Government to Launch National Mission to Counter 'Demographic Change'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of a high-powered 'demographic mission' to address what he described as a "pre-meditated conspiracy" of illegal infiltration aimed at changing India's demography. Speaking from the Red Fort, he warned that such changes, especially in border areas, create a national security crisis, sow social tension, and affect the country's unity and progress. The mission will be tasked with tackling this issue within a set timeframe, asserting that no nation can tolerate intruders.
Government Proposes Major GST Revamp with Two Tax Slabs
The central government has reportedly proposed a significant overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, aiming to simplify it into two primary rates: 5% and 18%. According to sources, most items currently in the 12% slab would shift to 5%, while many goods and services now taxed at 28% would move to the 18% slab. A special rate of 40% would be reserved for just seven luxury and sin items. This structural change, expected by Diwali, aims to boost consumption.
First Domestically Produced Semiconductor Chip to Launch by Year-End
India is set to launch its first 'Made-in-India' semiconductor chip by the end of this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Independence Day. This marks a significant milestone in the country's mission for technological self-reliance. The Prime Minister noted that six semiconductor units are already established and four more have been approved, signalling rapid progress in a sector critical for everything from mobile phones to electric vehicles. This development aims to reduce dependency on foreign manufacturers and boost domestic industry.
Cloudburst in J&K's Kishtwar Kills 46; Rescue Operations Intensify
A devastating cloudburst in Chositi village, Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, has resulted in at least 46 fatalities, with 69 people still reported missing. The disaster, which occurred near the Machail Mata temple pilgrimage route, destroyed homes, a market, and infrastructure. Rescue operations, involving the Army, NDRF, and SDRF, resumed on Friday despite rainfall, as teams search for survivors feared trapped under mud and rubble. The incident has suspended the annual pilgrimage and highlighted the region's vulnerability to extreme weather.
Andhra Pradesh Launches 'Stree Shakti' Scheme for Free Bus Travel for Women
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has launched the 'Stree Shakti' scheme, fulfilling a key election promise of free bus travel for women. The scheme allows all women, girls, and transgender persons with state domicile to travel for free on 74% of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) fleet, including Pallevelugu and Express services. The government estimates that around 2.62 crore people will benefit from the policy, which aims to empower women and reduce their transportation costs.
New Scheme to Provide ₹15,000 to Youth Entering Private Sector Jobs
The government has announced a new ₹1 lakh crore scheme, the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, aimed at supporting young people entering the workforce. Under this initiative, individuals securing their first job in the private sector will receive a one-time payment of ₹15,000 from the government. The announcement was made as part of the Independence Day address, highlighting the government's focus on boosting youth employment and providing financial assistance as they begin their careers.
Five Killed After Structure Collapses Near Humayun's Tomb in Delhi
A wall of a dargah near the Humayun's Tomb complex in Delhi collapsed on Friday, killing five people and injuring four others. The incident occurred as people were sheltering from rain inside a room of the structure. Multiple agencies, including the NDRF, conducted rescue operations. Authorities clarified that the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself was not damaged, as the collapse involved a new structure being built on the periphery. The tragedy has raised concerns about construction safety in the area.
India Achieves 50% Clean Energy Capacity Target 5 Years Ahead of Schedule
India has successfully met its ambitious climate target of generating 50% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, achieving the goal in 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 deadline. As of June 30, 2025, India's installed capacity from renewables, large hydro, and nuclear energy reached 242.8 GW out of a total of 484.8 GW. This significant environmental milestone, announced by the Prime Minister, showcases the nation's rapid progress in transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.
J&K Chief Minister Announces Signature Campaign for Statehood Restoration
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced a door-to-door signature campaign across all 90 assembly segments to demand the restoration of statehood. The move responds to a recent Supreme Court observation that the "ground situation" should be considered before restoring statehood. Abdullah stated that the collected signatures will be presented to the apex court to demonstrate public will, calling the current Union Territory governance structure "designed for failure." The campaign aims to challenge the 2019 constitutional change.
S&P Upgrades India's Sovereign Credit Rating for First Time in 18 Years
S&P Global Ratings has upgraded India's long-term sovereign credit rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-', the first such upgrade since 2007. The agency cited the country's robust economic growth, fiscal consolidation, and effective monetary policy. The upgrade is expected to lower borrowing costs for Indian companies in international markets. S&P noted that India remains one of the world's best-performing economies and stated that the impact of potential US tariffs would be manageable due to the economy's strong domestic focus.
Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on Restoring J&K Statehood
The Supreme Court has asked the central government to respond within eight weeks to a plea seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. A bench led by CJI B R Gavai issued the notice while acknowledging the government's argument that "several considerations" influence the decision-making process. In a December 2023 ruling that upheld the revocation of Article 370, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to restore J&K's statehood "at the earliest".
US Links Tariffs on India to Pressure on Russia Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit
US President Donald Trump has claimed that imposing tariffs on India for its Russian oil purchases successfully pressured Moscow into seeking talks. Ahead of a high-stakes summit in Alaska with Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that the tariffs made Russia lose its "second largest customer," prompting the meeting. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that these tariffs could be increased if the talks do not go well. India's Ministry of External Affairs has endorsed the summit, hoping it will lead to peace in Ukraine.
Supreme Court Cancels Kannada Actor Darshan's Bail in Murder Case
The Supreme Court has cancelled the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the Renukaswamy murder case, stating "however high you may be, the rule of law should prevail." The court overturned a Karnataka High Court order, noting it suffered from "serious infirmities." Darshan, along with his partner Pavithra Gowda and others, is accused of abducting and fatally torturing Renukaswamy, a fan who allegedly sent obscene messages to Gowda. The victim's body was found in a Bengaluru drain.
US Appreciates Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Engagement Amid Mineral Deal Talks
The US has extended Independence Day greetings to Pakistan, stating it "deeply appreciates Pakistan's engagement on counterterrorism and trade," a statement seen as warming relations. This comes as Washington expresses interest in Pakistan's critical mineral and hydrocarbon reserves, a move analysts believe is aimed at countering China's dominance in the rare earth market. The engagement follows the US designation of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist group, a move that could help safeguard future US investments in the region.
Supreme Court Orders EC to Publish Details of 65 Lakh Deleted Bihar Voters
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to publish a detailed list of the 65 lakh voters whose names were deleted during the recent special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The court ordered that the list, along with specific reasons for each deletion (such as death or migration), be displayed publicly at panchayat and district offices. The move aims to enhance transparency in the electoral process amid challenges from opposition parties against the revision drive.