Good morning! Here’s your quick catch-up on the biggest stories making headlines today.
The fight over student protests is set to return to Delhi streets, with CJP announcing another march on September 5 and accusing the government of not honouring its assurances on withdrawing cases against students. The next phase could put those commitments to a fresh test.
Meanwhile, a nearly three-decade-old Kashmir case is back in focus as the SIA reopens the Wandhama massacre probe, which killed 23 Kashmiri Pandits in 1998. The move could offer fresh leads in a case that has remained unresolved for years.
Also in today’s Bhaskar Smart Brief, a Dronacharya awardee faces a POCSO case, while a proposed ₹98 lakh H-1B fee could hit Indian tech workers hardest.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day.
Today’s Top Headlines
CJP announces fresh protest; next phase puts govt promises to test
The fight over student protests is likely back on the streets, with earlier assurances now facing fresh questions. CJP says the government has failed to honour its promise to withdraw cases against students and protesters linked to the NEET paper leak agitation. The dispute has now taken a fresh turn with the group announcing another march from India Gate to Delhi Police Headquarters on September 5.
Families of students who allegedly died by suicide after the NEET paper leak will join the march. CJP says it will not back down until the promised FIR withdrawals happen. The next phase of protest could test both the government’s assurances and the protesters’ resolve. READ MORE
1998 Wandhama massacre of 23 Kashmiri Pandits reopens
Nearly three decades later, one of Kashmir’s most painful unresolved cases is back under scrutiny. The 1998 Wandhama massacre killed 23 Kashmiri Pandits, including women and children. Now, the State Investigation Agency has reopened the case and begun searches across the Valley for fresh evidence.
The SIA is examining old records, suspects and possible terror links. It is also revisiting other killings of Kashmiri Pandits. For families still seeking answers, the renewed probe could finally reveal who planned, carried out and supported the attacks. READ MORE
Dronacharya awardee booked under POCSO over minor’s allegation
A celebrated coach now faces a serious allegation involving a teenage student, putting questions of trust and safety in sport back in focus. A 45-year-old Dronacharya Award winner has been booked in Mumbai after a 16-year-old student accused him of molestation. Police have registered a case under the POCSO Act and BNS.
The student had trained with the coach for several years and allegedly met him at a gymnasium after receiving a WhatsApp message. The coach is currently absconding, while police investigate the complaint and the Mallakhamb federation seeks more information. READ MORE
US proposes ₹98 lakh H-1B fee; Indians face biggest hit
For thousands of Indian tech workers, the American dream could become far more expensive, and harder to hold on to. The Trump administration has proposed an additional $1,03,265 fee for each H-1B visa, potentially putting fresh pressure on companies and skilled foreign workers. The move could hit Indian professionals hardest, as they make up a large share of H-1B holders in the US.
The timing adds to the concern. AI-led layoffs and tighter immigration rules are already slowing hiring. If workers lose their jobs, they may have only 60 days to find another employer before leaving the US. READ MORE
5. Kriti Sanon trolled over Raksha Bandhan ad
A Raksha Bandhan ad has turned into a debate over tradition, fashion and creative freedom. Kriti Sanon is facing online criticism for her Indo-Western outfit in a jewellery campaign, with some users saying it disrespects the festival and Hindu sentiments.
Others have defended her choice, arguing that clothing should not define cultural respect. As calls for action grow online, the bigger question is where advertising ends and cultural sensitivity begins. READ MORE
The Day Ahead
1. SC to hear Delhi Race Club eviction plea: Centre calls century-old club an unauthorised occupant of prime land opposite PM’s House in a high-security VVIP zone; the property falls among the world’s most expensive real estate
2. SC to hear journalist’s plea against FIR in road-rage case: Claims the FIR under stringent provisions of SC/ST Act is retaliation for Ram Mandir donation reports
3. Kejriwal to hold Panaji town hall against E20 mandate to reduce crude oil import & cut carbon emissions: Critics flag engine damage, mileage loss and no consumer choice
4. Medical body NBEMS to release NEET PG 2026 admit cards today: Exam on Aug 30 for 86,360 seats; download hall ticket using login credentials
5. UP job aspirants to hold ‘Hunkar Panchayat’ today, demand transparent, time-bound recruitment, anti-paper leak measures and immediate filling of vacant posts. Students from across the state invited for talks
6. Cauvery water row: Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to meet August 25; Karnataka resists 12,000-cusec release to Tamil Nadu, citing 65% drop in reservoir inflows
Visual Of The Day
‘Smeared In Devotion’: Kanwar Yatra marks Shravan’s final Monday in Rajasthan’s Ajmer. Photo: PTI
Today In History
Statement Of The Day
News With A Twist
Robot gets desi twist! Dances in ‘gamchha’
From a humanoid robot becoming the chief guest at a shop opening in Ujjain to a rat biting a passenger’s nose in a First AC train coach, these five unusual stories have caught people’s attention.
An engineer celebrated his birthday by riding an elephant to his office, while a woman’s house in Karnataka yielded ₹8.40 lakh in cash and coins after her death. Meanwhile, Germany hosted its unusual Fingerhakeln finger-wrestling championship, where competitors battle using just one finger. READ MORE
News In Headlines
Maharashtra hospital fire kills 3 newborns, 36 rescued READ MORE
Jaiswal fined 25% match fee for headbutting Fernando READ MORE
Iran to charge ships for Hormuz passage READ MORE
Kerala’s Keziah Liz Mejo crowned Miss Universe India READ MORE
Pakistani rupee beats Indian rupee in last one year READ MORE
India knocked out of men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 READ MORE
