First-Ever Freight Train Reaches Kashmir Valley, Boosting Commerce
For the first time, a freight train has reached the Kashmir Valley, arriving at the Anantnag Goods Shed from Punjab. The train, carrying 21 wagons of cement, completed the 600-km journey in under 18 hours. This historic development connects the region to the national freight network, promising to significantly lower transportation costs and accelerate infrastructure projects. The new rail link is expected to be a game-changer for the local economy, particularly for the Valley's vital fruit industry.
Security Operations Intensify in Jammu & Kashmir; Two Soldiers Killed
Security forces in Jammu & Kashmir are engaged in multiple anti-terror operations. A new gunfight erupted in Kishtwar district on Sunday following an intelligence-based operation. Meanwhile, a prolonged encounter in the Akhal Devsar forest of Kulgam, now in its tenth day, resulted in the deaths of two Army soldiers from Punjab, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh. The operations, involving elite commandos and drones, highlight the continued efforts to dismantle the terror ecosystem in the region.
India's Defence Production Hits Record High of ₹1.51 Lakh Crore
India's annual defence production reached a record ₹1,50,590 crore in the 2024-25 fiscal year, an 18% increase from the previous year. This figure marks a 90% rise since FY 2019-20. The growth is attributed to the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependency. While public sector undertakings accounted for 77% of the output, the private sector's contribution grew to 23%, reflecting its expanding role in India's defence industrial base.
Election Commission Delists 334 Non-Compliant Political Parties
In a major cleanup exercise, the Election Commission of India has delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs). The action was taken because the parties failed to contest elections for over six years and did not comply with mandatory disclosure norms, such as updating their addresses or office-bearer details. The move is part of the EC's ongoing efforts to enhance electoral accountability and remove defunct or non-serious outfits from its registry, reducing the total number of RUPPs to 2,520.
ICICI Bank Hikes Minimum Savings Balance Five-Fold for New Accounts
ICICI Bank has significantly increased its minimum balance requirements for new savings accounts, raising the monthly average balance (MAB) for urban locations from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000. The MAB for semi-urban and rural branches has also been increased five-fold to ₹25,000 and ₹10,000, respectively. The new rules apply to accounts opened on or after August 1. Customers failing to meet the MAB will face a penalty of 6% of the shortfall or ₹500, whichever is lower.
India's First Animal Stem Cell Biobank Inaugurated in Hyderabad
The National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) in Hyderabad has launched India's first Animal Stem Cell Biobank. This state-of-the-art facility will store and preserve high-quality stem cells from various animal species to boost research in veterinary medicine, regenerative therapies, and drug testing. Along with the biobank, NIAB unveiled five new low-cost diagnostic kits for animal diseases like brucellosis and mastitis, aiming to improve livestock health and support the country’s growing bioeconomy.
US Halts Trade Talks with India, Doubles Tariffs to 50%
The US has suspended trade negotiations with India and imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total to 50%. The new levy, a response to India's Russian oil purchases, will take effect on August 27. President Donald Trump stated talks will not resume until the tariff dispute is resolved. India has called the move "unjustified and unreasonable," promising to take necessary measures to protect its economic interests, causing the rupee to fall against the dollar.
Supreme Court Withdraws Unprecedented Order Barring HC Judge from Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court has recalled its own controversial order that had restrained Allahabad High Court Justice Prashant Kumar from hearing criminal cases until his retirement. The reversal came after a request from Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and protests from Allahabad HC judges. The initial order, which criticized the judge for passing "perverse" orders, had created an unusual standoff within the judiciary. The SC bench, while withdrawing the directive, left the matter to the High Court's Chief Justice.
Cabinet Approves ₹30,000 Crore Subsidy for Oil Firms to Offset LPG Losses
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹30,000 crore subsidy for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) to compensate for losses incurred by selling domestic LPG below international market prices. The compensation for Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL aims to ensure their financial stability and maintain uninterrupted fuel supply. Additionally, the Cabinet cleared ₹12,060 crore in support for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for 2025-26, continuing the ₹300 per cylinder subsidy for over 10 crore beneficiary households.
Government Withdraws Income Tax Bill, 2025; Revised Version Due in Parliament
The government has withdrawn the Income Tax Bill, 2025, from the Lok Sabha, with a revised version scheduled to be introduced on August 11. The move allows for the incorporation of recommendations from a parliamentary select committee and other stakeholders. The bill, intended to replace the six-decade-old Income-Tax Act of 1961, aims to simplify tax laws. The committee had suggested several changes, including removing a provision that denies refunds for late-filed returns, which are expected to be included in the new draft.
Tamil Nadu Launches State Education Policy, Reaffirming Two-Language Formula
Tamil Nadu has officially released its own State Education Policy, which notably reiterates the state's long-standing two-language formula of teaching only Tamil and English in schools. The policy, formulated by a committee led by retired Justice D. Murugesan, stands in direct contrast to the three-language model proposed by the central government's National Education Policy. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated the policy is designed to foster critical thinking over memorization and reflects the state's unique cultural character.
Rescue Operations Intensify in Flood-Ravaged Uttarkashi
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district following devastating flash floods and landslides. Four helicopters, including a Chinook, have been deployed to evacuate hundreds of stranded people from the cut-off Dharali area. So far, 729 people have been evacuated, while four are confirmed dead and 49 remain missing. The Army has constructed a Bailey bridge over the Limchigad to restore road connectivity, as multiple agencies, including the NDRF and SDRF, continue search operations amid challenging conditions and damaged infrastructure.
Supreme Court Recalls Order Barring Allahabad High Court Judge from Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court has recalled its unprecedented August 4 order that barred Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Prashant Kumar, from hearing criminal cases. The reversal came after a written request from Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, and after 13 Allahabad HC judges protested the order. The bench, led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala, deleted the controversial directions and referred the matter to the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court to handle administratively, stressing its original intent was to uphold institutional dignity.
Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Slaying of Indian Student in Canada
Canadian police have arrested and charged a 32-year-old man with first-degree murder for the killing of Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old Indian student. Randhawa was struck by a stray bullet in Hamilton, Ontario, in April while waiting for a bus. Police say she was an innocent bystander caught in a dispute involving multiple people in cars. The suspect, Jerdaine Foster, was arrested at Niagara Falls and also faces three counts of attempted murder. The investigation remains ongoing.
Germany Halts Exports of Military Equipment to Israel for Use in Gaza
Germany has suspended the export of military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant policy shift for one of Israel's staunchest allies. Chancellor Friedrich Merz cited growing uncertainty about whether Israel's planned military push into Gaza City would achieve its goals of disarming Hamas and freeing hostages. The decision reflects Berlin's deep concern over the suffering of Gaza's civilian population and a sharpening international tone regarding the humanitarian crisis in the region.