The free bus travel scheme for women has become one of the most widely discussed welfare initiatives in recent years, offering millions of women the ability to commute without financial burden. However, questions continue to arise regarding eligibility criteria and whether carrying an Aadhaar card is mandatory to avail of the benefit. While the scheme aims to empower women through improved mobility and economic participation, its implementation has varied across states, with some introducing identity checks to curb misuse.

Entrepreneur Raj Kundra has drawn widespread attention after a viral clip showed him offering one of his kidneys to his spiritual guru as an expression of gratitude and devotion. The moment, which left his wife and actor Shilpa Shetty visibly stunned, has stirred conversations on social media about faith, sacrifice, and the depth of discipleship. While many hailed the gesture as extraordinary, others questioned the practicality and seriousness of such an offer.

In a spectacular display of strength, coordination, and tradition, Govinda teams in Thane created a 10-layer human pyramid during the Dahi Handi celebrations, claiming a new world record. The feat, accomplished amid roaring cheers from thousands of spectators, highlights both the cultural significance of Janmashtami festivities and the evolving competitive spirit of the Govinda pathaks. Officials confirmed the pyramid reached unprecedented height, showcasing the discipline and resilience of participants who trained rigorously for months.

Hombale Films, the studio behind several landmark blockbusters, is preparing to release Mahavatar Narasimha, a film that its founder insists is rooted in spirituality rather than politics. Addressing speculation around the movie’s theme, the producer emphasized that the narrative focuses on divinity, mythology, and cultural legacy, steering clear of ideological or partisan overtones.

A Patiala court has issued summons to YouTuber Armaan Malik and his two wives in connection with two separate legal cases, intensifying scrutiny over the social media personality’s public and personal life. Known for his controversial content and unconventional family dynamics, Malik has long attracted both popularity and criticism online. The court’s directive marks a significant development, raising questions about accountability among digital influencers whose reach extends to millions of followers.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has commenced his ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, positioning it as a direct challenge to the Social Impact Register (SIR), which he alleges undermines the democratic rights of citizens. The march seeks to rally support against what the party views as a systematic attempt to weaken electoral participation and curtail people’s voting rights. By choosing Bihar—a politically vibrant state with a history of mass movements—Gandhi is attempting to galvanize public sentiment and rejuvenate the Congress’s presence ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

Severe cloudbursts followed by landslides wreaked havoc in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, causing widespread damage and claiming at least seven lives. The sudden deluge triggered flash floods, destroyed houses, and left several villages cut off, exposing once again the fragile topography of the Himalayan region. Authorities have launched rescue and relief operations, but challenging terrain and continued rainfall are complicating efforts.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC), the country’s largest state-run refiner, reported a sharp rise in its first-quarter profit, driven by a substantial improvement in fuel marketing margins and steady refining operations. Net profit for the quarter more than doubled compared to the same period last year, underscoring the company’s ability to navigate volatile crude oil prices and maintain operational efficiency. Higher sales volumes, combined with effective cost management, further bolstered earnings.

Mangal Electrical Industries Ltd is set to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on August 20, aiming to raise capital for business expansion, working capital requirements, and other corporate purposes. Positioned within the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) segment, the offering is expected to attract retail and institutional investors seeking exposure to India’s growing electrical manufacturing sector. The company, known for producing transformers, conductors, and allied products, has a strong foothold in domestic markets with rising export potential.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced the Agniveer Loan Scheme, designed to provide tailored financial support to recruits of the Indian Armed Forces under the Agnipath programme. This initiative aims to offer accessible credit for meeting personal and family needs during their service tenure, ensuring that young defence personnel can manage expenses without financial strain. The scheme features competitive interest rates, minimal documentation, and a streamlined approval process, reflecting SBI’s commitment to empowering the nation’s military aspirants.