Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Injures at Least 29 in Indonesia
A magnitude 5.8 undersea earthquake struck Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province, injuring at least 29 people, with two in critical condition. The quake, which occurred 15 kilometers north of the Poso district, was followed by multiple aftershocks. Most of the injured were attending a Sunday morning church service when the structure sustained damage. Indonesia, located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' frequently experiences seismic activity. Authorities did not issue a tsunami warning following the tremor.
Eight People Charred to Death in Gujarat Car Crash
Eight people, including five women and two children, were killed in a horrific road accident in Gujarat's Surendranagar district after their car collided with an SUV and burst into flames. The victims were charred to death as the car fell into a roadside ditch post-collision, trapping them inside. The occupants of the SUV escaped with minor injuries. The tragic incident, which occurred near Dedadara village, has once again brought the critical issue of national road safety into sharp focus.
Trump-Putin Summit in Alaska Ends Without Ukraine Peace Deal
A high-stakes summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, has concluded without an agreement to end the war in Ukraine. After about 2.5 hours of talks, both leaders described the meeting as "productive" but conceded they had not reached a deal on a ceasefire. Trump stated, "There's no deal until there's a deal," and indicated he would consult with Ukrainian and NATO leaders. The meeting, Putin's first in the US in a decade, ended without a joint press conference.
Chinese Foreign Minister to Visit India for Border Talks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18-19 for the 24th round of talks on the long-standing boundary dispute. Wang, a member of the Communist Party's Politburo, will meet with his counterpart, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who are the Special Representatives for the dialogue. The high-level meeting aims to continue discussions on resolving border tensions and comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
US May Not Impose Secondary Tariffs on India for Russian Oil Purchases
US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration may not impose secondary tariffs on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian crude oil. The statement, made after his meeting with Vladimir Putin, signals potential relief for India, which faces existing US tariffs of 50% set to take effect on August 27. The development could significantly impact India's economic and energy security strategy, easing trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington over India's continued procurement of Russian energy resources.
NCERT Module Blaming Congress for Partition Sparks Political Firestorm
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a special module on the Partition, attributing responsibility to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Congress party, and Lord Mountbatten. The text, released for Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, claims the Congress accepted Partition to avoid communal violence. The module has ignited a political controversy, with the Congress demanding its withdrawal and accusing the NCERT of historical distortion, while the BJP defended the content as factual.
US-Russia Summit Ends with Potential Reprieve for India on Sanctions
A high-stakes summit in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded without a definitive peace agreement on Ukraine, but with signals that the US may delay imposing secondary sanctions on countries like India for purchasing Russian oil. While the meeting was described as a starting point for resolution, the outcome offers potential relief for New Delhi, which has faced US tariffs over its continued energy trade with Moscow. India welcomed the talks, reiterating its stance on diplomacy.
Heavy Rains Batter Mumbai, Triggering Fatal Landslide and Severe Flooding
Intense overnight rainfall in Mumbai has caused widespread disruption, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for the city and five other districts. The downpour led to severe waterlogging, affecting suburban train services and road transport. In a tragic incident in the eastern suburb of Vikhroli, a landslide collapsed onto a hut, killing two people and injuring two others from the same family. Civic authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors and have deployed emergency response teams across the metropolis.
Rahul Gandhi Launches 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar Amid Voter Roll Controversy
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a 16-day 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' (Voter Rights March) across Bihar to protest the alleged disenfranchisement of voters through a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The campaign, spanning over 20 districts, challenges the Election Commission's process, which the opposition claims could remove lakhs of Dalit, migrant, and poor voters from lists ahead of state elections. The yatra aims to build momentum for the INDIA bloc and ensure a clean voter list.
Enforcement Directorate Raids Tamil Nadu Minister I. Periyasamy in Money Laundering Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Tamil Nadu Rural Development Minister I. Periyasamy and his son, MLA I.P. Senthil Kumar. The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Periyasamy is a senior leader of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The action marks another instance of a central agency probing a high-profile politician in the state.
Centre Argues Against Imposing Timelines on Governors' Assent to Bills
The Union government has told the Supreme Court that imposing fixed deadlines on Governors and the President to act on bills passed by state legislatures would disrupt the constitutional balance. In written submissions for a Presidential Reference hearing, the Centre argued that these roles are 'politically plenary' and not subject to judicial timelines. It contended that reading such a limitation into the Constitution would amount to an amendment by the judiciary, potentially leading to 'constitutional disorder' by allowing one government organ to assume another's powers.
Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren Dies at 62
Ramdas Soren, the Education Minister of Jharkhand and a senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has died at the age of 62. He passed away in a Delhi hospital while undergoing treatment following a fall at his residence on August 2. A three-time MLA from the Ghatshila constituency, Soren was an influential member of the state cabinet. Political leaders, including the Governor and Chief Minister, paid tribute as his mortal remains were brought to Ranchi for last rites.
BCCI Introduces 'Serious Injury Replacement' Rule for Domestic Cricket
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will introduce a 'Serious Injury Replacement' rule for multi-day domestic tournaments starting in the 2025-26 season. The new clause allows a 'like-for-like' player to substitute for a teammate who sustains a serious on-field injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, that prevents further participation. The match referee will have the final authority to approve the replacement, marking a significant step towards enhancing player welfare in Indian domestic cricket.
Australian Cricket Icon Bob Simpson Dies at 89
Bob Simpson, one of Australia's most influential cricket figures, has passed away at the age of 89. A former player, captain, and coach, Simpson had a storied career from 1957 to 1978, scoring over 4,800 Test runs and taking 110 catches as a renowned slip-fielder. After retiring, he coached Australia to victory in the 1987 World Cup and multiple Ashes campaigns, laying the groundwork for a golden era of Australian cricket. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013.
India Hardens Stance on Cross-Border Terrorism, Citing 'Operation Sindoor'
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning that India will no longer differentiate between terrorists and those who support them, establishing a "new normal" in its security policy. He hailed the success of 'Operation Sindoor', the military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, as a decisive blow to terror infrastructure in Pakistan. He also announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that "blood and water will not flow together."