Mantbyte Daily Digest: Key Indian National News and Events

Politics, Governance, and Elections

The political landscape saw intense activity following significant electoral outcomes and ongoing legislative standoffs. Bihar Chief Minister met with BJP leaders to review a surprising defeat in the Bankipur byelection—historically a stronghold for the party. Analysts attribute the loss to discontentment over the centralized control of federal units and the rising influence of Gen Z voters. Meanwhile, in national politics, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in an effort to end the ongoing Parliament logjam. While the Congress party continues to press for a debate and a statement from Amit Shah regarding a donation controversy, the government clarified there are no immediate plans to hold a special session for the women’s quota and delimitation bills.

In regional administrative developments, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has formally opposed a government move to establish a private nuclear power plant in Odisha, citing severe health and safety risks to local residents. Tensions also surfaced regarding digital platforms and free speech after AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal claimed Meta restricted his account in India without explanation, receiving only routine responses to email inquiries. Separately, Meta’s global head of public policy, Joel Kaplan, issued an apology to a government minister for platform errors that restricted a post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Crime, Protests, and Social Issues

Protests and demonstrations drew national attention across several states. In Jharkhand, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has stepped to the forefront of a major demonstration, leading hundreds of students in a JPSC-JSSC protest that has extended into its eighth consecutive day. The unrest prompted criticism from political figures, with Rahul Gandhi slamming the BJP over the protest crackdown and alleging that students were forced to apologise.

In public safety and security updates, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully secured the deportation of Red Notice fugitive Vishaka Rathod to India in connection with a large-scale financial fraud and criminal conspiracy. In Jaipur, police solved a shocking murder case, arresting a married woman and her lover who killed an aunt to fund their lifestyle and parties. Meanwhile, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das reported a privacy violation on social media, stating his home was filmed without consent after 15 to 20 individuals gathered outside his residence.

Public Health, Education, and Science

Public health authorities are scaling up responses to active health concerns. A national investigation has been deployed to Gujarat and Rajasthan following a Chandipura virus outbreak that has resulted in 35 infections and 22 fatalities, primarily among young children. In the education sector, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) revised the NEET SS Counselling 2025 Round 2 schedule following a Delhi High Court order, opening the resignation window until August 7. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) commenced applications for 200 Patwari posts, with registrations open through August 18, 2026.

Scientific achievements and wildlife milestones also marked the digest. Seventeen-year-old Lucky Rawat from Uttarakhand has been selected for a 10-day international scientific North Pole expedition alongside students from 22 countries. In conservation, data shows six decades of efforts have increased India’s Asiatic lion population from 100-150 to over 1,000, though experts note that nearly half now live outside protected areas and the species remains geographically confined.

Infrastructure, Transport, and Corporate Updates

The aviation and transit sectors experienced notable shifts and regulatory interventions. Following a severe turbulence incident on an Air India flight that lasted four to five minutes and left multiple passengers and crew hospitalized, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a formal investigation. Concurrently, Air India announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO, citing his extensive background in operational management and global hub development.

In urban mobility, the Bengaluru Traffic Police introduced trial traffic diversions at Madiwala to mitigate increasing peak-hour congestion.