Good morning! Here’s your quick catch-up on the biggest stories making headlines.
A protest over a pellet-gun injury has turned into a political and legal row after Delhi Police registered an FIR following Rahul Gandhi’s 6-hour protest. In Rajasthan, an alleged attack on CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka has triggered a 48-hour ultimatum and threats of wider agitation.
Also in today’s Bhaskar Smart Brief, don’t miss our coverage of Turkiye’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which adds a new strain to already tense ties with Israel.
We also look at a NITI Aayog report that raises concerns over graduate employability, with only 8.25% finding jobs matching their qualifications. The report highlights the growing need for practical, industry-ready skills.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day.
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Rahul’s 6-hour ‘dharna’ ends with FIR in pellet-gun case
A protest over a pellet-gun injury has now moved from the streets to a police case, raising questions over accountability and police action. Delhi Police registered an FIR after Rahul Gandhi’s six-hour protest outside Sansad Marg Police Station, but the case names unidentified persons.
Rahul had demanded an FIR over Sahil Lochav’s injuries, while the BJP questioned his stand on attacks against police. The competing claims now set the stage for a wider political and legal debate. READ MORE
2. CJP’s Ranka beaten in Jaipur, Dipke gives 48-hour ultimatum
CJP founder Dipke has given the government 48 hours to act, warning of a wider agitation if the alleged attackers are not arrested.
Ranka alleged that BJP workers were behind the attack and blamed Education Minister Madan Dilawar. He has given the government 48 hours to arrest the attackers and withdraw the order stopping school inspections. READ MORE
3. Why did just 8.25% graduates secure jobs yearly?
India’s graduate numbers are rising, but the jobs market is exposing a skills gap that degrees alone cannot fix.
A new NITI Aayog paper says only 8.25% of graduates are employed in jobs matching their qualifications, raising questions about how well higher education prepares students for work.
With millions pursuing traditional degrees, the report points to practical skills as the missing link. READ MORE
4. Punjab witnesses 7 hours of shutdown over Sikh prisoners
A Punjab bandh over the Qaumi Insaf Morcha’s demands disrupted daily life on Friday, with schools, private buses and shops affected across several cities. Road blockades and clashes with commuters added to the tension, while train services largely continued.
The Morcha seeks release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences and parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara.
The disruption took a more serious turn after a bomb threat linked to the bandh was sent to the Chandigarh BJP office. Security agencies are now investigating the threat. READ MORE
5. Türkiye issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla
Turkiye and Israel’s already strained ties have taken another hit, with Ankara issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the interception of a Gaza-bound activist flotilla. The move adds a fresh legal and diplomatic dimension to a relationship that has deteriorated sharply since the Gaza war began.
Netanyahu’s office has rejected the move and attacked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. With both sides hardening their positions, the latest dispute could further widen the rift. READ MORE
The Day Ahead
- Nitin Nabin’s new BJP team to hold first meeting today; 51 new office-bearers named in 65-member committee on August 17
- Rahul’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ in Maha on Aug 22: Girls at centre of Pune outreach
- India to host 2-day BRICS Youth, Sports ministers’ meet in Vizag from Aug 22; Youth Empowerment, Sustainable Development and sports manufacturing & Tech on agenda
- Amit Shah’s 2-day Siliguri visit concludes today; HM will chair border security meet today
- BJP to draw up ‘Modi@25’ roadmap as PM completes 25 years in public life
Visual of the day
‘Carrying hope’: Man wades through floodwaters with another on his shoulders in Patna. Photo: PTI
Today in History
Statement of the day
News With a Twist
Car salesman turns out to be a prince
A man who worked as a car salesman has discovered that he is part of Belgium’s royal family. Meanwhile, a giant python in England has survived cancer after undergoing chemotherapy. In Nagpur, patients are being offered scented oxygen sessions with different flavours.
In Brazil, a mother and daughter have built a seven-room house using thousands of waste bottles and other discarded materials. Meanwhile, US soldiers have been offered four days of leave to play GTA 6, but only if they reenlist for another two years. READ MORE
News in Headlines
Treesa, Gayatri assure medal at BWF World Championships after 15-year wait READ MORE
Surat youth in Bhavnagar liquor tragedy declared brain-dead READ MORE
IndiGo website down again, disrupting bookings and web check-ins READ MORE
Imran Khan sent back to jail after medical assessment READ MORE
Trump says US will soon take control of HormuzREAD MORE
CJP’s Saurav Das moves Delhi HC over address disclosure READ MORE
