Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren Placed Under House Arrest Amid Tribal Protests
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren was placed under house arrest in Ranchi on Sunday as a preventive measure amid widespread protests by tribal outfits. The demonstrations are against the acquisition of 207 acres of fertile land for a new state-run health institute, RIMS-2. Protesters, who allege their land is being forcibly taken, were met with police action, including tear gas. Soren described his house arrest as undemocratic and vowed to oppose the acquisition.
Woman Set on Fire by In-Laws in Noida Over Dowry Demands
A woman in Greater Noida was allegedly beaten and set on fire by her husband and in-laws for failing to meet a dowry demand of Rs 36 lakh. The horrific incident was witnessed by her six-year-old son and her sister, who recorded parts of the assault on video. The victim, identified as Nikki, later succumbed to her burn injuries. Her husband has been arrested while police are searching for the other family members involved in the brutal killing, which has sparked outrage.
Nepal Joins India-Led International Big Cat Alliance for Conservation
Nepal has officially become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an initiative launched by India to conserve seven species of big cats globally. Home to tigers, snow leopards, and common leopards, Nepal's participation is a significant boost to regional conservation. The IBCA aims to create a global network for over 90 range and non-range countries to share expertise and resources, strengthening collaborative efforts to protect these iconic species and their habitats across Asia and beyond.
CBI Raids Anil Ambani's Premises in ₹2,000 Crore Bank Fraud Case
The CBI has filed a case against Reliance Communications (RCOM) and its promoter Anil Ambani for an alleged bank fraud causing over ₹2,000 crore in losses to the State Bank of India. The agency conducted searches at six locations in Mumbai linked to Ambani and RCOM. The action follows SBI classifying the RCom account as "fraud" in June, alleging deviation in the utilisation of loans and complex fund movements. The probe aims to gather evidence on the misuse of bank funds.
India and Pakistan Extend Mutual Airspace Closures
India has extended the closure of its airspace to aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan until September 24. Pakistan has reciprocated by extending its own airspace ban for Indian aircraft for the same period. The restrictions were first imposed by India on April 30 following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The move, part of a series of measures against Pakistan, affects both commercial and military flights and reflects ongoing high tensions between the two nations.
Donald Trump Nominates Longtime Aide Sergio Gor as US Ambassador to India
US President Donald Trump has nominated his longtime aide, Sergio Gor, as the next US Ambassador to India. Gor, 38, currently serves as the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office. In his announcement, Trump described Gor as a "great friend" whom he can "fully trust" to deliver on his agenda. Gor will also serve as a special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs. The appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, comes amid ongoing tariff tensions between the two countries.
Cloudburst Hits Uttarakhand's Chamoli, Causing Widespread Damage
A cloudburst in the Tharali tehsil of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has caused significant damage, with several people feared missing. The incident on Friday night triggered flash floods that sent debris through homes, shops, and government buildings. A young woman is reported buried under debris in a nearby village. Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams are underway, but road closures due to landslides and heavy rainfall are hampering efforts. The region remains on orange alert for further heavy rain.
World Champions Argentina to Play Football Friendly in Kerala This November
The reigning FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, are confirmed to play an international friendly match in Kerala in November 2025. Kerala's Sports Minister confirmed the news after receiving an official communication from the Argentine Football Association. This will be Messi's first visit to India with the World Cup-winning squad, sparking immense excitement across the country. The match, expected to be held at Thiruvananthapuram's Greenfield Stadium, will be part of Argentina's preparation for 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
GST Council to Meet in September to Discuss Major Tax Reforms
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council will hold a two-day meeting on September 3-4 in New Delhi to deliberate on key reforms. The agenda is expected to include a proposal to simplify the tax structure by reducing the slabs from four to two (5% and 18%), with a special 40% rate for select demerit goods. Discussions may also cover GST exemptions for health and life insurance. Opposition-ruled states have raised concerns about potential revenue shortfalls from the proposed changes.
Online Gaming Bill Receives Presidential Assent, Becomes Law
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 has become law after receiving assent from President Droupadi Murmu. The new legislation imposes sweeping restrictions on money-based online gaming platforms in India. It introduces stringent penalties, including imprisonment up to three years and fines up to ₹1 crore for operators, while advertising such platforms can lead to a two-year jail term and a ₹50 lakh fine. Several real-money gaming platforms have already suspended operations following the bill's passage.
Intruder Breaches Parliament Security by Scaling Wall
A man was arrested after a major security breach at the Parliament complex, where he gained entry by climbing a tree and scaling a wall from the Rail Bhavan side. Security personnel promptly apprehended the intruder near the Garuda gate of the new Parliament building. He is being interrogated to ascertain his identity and motive. The incident, occurring just a day after the Monsoon Session concluded, has triggered an urgent review of security protocols at the high-security zone.
Supreme Court Bars Street-Feeding of Stray Dogs, Mandates Dedicated Feeding Zones
The Supreme Court has issued new national guidelines for managing stray dogs, ordering a prohibition on feeding them on streets and in public places. Instead, municipal authorities must create dedicated feeding spaces in each ward. The court clarified that sterilised and immunised dogs can be released back into their original areas, but aggressive or rabid dogs must be kept in shelters. The Bench has also transferred all stray dog-related cases from various high courts to itself to formulate a final national policy.
OpenAI to Launch First India Office in New Delhi
OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, is set to open its first office in India later this year, located in New Delhi. The Microsoft-backed firm has already established a legal entity in the country and is hiring a local team. Highlighting India as its second-largest market where weekly active users have quadrupled in the past year, CEO Sam Altman described the move as a crucial first step in making advanced AI more accessible and building AI for, and with, India.
ISRO Unveils Model of Bharatiya Antariksh Station
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled a model of its indigenous space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). India plans to launch the first module by 2028 and complete a five-module station by 2035. The first module is expected to weigh 10 tonnes and will be placed in a 450 km low-earth orbit. The BAS will serve as a platform for microgravity research, technology demonstration, and potentially space tourism, marking a major leap in India's space ambitions.
Industrialist and Philanthropist Lord Swraj Paul Dies at 94
Lord Swraj Paul, the eminent Indian-born British business magnate and founder of the Caparo Group, has passed away in London at 94. A life peer in the UK's House of Lords, he was a key figure in the Indian diaspora and a staunch advocate for Indo-British relations. Lord Paul was also a renowned philanthropist, particularly in the fields of education and children's health. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 1983 for his significant contributions.