🏛️ Rajya Sabha adjourned over 'lungiwala' remark

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, following a protest by Opposition MPs. This happened after CPI(M) MP John Brittas alleged that BJP MP Sushmita Dev called him 'lungiwala' earlier in the week. The session lasted only about 21 minutes due to the uproar in New Delhi. Brittas argued this was an issue of the House's dignity and respect for India's diversity. The Chairman advised members to avoid remarks that could hurt the sentiments of fellow parliamentarians. 🧐

🏛️ Delhi HC stops tax dept from checking judges' ITRs

The Delhi High Court has issued a directive preventing the Income Tax Department from processing the Income Tax Returns of Supreme Court and High Court judges. This order was issued by the court after a legal challenge was brought forward. The ruling specifically pertains to the application of the new tax regime to these judicial officers. The decision emphasizes the need to protect the privacy of judges' financial information during tax assessments. The tax department is now required to adhere strictly to this judicial order moving forward. 🏛️

🏏 Lawn mower hits pitch hours after Gambhir visit

Sri Lanka held a closed-door practice session in Galle, where Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak briefly viewed the pitch. Less than two hours after they left, groundstaff used a grass mower on the main playing surface. The pitch is crucial as it will heavily influence India's playing XI combination for the upcoming Test. The selectors are weighing options for both three seamers and three spinners based on the pitch report. India is scheduled to start its match preparation at 10 am on Thursday.

🧐 Dogmatism taking over the country

The current level of dogmatism within the nation has reached an excessive point. Critics are pointing out the widespread adherence to rigid ideologies across various sectors. Specific instances have been cited where debate is stifled by uncompromising viewpoints. This trend is impacting social discourse and democratic processes significantly. Authorities are now facing pressure to encourage more open and nuanced discussions moving forward. 🧐

🦌 Caribou study changed how scientists see wildlife

Biologist Olaus J. Murie started studying caribou in Alaska's wilderness in 1922. He was hired by the US Biological Survey and worked in areas like the Brooks Range and Mount McKinley National Park. His initial focus involved mapping caribou movements and estimating herd populations between 1920 and 1926. This work started a shift in American wildlife management, viewing predators as part of ecosystems. Murie's early field research set the stage for decades of ecological study in the region. 🦌

✈️ Trump switches planes citing 'dangerous flight' threat

President Donald Trump addressed reporters before secretly transferring from the main presidential aircraft to a smaller military plane in Turkey. This evasive maneuver reportedly happened due to an Iranian threat involving a surface-to-air missile against Air Force One. The switch occurred after reports indicated threats, including a shoulder-fired missile, during the NATO summit. Trump later downplayed the risk for the journalists left on the decoy plane. He maintained that his own flight path was actually at greater risk during the incident. ✈️

⚖️ Yashwant Varma's resignation creates legal puzzle

Justice Yashwant Varma's resignation from his post has introduced a legal grey area into the proceedings. This development concerns his role within the impeachment process, which was under scrutiny. The resignation was made recently, affecting the timelines originally set for the process. This situation raises questions about the continuity of the legal procedures involved. The next steps will determine how this vacuum in authority is officially addressed.

🏥 Rape survivors don't need court nod for abortion up to 24 weeks

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that survivors of sexual assault, rape, or incest do not require court approval for abortion up to 24 weeks. This decision came from the Indore bench while hearing a petition from the father of a 16-year-old survivor. The judgment, passed on August 11, 2026, clarifies the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. For pregnancies up to 20 weeks, a single registered medical practitioner can terminate them, while up to 24 weeks requires two. The court directed the State Health Department to inform all concerned hospitals about this order. 🏥

👴 China's economic titan, Zhu Rongji, passes away

Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, a key figure in China's economic rise, has passed away at the age of 97. He served in China's second-highest office from 1998-2003, playing a major part in WTO entry. His tenure saw double-digit growth, alongside reforms that caused 30 million layoffs over five years. He was known for tackling corruption and driving China into a manufacturing powerhouse. His legacy is described by state media as one of 'revolution, struggle and brilliance.' 📈

🗣️ MP says she called him 'lungi-wala' in Rajya Sabha

A row started in the Rajya Sabha when CPI(M) MP John Brittas claimed BJP MP Sushmita Dev called him “lungi-wala”. Brittas, representing Kerala, stated this happened during a verbal exchange in the House. He mentioned submitting a privilege notice against her regarding these alleged remarks. Dev strongly denied insulting Kerala's traditional attire, calling the issue politicization. Both members maintained their positions, keeping the political controversy alive. 🧐

🛠️ UP boosts artisans with free training and new tools

Uttar Pradesh's Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana is supporting traditional artisans by offering skill upgrades and modern toolkits. This scheme benefits artisans in various trades across rural and urban areas of Uttar Pradesh. Eligible individuals receive six days of free skill training, followed by advanced toolkits relevant to their specific craft. The goal is to enhance traditional skills and improve working practices using contemporary technology. Applicants must be UP natives, 18+, and engaged in a specified traditional occupation.