Analysts evaluate whether Nilekani, architect of India’s digital identity platform, can advance education reforms and improve youth employability amid device, language, and funding gaps.
Australia sells $89 camera glasses raising privacy fears; Victoria phases out Montessori/Steiner schools; Iran denies Trump’s negotiation plans; sport news includes FIFA, cycling and sailing.
Sydney's largest toll road operator, Transurban, will continue annual toll increases of at least 4% despite the NSW government's $850m deal for limited toll cuts on a few motorways, with the premier citing Transurban's resistance to broader reforms.
Kamala Harris, former Democratic presidential nominee, proposed expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices and granting statehood to Puerto Rico and D.C. She also suggested revisiting the Electoral College and emphasized voter turnout, while stating she hasn't decided on a 2028 presidential run.
Germany faces a heated debate over pension reforms, with conservative leaders criticizing new laws. Meanwhile, a major dark web marketplace founder is charged with drug trafficking, and privacy concerns escalate over Meta Glasses. Retail sales show growth, but Deutsche Bahn faces criticism for opaque pricing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi on August 21-22. India Inc, global investors, and policymakers anticipate signals on the government's next phase of reforms, as India remains the world's fastest-growing major economy.
Australia's government is progressing gambling advertising reforms, increasing scrutiny on fuel prices after excise restoration, and adjusting its News Bargaining Incentive to tax big tech's digital advertising revenue at 2.5%, exempting AI companies.
Students in Jharkhand are protesting for the fifth consecutive day against alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams, demanding a CBI probe and reforms. Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has extended support, while protesters warn of escalating actions if the JMM-led government fails to address their concerns.
Hong Kong's traditional economic drivers in finance, trade, and real estate are facing challenges as the global economy shifts towards technology and innovation. The city requires a significant "power shift" involving systemic changes in mindsets, incentives, and risk appetites across business, bureaucracy, and academia, drawing lessons from past elite-led economic transformations.
The Centre has announced significant reforms for the upcoming NEET-PG exam on August 30, including expanded test location choices, earlier city notifications, and reduced questions for more time per question, aiming for a more convenient and secure process.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi declared the nation's governance system has collapsed, advocating for sweeping constitutional reforms, including new administrative units. He warned that a united Generation Z could disrupt the political landscape and urged business leaders to engage actively in politics to address mounting national debt.
New U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces significant challenges in managing the 'special relationship' with the U.S. under President Donald Trump, complicated by the U.K.'s post-Brexit instability, leadership turnover, and polarized electorate.
Uzbekistan's economy grew 8.5% in the first half of 2026, driven by structural reforms since 2017, with significant increases in investment, exports, and sectoral growth, alongside improved credit ratings from Moody's and Fitch.
PM Narendra Modi thanked youth for their feedback on his video addressing examination reforms, amid nationwide protests over NEET-UG paper leaks, promising stricter laws with fast-track courts and tougher penalties.
Hungary blocked further procedural steps in EU accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova during a technical meeting in Brussels, preventing formal talks on internal market and competitiveness reforms until at least September 1.
India's latest ecommerce export reforms enable foreign-funded platforms like Amazon and Flipkart to operate inventory-based export models, potentially transforming thousands of small-town MSMEs into global exporters, broadening India's export base.
Tanzanian lecturer Melkisedek Kaijage, initially arrested for inciting anti-government protests, has been charged with terrorism and denied bail. His case is part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures following disputed 2025 elections and post-poll violence.
The Supreme Court has ordered the central government and National Testing Agency (NTA) to submit detailed affidavits on the implementation of reforms addressing the NEET-UG paper leak, committing to year-long monitoring to ensure institutionalization of measures.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) announced immediate reductions in market-capitalisation requirements for start-ups, international firms, and WVR companies, aiming to attract more innovative companies globally to list in Hong Kong.
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike, undertaken to support youth-led protests demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, after government assurances and to avert potential violence. Protests by the Cockroach Janta Party continue in Delhi.
The Indian diaspora is organizing solidarity protests across Europe, North America, and Oceania, supporting a student-led movement in India. These demonstrations, sparked by NEET exam paper leaks, demand accountability, transparency, and education system reforms from the Indian government.
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk continues a 26-day hunger strike for education reforms and the Education Minister's resignation, despite being hospitalized. His protest, supported by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and thousands of students, has intensified after a police crackdown, challenging PM Modi's government.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham aims to strengthen No 10's executive power to drive a decentralisation agenda, addressing the paradox of Britain's overcentralised state and past policy failures under Sir Keir Starmer.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has introduced administrative and religious reforms, including live CCTV surveillance of donation counting, amid an ongoing investigation into donation irregularities. The Trust also approved an official spokesperson, reconstituted the Religious Committee, and is in the final stages of recruiting a new CEO.
