The Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, in Punjab, is rolling out the first rake comprising 19 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railways today. The rake comprises 03 AC Sleeper Cars, 03 AC Chair Cars, 11 Non-AC Chair Cars and 02 Power Cars.

These coaches incorporate several unique design features and modifications, many of which have been developed for the first time in such type of coaches. The coaches have been specially customised to meet the operational and passenger requirements of Bangladesh Railway.

The seating arrangement incorporates specially designed reclining chairs with stainless steel armrests and stainless-steel footrests, offering multiple reclining positions for enhanced passenger comfort. They also have an integrated CCTV surveillance system, a passenger alarm system, a Baby Care Room and a Prayer Room. The association between RCF, Kapurthala and Bangladesh Railway began with the successful supply of 120 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches during 2015-16.

Former nuclear scientist and communist theorist MP Parameswaran, who was one of Kerala’s most influential advocates of people’s science and decentralised development, died in Thrissur on Tuesday. He was 91.

Born on January 18, 1935, at Kiralur in Thrissur district, Parameswaran had his early education in Thrissur. He graduated in Electrical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1956 before pursuing a PhD in Nuclear Engineering at the Moscow Power Institute, which he completed in 1965.

Parameswaran began his professional career as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai in 1957. He remained there until 1975, working in the field of nuclear science before making a decisive shift from scientific research to public activism.

Lebanon’s parliament today abolished the death penalty, making it the first country in the Arab world to replace the sentencing with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. A majority of Lebanon’s 128-member parliament voted in favour of ending the death penalty, with the exception of the parliamentary bloc of Hezbollah. Justice Minister Adel Nassar, who was in Parliament, called it a historic step for the country. Rights groups that had called for formalising the moratorium or ending the death penalty altogether have also celebrated the vote. Lebanon’s abolition of the death penalty comes as parliament is debating a controversial general amnesty law, the largest since the end of its 15-year civil war in 1990, that could reduce sentences or even release convicted militants and drug dealers, with some exceptions.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released the autobiography of former President Ram Nath Kovind, titled ‘Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles’ in New Delhi. The autobiography offers a deeply personal account of Mr Kovind’s remarkable life journey, tracing his experiences, struggles and achievements from his early years to his distinguished public life and eventual service as the 14th President of India. The book provides insights into the values, experiences and circumstances that shaped his journey and public service.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said that Ram Nath Kovind’s guidance as the President has been a great source of strength for him. He said that Mr Kovind’s autobiography will not only provide insights into his life, personality, and contributions but also serve as a legacy for Indian democracy and society. Prime Minister Modi said that even after retiring from the country’s highest constitutional office, Ram Nath Kovind has remained actively engaged and continues to work on important issues such as One Nation, One Election.

N Chandrasekaran has stepped down as Tata Sons chairman, tendering his resignation on August 12. He will serve out his existing term but will not seek re-appointment. His decision comes days ahead of the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) on August 18.

News agency Reuters had earlier reported that Chandrasekaran had discussed the possibility of stepping down with close associates, rather than allowing his continuation to be decided at the shareholder meeting.

His resignation comes amid uncertainty over his reappointment as a director of Tata Sons and reported differences within the Tata group. The uncertainty followed differences between Chandrasekaran and Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts. In February, the Tata Sons board deferred a decision on Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as chairman after Noel Tata raised concerns about the performance of some of the group’s newer businesses.

Idli with sambar will soon be served to students in Delhi government and government-aided schools under a revised PM-POSHAN menu, with the Directorate of Education asking schools and implementing agencies to complete preparations by August 24. Most changes in the new six-day menu will take effect immediately, while idli with sambar has been given a two-week transition period.

The revised menu replaces some existing items, including ragi halwa and vegetable dalia. The Directorate said the changes were recommended by the Meal Review Committee after it reviewed the weekly menu, meal coverage, stakeholder feedback and implementation experience.

According to the order issued by the Directorate of Education on Monday, the new six-day menu includes poori with black chana gravy and mashed vegetables on Day 1, idli with sambar on Day 2, rice with chhole and mashed vegetables on Day 3, poori with chhole and mashed vegetables on Day 4, rice with dal on Day 5, and rice with kadhi on Day 6. The committee has also recommended replacing ragi halwa with wheat flour and chana masala, and vegetable daliya with jowar and bajra.

Jammu and Kashmir Government’s approval of Rs 10 crore for the restoration of historic Rattan Garh Fort in Doda district was welcomed by locals, who termed it a major step towards preserving the region’s heritage and boosting tourism.

Built in 1733, Rattan Garh Fort has stood witness to centuries of change, evolving from a royal stronghold into a prison. Today, it remains one of the most significant historical landmarks in picturesque Bhaderwah valley of the Chenab valley.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government on Sunday approved Rs 10 crore for the repair and renovation of the historic fort. The project is aimed at conserving the historic structure, improving its overall condition and developing it as an important heritage and tourism attraction.

The Gujarat Forest Department has launched a Plastic Waste Management Project around the Ramsar-designated Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, with an initiative to purchase plastic waste collected by villagers while strengthening efforts to protect the wetland's fragile ecosystem.

The Rs 2.94-crore project has been approved under the Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat (PERG), supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is being implemented by the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Wildlife Division, Sanand, in collaboration with local gram panchayats, Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) and community members.

Gujarat Minister for Forests and Environment Arjun Modhwadia said that by establishing a scientific plastic waste management system around this globally important wetland, we aim to eliminate plastic pollution and protect Nalsarovar's unique ecosystem.

India had a strong showing at the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) 2026 in Romania, with Shrilakshmi Venkatraman taking home the gold medal. Aarav Anil Rao, Nishanth Shankar Lakshmanan and Advay Misra also made the podium with bronze medals, while Soham Amit Pednekar earned an honourable mention.

The international competition attracts pre-university students from more than 40 countries. Instead of testing memorised knowledge, the Olympiad asks participants to decode unfamiliar languages and identify patterns using reasoning and analytical skills.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), with support from the Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors, has announced the winners of the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge, a national initiative to advance DiCRA (Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture) as a Digital Public Infrastructure for rural climate resilience.

The Challenge was launched to mobilise India’s scientific, academic and innovation ecosystem to develop credible, near-term climate hazard forecasting models and decision-ready applications for agriculture, rural finance, insurance and public planning.