Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Receives Hero's Welcome in Hometown Lucknow
IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), received a grand welcome upon his return to his hometown of Lucknow. After an 18-day mission conducting experiments for ISRO, Shukla was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, family, and state officials. His journey aboard the Ax-4 mission is hailed as a significant step for India's upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and has inspired youth across the state.
US Cites Tariffs on India as Leverage to End Russia-Ukraine War
US Vice President JD Vance stated that the Trump administration's 50% tariffs on Indian imports are "aggressive economic leverage" intended to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The tariffs target India's purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has rebuffed the criticism, asserting that India will continue to buy oil based on its national interest and market dynamics, noting that both the US and Europe also trade with Russia.
India Suspends Most US-Bound Postal Services Amid Escalating Tariff Dispute
India's Department of Posts has temporarily suspended most postal services to the United States from August 25, a direct response to new US customs rules eliminating duty-free exemptions. The move comes amid a broader trade dispute, with the Trump administration imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods. While letters and small gifts are exempt, the suspension impacts e-commerce and other commercial shipments, signaling a significant downturn in economic relations between the two countries and affecting countless small businesses.
Trump Nominates Close Aide Sergio Gor as New US Ambassador to India
US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, his 38-year-old Director of White House Personnel, as the next Ambassador to India. The appointment of a trusted aide comes during a period of strained trade relations. Controversially, Gor will also serve as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, a dual role that has raised concerns in New Delhi about a potential U.S. attempt to re-link its India policy with that of Pakistan and the wider region.
India Successfully Tests Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its new Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The indigenously developed system is a multi-layered defence shield comprising Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). The test establishes a significant advancement in India's capability to defend strategic assets against aerial threats.
India Successfully Tests Indigenous Multi-Layered Air Defence System
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its new Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The indigenously developed system is multi-layered, comprising Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). This test marks a significant milestone in enhancing India's air defence capabilities against a wide range of aerial threats.
ISRO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Mission's Parachute System
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan mission's parachute system near Sriharikota. The test validated the crucial parachute-based deceleration system designed to ensure the safe recovery and landing of the crew module upon its return to Earth. The successful demonstration, a joint effort with the IAF, DRDO, Navy, and Coast Guard, is a critical milestone for India's ambitious human spaceflight programme.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthi Positions in Yemen's Capital
Israeli airstrikes hit multiple targets in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, on Sunday, according to Houthi rebels. The strikes reportedly targeted a power plant and a gas station, just days after the Iran-backed group launched a new type of cluster missile toward Israel. The Houthis have been attacking Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea for months, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This marks a continued escalation in the regional conflict, with Israel directly targeting Houthi infrastructure.
CBI Raids Anil Ambani's Residence in Rs 2,929 Cr Bank Fraud Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided the Mumbai residence of industrialist Anil Ambani and offices of Reliance Communications (RCom) in connection with an alleged Rs 2,929 crore bank fraud case filed by the State Bank of India. Following SBI's move, the Bank of India also classified RCom's accounts as fraudulent. The investigation centers on allegations of fund diversion and misrepresentation to secure loans, marking a major development in the ongoing probe into the bankrupt telecom firm.
Rajasthan High Court Bans Use of Over 86,000 Dilapidated School Classrooms
The Rajasthan High Court has ordered the immediate closure of 86,934 dilapidated classrooms in government schools across the state, directing that they be locked to prevent entry. The ruling follows a government survey, prompted by a recent fatal roof collapse in Jhalawar, which found thousands of school buildings and classrooms to be completely unsafe. The court has mandated the state to provide alternative arrangements to ensure students' education is not disrupted, highlighting a critical public safety and infrastructure crisis.
ED Arrests Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra in Illegal Betting Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra in Sikkim in connection with a large-scale illegal online and offline betting racket. The arrest followed nationwide raids at 31 locations, during which the agency seized Rs 12 crore in cash, gold, and other assets. The ED alleges that Veerendra, also known as "Puppy", was operating several betting portals and had links to international casinos, with funds being managed from Dubai by his relatives.
Entire Family Arrested in Gruesome Greater Noida Dowry Murder Case
Police in Greater Noida have arrested all four accused family members in the murder of Nikki Bhati, who was allegedly assaulted and burnt alive over dowry demands. Following the initial arrests of her husband Vipin and mother-in-law Daya, police apprehended her brother-in-law Rohit and father-in-law Satveer. The murder, which was partially filmed by the victim's sister and witnessed by her young son, has sparked national outrage. The family had allegedly demanded Rs 36 lakh.
Jharkhand Gangster Wanted for Extortion Extradited from Azerbaijan
Sunil Kumar, a key member of the Jharkhand-based Aman Sahu gang wanted in multiple extortion cases, was successfully extradited from Azerbaijan to India. The operation was a coordinated effort between the CBI's Interpol unit, Jharkhand Police, and authorities in Baku. Kumar, who was facing an Interpol Red Notice, is accused of running an organised crime network threatening business owners and contractors. The extradition marks a significant success for Indian law enforcement in pursuing fugitives abroad.
Cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara Announces Retirement from All Forms of Indian Cricket
Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, a stalwart of India's Test cricket team, has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket at the age of 37. Renowned for his resilience and classical defensive technique, Pujara played 103 Tests, amassing 7,195 runs. He was instrumental in India's historic back-to-back Test series victories in Australia. His departure is being hailed by fans and fellow cricketers as the end of an era, leaving a significant void in India's Test batting lineup.
Test Cricket Stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara Retires From Indian Cricket
Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara has announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, ending a distinguished 15-year career. Known for his resilience and classic technique, Pujara played 103 Test matches, amassing 7,195 runs, and was instrumental in India's historic back-to-back series victories in Australia. The 37-year-old said he felt it was the right time to step aside to create opportunities for younger players in domestic cricket. Tributes have poured in from teammates and fans.