Now Reading: Today in India: 29 August 2026
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Today in India: 29 August 2026
Nandan Nilekani's task force seeks public input on exam reforms. Jio Platforms gets SEBI nod for a Rs 37,700 crore IPO. India's forex reserves hit a record $729.33 billion.
Nilekani panel seeks suggestions on exam reforms
The government's High-Powered Task Force on public examination reforms, chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, has invited suggestions from students, parents and teachers. The panel wants input on making exams more secure, transparent and student-friendly. Suggestions, covering areas like exam design, technology use and student well-being, must be submitted by September 13. The task force includes former ISRO chief S Somnath and former IB director Tapan Deka.
6 sources, 1 government-critical, 4 neutral, 1 sensationalist
Jio Platforms gets SEBI nod for Rs 37,700 crore IPO
Jio Platforms, the digital services arm of Reliance Industries, has received SEBI approval for its initial public offering expected to raise about Rs 37,700 crore. The regulator issued its final observations on August 28, clearing the way for what could be India's largest-ever IPO. The company plans to issue up to 27 crore fresh equity shares with no offer-for-sale component. Proceeds will primarily repay about Rs 27,500 crore of borrowings of its subsidiary Reliance Jio Infocomm.
6 sources, 6 neutral
India finish eighth after shootout loss to Belgium
India lost 3-4 in a penalty shootout to co-hosts Belgium after a 3-3 draw in regulation time, finishing eighth in the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup. Abhishek put India ahead in the fifth minute, but Belgium led 2-1 at half-time. Captain Harmanpreet Singh equalised in the 31st minute with a penalty corner drag-flick. Belgium regained the lead in the 47th minute, and India's Manpreet Singh left the field with a facial injury.
5 sources, 1 government-critical, 4 neutral
Centre appoints three senior officers to NTA
The Centre has appointed three senior officers, including an IPS officer, to the National Testing Agency as part of a major overhaul after the NEET-UG paper leak and errors in UGC-NET question papers. IPS officer Ravi Kumar Singh and IAS officer Prasanna Venkatesh V have been appointed as directors, while IRS officer Amit Samdariya will serve as joint director. The orders require them to take charge within three weeks.
4 sources, 4 neutral
More from today
Karnataka minister B Nagendra resigns over scam
Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B Nagendra resigned on Friday, 25 days after being re-inducted into the cabinet, over allegations linked to the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation scam. The Congress leader broke down while announcing his decision in Bengaluru, saying he was stepping down voluntarily to avoid embarrassment to his party. He alleged that 'manuwadis' targeted him because they did not want a tribal person to grow.
6 sources, 6 neutral
BCCI denies B team plan for Asian Games
The BCCI has denied reports that India might send a second-string squad to the Asian Games in Japan over concerns about facilities. A BCCI source said that while the issues raised are correct, India will not send a B team. News agency ANI had earlier reported that the BCCI and Asian Cricket Council were unhappy with arrangements in Aichi-Nagoya, citing tent dressing rooms and toilets 500 metres away.
3 sources, 2 neutral, 1 sensationalist
India's forex reserves hit record $729.33 billion
India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $12.422 billion to a new all-time high of $729.328 billion in the week ended August 21, data from the Reserve Bank of India showed. The previous record of $728.494 billion was set in February. Foreign currency assets rose by $9.482 billion to $591.333 billion. Gold reserves increased by $2.801 billion to $114.218 billion. The RBI received nearly $73 billion under schemes launched in June to boost dollar inflows.
3 sources, 3 neutral
Infosys Public Services CEO missing after Nepal floods
Infosys has said its subsidiary Infosys Public Services chief Lax Gopisetty is not reachable after devastating floods in Nepal. The company said Gopisetty was visiting the region in a personal capacity and that it is working with agencies to establish contact. The Ministry of External Affairs said at least 320 Indians remain missing and 400 are stranded on the Chinese side after flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.
4 sources, 4 neutral
FSSAI proposes red hexagon warning labels on packaged foods
India's food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, has proposed front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods high in fat, sugar or salt. The FSSAI submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Friday proposing a red hexagonal label for products high in any two or more of these nutrients. The label would read 'High Fat', 'High Sugar', 'High Salt' or 'Highly Sweetened Beverage'. The proposal reverses the FSSAI's earlier stance.
4 sources, 1 government-critical, 3 neutral
India signs Rs 294 crore deal for 60 Javelin missiles
India has signed a government-to-government deal with the United States to purchase about 60 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles for the Indian Army at a cost of about Rs 294 crore. The acquisition is being made through the sixth emergency procurement window, with deliveries expected by the end of 2026-27. US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the agreement demonstrates American support for the Indian Army and opens the door for future co-production in India.
4 sources, 4 neutral
Useful today
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NTA to release UGC NET final answer key for 84 subjects this week
The National Testing Agency will release the final answer keys and results for the UGC NET June 2026 examination this week, covering 84 subjects. The exam was conducted from June 22 to June 30. Results for English, Commerce and Sociology are delayed due to errors in question papers, and those exams are being conducted again.
2 sources, 2 neutral
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Mumbai tabela milk price to rise by Rs 9 from September 1
Mumbai's tabela milk price will rise by Rs 9 to Rs 102 per litre from September 1, 2026, the Bombay Milk Producers Association has announced. The revised wholesale rate will remain in effect until February 28, 2027. Producers cited sharply higher costs of cattle, feed and fodder, with some feed items rising by up to 25%.
3 sources, 3 neutral
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IGL hikes CNG price by Rs 3.89 per kg in Delhi-NCR
Indraprastha Gas Limited has raised CNG prices in Delhi-NCR by Rs 3.89 per kg, effective from 6 am on August 29. The new rate in Delhi is Rs 86.98 per kg. This is the fifth increase this year. IGL said the hike is needed because global LNG prices have nearly doubled since July due to the West Asia crisis.
4 sources, 4 neutral
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ITR-3 vs ITR-4: Who should file which form by August 31
The deadline for non-audit taxpayers with business or professional income, including freelancers, to file income tax returns is August 31, 2026. ITR-3 is for those who do not opt for presumptive taxation or have income above Rs 50 lakh. ITR-4 is for those opting for presumptive taxation under sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE.
2 sources, 2 neutral
The closing thought
The day's news saw a mix of reform and record numbers. The Nilekani task force's open call for suggestions on exam reform signals a genuine attempt to address systemic issues after the NEET-UG leak. Jio's record IPO and the highest-ever forex reserves point to strong financial momentum. The loss in hockey and the missing Infosys executive in Nepal are reminders of setbacks that demand attention. The next few weeks will test whether the exam overhaul can restore trust, and how the government handles the missing Indians in Nepal.
This digest is refreshed through the day at indianopinion.org/today.
This digest was compiled and written by AI from the day’s Indian Opinion coverage.
