😥 Rural jobs scheme placement misses target

Only 65% of trained rural youth have secured jobs under the DDU-GKY scheme, leaving about six lakh candidates unplaced. This data comes from a parliamentary panel report focusing on the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana. The scheme trained 18.38 lakh youth but only placed 11.94 lakh, falling short of the 70% target. Concerns were raised over low post-placement salaries and high dropout rates leading to distress migration. The committee suggests mandatory industry linkages and better tracking for beneficiaries going forward. 😥

🧠 Hormone Boosts Trust in Men's Games

Studies show that oxytocin levels can influence social behavior in males. Researchers at Phys.org found that men with higher oxytocin experienced increased trust in anonymous settings. Specifically, these men invested 15% more in a trust game simulation. This suggests a biological link between oxytocin and prosocial behavior in men. Further research will explore the implications of these findings on social interactions.

🚂 India's first branded train goes live as Sprite Tejas Express

India's first private, branded train, the 'Sprite' Tejas Express, will operate between Lucknow and Delhi. The North Eastern Railway was notified about the change for Train 82501/82502 from August 19, 2026, to November 11, 2026. This branding deal was awarded to M/s Sprite for a six-month period by IRCTC. The train offers modern amenities like on-board food and infotainment services. This move allows private firms to advertise on Indian Railways infrastructure while IRCTC covers hauling charges. 🚂

🗣️ UP Minister challenges Rahul Gandhi on Hindi skills

Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister AK Sharma publicly challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding his Hindi language proficiency. The remarks were made by Sharma during the India Bioenergy and Tech Expo in Noida on Tuesday. Sharma specifically dared Gandhi to write 'Vishwavidyalaya' in Hindi and state that he would stop calling him 'Pappu'. He also questioned Gandhi's knowledge of IIT and IIM full forms in Hindi. Sharma mentioned UP's progress in smart meter installations and CBG production.

⚖️ High Court takes action against HYDRAA Commissioner

The Telangana High Court ordered a suo moto contempt case against HYDRAA Commissioner and IPS officer A.V. Ranganath. This action was taken because the officer demolished a property's compound wall in Malkajgiri, Medchal Malkajgiri district, defying court orders. The judge noted that HYDRAA erected fencing without proper instructions from Revenue authorities. The Collector revealed that HYDRAA had conducted 30 to 40 unauthorized demolitions in his jurisdiction. The court now mandates a report on these demolitions and ensures all future orders are communicated to HYDRAA. ⚖️

😟 Global nations condemn Iran's executions of protesters

More than 30 nations, including the UK and France, jointly condemned Iran's capital punishment use, stating the Islamic republic is executing protesters to silence dissent. These countries, alongside the EU's top diplomat, issued a strong statement against the ongoing executions. As of the latest report, at least 56 people have been executed since March 19 on national security charges. This comes amid growing international alarm following nationwide anti-government protests and the start of the Middle East war in February. The international community continues to press for the immediate end of the death penalty in Iran. 😟

🤢 Expired food found at Karnataka Health Dept canteen

A Karnataka Health Department team resumed inspections of eateries on Wednesday, leading to the seizure of expired food items. The inspection focused on the department headquarters, Vidhana Soudha premises, and the MS Building. Expired products like idli rava were found at the Arogya Soudha canteen, and hygiene violations were noted across several establishments. Advisory notices were issued for various deficiencies, and one hotel was closed until rectifications are made. Legal action will be initiated against operators violating food safety standards.

🚨 NCERT and CBSE facing major staff crunch

A parliamentary committee flagged significant staffing shortages at NCERT and CBSE in its Tenth Report. The committee noted that 56% of NCERT posts are vacant, while 44% of CBSE positions remain unfilled across the board. As of October 2025, NCERT had 1,596 vacant posts against a strength of 2,844, and CBSE had 933 vacant out of 2,117 approved positions. This shortage is concerning because NCERT shapes education policy, and CBSE conducts major national board exams. The panel urged urgent action to fill these roles to protect the quality and safety of education. 📚

🏏 MI London and Welsh Fire get knocked out of The Hundred

MI London was eliminated despite winning their final group game by two runs against Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston. This defeat meant they finished fourth, level on points with Sunrisers Leeds and Manchester Super Giants. Welsh Fire also exited after losing to London Spirit by six runs in Cardiff. Both teams needed bigger wins to qualify for the Eliminator stages of the competition. Now, the focus shifts to Sunrisers Leeds and Manchester Super Giants in the upcoming Eliminator match.

💣 Al-Qaeda offshoot linked to Red Fort blast

A UN Security Council body officially attributed the November 2025 car bomb blast near the Red Fort to al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). This incident occurred in New Delhi, where the NIA charged 10 individuals linked to AGuH. The blast, on November 11, 2025, resulted in 11 fatalities and significant property damage. The report also detailed AQIS's growing regional influence and interest in chemical weapons. Moving forward, the UN recommended addressing crypto use in counter-terrorism financing. 💣

⚖️ Supreme Court Daily Roundup: August 12, 2026

The Supreme Court held its daily proceedings on August 12, 2026, covering various important legal matters. The bench heard arguments from several parties across different jurisdictions. Key rulings and case updates were documented throughout the day's session. These proceedings are crucial for shaping the nation's legal framework and precedents. Further updates on these cases are expected in the subsequent court sessions.