Two Soldiers and Two Terrorists Killed in Jammu and Kashmir Encounter
Two army soldiers, Subedar Perbhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu, and two unidentified terrorists were killed during a fierce gunfight in the Gudar forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. The encounter began after security forces launched a joint cordon and search operation based on specific intelligence. One other soldier was injured in the operation. This is the second major encounter in the Kulgam region in just over a month, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the area.
Punjab Announces ₹20,000 Per Acre Compensation for Flood-Affected Farmers
The Punjab government has announced a relief package for farmers affected by the state's worst floods in four decades. The measures include a compensation of ₹20,000 per acre for crop and field damage. Additionally, under a new policy, farmers can extract and sell sand and silt deposited on their land until November 15 without a permit to help clear their fields for the upcoming Rabi season. Other relief includes financial aid for loss of life and a six-month moratorium on bank loan installments.
US-India Tensions Rise Over Russian Oil Trade Comments
A diplomatic spat has erupted after White House advisor Peter Navarro accused India of profiteering from Russian oil purchases, claiming the revenue fuels Russia's war in Ukraine. His post on X was fact-checked by the platform's community notes, which stated India's trade is for energy security and does not violate sanctions. Navarro reacted angrily, calling the note "crap." India's Ministry of External Affairs rejected his remarks as "inaccurate and misleading," despite recent positive exchanges between President Trump and PM Modi.
Russia Affirms Growing Strategic Alignment with India and China
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia, India, and China are increasingly aware of their common interests and are developing their partnership. His comments followed a display of camaraderie between the leaders of the three nations at the recent SCO summit. Lavrov highlighted that the three major powers see mutual benefits in cooperation on economic development and social issues. This assertion of a growing trilateral convergence signals a significant geopolitical shift amid changing global dynamics and Western pressures.
Government 'Keeping Good Watch' as Rupee Hits Record Low Against Dollar
The Indian Rupee fell to a record low, closing at 88.27 against the US dollar, primarily due to the dollar's global strength and concerns over steep US tariffs on Indian goods. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the government is keeping a "good watch" on the exchange rate, noting that the rupee's slide is largely against the dollar and that many other currencies are facing similar pressure. The depreciation follows the recent imposition of a 50% US tariff on Indian goods.
Russia Escalates Attacks on Kyiv, Killing at Least Two
Russia launched a major drone and missile attack on Kyiv, killing at least two people, including a one-year-old child, and injuring eleven others. A plume of smoke was seen rising from the roof of the cabinet of ministers building in the city center, raising concerns of an escalation as Russia has previously avoided targeting key government infrastructure directly. The attack, the second in two weeks, struck residential buildings and comes amid diminishing prospects for peace negotiations between the two nations.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Resigns
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation following his ruling coalition's historic defeat in the July parliamentary elections. Ishiba, who took office last October, faced mounting pressure from within his Liberal Democratic Party to step down. His departure triggers a leadership contest and introduces political uncertainty for Japan, the world's fourth-largest economy and a key strategic partner for India in the Indo-Pacific region. The transition comes as Japan confronts significant domestic and international challenges.
Monsoon Devastation in Himachal Pradesh Crosses ₹4,000 Crore
The monsoon season has inflicted catastrophic damage on Himachal Pradesh, with official estimates placing total losses at over ₹4,080 crore. Heavy rains have triggered numerous landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, leading to 366 deaths in rain-related incidents and road accidents since June 20. Over 6,000 homes have been damaged, and critical infrastructure, including national highways and power systems, remains severely disrupted. The state continues to grapple with the aftermath as rescue and repair operations are underway across affected districts.
High-Ranking Maoist Commander Killed in Jharkhand Encounter
Security forces in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district killed a senior Maoist commander, Amit Hasda alias Aaptan, in an encounter on Sunday morning. Hasda, a self-styled zonal commander of the CPI (Maoist), carried a reward of ₹10 lakh on his head. The gunfight took place in the Saranda forest under the Goilkera police station. An SLR rifle and explosives were recovered from the scene. The operation marks a significant success for security forces in the ongoing anti-Naxal campaign in the region.
Vandalism of National Emblem at Hazratbal Shrine Sparks Arrests and Political Row
The vandalisation of a plaque bearing the Ashoka emblem at Srinagar's Hazratbal shrine has led to the detention of over 50 people and sparked a major political controversy. The plaque was damaged after Friday prayers by individuals who argued its presence was contrary to Islamic principles. Regional political parties have criticised the Waqf Board for placing the emblem in a sacred site, calling it provocative, while the BJP has condemned the vandalism as an attack on national dignity, escalating tensions in the region.
Indian Men's Hockey Team Wins Asia Cup, Qualifies for World Cup
The Indian men's hockey team clinched its fourth Asia Cup title with a commanding 4-1 victory over defending champions South Korea in the final in Rajgir, Bihar. Sukhjeet Singh scored in the opening minute, followed by a brace from Dilpreet Singh and a goal from Amit Rohidas. The dominant performance throughout the tournament, where India remained unbeaten, also secured the team a direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIH World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
Millions Across India Witness 'Blood Moon' During Total Lunar Eclipse
Skywatchers across India were treated to a spectacular total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a "Blood Moon," on Sunday night. The event, the longest of its kind visible from the entire country since 2018, saw the Moon pass through Earth's shadow, taking on a dramatic reddish hue. Astronomy clubs, universities, and families gathered for viewing events, celebrating the celestial phenomenon. The eclipse offered a moment of scientific wonder and cultural significance, with many temples closing temporarily as per tradition.
Canadian Government Report Confirms Khalistani Groups Receive Funding from Canada for Violence in India
A new report from Canada's Department of Finance has officially acknowledged that several Khalistani violent extremist groups, including Babbar Khalsa International, receive financial support originating from Canada. The assessment on money laundering and terrorist financing risks states these groups use funding networks, including non-profits, for politically motivated violence in India. This confirms long-standing concerns raised by New Delhi about Canadian soil being used as a base for anti-India activities, further straining diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Government Overhauls GST, Reducing Tax Slabs to Boost Economy
The Union government has announced a major overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, consolidating the structure into two main slabs of 5% and 18%, and eliminating the 12% and 28% rates. The reform, effective September 22, will reduce prices on nearly 400 products, from cars to daily essentials. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described it as a "people's reform" aimed at benefiting every family, increasing consumption, and simplifying compliance for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises.
Canadian Government Report Links Khalistani Groups to Terror Funding
A new Canadian government assessment on money laundering and terrorist financing has identified Khalistani extremist groups, including Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), as posing significant financing risks. The report states these groups exploit Canada's financial system and diaspora networks to raise funds. This official acknowledgment comes amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada over pro-Khalistan activities, with New Delhi repeatedly accusing Ottawa of inaction against such groups.