NEW DELHI: Here are the major developments making headlines across India and the world this morning, including the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, India-US strategic engagement, the continuing Jharkhand student protests, political clashes over women’s reservation and fresh international developments.
More Than 1.5 Crore Names Deleted in Third Phase of SIR
More than 1.5 crore names have so far been deleted from existing voter lists during the ongoing third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission of India.
The third phase covers Delhi, Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Telangana, Punjab, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Tripura, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
The exercise is aimed at updating and verifying electoral rolls, with the deletion of names becoming a major issue in political and public discussions surrounding the revision process.
Vance Calls PM Modi to Discuss India-US Ties
US Vice President J.D. Vance spoke by phone with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to discuss ways to expand the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
The discussions reportedly covered key areas including trade, defence and energy security, against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in emerging technologies and critical minerals, areas increasingly viewed as strategically important to both countries.
Jharkhand Student Protest Enters 15th Day
The student protest in Jharkhand entered its 15th day on Saturday, with no immediate breakthrough between the government and protesting job aspirants.
Despite continued rainfall in Ranchi, students remained at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where hundreds of aspirants have been protesting since July 25.
A seven-member delegation of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) met the government committee and presented the demands that have remained at the center of the agitation.
However, the talks ended without a major breakthrough, with protesters continuing to press for their demands.
Rahul Gandhi Urges Students to Fight Corruption
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that India’s youth are the country’s greatest strength and possess unparalleled potential.
Speaking in Prayagraj, Gandhi urged students to work toward eliminating corruption and said young people have the power to bring change.
He called for the corrupt system to be challenged with “love and affection”, while emphasizing the importance of India’s young population in shaping the country’s future.
Government Examines Meta’s Recommendation Systems
The Central government is examining whether Meta’s recommendation systems and paid content-promotion mechanisms are compatible with its legal status as an intermediary under India’s Information Technology framework.
Government sources said the key question is whether Meta merely provides a platform for users or actively exercises editorial-like control by determining “what content is shown to whom.”
The issue could have significant implications for how major social-media platforms are regulated in India.
Dharmendra Pradhan Says He Sought PM Modi’s Approval
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday that he had personally sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approval to accept demands raised by protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during a recent demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Pradhan said the prime minister agreed to the proposal and also interacted with the protesting youth.
His remarks come amid continuing political debate over the government’s handling of student protests and demands related to examination and recruitment issues.
Rahul Gandhi and Kiren Rijiju Clash Over Women’s Reservation
Rahul Gandhi and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju engaged in a political exchange over the implementation of India’s women’s reservation law following a proposed fresh delimitation exercise.
Gandhi questioned the government’s decision to link the implementation of women’s reservation with delimitation.
The dispute began on X, where Gandhi posted a video discussing the need to harness the “energy” of India’s women and challenge social structures that restrict women’s participation.
Meta Restricts Kashmir Pellet Victim Report in India
Meta has restricted access in India to a report concerning Insha Mushtaq, a Kashmir pellet-gun victim, on its Instagram platform.
A message displayed on the restricted content stated that access had been limited pursuant to legal requirements under India’s Information Technology rules.
The development has renewed debate over content moderation, government regulations and freedom of expression on social-media platforms.
Abhishek Banerjee’s Aide Questioned for 10 Hours
Sumit Roy, the personal assistant of Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, was questioned for approximately 10 hours by West Bengal Police on Saturday.
Roy appeared before police at Bhabani Bhawan, the headquarters of the West Bengal Police, at around 10 a.m. and was questioned until late in the evening.
His appearance came two days after the Supreme Court cleared the way for his arrest. Roy had reportedly been in hiding following the defeat of the Trinamool Congress in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Several cases, including allegations related to fraud and a land-grab case in Salboni, have been registered against him.
Chhattisgarh Christian Forum Office-Bearer Arrested
An office-bearer of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum was arrested in Raipur over an allegedly objectionable social-media post that police said hurt religious sentiments.
Police identified the arrested person as 75-year-old Arun Pannalal, a prominent figure associated with the Christian community in local public life.
The arrest followed the registration of an FIR based on a complaint filed by Amit Chimnani, a spokesperson of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Hamas Says It Remains Ready for Gaza Peace Plan
Hamas said Saturday that it remains prepared to move forward with a US-backed Gaza peace plan and urged pressure on Israel.
The group reportedly informed US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace that it continued to support the latest stage of the proposal, under which militants would hand over weapons to an emerging Palestinian governing committee in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Israel, however, has maintained that it did not agree to the latest portion of the proposed arrangement.
Four Killed in Helicopter Crash in Rio de Janeiro
At least four people were killed in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday.
The victims included three Colombian tourists from the same family and the helicopter’s pilot.
The aircraft crashed inside Tijuca National Park, a mountainous area covered by dense vegetation.
Firefighters reported that all four victims died in the crash and released images showing the smoking wreckage on a steep and difficult-to-access hillside.
Devdutt Padikkal Hits Unbeaten 142
India’s Devdutt Padikkal strengthened his case for a place at No. 3 in India’s playing XI after producing a superb unbeaten 142 during the second day of a warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
India finished its first innings at 357 for eight in 90 overs.
Ravindra Jadeja contributed a gritty 63, retired out, while Manav Suthar scored 41 in his first overseas international assignment.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel were unable to capitalize on favorable batting conditions.
Padikkal’s century has strengthened his claim for a place in India’s lineup ahead of the upcoming Test series.
