India news Highlights, 4 August 2026: NEET paper leak accused seek case seek lie-detector, brain mapping tests

Abhijeet Dipke took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming even senior leaders are now seeking to engage with younger audiences.

Two key accused in the 2026 NEET paper leak case have moved a Delhi court seeking to voluntarily undergo polygraph and brain mapping tests, saying the examinations would help establish their innocence and assist the CBI’s investigation. The special court has sought the agency’s response on the maintainability of the plea and listed the matter, along with the chargesheet and their bail applications, for hearing on August 6.

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Air India Phuket-Delhi flight hits turbulence, 12 people onboard sustain injuries

Air India confirmed that flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a brief turbulence-related event during cruise, causing a momentary change in altitude. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, with no serious injuries reported. A small number of passengers and crew members with minor injuries were taken for precautionary medical assessment. “There have been no serious injuries as of now. A small number of passengers and crew members with minor injuries requiring medical assessment have been taken to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination and care by Air India’s airport team and medical personnel. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain Air India’s highest priority. We are providing all necessary support to those affected and are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as part of the investigation,” said an Air India spokesperson.

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Kejriwal leads march to PM’s residence in protest against E20 fuel

AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, along with other party leaders, led a march towards the Prime Minister’s residence in protest against the E20 fuel. Kejriwal called on PM Modi to stop buying ethanol from the United States and said the party had sought a meeting with the Prime Minister.

“I want to say that PM Modi should not come under pressure from US President Trump. He should stop buying ethanol from the USA and stop imposing E20 on our country. I hope that the Prime Minister will call us. We have sent a message to the Prime Minister saying that we want to meet him. The struggle will continue,” he said.

‘Will fight it legally’, says Udhayanidhi Stalin after being arrested

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s arrest – over allegedly vulgar comments about a popular actress – has led to a showdown between Tamil Nadu’s ruling TVK and the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Stalin junior, a former deputy chief minister and the son of party boss MK Stalin, made the comments during a protest rally – on the Cauvery water-sharing row – in Thanjavur.

Two firefighters killed in Noida chip factory fire

A massive fire broke out late Monday night at the ILGIM electronic chip manufacturing unit in Noida’s Ecotech-3 industrial area, killing two firefighters and injuring three others. At least six fire brigade vehicles were rushed to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the full extent of the damage to the facility — which manufactures electronic components — is yet to be assessed.

Supreme Court: Drop NEET protest FIRs except for those booked for serious crimes

The Supreme Court has directed police across states to withdraw FIRs registered against NEET paper leak protesters, with the exception of those who were booked for graver offences — giving judicial weight to the government’s political assurances and adding pressure on states like Gujarat, which had only one FIR to begin with.

Siddhivinayak trust asked to explain Rs 18 crore annual shortfall

The Siddhivinayak Temple Trust in Mumbai has been asked to explain an apparent Rs 18 crore annual shortfall in its accounts — a development that comes against the backdrop of the Ram Temple donation scandal in Ayodhya and raises broader questions about financial oversight at major religious institutions across India.

FSSAI tells Dabur to stop using ‘100% natural’ labels on honey, ghee

India’s food safety regulator has directed Dabur to discontinue the use of “100% natural” and “pure” labels on several of its products, including honey and ghee — a ruling that sets a significant precedent for how food companies can market their products and what claims they can make to consumers.

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Aug 4, 2026 06:49 PM IST
India distances itself from Sheikh Hasina's planned media interaction

India on Tuesday said it has no involvement in former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual media interaction in New Delhi, clarifying that the event is being organised by a private media entity. Responding to Bangladesh's concerns, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government neither has any role in the event nor endorses any views that may be expressed during it.

Aug 4, 2026 05:23 PM IST
Jharkhand CM reacts to student protests, says 'justice soon'

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday said the government is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in exams and student concerns. Soren said the government would soon share its findings with the public. Calling the government "sensitive" to the issue, Soren said students' legitimate concerns would be addressed and assured that they would get justice.

Aug 4, 2026 04:22 PM IST
MK Stalin accuses TVK government of targeting Udhayanidhi to divert attention from Cauvery issue

In a statement released on the party's official X handle, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin on Tuesday accused the Vijay-led TVK government of targeting Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin to divert attention from the Cauvery water issue. Alleging that the police action was politically motivated, Stalin questioned why Udhayanidhi was taken to Thanjavur for questioning.

He welcomed the Madras High Court's direction to release him after interrogation anddemanded the immediate release of DMK workers arrested during protests.

Aug 4, 2026 04:16 PM IST
Madras High Court directs police to release Udhayanidhi Stalin after questioning

The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu Police to release DMK MLA and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin after completing questioning. The court also directed Udhayanidhi to cooperate with the investigation whenever required.

Aug 4, 2026 02:38 PM IST
Udhayanidhi’s speech was wrong; the government’s hasty arrest was also wrong: TTV Dhinakaran

With the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly set to convene tomorrow, the arrest of Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin must be viewed as an attempt to suppress the voice of the Opposition and democracy itself.

Whatever the issue may be, instead of addressing it through legal means, it is in no way acceptable for the Tamil Nadu government to misuse its authority by deploying the police and resorting to abuse of power.

Therefore, I request the police and Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to immediately release Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and restore law and order by bringing under control the tense situation that has arisen in Tamil Nadu following his arrest.

TTV Dhinakaran

Aug 4, 2026 02:22 PM IST
Abhijeet Dipke reacts to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's interaction with Gen-Z

Reacting to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's interaction with Gen-Z and Gen Alpha, CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke said the country's youth have changed the way political leaders communicate. He also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming even senior leaders are now seeking to engage with younger audiences.

"These are the country's youth who have compelled even Prime Minister Narendra Modi to post reels late at night. Mohan Bhagwat, too, now wants to engage with Gen-Z," Dipke said.

Aug 4, 2026 02:07 PM IST
Nigerian national jumps from building during NCB raid, third incident this year

Sakshi Chand from Delhi reports that a Nigerian woman is currently hospitalised with serious injuries after allegedly jumping from a building balcony in South Delhi's Mehrauli area during a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) raid late Monday night. During the operation, authorities apprehended two other Nigerian nationals and recovered suspected narcotic substances, with the investigation into the circumstances of the incident now underway. This occurrence follows a concerning pattern of similar incidents in Delhi, where suspects have jumped from buildings to evade arrest during anti-narcotics operations, including notable cases from 2017 and June of this year.

Aug 4, 2026 01:51 PM IST
Airport sources said that 10 passengers and 2 crew members are being treated for injuries.

Devansh Mittal from Delhi reports that airport sources said 10 passengers and 2 crew members are being treated for injuries.

Aug 4, 2026 01:38 PM IST
Air India Phuket-Delhi flight hits turbulence, several passengers sustain minor injuries

Air India confirmed that flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a brief turbulence-related event during cruise, causing a momentary change in altitude. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, with no serious injuries reported. A small number of passengers and crew members with minor injuries were taken for precautionary medical assessment.

"There have been no serious injuries as of now. A small number of passengers and crew members with minor injuries requiring medical assessment have been taken to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination and care by Air India’s airport team and medical personnel. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain Air India’s highest priority. We are providing all necessary support to those affected and are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as part of the investigation," said an Air India spokesperson.

Aug 4, 2026 01:27 PM IST
Government summons Meta global team in India on August 5-6, says IT Secretary S Krishnan

The Centre has summoned Meta's global team to India on August 5-6, IT Secretary S Krishnan said.

Aug 4, 2026 01:15 PM IST
Elderly man loses Rs 3.5 lakh after fraudster posing as ECI official dupes him over WhatsApp in Bengaluru

Syeda Firdos from Bengaluru reports that an 82-year-old Bengaluru resident, Parthasarathy, lost nearly Rs 3.5 lakh to a fraudster who impersonated an Election Commission of India (ECI) official on WhatsApp under the guise of voter verification. The victim was tricked into downloading an application form for a purported "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) and subsequently fell into a trap when attempting to pay a nominal Rs 5 fee, which led to multiple unauthorized transactions on his credit card. Following the incident, the Jeevan Bheemanagar police registered an FIR against an unknown person for identity theft and cheating, while urging the public to exercise caution and verify official claims directly through legitimate channels.

Aug 4, 2026 12:51 PM IST
Kejriwal leads march to PM's residence over E20 fuel

AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, along with other party leaders, led a march towards the Prime Minister's residence in protest against the E20 fuel.

Kejriwal called on PM Modi to stop buying ethanol from the United States and said the party had sought a meeting with the Prime Minister.

"I want to say that PM Modi should not come under pressure from US President Trump. He should stop buying ethanol from the USA and stop imposing E20 on our country. I hope that the Prime Minister will call us. We have sent a message to the Prime Minister saying that we want to meet him. The struggle will continue," he said.

Aug 4, 2026 12:45 PM IST
TVK workers in Chennai protest against Udhayanidhi Stalin over his alleged defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay

TVK workers in Chennai protest against DMK leader and LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin. He has been detained by police in Chennai following an FIR against him over his alleged defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay.

Aug 4, 2026 12:38 PM IST
DMK President MK Stalin arrives at the party headquarters

DMK President MK Stalin arrives at the party headquarters, 'Anna Arivalayam', in Chennai as Udhayanidhi Stalin gets arrested over alleged defamatory remarks against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay.

Aug 4, 2026 12:31 PM IST
Retired Army Captain’s wife strangled to death by domestic help in Haryana

Varinder Bhatia from Chandigarh reports that Neera Mehta, the 70-year-old wife of a retired Indian Army Captain, was allegedly murdered by her domestic help and the helper's son in Panchkula’s Sector 21. The incident occurred after Neera confronted the employee regarding missing jewellery, leading to a fatal argument where she was strangled to death. Following the murder, the accused hid Neera's body on the rooftop of a neighbouring house. The crime was discovered after Neera's husband, Chandramohan, returned from playing golf to find her missing and alerted the authorities. Both suspects have since been arrested and are currently in police custody as the investigation continues.

Aug 4, 2026 12:29 PM IST
Kalpana Soren on JPSC protest: Jharkhand government working on solution

On Jharkhand students protesting over JPSC, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's wife and MLA Kalpana Soren said, "Hemant Soren is very sensitive to the issue, and the Jharkhand government is working to find a solution for the issue..."

Aug 4, 2026 12:22 PM IST
Udhayanidhi Stalin booked under BNS, IT Act in Thanjavur case

Tamil Nadu Assembly LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin has been arrested by Thanjavur East Police and is being taken to Thanjavur. He has been booked under sections 61, 79, 192, 196, 296(b), 351(2), 352 of BNS, Section 4 of the TN Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act, 67 of IT Actl.

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Aug 4, 2026 12:19 PM IST
Former West Bengal, Bihar Governor D Y Patil passes away

Former West Bengal and Bihar Governor D Y Patil passes away.

Aug 4, 2026 12:13 PM IST
TVK workers protest against Udhayanidhi Stalin in Coimbatore

TVK supporters and party workers staged a protest in Coimbatore against DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin after he was detained by police in Chennai following an FIR against him over his alleged defamatory remarks against CM Vijay.

Aug 4, 2026 11:59 AM IST
Rajasthan HC slams 'excuses' used to deny parole, frees Asaram for 20 days

Hamza Khan from Jaipur reports that the Rajasthan High Court has granted a 20-day parole to 87-year-old self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, rejecting the Jodhpur District Collector-led committee's refusal of his plea as "misleading" and without basis. A bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit noted that Asaram has served over 13 years in prison and has no history of misusing previous interim bail or endangering society or witnesses. This ruling comes just two months after the court upheld his life sentence in a minor's rape case and ordered him to surrender. To secure his release, Asaram must furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with two solvent sureties of Rs 25,000 each.

Aug 4, 2026 11:48 AM IST
Opposition MPs stage protest in parliament over the issue of the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case

Opposition MPs, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in Delhi over allegations of embezzlement involving Ram Mandir donations, demanding accountability.

Aug 4, 2026 11:22 AM IST
Udhayanidhi arrested over alleged defamatory remarks against CM Vijay

Arun Janardhanan from Chennai reports that, while being escorted by police from his Neelankarai residence in Chennai, the DMK leader told reporters he was being arrested for “things I never said.” Alleging the case was meant to divert attention from public issues, he termed the police action a “comedy,” criticised the ruling TVK government, and said he would contest the case in court.

Aug 4, 2026 11:04 AM IST
Udhayanidhi’s double entendre on Vijay triggers political storm in Tamil Nadu

Arun Janardhanan from Chennai reports that a political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu following DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks during a protest in Thanjavur regarding the Cauvery water dispute. While criticising Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s handling of the issue, Udhayanidhi made a comment widely interpreted as a sexually suggestive reference concerning the Chief Minister's friendship with a prominent actor, drawing laughter from the crowd before he attempted to pivot back to the water issue. The remark has faced sharp condemnation across the political spectrum, with leaders from the Congress, BJP, and the ruling TVK calling the language vulgar, shameful, and insulting, prompting a police complaint filed by the TVK Women's Wing and overshadowing the demonstration's original political objective.

Aug 4, 2026 11:01 AM IST
DMK cadres gathers outside Stalin's residence

DMK cadres are gathered outside the residence of LoP & party MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin as security has been heightened in view of possible protest from TVK after slogans related to actor Trisha were raised at the LoP's rally yesterday. Senior DMK leader Durai Murugan has arrived at the residence of Udhayanidhi Stalin. The DMK cadres are protesting against such a large police presence outside their leader's residence.

Aug 4, 2026 10:47 AM IST
Massive fire breaks out at furniture showroom in Kanpur

A massive fire broke out at the Gaurav Furniture showroom in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur on Tuesday morning. Efforts are currently underway to douse the blaze.

Aug 4, 2026 10:44 AM IST
Security tightened outside Udhayanidhi Stalin's residence amid TVK protest

Security has been heightened outside DLoP & DMK MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin’s residence in Chennai ahead of a TVK protest following slogans related to actor Trisha at his recent rally, where he slammed Tamil Nadu CM Vijay over his handling of the Cauvery dispute with Karnataka.

Aug 4, 2026 10:34 AM IST
PM Modi, HM Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other NDA leaders attend the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting, ‘Mangal Milan'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President Nitin Nabin and other NDA leaders attend the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party Meeting, ‘Mangal Milan,’ at the G.M.C. Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament Library Building, in New Delhi.

Aug 4, 2026 10:31 AM IST
Oil, mud leave 25 vehicles skidding on Pune road, six injured

Sushant Kulkarni from Pune reports that a slippery road stretch between RTO Chowk and Naidu Hospital in Pune on Tuesday morning caused at least 25 vehicles to skid and left six commuters with minor injuries. The hazardous conditions were caused by leaked oil mixing with mud deposits from heavy construction vehicles and heavy rainfall. The Pune Fire Brigade completed an emergency clean-up operation, and local authorities are currently investigating nearby construction sites and heavy vehicle traffic to prevent further accidents.

Aug 4, 2026 10:17 AM IST
Assam: Thousands forced to live on roads as residents continue to struggle after devastating floods

The flood situation in Assam's Charaideo district has improved, but thousands of residents in Tengapukhuri and surrounding villages continue to struggle after devastating floods washed away or damaged their homes, leaving many families forced to live on roads and higher ground.

Aug 4, 2026 10:13 AM IST
Incessant rainfall leads to waterlogging in Jhajjar area

Incessant rainfall leads to waterlogging in the Jhajjar area

Aug 4, 2026 10:03 AM IST
Massive fire breaks out at electronic chip unit in Noida, 2 firefighters killed

A massive fire broke out at an electronic chip manufacturing unit in Noida late on Monday, which claimed the lives of two firefighters and wounded three others, police said on Tuesday (Aug 4).

The incident occurred at the ILGIM company in the Ecotech-3 industrial area, where at least six fire brigade vehicles were rushed after information about the blaze was received, said a police spokesperson, according to news agency PTI.

The firefighters were making attempts to douse the blaze when a wall and an iron beam inside the factory suddenly collapsed and wounded five of them, said the spokesperson. The injured were immediately rushed to a hospital by ambulance, where Fireman Rohit Yadav and Head Constable Driver Tirathpal succumbed to their injuries, he said, according to PTI.

The condition of the other three injured firefighters, Head Constable Driver Rajpal Singh and Firemen Manish Kumar and Amit Kumar, is stated to be out of danger and they are undergoing treatment, said the spokesperson.

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