Parts of Wayanad district in Kerala, severely impacted by landslides on July 30, may be declared permanent "no habitation" zones due to the extensive damage to their topography. The Kerala government is considering this move, especially for the worst-hit villages of Punchirimattam, Chooralmala, and Mundakkai in Meppadi panchayat. Officials indicate that future human habitation in parts of Punchirimattam and Chooralmala (wards 10, 11, and 12) may be impossible. Survivors, many of whom are traumatized, are hesitant to return home, concerned about housing, compensation, and livelihoods as they face uncertainty in the aftermath of the disaster.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for swift justice in cases involving crimes against women, ensuring their safety and security. Addressing a national conference of district judiciary, he praised the judiciary's role in upholding the Constitution and protecting fundamental rights. Modi highlighted the judiciary's key role during the Emergency period and commended its prioritization of national interests in matters of national security. He expressed trust in the Supreme Court and judiciary, citing the people's faith in these institutions. The PM's remarks aimed to strengthen the judiciary's role in delivering justice and ensuring national security.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) MI-17 chopper was forced to drop a snag-hit helicopter mid-air in Kedarnath on Saturday after it lost balance during towing. The unoccupied helicopter was released over an unpopulated area, ensuring no damage to life or property. The IAF stated that the MI-17 chopper was unable to hold the weight of the defective helicopter, leading to the emergency release. The crew safely executed the procedure, and an enquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident. The swift action by the IAF crew prevented any harm, and the incident is currently under review.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Dharmendra, a 1989-batch IAS officer, as the new Chief Secretary of Delhi, replacing Naresh Kumar. Dharmendra will take charge on September 1 or upon joining, following the end of Kumar's extension on August 31. Currently serving in Arunachal Pradesh, Dharmendra will lead Delhi's administrative affairs in his new role. The appointment was made with the approval of the Competent Authority, as stated in the ministry's order. Dharmendra's transfer and posting are effective from September 1 or the date of joining, whichever is later.

A Kolkata civic volunteer, Gangasagar Golde, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly ramming his motorcycle into a protester during a demonstration against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. The incident occurred on Friday evening when Golde, who was reportedly intoxicated, hit a student protester. This incident comes as another civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, is already accused in the rape and murder case. Additionally, a complaint has been filed against traffic sergeant Tarakeswar Puri for engaging in a verbal altercation with protesters following the incident. An investigation is underway.

Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat joins farmers at the Shambhu border, expressing her solidarity by saying, "Your daughter is with you." The farmers marked the 200th day of their protest on Saturday, having been stationed at the border since February 13 after being blocked from marching to Delhi. The protestors are demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, among other issues. Phogat, a strong supporter of the farmers' movement, was honored with garlands by the farmers. In her speech, she praised their resilience and determination, acknowledging their long struggle for rights without losing energy.

The Akal Takht declared Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal 'tankhaiya' for religious misconduct on Friday, citing actions during his party's tenure from 2007 to 2017. Badal acknowledged the ruling and pledged to apologize. Jathedar Gyani Raghbir Singh instructed Badal to appear before the Akal Takht within 15 days to seek forgiveness for decisions that adversely affected Sikh interests and the Panth’s reputation. Badal will remain 'tankhaiya' until he delivers a formal apology. The decision followed a meeting of the five Sikh head priests at the Akal Takht complex. 

A damaged helicopter crashed near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand during a recovery operation on Saturday. The helicopter, which made an emergency landing at Kedarnath Dham on May 24 due to a technical fault, was being airlifted to Gauchar airstrip for repairs by a Mi-17 chopper. The Mi-17 lost balance due to weight and wind, causing the helicopter to crash. No injuries or casualties were reported as there were no passengers or luggage on board. The incident was captured on camera. Authorities confirmed the crash and are investigating the incident.

The Centre responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's second letter requesting tougher central laws and harsher penalties for serious crimes. The Union government criticized Banerjee’s letter as an attempt to "cover up delays" by the state government. Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi highlighted that West Bengal had not activated 11 additional Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) designated for handling rape and sexual assault cases. The Centre noted that stringent laws for addressing rape and crimes against women are already in place and urged the state to enforce them properly. The response aims to address concerns about the implementation of existing legal measures.

AIIMS doctors in Delhi will hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday to demand justice for the rape and murder victim at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The protest, organized by the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), aims to seek justice for their colleague. Dr. Suvrankar Datta, FAIMA Vice President and AIIMS senior resident doctor, announced the peaceful protest, urging medical professionals to join. The event will take place on August 31, highlighting the medical community's solidarity and outrage over the heinous crime. The protest seeks swift action and justice for the victim.