💰 RBI cuts short special dollar attraction scheme

The Reserve Bank of India has decided to prematurely close the special FCNR(B) deposit scheme for foreign exchange inflows. This move affects deposits mobilized until August 31 instead of the original September 30 deadline, in Mumbai. Over 67 days, banks mobilized a total of $56.85 billion, with FCNR(B) accounting for $52.3 billion. The scheme aimed to stabilize the rupee when it was sliding towards 96 a dollar. The RBI is now reassessing the material cost and impact of the massive capital inflows. 💸

💪 BJP gears up for Nagpur Graduates' battle in Vidarbha

The BJP initiated an organizational push in Vidarbha ahead of the Nagpur Graduates' constituency election. Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan toured multiple districts like Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Bhandara. This intensive two-day tour focused on booth-level preparedness for the upcoming contest. The party views this election as a key chance to test its strength in Vidarbha, a region where it has a strong base. The BJP is signaling that this contest will be treated as a major battle, not a routine exercise.

🎉 Kollam's Onam Festivities Kicking Off Soon

Kollam district has finalized extensive arrangements for this year's Onam celebrations across several locations. The district administration confirmed these details during a DTPC meeting chaired by Collector Anie Jula Thomas. The week-long events will run from August 25 to August 30, with the inauguration happening on August 25 at 5 p.m. on Kollam Beach. Minister P.C. Vishnunadh will officially light the lamp to start the cultural gala, which ends with a session on August 29. A committee will select artists for events at various spots including Thirumullavaram and Munroe Island.

🕊️ Nagas celebrate 80th Independence Day in Senapati

The 80th Naga Independence Day was marked at Katomei Village Local Ground in Senapati district on Friday. The event was organized by the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) under ANSAM's aegis. UNC General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang addressed the crowd, recalling the August 14, 1947 declaration of Naga independence. He emphasized that Naga unity is crucial for protecting their land, culture, and identity. The gathering concluded with calls for peace and the continuation of ancestral sacrifices for the younger generation. 🕊️

💧 India sticks to its Indus Waters Treaty stance

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India's position on the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged. This came after Pakistan's PM Office claimed India illegally suspended the treaty and declared Pakistan's water a 'red line.' India put the treaty in abeyance after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians died. New Delhi insists the treaty can't function unless Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism. The treaty itself was signed back in September 1960.

⚖️ SC steps in, Bar Council reverses NALSAR ban

The Bar Council of India has withdrawn its controversial order that previously barred NALSAR's 2026 graduating batch from becoming advocates. This action followed massive criticism and direct intervention from the Supreme Court. The dispute started after students protested the invitation sent to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant for the university convocation. The Supreme Court affirmed the students' right to protest and questioned the validity of the BCI's initial decision. Consequently, the BCI has reversed its order, changing the trajectory of the NALSAR convocation controversy. ⚖️

🚨 Ponzi scheme accused sent to ED custody

Authorities have taken Shivanand Neelannavar into custody regarding an alleged Ponzi scheme run by Shivam Associates in Belagavi. He was produced before a Belagavi court on Friday and ordered to remain in ED custody for 12 days for questioning. Neelannavar allegedly collected over ₹2100 crore from the public by promising high interest rates, without any RBI or SEBI clearance. The ED is investigating illegal money transfers into films, real estate, and fisheries. This action is aimed at tracing the financial transactions and identifying other involved parties.

📸 BJP Leaders Push for MP CM Photo Op

Several BJP leaders were seen jostling and pushing each other to secure a spot in a photograph with the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister. This incident reportedly occurred in Bhopal. The specific numbers and dates of the gathering were not detailed in the report. The action highlights the internal dynamics and political jockeying within the party structure. It suggests ongoing competition among various party members for visibility and influence in the state politics. 📸

🚚 APLOA pushes for 12-year permit fix with Transport Secretary

The Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners’ Association met the new Transport Secretary, Kona Sasidhar, on Friday. Leaders raised concerns regarding the counter-signature permits between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These specific permit issues have been pending for the last 12 years. Mr. Sasidhar inquired about the transport industry's problems and responded positively to their concerns. He assured the association that the issues affecting the transport sector would be looked into.

⚖️ New Karnataka Bill Sparks RSS Targeting Debate

The Congress government passed the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026. This move requires prior permission for events, rallies, and shakhas on state-owned property in Karnataka. The bill stipulates rules apply equally to various groups, countering claims of bias. However, the BJP criticized the bill as unconstitutional, alleging it targets RSS activities. Congress also questioned the RSS's unregistered status, raising safety concerns for future gatherings. ⚖️

🇮🇳 250 million out of poverty, says President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day. She praised various contributors to nation-building across the country and globally. The President highlighted that over 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty recently. Furthermore, free healthcare to 600 million people and food security for 800 million were mentioned. India is noted as a rapidly growing economy with a strong digital infrastructure.