August 5, 2026: Parliament, the Supreme Court, the RBI and key investigative agencies remained in focus on Wednesday as the Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, the RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the transformation in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh seven years after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
Top Developments
Lok Sabha passes Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026
The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, introducing provisions for electronic and digital records of bankers' books to be treated as admissible evidence. The House was adjourned for the day after the legislation was cleared.
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25%
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously retained the repo rate at 5.25% and maintained its neutral stance, citing global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and volatile financial markets.
PM Modi highlights transformation in J&K, Ladakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have witnessed significant infrastructure development and expanded opportunities since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, marking seven years since the constitutional changes.
Supreme Court urges restraint in handling student protests
The Supreme Court observed that authorities should exercise restraint while responding to student protests, stating that any violent response could further escalate the situation.
Rajya Sabha considers Supreme Court Judges Amendment Bill
The Rajya Sabha took up the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
CBI secures deportation of financial fraud accused from UAE
The Central Bureau of Investigation secured the deportation of Vishakha Rathod from the United Arab Emirates in connection with an alleged large-scale financial fraud case.
DRI seizes Pakistan-origin dry dates worth ₹3 crore
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 364 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates valued at around ₹3 crore, alleging they were routed into India through third countries in violation of import restrictions.
Rashtrapati Bhavan launches online auction of presidential gifts
Rashtrapati Bhavan opened the E-Upahaar online auction of 300 gifts presented to President Droupadi Murmu during official engagements. Bidding will remain open until September 5.
Environment Ministry reviews human-wildlife conflict
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting to discuss measures for mitigating human-wildlife conflict and strengthening conservation efforts.
