Greater Bengaluru Authority Replaces BBMP, Divides City into Five Corporations
Bengaluru's civic governance has been restructured with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officially replacing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The new model divides the city into five distinct corporations: Bengaluru West, South, North, East, and Central. The GBA, headed by the Chief Minister, will oversee the new bodies. This major administrative overhaul is intended to improve service delivery and governance in the rapidly growing metropolis, with preparations now underway for elections to the new corporations.
US-India Trade Tensions Escalate Amid Criticism of Tariffs
US-India relations are facing strain over trade policies, with US President Donald Trump describing the relationship as "one-sided" due to India's high import duties. Prominent US political figures, including former National Security Advisor John Bolton, have criticized the administration's tariff policies, arguing they are damaging a key strategic partnership and pushing India closer to Russia and China. The dispute highlights growing friction over economic policies and geopolitical alignments between the two nations.
First 'Made in India' Semiconductor Chips Designed in Odisha Unveiled
In a significant step towards technological self-reliance, the first indigenously designed semiconductor chips from India were presented to the Prime Minister. The three chips were developed by engineering colleges in Odisha—two at NIT Rourkela and one at PMEC Berhampur. The achievement is being hailed as a landmark moment for the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, positioning the country as an emerging global hub in electronics and reducing dependency on imports for this critical technology.
Hundreds Killed as Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Afghanistan
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, killing at least 610 people and injuring over 1,300. The shallow quake, with its epicentre near Jalalabad, destroyed numerous villages and caused extensive damage. Officials warn that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams work to reach the remote, mountainous region. The Taliban-controlled administration is coordinating rescue efforts, with medical teams dispatched from across the country to assist the injured in the devastated areas.
SCO Summit Declaration Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack
At its summit in Tianjin, China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) issued a joint declaration strongly condemning the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Concurring with India's stance, the 10-member bloc, which includes China, Russia, and Pakistan, stated that "double standards" in fighting terrorism are unacceptable. The Tianjin Declaration called for perpetrators to be brought to justice and stressed the need to combat the cross-border movement of terrorists, marking a significant diplomatic statement for India on a multilateral platform.
SCO Summit Issues Unanimous Condemnation of Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a significant diplomatic development for India, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) issued a united condemnation of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. The Tianjin Declaration, adopted at the summit attended by leaders from India, China, Russia, and Pakistan, stated that those who planned, financed, and sheltered the terrorists must be held accountable. The explicit mention marks a rare moment of consensus on a terror strike on Indian soil at a forum that includes Pakistan.
Supreme Court to Reconsider Exemption of Minority Schools from RTE Act
The Supreme Court has referred its 2014 judgement, which exempted minority educational institutions from the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to a larger bench for reconsideration. A two-judge bench expressed concern that the decade-old verdict may have "jeopardised the very foundation of universal elementary education." The court observed that the exemption weakens inclusivity, fragments the common schooling vision, and has created a regulatory loophole that institutions may be misusing to circumvent the RTE Act's provisions.
OpenAI Plans Major 1-Gigawatt Data Center in India
OpenAI is planning a significant expansion in Asia by seeking local partners to establish a massive data center in India. The project aims for at least a 1-gigawatt capacity, which would be among the country's largest. This move is part of OpenAI's 'Stargate' AI infrastructure initiative and its global 'OpenAI for Countries' effort. The facility would help the company provide customized AI services, address data sovereignty concerns, and support the Indian government's $1.2 billion IndiaAI Mission.
India's Manufacturing PMI Hits 17-Year High in August
India's manufacturing sector activity expanded at its fastest pace in 17-and-a-half years in August 2025. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 59.3, up from 59.1 in July. The strong performance was driven by a robust increase in new orders and production volumes, with output growth reaching its quickest rate in nearly five years. The positive data suggests sustained demand and buoyant business conditions, although growth in international orders slightly moderated amid global trade uncertainties.
Top White House Aide Accuses Indian "Brahmins" of Profiteering from Russian Oil
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has made inflammatory remarks accusing India's "Brahmins" of profiteering from the purchase of discounted Russian oil. In a TV interview, Navarro claimed India was acting as a "laundromat for the Kremlin" by refining Russian crude and selling it at a premium. The comments, made amid escalating trade tensions and US tariffs on Indian goods, have been widely reported and add a sharp, undiplomatic edge to the ongoing friction between Washington and New Delhi over trade and geopolitics.
Supreme Court Upholds Rollout of 20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol
The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenged the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (EBP-20). The petitioner argued that the fuel was incompatible with many vehicles manufactured before 2023. However, the court rejected the plea after the Attorney General argued that the policy is a sovereign decision that benefits sugarcane farmers. The PIL had sought to make ethanol-free petrol available and mandate clear labeling of ethanol content at fuel pumps.
Andhra Pradesh Approves Plan to Install IBM Quantum Computer in Amaravati
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a proposal from IBM to install a 133-qubit quantum computer at the Amaravati Quantum Computing Centre. The installation, which comes at no capital cost to the state, is a key part of an ambitious initiative to establish a 'Quantum Valley' in Amaravati as a global hub for innovation in quantum technology. The state will provide the facility and cover operational costs, while academic and government institutions in Andhra Pradesh will receive 365 hours of free computing time annually.
Army Foils Infiltration Bid Along Line of Control in Poonch
The Indian Army on Monday thwarted an infiltration attempt by terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Troops detected suspicious movement in the Balakot area during the early hours and opened fire, triggering an encounter. The area has been cordoned off and an anti-terrorist operation is currently underway to neutralize any remaining threats. The incident highlights the continued security challenges and the army's heightened state of alert along the border.
Nagaland University Launches Project to Document Grammar of 18 Naga Languages
In a significant effort to preserve linguistic heritage, Nagaland University has initiated a project to develop written pedagogical grammars for 18 recognised Naga languages. Many of these languages have been taught in schools for decades but lack a formal, structured grammar. The initiative, in collaboration with the state's Directorate of School Education, aims to systematically document parts of speech, syntax, and tone, which will then be incorporated into school textbooks from Class 5 to 12, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
India Post Suspends All Mail Services to the United States
India Post has suspended all mail services to the US, including letters, documents, and parcels, due to a lack of clarity on new American customs regulations. The suspension follows a US executive order that subjects most postal items to customs duties. With critical processes for duty collection undefined, air carriers have refused to transport US-bound mail, forcing the complete halt. The move disrupts a significant channel for personal correspondence, e-commerce, and small business exports, impacting countless individuals and companies across India.