Good morning! Here’s a quick look at the biggest stories making headlines today.
The United States is signalling a softer line on Jammu and Kashmir, with its envoy calling the Union Territory an ‘important part of India’.
Envoy Sergio Gor said Washington could review its Level 4 travel advisory, hinting at a possible shift.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked the National Testing Agency to strengthen the NEET system along the lines of the UPSC, with technology experts and experienced officials playing a bigger role.
Also in today’s Bhaskar Smart Brief, don’t miss our coverage of the Supreme Court’s ruling allowing children to be evicted from their parents’ property when necessary to protect senior citizens’ dignity and security.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day.
Today’s Top Headlines
1. ‘J&K is an important part of India’, says US envoy Sergio Gor
The United States appears to be signalling a softer line on Jammu and Kashmir, with its envoy calling the Union Territory an ‘important part of India’.
The shift came during Sergio Gor’s first visit to J&K since 2019, where he praised security efforts and hinted at a review of the US travel warning.
The US still maintains its highest Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for J&K, but Gor said Washington may re-evaluate it, pointing to steps taken by New Delhi and the Omar Abdullah government to improve security.
Whether that review leads to a downgrade could offer a clearer sign of Washington’s evolving position. READ MORE
2. SC says parents can disinherit children from property
Can children be asked to leave their parents’ home? The Supreme Court has now answered yes, when eviction is needed to protect the dignity, safety and maintenance of senior citizens.
The ruling strengthens the powers of tribunals set up under the 2007 law and overturns an Allahabad High Court decision.
The bench said a civilised society is judged by how it treats its elderly. It also clarified that such eviction orders can be issued when necessary, putting the rights and security of senior citizens at the centre of the dispute. READ MORE
3. ‘NEET system foolproof, difficult to breach’, Govt to SC
Can NEET’s exam system be as secure as it claims? The government told the Supreme Court that the process is tightly protected, from setting question papers to delivering them to centres.
But the court wants more than assurances, asking the National Testing Agency
(NTA) to build a stronger system on the lines of the UPSC.
The bench also called for officials with technology expertise and greater stability for experienced staff.
The petitions, filed after concerns over paper leaks, seek tighter monitoring and even the NTA’s replacement, putting the exam system under fresh scrutiny. READ MORE
4. India beat Pakistan 5-3 in Hockey WC 2026, seal spot in 2nd round
India beat Pakistan, winning 5-3 in men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 clash at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on August 19.
The win sent India into the next round, while Pakistan’s campaign came to an end. Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored twice each, with Hardik Singh adding another goal.
Pakistan’s Hannan Shahid scored twice and Sufyan Khan once, as India extended their unbeaten run against arch-rivals. READ MORE
5. Vande Mataram row: Cong says it will stick to singing 2 stanzas
The Congress is sharpening its political line as it seeks to keep the BJP under pressure on several fronts.
At its CWC meeting, the party backed its long-standing position on Vande Mataram, while also turning its focus to paper leaks, student issues and alleged irregularities in Ram temple donations.
The party said the Monsoon Session was a success for the Opposition and left the government on the back foot.
But with the BJP attacking its Vande Mataram stance, the Congress faces a fresh political battle over an issue charged with national sentiment. READ MORE
THE DAY AHEAD
1. US Ambassador Gor will visit Ladakh; he will be the 1st US diplomat to visit the region since the 2020 Galwan clash with China READ MORE
2. Amit Shah to chair Southern Zonal Council meet in Tamil Nadu; inter-state issues, coordination among southern states top on agenda
3. Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s 5-day India visit likely to start Aug 20; bilateral ties, Sheikh Hasina and water resources top on agenda
4. Bangladesh presidential poll after 35 years; BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul faces opposition’s Oli Ahmed in tough fight
5. Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026: India vs England Pool D match at Netherlands’ Wagener Stadium from 6:30 PM IST
6. India U20 team to face Yemen in Bengaluru on Aug 20 as Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers preparations underway
Visual Of The Day
‘Dog’ protest in MP: Khandwa civic body LoP stages stir over corruption in stray-dog sterilisation programme.
Today In History
Statement Of The Day
News With A Twist
A ‘Superman’ robot in China has broken the speed record of the world’s fastest athlete, Usain Bolt. Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, a man dressed as a dog arrived at a public grievance hearing. In Nashik, a young man protested against bad roads by riding a buffalo.
A cyclist from Kerala is travelling 11,000 km on a unicycle. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, an elderly man started eating grass and hay like an animal during Nag Panchami. READ MORE
News in Headlines
Maharashtra unveils norms mandating Marathi for cab, auto drivers READ MORE
Mohua Moitra faces arrest warrant over controversial army remarks READ MORE
Pakistan calls Op Sindoor documentary propaganda, says one-sided READ MORE
Bangladeshi leader linked to Al-Qaeda says, ‘Hindus can be easily killed’ READ MORE
India win in its 600th Test match by 165 runs READ MORE
Donkeys of Dhurandhar’s Lyari are going viral: Why Pakistan races them READ MORE
