HT First Read Aug 26: Mamdani on RSS rally, Yash's return after 4 years – top stories to start your day

From the Supreme Court's stand on the alleged use of force during the July 20 protests in Delhi to a couple's 75-hour drain vigil for their son ending in heartbreak; from security for the CJP's September 5 march to BJP possibly going solo in Punjab; from former CDS Gen Anil Chauhan (retd)’s remarks that Indian forces "did not target" Pakistan's Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor to New York mayor Zohran Mamdani’s reservation to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s event; and from Kriti Sanon's sharp clapback to trolls, Jadeja's 22-review losing streak to 'Rocking Star' Yash’s return with ‘Toxic’ after four years — here's your quick morning briefing.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said a five-member panel, headed by former judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, should be allowed to independently probe allegations of excessive force during the July 20 Delhi protest — even as petitioners sought its reconstitution and a wider inquiry into Amit Shah and other senior officials' alleged role. Click here for details .

Ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s rally in New York City this week, mayor Zohran Mamdani said that it was “incredibly troubling” to see the rise of a movement in India that was based on what he called an “exclusionary vision”. Click here to know more .

Former CDS Gen Anil Chauhan (retd) on Tuesday said the Indian forces during Operation Sindoor "did not target" Pakistan's Kirana Hills, which reportedly has a nuclear facility, and that a lot of loitering munitions were sent at Sargodha, and one of those might have come down after losing its running capacity and hit a hill. Click here to read more .

For 75 hours, Avadesh Kumar and Anita Devi waited by an open drain in Jasola — through rain, sun, hunger, thirst — hoping their 15-year-old son Mithun, who'd fallen in while chasing a kite, would be found alive. On Tuesday, that hope ended: his body was recovered 500m downstream, below the Shaheen Bagh Metro station. Click here to read more .

Delhi Police has begun security arrangements for the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed September 5 march from India Gate to the Delhi Police headquarters, even as a senior officer said Tuesday the group is yet to seek permission. The 2.5-km march will include families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide, alleged police brutality victims, and students and youth invited from across the country. Read full report here .

When will we stop telling women what to wear, actor Kriti Sanon asked on Tuesday after finding herself in the crosshairs of controversy over a Rakhi ad that had fellow actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut terming her outfit "intentionally creepy" and others saying it was "vulgar". Click here to read more .

Senior BJP leaders have publicly said the party will contest early next year's Punjab elections alone. But state leaders told HT the door may still be open to former ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), with at least two confirming alliance talks are ongoing. Click here to know more .

Ravindra Jadeja spent much of Tuesday doing what he has done for more than a decade in Test cricket: making batters uncomfortable and eventually finding a way through.