India Deepens Russia Ties Amid US Tariff Pressure Over Oil Purchases
As the US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil, India is strengthening its economic ties with Moscow. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar encouraged Russian companies to engage more intensively with India, while Russia called US pressure "unjustified" and affirmed that energy cooperation would continue. Meanwhile, prominent Republican Nikki Haley urged the US administration to treat India as a "prized democratic partner" to counter China, not an adversary.
Cabinet Clears ₹62,000 Crore Deal for 97 Indigenous Tejas Fighter Jets
The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the acquisition of 97 indigenous Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for approximately ₹62,000 crore. This major defence deal is a significant boost for India's domestic aerospace industry and the 'Make in India' initiative. The advanced aircraft are intended to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing MiG-21 fleet, substantially enhancing its combat capabilities. The news prompted a rally in HAL's stock price.
Bomb Threats Sent to 50 Schools Across Delhi, Sparking Panic
Around 50 schools across Delhi received bomb threats via email, triggering widespread panic and forcing evacuations. Police and bomb disposal squads were dispatched to conduct thorough searches of the premises. This is the second such mass threat incident in three days, disrupting school operations and raising serious concerns among parents and authorities about student safety in the national capital. The threats are being investigated as hoaxes, part of a disruptive pattern seen in recent months.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Ban Online Gaming with Real Money
The Lok Sabha has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which imposes a blanket ban on all online games involving monetary deposits, including fantasy sports and card games. Citing concerns over addiction, financial fraud, and money laundering, the legislation introduces severe penalties, with up to three years imprisonment and a ₹1 crore fine for operators. While banning money games, the bill also establishes an authority to regulate and promote e-sports and online social gaming.
NDA's C.P. Radhakrishnan Files Nomination for Vice President
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the candidate for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has officially filed his nomination papers for the Vice-Presidential election. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior coalition leaders. Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, will contest against the opposition's candidate, B. Sudarshan Reddy. His election to the country's second-highest constitutional office is considered a certainty given the NDA's majority in the electoral college.
India Successfully Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-5 Ballistic Missile
India successfully test-fired its Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The launch, conducted by the Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters of the nuclear-capable missile. With a reported range of over 5,000 km and equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, Agni-5 is a cornerstone of India's strategic deterrence and second-strike capability, placing it in an elite group of nations with such technology.
GST Exemption Proposed for Health and Life Insurance Premiums
A Group of Ministers (GoM) has proposed exempting individual health and life insurance policies from the Goods and Services Tax. Currently, premiums attract an 18% GST rate. The proposal, aimed at making insurance more affordable and accessible to boost penetration across the country, will now be submitted to the GST Council for a final decision. The move responds to long-standing demands from the industry and consumers who see the high tax rate as a barrier to coverage.
Delhi Chief Minister Attacked During Public Meeting
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked during a 'Jan Sunwai' (public hearing) at her official residence. A man reportedly approached her with papers before grabbing her hand and attempting to pull her. The assailant was immediately overpowered and detained by Delhi Police. The incident, which caused a scuffle but no serious injury, has been widely condemned across party lines and has prompted a review of the security arrangements for the Chief Minister during public interactions.
Uttarakhand Assembly Passes Controversial UCC, Anti-Conversion Bills
The Uttarakhand Assembly passed several significant and controversial bills, including amendments to its Uniform Civil Code that stiffen penalties for illegal live-in relationships. Lawmakers also approved a stricter anti-conversion bill, introducing punishments up to life imprisonment. A new minority education bill was also passed, extending minority status benefits to Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi institutions and reforming the recognition process for madrasas, which must now seek affiliation with the state education board.
Onus on Pakistan to Dismantle Terror Infrastructure for Normal Ties, Says Tharoor
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor articulated that the responsibility for normalizing relations now rests with Pakistan, stating India is no longer willing to take the first step. Speaking at a book launch, Tharoor emphasized that after a history of betrayals, Islamabad must first demonstrate sincerity by dismantling terrorist networks on its soil. His comments reflect a broad political consensus in India that tangible action against terror is a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue.
Apple to Manufacture Entire iPhone 17 Lineup in India
In a major boost for India's manufacturing sector, Apple will reportedly produce its entire iPhone 17 lineup, including high-end Pro models, in the country. This marks the first time the company will manufacture a full new series in India, signalling a significant strategic shift to diversify its supply chain away from China. The expansion involves partners like the Tata Group, and is expected to dramatically increase India's electronics exports and solidify its role as a key global production hub for Apple.
Himachal Pradesh Jolted by Minor Quakes Amid Continuing Monsoon Devastation
Himachal Pradesh continues to be battered by natural disasters, with two minor earthquakes of magnitude 3.3 and 4.0 jolting the Chamba district. While the quakes caused no immediate damage, they occurred in a region already devastated by this year's monsoon. The cumulative death toll from rain-related incidents since June has reached 276, with over 1,100 homes fully destroyed and widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture across the disaster-hit state.
Haryana Government Orders CBI Probe into Teacher's Death Following Protests
Following sustained public protests, the Haryana government has agreed to hand over the investigation into the death of Bhiwani schoolteacher Manisha to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the decision, acceding to demands from the victim's family and local villagers who had refused to perform her last rites until their call for an impartial probe was met. Manisha's body was found in a field on August 13 after she went missing.
NIA Raids Nine Locations in Tamil Nadu in Connection with 2019 Murder Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's primary counter-terrorist task force, conducted raids at nine locations across Tamil Nadu. The searches are connected to the ongoing investigation into the 2019 murder of Ramalingam, a local activist. The NIA took over the case due to suspected terror links and the involvement of organised extremist groups. This action is part of the agency's efforts to uncover the wider conspiracy and track down remaining suspects in the five-year-old case.
All 582 Passengers Rescued Safely from Stranded Mumbai Monorail
Emergency services in Mumbai conducted a successful, complex rescue after a monorail train stalled between elevated stations due to a power failure. The Mumbai Fire Brigade safely evacuated all 582 stranded passengers over three and a half hours, using snorkel vehicles to reach the carriages. While some passengers were treated for suffocation after the air conditioning failed, the well-coordinated effort ensured no serious injuries, turning a potential disaster into a story of effective emergency response.