300-meter, 20-foot wide stretch was re-laid with a concrete carriageway after work started post-April Assembly polls. This concrete design helps discharge excess rainwater without disrupting traffic flow. Motorists noted that 8-10 ambulances use this route daily to reach nearby hospitals. 🚑

🎨 South Zone Cultural Centre kicks off 3-day arts event

The South Zone Cultural Centre started a three-day cultural event on Wednesday at Dr. MGR Home and Higher Secondary School for the Speech and Hearing Impaired. The event featured folk arts training, paintings by Kavya S. Nath, and a folk-dance workshop. On Thursday, a caricature workshop and Puducherry folk performance are scheduled, while Friday includes clay modelling and a mime performance. The valedictory ceremony is set for 8 a.m. on August 15, 2026. Latha Rajendran noted these events are powerful avenues for the children's expression and confidence.

🙏 Devotees want 24/7 police patrol on Girivalam path

Devotees are demanding round-the-clock police patrolling along the Girivalam path for improved public safety. This concern was raised by residents in Tiruvannamalai, near the Arunachaleswarar Temple. Currently, over one lakh visitors flock to the town daily during the 'Aadi' season. Despite recent encroachment removal, devotees feel unsafe due to the lack of visible night patrols. A decision for constant patrolling awaits approval from the District Collector and Superintendent of Police. 👮

😠 Minister joins sanitation workers protest in Alwar

A political row erupted in Alwar after Rajasthan Minister Sanjay Sharma joined sanitation workers protesting outside the Municipal Corporation. Local Congress leaders clashed with Sharma’s supporters at the site on Wednesday. Workers demanded appointment letters for 2012 recruits, with the High Court directing action in 2019. Sharma blamed officials for the delay, as appointments for 69 candidates were stalled. The protest ended after five hours when five letters were distributed, with more set for August 16.

😠 Chennai tax hike sparks major resident backlash

The Greater Chennai Corporation's property tax reassessment is facing heavy criticism due to its lack of transparency and sharp rate increases. Residents in North Chennai reported huge jumps, like one going from ₹295 to ₹3,255 without explanation. The GCC claims the revised tax is based on self-declared area and GIS data, aiming for an extra ₹83 crore annually. Concerns remain about procedural fairness, especially for vulnerable residents, and the lack of prior council resolution. Officials state that reassessment is only for under-assessed properties and objections can be raised within a month. 🧐

✊ West Bengal teachers protest stalled job reappointment

Teachers who lost their jobs in the West Bengal recruitment scam resumed protests in Kolkata on Wednesday, August 12. These 'untainted' teachers, many of whom were on the final merit list of 15,403 for the 2025 process, faced indefinite adjournment of counselling. The West Bengal Central School Service Commission notified the halt on August 11, postponing the start date of August 14. This issue is complicated by the new government reducing OBC reservation from 17% to 7%. Protesters are demanding their jobs back, citing broken promises and prior court rulings.