Marriage Not Invalidated by Lack of Registration, Allahabad High Court Rules
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a marriage solemnised under the Hindu Marriage Act is not invalid simply because it was not registered. Justice Manish Nigam observed that while state governments can make rules for compulsory registration, its purpose is merely to provide convenient evidence of the marriage. The court clarified that the validity of the marriage itself is not affected by the failure to make an entry in a register, setting aside a family court order that demanded a registration certificate.
RCB Announces ₹2.75 Crore Financial Aid for Stampede Victims' Families
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricket franchise has announced financial aid of ₹25 lakh each for the families of the 11 people who died in a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The tragedy occurred on June 4 during the team's IPL 2025 victory celebrations. The compensation is part of a new 'RCB CARES' initiative, which the franchise described as a long-term commitment to its fan community, launched following public criticism over its prolonged silence on the matter.
Trailer for 'Do You Wanna Partner' Explores Female Entrepreneurship
Amazon Prime Video has released the trailer for its upcoming comedy-drama series, 'Do You Wanna Partner'. Produced by Karan Johar's Dharmatic Entertainment, the show stars Tamannaah Bhatia and Diana Penty as two best friends who navigate the challenges of launching their own craft beer startup in India. The series, which also features Nakuul Mehta and Jaaved Jaaferi, celebrates female friendship and the spirit of entrepreneurship in a male-dominated world. It is scheduled for release on September 12.
Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods in Uttarakhand; Many Feared Trapped
Cloudbursts in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts have triggered flash floods and debris flows, trapping several families. The incidents occurred in the Bareth Dungar Tok area of Rudraprayag and the Deval area of Chamoli. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing. Incessant rainfall has raised river levels to dangerous heights and caused widespread disruption, prompting authorities to close schools and urge residents near riverbanks to move to safer locations.
Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel Appointed as IMF Executive Director
The government has appointed former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel as India's Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a three-year term. Patel, who served as RBI Governor from 2016 to 2018, will represent a constituency of countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan on the IMF's executive board. This marks Patel's second stint at the IMF, where he previously worked from 1990 to 1995.
Vaishno Devi Board Denies Negligence in Wake of Deadly Landslide
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has refuted allegations that it disregarded weather advisories before a massive landslide on August 26 killed 34 pilgrims. The board called the claims "false and baseless," stating that the yatra had been suspended hours before the disaster, which was triggered by an "unforeseen" and "unpredictable" cloudburst. It maintained that the incident occurred in a location historically not prone to landslides and that all standard operating procedures for pilgrim safety were followed.
US Imposes 50% Tariffs on Indian Goods, Sparking Economic and Diplomatic Fallout
The US has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, escalating a trade dispute linked to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. The move impacts over half of Indian exports to its largest market, hitting sectors like textiles and jewellery. In response, India has extended duty-free cotton imports until December 31 to aid its textile industry, which faces losses estimated at ₹3,000 crore in Tamil Nadu alone. While government sources state diplomatic channels are open, officials are also strategizing export diversification to 40 new markets.
US-India Trade Tensions Escalate as Trump Aide Blames India for Ukraine War
Relations between the US and India have soured following Washington's imposition of 50% tariffs on certain Indian goods. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro intensified the friction by labelling the Ukraine conflict "Modi's war," linking it to India's purchase of discounted Russian oil. While Indian officials hope to resume trade talks, they maintain that energy imports are a matter of national interest. The tariffs are projected to significantly impact India's exports and GDP growth.
Death Toll from Vaishno Devi Landslide Rises to 34 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The death toll from a massive landslide on the pilgrimage route to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 34, with at least 23 others injured. The disaster, triggered by record-breaking rainfall, occurred near Ardhkuwari. Rescue operations involving the Army, CRPF, and local police are continuing as more pilgrims are feared trapped under the debris. The pilgrimage has been suspended, and rail services to Katra have been disrupted due to widespread flooding and soil erosion in the region.
India and Canada Appoint Envoys, Signaling Thaw in Relations
India and Canada have taken a significant step toward normalizing diplomatic relations by appointing new high commissioners to each other's capitals. Senior diplomat Dinesh K. Patnaik will be India's envoy to Ottawa, while Canada has named Christopher Cooter for New Delhi. This move aims to repair ties that were severely strained following Canadian allegations in 2023 of Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist, which India had strongly denied, leading to a diplomatic freeze.
Bihar on High Alert as Three Suspected Pakistani Terrorists Enter from Nepal
Bihar Police have issued a statewide high alert following intelligence that three suspected Pakistani terrorists have entered the state via Nepal. Security agencies have circulated sketches and passport details of the individuals, identified as Hasnain Ali, Adil Hussain, and Mohammad Usman. Security has been intensified in border districts, particularly ahead of upcoming state elections. The alert has raised concerns about potential disruptions and terror funding, prompting an intensive search operation and calls for public vigilance.
High Alert in Bihar After Intelligence on Entry of Pakistani Terrorists
A statewide high-security alert has been issued in Bihar following intelligence inputs that three suspected terrorists from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed have entered the state via its porous border with Nepal. The Bihar Police have circulated the names and photographs of the suspects—Hasnain Ali, Adil Hussain, and Mohammad Usman. Security has been heightened across the state, particularly at sensitive installations, religious sites, airports, and railway stations, with intensive search operations underway to thwart any potential threats.
ISRO Begins Construction of Second Spaceport for Small Satellite Launches
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has commenced construction of a new rocket launch pad at its second spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu. The facility, being built on 2,233 acres, is designed to handle 20-25 launches annually, primarily for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) carrying payloads up to 500 kg. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated the project is expected to be completed by December 2026, boosting India's capacity for commercial and private satellite launches.
India Extends Duty-Free Cotton Imports Until December 31
The Indian government has extended the exemption on import duties for cotton until December 31, 2025, a move designed to support the domestic textile industry. The decision to waive the 11% cumulative duty for three more months comes as a direct countermeasure to the steep 50% tariffs imposed by the US on Indian exports. The extension aims to enhance the availability of raw cotton, stabilize domestic prices, and help Indian textile exporters maintain their competitiveness in global markets.
Minneapolis School Shooter's Weapon Bore 'Nuke India' Message
A shooter who killed two children and injured 17 people at a Minneapolis Catholic school reportedly had "Nuke India" written on one of his firearms. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, also had other extremist messages on the weapons, including "Kill Donald Trump" and "Israel Must Fall." The chilling anti-India slogan has drawn attention to the shooter's motivations, which the FBI is investigating as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime.