Good morning! Here’s your quick catch-up on the biggest stories making headlines.
The caste census has become a new political flashpoint, with Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi questioning the Centre’s proposed methodology and seeking wider consultation. But why does it matter? The answers could shape how India measures caste and OBC representation for years.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that students cannot seek individual exemptions from school uniform rules to wear a hijab, sparking a wider debate over religious expression and institutional discipline.
Also in today’s Bhaskar Smart Brief, Nitin Gadkari’s ‘new generation’ remark has triggered retirement talk, though his office says he meant social work. In cricket, India have Sri Lanka 8 wickets down and facing the follow-on.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day.
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Rahul, Kharge write to PM Modi over caste census: Will he act?
The caste census is facing a fresh political test: will the questions asked determine how accurately India records its social reality? Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi say the proposed method risks leaving gaps, especially in OBC data. Their objections have put the Centre’s Census questionnaire under scrutiny. The two leaders have written to PM Modi, but whether he acts on their demands remains the bigger question.
The Congress wants wider consultation and a model based on Bihar and Telangana. Jairam Ramesh has called the exercise a ‘deception’, questioning why only one of 40 questions covers caste. The next step could shape how India measures caste representation for years. READ MORE
2. ‘Hijab not essential to Islam’: Allahabad HC ruling sparks debate
A school uniform is meant to create equality, but what happens when religious identity enters the debate? The Allahabad High Court has now drawn a clear line, saying students cannot seek individual exemptions from prescribed dress codes. It held that uniform rules help maintain equality, school identity and an environment free from religious discrimination. The ruling came while dismissing a minor student’s plea to wear a hijab with her school uniform. The decision has sparked a fresh debate over where uniform rules end, and religious expression begins. READ MORE
3. Gadkari’s youth call sparks buzz; rules out political angle
Is Nitin Gadkari hinting at a political exit, or was his remark about something else? His comments on handing responsibility to the younger generation triggered speculation about his future in politics. With more than three decades in public life and 12 years as a Union Cabinet minister, the remarks quickly drew attention.
Gadkari’s office has now clarified that he was referring to social work through his trust, not politics. So, what exactly did he mean, and why did his words spark retirement talk? READ MORE
4. US spy chief makes secret Russia landing; Kremlin says ‘no prior info’
A secret trip by a senior US intelligence chief to Moscow raises one obvious question: what is being discussed behind closed doors? CIA Director John Ratcliffe has travelled to Russia without any advance announcement, at a time when Washington-Moscow efforts to end the Ukraine war remain stuck. The visit is also notable because direct travel by top US intelligence officials to Russia is rare.
Ratcliffe reportedly arrived aboard a US Air Force C-17 and is meeting Russian officials. Neither side has disclosed the agenda, leaving the purpose of the visit under close watch. READ MORE
5. SL vs Ind, 2nd Test, Day 3: Sri Lanka 265/8, trail India (503/9d) by 238 runs
India have Sri Lanka under pressure in the ongoing second Test in Colombo, but the match is not yet over. A commanding first-innings total of 503/9 has left the hosts fighting to stay in the game, with 8 wickets down and a 238-run shortfall. Sri Lanka now need 39 more runs to avoid the follow-on.
The fourth day could decide the match’s direction. India need just two wickets to gain a major advantage, while Sri Lanka must find a way to survive. The final battle begins with the follow-on threat looming. READ MORE
The Day Ahead
1. UP is set to roll out lifetime free bus travel for women aged 60+, with Yogi govt earmarking ₹100 crore for FY 2026–27. The move could benefit nearly 1 lakh senior women who use state roadways buses daily, accounting for around 33% of total active ridership
2. JSW MG Motor India is set to unveil its new EV SUV, expected to be called the MG Hector Tomahawk or Hector Hawk, with Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. It is likely to be priced at ₹20 lakh–₹27 lakh (ex-showroom).
3. Kannada superstar Yash’s ‘Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups’ is set for a worldwide theatrical release on August 26, 2026, with the psychological gangster drama releasing across 12,000 screens globally. Advance bookings in India have already crossed ₹30 crore, with more than 6 lakh tickets sold ahead of its release.
4. Pakistan braces for a shutdown as Jamaat-e-Islami calls a strike and Islamabad march, demanding rollback of the petroleum levy, fuel price cuts and lower electricity tariffs, raising fears of disruption across major cities.
5. Day 4 of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka, the hosts are at 265/8, trailing by 238 runs. Sri Lanka need 39 more runs to avoid the danger of follow-on. Earlier, India declared their innings at 503/9.
Visual Of The Day
‘Clash over careers’: Police try to evict students protesting against alleged irregularities in recruitment exams in Bihar’s Patna (Photo: PTI)
Today In History
Statement Of The Day
News With A Twist
Girlfriend kissed the car 3,400 times
From 3,400 lipstick kisses on a car to people looting expired chocolates, and from a man DJing while running for 8 hours to a havan with 300 kg of red chillies—these unusual stories grabbed attention. Meanwhile, 1,800 people in Japan pulled a 360-tonne castle tower as part of a traditional relocation technique. Read the top 5 interesting stories of the day. READ MORE
News In Headlines
Bihar Police, students clash over teacher recruitment exam demands READ MORE
Indian student applications to US colleges fall 15% amid visa uncertainty READ MORE
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi takes 2 wickets in 4 balls in Duleep Trophy quarterfinal READ MORE
Trump admin planning to revoke visas of up to 2 lakh foreigners READ MORE
Know 8 signs of protein deficiency READ MORE
