Forensic Lab Maintains 7 Years ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation and Leads in Electronic Evidence Examination
A regional forensic science laboratory has maintained continuous accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories for seven years under ISO/IEC 17025 standards. Established in 2008, the laboratory serves remote districts, providing timely forensic reports. It was the first in the country to achieve this accreditation in 2018 and to be designated as an Examiner of Electronic Evidence under the IT Act. The laboratory supports investigations by national agencies, participates in international proficiency testing, and offers specialized services for recovering data from damaged devices under a government fund.

Three convicted for smuggling counterfeit currency under IPC and UAPA, sentenced to over five years imprisonment
Three individuals were convicted by an NIA court for smuggling high-quality counterfeit Indian currency notes from Malaysia into India. The court sentenced two accused to over five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed fines, while the third received a similar prison term and fine. The convictions were under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case originated in 2020 after customs officials intercepted a parcel containing fake currency notes valued at Rs 68,000, addressed to a Mumbai resident. Investigations revealed a conspiracy involving the accused and a wanted absconder residing in Malaysia to smuggle counterfeit currency using banking and postal channels, intending to destabilize India's financial system. Additional counterfeit notes were recovered from a hotel where two accused had stayed prior to arrest.

Mumbai to Launch AC Local Trains, 24/7 Coastal Road, and Curved Cable-Stayed Bridge to Cut Traffic
The Maharashtra Chief Minister emphasized that despite previous delays, there will be no compromise on Mumbai's development, particularly in infrastructure projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion. Key initiatives include the introduction of air-conditioned local trains with closed-door systems, the opening of a 24/7 Coastal Road under surveillance, and the inauguration of South Asia's first curved cable-stayed bridge linking major highways to ease access to the business district. The government plans to complete six exit interventions to decongest the Bandra Kurla Complex, with five already finished. Additionally, the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority is directed to commission 50 km of Metro routes annually to improve urban transit. Enforcement measures will address traffic violations on new infrastructure to ensure safety and efficiency.

Supreme Court orders Election Commission to reveal reasons for removing 6.5 million electoral roll names under SIR
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to publish reasons for removing 6.5 million names from Bihar's draft electoral rolls as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), rejecting the Commission's prior refusal to disclose this information. The court allowed affected voters to challenge deletions using Aadhaar as proof. A political party criticized the SIR process for large-scale exclusions, primarily impacting migrant workers, and emphasized that the legality of the SIR remains undecided. The party urged the Commission to establish grievance redressal mechanisms and take responsibility for errors rather than shifting the burden to voters. The court's order enhances transparency but does not restore the deleted names, leaving the challenge of reinstatement to the affected individuals within a limited timeframe.

Karnataka bill mandates track-and-trace for tobacco and arecanut to prevent GST fraud and misuse of ITC
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a bill introducing a track-and-trace system for tobacco and arecanut products to address GST leakage by monitoring the entire supply chain from raw materials to final products. The bill aims to detect discrepancies between reported sales and actual sales volumes and to prevent misuse of input tax credit (ITC), including illegal ITC claims and refund scams. Additionally, the Assembly considered a separate bill amending 12 laws to decriminalize certain offenses and promote trust-based governance to facilitate ease of living and business operations.

Countries clash over new 50% tariffs amid tough trade talks, aiming for agreement by fall deadline
A dispute has arisen between two countries over ongoing bilateral trade negotiations and the imposition of tariffs. One country's official criticized the other for being uncooperative in negotiations, describing its stance as "recalcitrant." In response, a member of the opposing country's legislature defended this position as preferable to acquiescing to perceived injustice. Concurrently, the first country imposed additional tariffs totaling 50 percent on the second country, including a 25 percent tariff on oil imports, effective late August. The second country's foreign ministry condemned the tariffs as unjustified and stated it would take necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security. Despite these tensions, both countries continue scheduled talks aiming to finalize a bilateral trade agreement by the fall.

Actor's spouse offers kidney donation to spiritual leader amid Rs 60 crore fraud case under investigation
An actor and her spouse visited a spiritual ashram where the spouse offered to donate a kidney to an ailing spiritual leader, who declined the offer. Following the visit, they proceeded to a temple based on the leader's advice. This visit occurred amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the couple, with economic offences authorities filing a fraud case alleging financial misconduct exceeding Rs 60 crore. The couple's legal representative has denied the allegations, labeling them as unfounded and malicious.

Former MD Arrested Under Anti-Money Laundering Law for Rs 1,740 Crore Bank Loan Fraud Using Shell Companies
A former managing director of a liquidated premium rice processing company was arrested under the anti-money laundering law in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud involving approximately Rs 1,740 crore. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) identified the individual as a prime accused for manipulating the company's auction process during liquidation by using over 75 shell entities registered under relatives' names to facilitate property purchases, thereby bypassing legal and financial scrutiny. The ED uncovered benami assets valued at over Rs 200 crore, suspected to have been acquired with diverted bank funds. Following custodial remand, the accused was sent to judicial custody until August 27. The case originates from a 2020 FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the ED continues to investigate the illicit fund trail and other potential participants. Luxury vehicles seized in the case have been declared proceeds of crime.

Religious Leader Urges Vigilance Against Members Who Threaten Group's Core Ideological Integrity
A religious organization leader emphasized the need for vigilance against new members who do not align with the group's core ideological beliefs, warning that their inclusion could dilute the organization's principles. The leader highlighted the importance of maintaining the organization's cultural and ideological integrity to preserve national unity and strength. The statement underscored concerns about demographic changes and the potential impact on the group's influence and mission. The leader invoked historical figures and the organization's founding sacrifices to stress the responsibility of current members to uphold these values and ensure the continuity and strength of their community within the nation.

Himachal launches Rajiv Gandhi Samvardhan Yojana to plant 9,000+ hectares with fruit-bearing trees by 2030
The Himachal Pradesh government launched the Rajiv Gandhi Samvardhan Yojana, under which over 9,000 hectares of forest land will be planted with saplings, 60% of which will be fruit-bearing trees. The scheme involves local groups such as Mahila Mandals and self-help groups managing sapling care on designated forest land for five years, supported by a Rs 100 crore budget. This initiative aims to increase forest cover to 30% by 2030 and strengthen the rural economy. The government is also seeking a special relief package from the central government due to recent climate change-induced natural disasters causing significant losses. Additional funding is allocated for sapling maintenance, and reforms are being introduced in forest department operations to enhance conservation efforts and promote self-employment in rural areas.

New Art Gallery at Airport Honors Unsung Freedom Fighters Through Paintings and Stories
An art gallery dedicated to lesser-known freedom fighters and reformers was inaugurated at an international airport by the Airports Authority of India as part of national celebrations. The gallery features artistic tributes including paintings, sketches, and narratives to honor individuals whose contributions to the country's independence and development are often overlooked. The initiative seeks to educate travelers about these figures' roles in nation-building and inspire reflection on their sacrifices. The inauguration involved senior officials from the airport authority and related security and welfare organizations.

Supreme Court orders Election Commission to publish voter deletions and accept Aadhaar under SIR rules for transparency
The Supreme Court issued an interim order in a case challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls, directing the Commission to publish the names and reasons for deleting 6.5 million voters to ensure transparency. The order requires the Commission to make this information publicly accessible without political party intermediaries and to accept Aadhaar as valid identification. Petitioners raised concerns about the legality of the SIR and the exclusion of millions, including migrant workers and individuals mistakenly declared dead. The court's directive addresses objections about the drive's implementation and calls for the Election Commission to correct errors and establish grievance redressal mechanisms at local levels, emphasizing fairness, natural justice, and transparency.

Former President Faces Trial for Alleged 2022 Election Interference and Obstruction of Power Transition
The former president of Brazil faces trial in the Supreme Court over allegations of attempting to undermine the 2022 presidential election results and obstruct the democratic transition of power. His defense denies coup charges, arguing the absence of concrete evidence and highlighting his allowance of the presidential transition as contradictory to the accusations. The court will decide on his guilt, with potential penalties including up to 12 years imprisonment for the coup attempt and additional time for other charges. The former leader is currently under house arrest but has had some restrictions eased. The case has significant political implications domestically and internationally, including tensions with the United States. The prosecution relies on various forms of evidence, including documents and digital communications, to support claims of a conspiracy against democratic institutions. The trial is expected to conclude by the end of the year, with the possibility of appeal to the full Supreme Court.

Eighteen Police Officers Honored with Medals for Distinguished and Meritorious Service on National Holiday
Eighteen officers and personnel of a metropolitan police force have been awarded medals for their service on a national holiday. Three officers received the highest honor for distinguished service, recognized for leadership in economic crime investigation, implementation of crime prevention programs, and counterterrorism operations, including involvement in high-risk encounters. Fifteen others were awarded medals for meritorious service, acknowledged for contributions to solving major criminal cases and managing critical public order situations. The police commissioner commended the recipients for their dedication and exemplary service.

Election Commission ordered to publish detailed voter exclusion lists under special revision, with public access and claim rights
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to disclose details of approximately 6.5 million voters removed from the draft electoral roll for Bihar's special intensive revision. The Commission must publish booth-wise lists, searchable by Electors Photo Identity Card number, on district election officers' websites, including reasons for exclusion. Soft copies of these lists must also be available on the state chief electoral officer's website. The lists should be displayed physically at panchayat offices and block development offices to ensure public access. The Court mandated extensive publicity of this information through vernacular and English newspapers, radio, electronic media, and official social media accounts. The notice must inform affected individuals of their right to submit claims with Aadhaar proof. The Election Commission is required to submit a compliance report from all relevant officers by August 22.

Chief Minister Opposes Special Intensive Revision of Voter Rolls Under Section 14, Defends Citizens' Rights Against Disenfranchisement
A state chief minister pledged to defend citizens' fundamental rights against a political party's alleged divisive tactics, specifically opposing the implementation of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which she claimed aimed to disenfranchise genuine voters and facilitate detention of opposition supporters. She criticized the sudden rejection of previously accepted identity documents for voter verification and linked the move to a broader strategy to enforce a national register of citizens. The chief minister highlighted reports of harassment and violence against migrants from her state in other regions, alleging language-based discrimination and police misconduct. She emphasized her government's commitment to protecting linguistic diversity and condemned attempts to use language as a tool for division. The chief minister expressed hope for favorable judicial intervention similar to a recent Supreme Court ruling benefiting another state and accused a neighboring state government of issuing false notices to Bengali-speaking citizens to justify detention.

Tamil Nadu Cabinet Approves Rs 1,938 Crore Industrial Projects Creating 13,400+ Jobs in Key Sectors
The Tamil Nadu cabinet approved industrial projects totaling approximately Rs 1,938 crore, covering sectors such as electronics manufacturing, engineering design, technical textiles, renewable energy research and development, and food and agri-tech. These projects are expected to generate over 13,400 jobs. The approvals include new investments and expansions, with specific mention of initiatives linked to prior international engagements that are now progressing toward implementation. The government emphasized converting memoranda of understanding into actual investments and employment opportunities.

Ex-Commissioner and Developers Arrested for Bribery and Illegal Building Approvals Under Section 420 IPC
A former municipal commissioner was arrested alongside a town planner and two real estate developers for allegedly orchestrating a scheme involving bribery and illegal construction activities. The ex-commissioner reportedly formed a network with officials and others to grant unauthorized building permissions in exchange for substantial bribes, allowing the construction of 41 illegal structures on government and private land designated for public use. The developers sold these unauthorized properties to buyers through fabricated approval documents, committing fraud. Investigations revealed the use of shell companies and dummy owners to launder money and conceal illicit gains. The accused were remanded to enforcement agency custody for further probe, which aims to identify additional beneficiaries, trace proceeds, and uncover properties acquired through the illegal scheme. The illegal buildings were demolished only after a court order. Raids were conducted at multiple locations connected to the accused as part of the ongoing investigation.

Sovereign Credit Rating Upgraded to BBB for Strong Growth, Fiscal Discipline, and Inflation Control
A global rating agency upgraded a country's sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' with a stable outlook, citing robust economic growth, fiscal consolidation, improved public spending, and effective inflation management. The upgrade reflects sustained government commitment to fiscal discipline, monetary policy reforms including inflation targeting, and strong corporate, financial, and external balance sheets. The country's real GDP growth averaged 8.8% from FY22 to FY24, the highest in its region, with projections of 6.5% growth in FY26. Despite global economic challenges, the nation maintained price stability and demonstrated resilience. The report highlighted strong external and financial positions, democratic institutions ensuring policy continuity, and a supportive environment created by deepening domestic capital markets. It also noted that recent foreign tariffs would have limited impact due to a large domestic consumption base. Continued fiscal deficit narrowing and public investment may support further positive rating actions.

New Rs 3,000 Annual Toll Pass Allows 200 Trips on National Highways with RFID FASTag Activation
The government has introduced an annual highway toll pass priced at Rs 3,000 for non-commercial private vehicles, valid for up to 200 toll booth crossings on National Highways and National Expressways within one year. The pass, activated via designated apps and official websites, allows seamless travel without repeated FASTag recharges. Existing FASTag holders need not purchase a new tag. The pass applies only to National Highway and Expressway toll plazas; at State Highways or other local roads, FASTag functions as usual with applicable charges. Tolling differs by highway type, with closed tolling routes counting a single trip for entry and exit, while open tolling counts each plaza crossing separately. Users can recharge the pass after reaching the 200-trip limit annually. The FASTag system uses RFID technology for automatic toll deductions from prepaid accounts.