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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Telangana Government Orders CBI Probe into Kaleshwaram Project Irregularities
The Telangana government has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, a flagship initiative of the previous BRS government. The decision followed a heated Assembly debate on the findings of the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission report, which indicted former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and other officials. The BRS has condemned the report as politically motivated, while the government moves forward with a central investigation into the multi-crore project.
Indian NGO 'Educate Girls' Wins Prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award
Indian non-profit organization 'Educate Girls' has been awarded the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called Asia's Nobel Prize. The foundation is the first Indian NGO to receive this honour. It was recognized for its extensive work in mobilizing communities and government resources to advance girls' education in India's rural and educationally underserved areas. Founded by Safeena Husain in 2007, the organization has reached over two million girls across 30,000 villages, significantly improving enrollment and retention rates.
Air India Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Delhi After Engine Fire Alert
An Indore-bound Air India flight returned to Delhi for an emergency landing on Sunday morning after a fire indication in its right engine. The A320 neo aircraft, with over 90 people on board, was airborne for more than 30 minutes before the crew shut down the engine and landed safely. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed, and the aircraft has been grounded for a thorough inspection. Passengers were transferred to an alternative flight to continue their journey.
Unseeded Indian Duo Wins Girls' Doubles Title at Junior Badminton Grand Prix
In a spirited performance, unseeded Indian teenagers Aanya Bisht and Angel Punera won the girls' doubles title at the Yonex Sunrise India Junior International Grand Prix in Pune. The duo staged an impressive comeback to defeat the fifth-seeded Japanese pair of Aoi Banno and Yuzu Ueno in a thrilling three-game final with a score of 21-23, 21-12, 21-17. Their victory marks a significant achievement for the young Indian players on the international junior circuit.
Actor Chiranjeevi Facilitates Late Mother-in-Law's Eye Donation
In a compassionate gesture, actor Chiranjeevi facilitated the eye donation of his mother-in-law, Smt. Allu Kanakaratnam, who recently passed away. During a time of personal grief for his family, the decision was made to ensure her vision could bring light to others in need. The noble act has been praised as an inspiring example of turning sorrow into service and reflects the veteran actor's long-standing commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly his advocacy for blood and eye donation.