Census 2027 to retain 2011 Census definition of an urban area

The upcoming Census 2027 proposes to retain the same definition of an urban area as that used during Census 2011 to ensure uniformity while comparing the urbanisation trends in the country, according to an official communication. During 2011 Census, other than statutory areas such as municipal corporation, cantonment board, notified town area committee, town panchayat, nagar palika, an urban unit or a “census town” was defined as “all other villages” with a minimum population of 5,000 persons with a density of population of 400 persons per sq. km. and where 75% of the male working population is engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.

BJP wants to keep Dalits in the last queue, says Rahul Gandhi

In the second leg of the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ through poll-bound Bihar, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (August 23, 2025) continued his attack on the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission of India. Speaking at Katihar district of Seemanchal, a region dominated by Muslims, Mr. Gandhi alleged that the BJP wants to keep Dalits in the last queue in society.

North Korea test-fires two ‘new’ air defence missiles

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the test-firing of two “new” air defence missiles, state media said Sunday (August 24, 2025), after Pyongyang accused Seoul of fomenting tensions at the border. The test-firing, which took place Saturday (August 23, 2025), showed that the two new missile weapon systems had “superior combat capability”, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz offers political truce to help secure Gaza hostage deal

Israeli former Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Saturday (August 23, 2025) called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to forge a unity government along with members of the opposition in a bid to help release the hostages held in Gaza. Mr. Netanyahu’s coalition government depends on support from far-right members who oppose ending the war and making any deal with Palestinian group Hamas, whose October 2023 attack on Israel sparked the Gaza war.

Fear of terrorists has almost ended in Kashmir: L-G Manoj Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday (August 23, 2025) said fear of terrorists and their ecosystem in the Valley has almost ended. Interacting with members of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Srinagar in the evening, the L-G said Kashmir has recorded just one local terror recruitment so far this year.

Trump names close aide Sergio Gor as Ambassador to India, sparking hopes of better India-U.S. ties, concern over regional role

The surprise announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that he would send his close aide, 38-year-old Sergio Gor, as Ambassador to India has led to some relief for those hoping the nomination will pause the deterioration in India-U.S. ties over trade and other issues. 

SEBI proposes new closing auction session framework; to begin with liquid derivative stocks

Markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has proposed a new framework for the Closing Auction Session (CAS) in the equity cash market, starting with highly liquid derivative stocks to determine the closing prices of shares.

Indigenous clocks delay ISRO’s plans to replace defunct Navic satellite

Officials at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) say they are looking to launch at least three satellites before 2026-end, to replace defunct satellites that are part of the ‘Indian GPS’ or Navic (Navigation with Indian constellation) system. However, there seems to be a key element impeding the launch — the development of indigenous clocks.

Protest erupts outside Delhi animal birth control centre over ‘cruelty’ to stray dogs

A protest broke out late on Friday night outside an animal birth control (ABC) centre at Rohini’s Sector 27 in Delhi, with animal rights activists alleging that stray dogs housed at the facility faced cruel treatment. On Saturday, 46 sterilised canines were released from the centre and a team of 15 police personnel was deployed in the area.

Present-day politics is about showmanship and publicity, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge says, urges professionals to join

India’s present-day politics is marked more by showmanship and publicity rather than substantive work, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Saturday (August 23, 2025), addressing the first batch of the Dr. Manmohan Singh Fellows Program. Lauding the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Congress chief said Dr. Singh spoke little but brought profound changes to the lives of people.