On August 30, as Raksha Bandhan graced the nation, schoolgirls and women expressed gratitude by tying rakhis on Army soldiers' wrists in Jammu and Kashmir. In Akhnoor Sector, local girls adorned soldiers, while Churanda village residents celebrated with soldiers at the Line of Control. BSF soldiers shared Rakhi joy with schoolchildren at the international border in the Samba Sector. In Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, women tied rakhis on CRPF soldiers, symbolizing the protective bond of Raksha Bandhan. In a touching video, Rajputana Rifles jawans were seen lovingly tied rakhi by women and girls, encapsulating the essence of affection and gratitude.

Celebrating the sibling bond, schoolgirls tied rakhis to Prime Minister Modi at a Delhi school on Raksha Bandhan. As the beaming girls approached, PM greeted them warmly, asking their names and classes. In an endearing moment, one girl gave Modi a peck as he bent down to bless her. PM sat as the girls took turns tying rakhis with his photo. The heartwarming celebration reflected the festival's spirit of eternal brother-sister bonds. PM's joyful interaction highlighted his affection for children. His rakhi celebrations emphasized respect for women and connected him with the youth.

India has lodged a strong protest after China released its updated 2023 "standard map" on Monday, laying claims over disputed regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated India rejects these baseless claims that complicate boundary resolution. The new map shows Arunachal and Aksai Chin as Chinese territory despite firm objections. It also depicts Taiwan as part of mainland China and the contested nine-dash line in the South China Sea. India has repeatedly affirmed Arunachal as integral to its sovereignty. The map signals China's hardened stance on disputes amid regional tensions.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated that Article 35A deprived non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir of fundamental rights, including employment, equality of opportunity, and property acquisition. On the 11th day of the hearing challenging the scrapping of Article 370, he noted that the special rights granted to residents resulted in exclusion of non-residents. He concurred with the Centre that the Indian constitution holds higher authority than the J&K Constitution. Article 35A, abolished in August 2019 along with Article 370, had granted "permanent residents" special privileges in terms of employment, property, and settlement.

Prime Minister Modi, President Murmu, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and other leaders extended warm greetings on Thiruvonam, as Kerala celebrated the 10-day Onam festival with fervor on Tuesday. Onam marks the annual homecoming of King Mahabali and the start of harvest. In tweets, PM Modi and President Murmu wished prosperity, health and harmony. CM Vijayan pitched for celebrating Onam beyond divisions, as a unifying festivity of prosperity and equality. Former MP Suresh Gopi kickstarted celebrations at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple with Prince Adithya Varma. Onam showcases Kerala's vibrant culture and brings people together.

Former head priest of the Golden Temple, Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh Ji’s funeral was held on Monday. Singh passed away on Sunday from a cardiac arrest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the prominent Sikh leader's demise, praising his knowledge and service to humanity. Distinguished Sikh figures including Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Harjinder Singh Dhami and Jatehdar of Akal Takht Giani Raghbir Singh attended the cremation. Giani Jagtar Singh's legacy as a custodian of the Golden Temple and his contributions to Sikhism are acknowledged and mourned by many.

The upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi from 7-10 September is expected to cause major disruptions to flight operations. More than 1,000 flights are likely to be cancelled or rescheduled as the government has mandated a 25% reduction in flight frequencies due to parking limitations at Delhi airport. Airlines have been asked to temporarily move some aircraft out of Delhi to accommodate the Summit. However, officials have raised concerns about potential nationwide flight network disruptions and cancellations, given Delhi is India's busiest airport. Arrangements are underway for over 50 aircraft carrying dignitaries like Biden, Sunak and Xi. The Aviation Ministry will soon unveil directives to streamline airline activities amid the constraints.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited a chocolate factory in Ooty, Tamil Nadu on Sunday. At Moddys Chocolates, he tried making chocolates and discussed GST on confectionery items. Gandhi sought details on chocolate production from the 70 women employed there. Sharing a video, he called Moddys Chocolates a "remarkable testament" to the potential of Indian MSMEs. The 53-year-old leader's factory visit highlighted the Congress party's focus on supporting small businesses and addressing GST concerns. Gandhi's chocolate making experience provided positive optics of him connecting with local businesses and workers in Tamil Nadu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian Space Research Organisation's command centre in Bengaluru on Saturday to interact with scientists on the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing. An emotional Modi addressed the scientists, praising their dedication and hard work. He had joined the landing event virtually from Johannesburg on Wednesday. Modi said he felt immense happiness at this rare occasion, having been restless with his mind in Bengaluru despite being in South Africa. The Prime Minister announced the landing site will be named 'Shiva Shakti Point' and August 23 celebrated annually as National Space Day. Additionally, he stated that the 2019 Chandrayaan-2 landing site will be known as 'Tiranga Point', commemorating India's historic lunar missions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that August 23 will be celebrated as National Space Day to mark the success of India's Chandrayaan 3 Moon landing. Modi made the announcement while addressing Indian Space Research Organisation scientists at the ISRO command centre in Bengaluru. He visited to congratulate the Chandrayaan 3 team and said the spacecraft's lunar touchdown point will be named 'Shiv Shakti'. Modi also stated that the 2019 Chandrayaan 2 crash site will be called 'Tiranga'. The Prime Minister highlighted the key role of women scientists in the Chandrayaan 3 mission. He said the 'Shiv Shakti' site will inspire future generations to use science for society's welfare. The National Space Day announcement commemorates India's historic lunar landing achievement.