Following significant rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the Ukai Dam in Gujarat has discharged 1.19 lakh cusecs of water. This discharge brings the dam's water level to 339.25 feet, just five feet short of the danger mark of 345 feet. On Tuesday evening, the dam recorded an inflow of 1.03 lakh cusecs and an outflow of 1.19 lakh cusecs. Seven gates have been opened to manage the water flow, with 16,986 cusecs being used for hydro-power generation. Recent rainfall across South Gujarat has contributed to the water levels, with Umarpada taluka experiencing the highest rainfall at 255 mm. Dam authorities highlighted that water from the Hathnur and Prakasha Dams in Maharashtra also flows into the Ukai Dam, adding to the current water levels.

On September 7, 2024, Jaipur hosted the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Swachh Vayu Diwas), attended by Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, and Rajasthan Chief Minister, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, among other dignitaries. The event highlighted significant improvements in air quality across 131 NCAP cities, with 95 cities showing a decline in air pollution and 51 cities achieving over a 20% reduction in PM10 levels. A key document, ‘Compendium on Viable Technologies and Practices: Lessons from NCAP Cities,’ was released, showcasing successful air quality initiatives. Additionally, 100 saplings were planted under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign.

Since its launch in 2021, the Sugamya Bharat mobile application has received more than 1,400 complaints related to accessibility, with around 75% of these issues resolved. The app, which helps people with disabilities and the elderly report problems with public infrastructure and buildings, has shown varied resolution rates across different years. The government plans to enhance the app by integrating AI features, including an AI-powered chatbot and a multilingual interface. Additionally, efforts are underway to make construction more disability-friendly and to improve accessibility in India’s built environment. Despite facing logistical challenges, the app’s complaint resolution process is being streamlined to address user needs more effectively.

The Ministry of Finance has released updated guidelines to regularize irregular accounts under various National Small Savings Schemes (NSS), including NSS-87, Public Provident Fund (PPF) for minors, and Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts (SSA). Announced on August 21, 2024, by the Department of Economic Affairs, the guidelines address irregularities in multiple accounts, including PPF extensions for NRIs and SSA accounts opened by non-legal guardians. The updated rules ensure adherence to deposit limits and will come into full effect by October 1, 2024, with all post offices and financial institutions required to comply to avoid accounts earning zero interest.

A parcel of land in Kotana Bangar village, Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, previously owned by the family of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, is slated for auction under The Enemy Property Act. The Union Home Affairs Ministry has announced that approximately 13 bighas of this land will be auctioned through an e-auction process until midnight on September 12. The Enemy Property Act allows the Indian government to take control of properties owned by individuals who migrated to enemy countries like Pakistan or China following conflicts. Enacted in 1968, the Act has been amended to include the legal heirs of these individuals, ensuring the properties remain under government control despite changes in ownership or nationality. This move follows a series of legal and legislative developments aimed at managing such properties, including a 2017 amendment that expanded definitions related to enemy subjects and firms.

On September 6, 2024, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in Chennai issued a temporary halt on the acquisition of Coastal Energen by a consortium led by Adani Power. The tribunal's decision followed concerns that procedural irregularities may have occurred during the acquisition process. The NCLAT's status quo order prevents the consortium from benefiting from the acquisition until further review. The Interim Resolution Professional will continue to manage Coastal Energen's power plant in Thootukudi, Tamil Nadu, with any funds generated to be held in an escrow account. The case will be revisited on September 18, with all parties required to submit their pleadings by September 19. The appellants, including Coastal Energen's suspended director and two shareholders, argue that the consortium's formation and bidding process were flawed, claiming that DAIT was merely a front for Adani Power. Adani Power disputes these claims, asserting that the acquisition process has been completed and all financial requirements met.

A group of medical students has filed a review petition challenging the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss their writ petition, which sought to cancel the NEET UG 2024 examination due to alleged widespread malpractices. The petitioners claim to have discovered new evidence indicating a systemic breach across various states, arguing that this justifies a retest of the medical entrance exam. The review petition highlights a data analysis showing unusually high success rates in specific examination centers, particularly in Sikar, and raises concerns about issues such as missing mobile phones linked to a paper leak and negligence in awarding grace marks. The students contend that this new evidence necessitates a fresh judicial examination given the significant public interest involved.

In a decisive operation in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, security forces neutralized nine Maoist insurgents in a fierce encounter. This clash is part of a broader and escalating conflict in the region, where violence has surged significantly in 2024, with over 150 deaths linked to Maoist activities and clashes. The Dantewada region, known for its Maoist presence, remains a hotspot for frequent clashes between insurgents and law enforcement. Authorities continue to work on strategies to address the violence, restore peace, and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Odisha has set a national precedent by granting habitat rights to the Saora tribals of Gajapati district, making it the state with the highest number of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) with such rights. The Saoras, now the fifth tribal group in Odisha to receive these rights, have been granted control over 128 villages in the Mohana and R Udayagiri blocks. This recognition under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) allows the Saoras to protect their ancestral lands, preserve natural and sacred sites, and continue their cultural and religious practices without interference. This move follows similar rights granted to other PVTGs in Odisha, including the Paudi Bhuyans, Juangs, and Chuktia Bhunjia. Other states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have also granted habitat rights to their own PVTGs, but Odisha remains at the forefront.

Hayao Miyazaki, renowned Japanese anime director, has been awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, celebrated as Asia’s Nobel Prize. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised Miyazaki's iconic works such as My Neighbour Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service, highlighting their timeless charm and his magical storytelling ability. Sitharaman also noted that anime offers significant value for adult audiences. Miyazaki, alongside producer Toshio Suzuki, founded Studio Ghibli in 1985, which has since become a major force in animation, known for its innovative and imaginative approach to filmmaking.

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the formation of the 23rd Law Commission of India, effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027. The commission will consist of a full-time Chairperson, four full-time members including a Member-Secretary, and additional ex-officio and part-time members. Its primary role will be to review and recommend legal reforms to enhance the Indian legal system. The 22nd Law Commission’s term concludes soon, and the new commission aims to address pending reports on the Uniform Civil Code and simultaneous elections, which have been delayed due to the absence of a chairperson. Key responsibilities of the 23rd commission include reviewing obsolete laws, addressing legal issues affecting the poor, improving judicial administration, and suggesting amendments to promote gender equality. The commission will also engage in international research assistance and examine the impact of globalization on various socio-economic factors.

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted a notification by the Ayush Ministry that allowed the advertising of Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha medicines without prior approval from authorities. This move came in response to concerns raised by health experts and consumer protection groups about the potential risks to public health and the possibility of misleading claims in advertisements. The Court emphasized the importance of strict oversight in promoting medicinal products to ensure public safety, keeping the stay in effect until further arguments are heard.

A major landslide struck East Sikkim on Tuesday, causing significant damage to the Teesta Stage V hydroelectric project managed by NHPC. The landslide, which occurred near Dipu Dara in Singtam around 7:30 a.m., severely impacted the project’s powerhouse and GIS building. Approximately 17-18 houses were damaged, with six evacuated. Displaced families have been moved to a relief camp at the NHPC Guest House in Balutar. The Singtam-Dikchu road has been rendered inaccessible, but a temporary diversion route has been established. Gangtok’s district collector has requested the Border Roads Organisation to expedite road repairs. The Department of Mines and Geology will investigate the landslide and recommend restoration measures. This incident follows previous landslides in June and flash floods in 2023 that also disrupted the region.

The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024, in protest against the Supreme Court's ruling that allows states to create sub-categories within SC/ST reservations. The bandh, supported by SC/ST groups in Rajasthan and various social and political organizations, has led to increased police deployment across districts to prevent unrest. The Supreme Court's decision has sparked widespread debate, with protestors demanding its reversal. Despite the bandh, emergency services such as ambulances will remain operational, though public transport and private offices are expected to be affected.

A significant disagreement has emerged between telecom operators and social media companies over the interpretation of telecom services under the new Telecommunication Act. Telecom operators argue that over-the-top (OTT) platforms like WhatsApp and Google Meet should be classified as telecom services, necessitating similar licensing requirements as traditional telecom services. This contention highlights the vague definition of telecom services in the Act, which includes broad terms such as "transmission" and "messages." Despite government assurances that OTTs are not included, experts and telecom operators insist on formal regulation. In contrast, tech companies argue that such inclusion would distort market dynamics, stifle competition, and limit consumer choices.

On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Geoscience Awards 2023 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Established by the Ministry of Mines in 1966, these prestigious awards recognize significant achievements in geosciences. Originally known as the National Mineral Awards, the NGA honors contributions in fields such as mineral exploration, mining technology, and geosciences. This year, 12 awards will be presented, including the National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement to Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee and the National Young Geoscientist Award to Dr. Ashutosh Pandey. The awards will be given to 21 distinguished geoscientists in the presence of notable figures from academia, policy, and industry.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially transferred the Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of the NIPUN munition to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) at Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune. The NIPUN, a soft target munition developed jointly by ARDE and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), has successfully completed its evaluation and been inducted into the Indian Army. The technology has been transferred to Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) and Premier Explosives Ltd (PEL), which are now engaged in bulk production. Over 20 lots of the munition have already been delivered. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, commended the ARDE team for their achievement, emphasizing the munition's role in significantly enhancing the Indian Army's combat capabilities.

The 70th National Film Awards honored the finest talents in Indian cinema, with Rishab Shetty winning the prestigious Best Actor award for his role in the Kannada film Kantara. His portrayal of a rural character connected to tradition and nature captivated audiences and critics alike. The Tamil-language film Aattam, directed by R. Ravikumar, won the Best Feature Film award for its compelling narrative on societal issues. The awards, organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals, once again showcased the diversity and vibrancy of Indian cinema.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has strongly condemned the Narendra Modi government's lateral entry policy for senior bureaucratic positions, calling it an “anti-national step.” Gandhi argues that this policy undermines the reservation system for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs. He claims that recruiting through lateral entry rather than the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is an attack on the Constitution and represents the "privatisation" of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). This criticism follows the UPSC's recent advertisement for 45 senior positions through lateral entry, marking a significant increase in such recruitments. Gandhi also highlighted concerns about corporate influence in government roles, using the appointment of SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch as an example. He stated that the INDIA bloc will oppose this policy, asserting that it harms both the administrative structure and social justice.