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.
Over 200,000 Indians Renounced Citizenship in 2024, Government Reports
The government informed the Lok Sabha that 2,06,378 Indians renounced their citizenship in 2024. This figure continues a trend where over two lakh citizens have given up their Indian nationality annually for the past three years. According to data provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, the total number of Indians who have renounced their citizenship since 2020 has now surpassed 8.9 lakh. The government stated that the reasons for this are personal to the individuals involved.
Six Killed as Car Plunges into Gorge in Himachal Pradesh
Six people, including five members of the same family, were killed in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district when their car fell into a deep gorge. Police reported that a boulder struck the moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control. The family, which included a schoolteacher, his wife, and their two children, was returning home for Raksha Bandhan. An army jawan who was driving them and another villager who had taken a lift also died in the tragic accident.
James Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13 Mission, Dies at 97
James Lovell, the NASA astronaut who commanded the perilous Apollo 13 mission, has died at the age of 97. Lovell famously turned a near-catastrophe into a historic success of human ingenuity after an oxygen tank explosion crippled his spacecraft on its way to the moon in 1970. His crew's safe return, guided by mission control, became one of NASA's most celebrated moments. A veteran of four spaceflights, including the first-ever mission to orbit the moon (Apollo 8), Lovell was a pivotal figure in space exploration.
Supreme Court Upholds Misconduct Finding Against High Court Judge
The Supreme Court dismissed a plea from Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, who challenged an in-house inquiry panel's report finding him guilty of misconduct. The case stems from the discovery of burnt cash at his official residence. The Court's decision upholds the panel's recommendation for his removal under Article 124(4) of the Constitution, paving the way for potential impeachment proceedings. The bench noted that Justice Varma's conduct did not inspire confidence and that the CJI has a duty to act on judicial misconduct.
NSA Doval Meets Putin in Moscow to Deepen Strategic Ties
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Moscow to bolster the India-Russia strategic partnership. The high-level talks focused on regional security, defence cooperation, and preparations for an upcoming bilateral summit in India, which Doval confirmed is scheduled for late August. The visit underscores the continued importance of the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow amid shifting global dynamics and trade tensions with the West.
NASA Chief Declares New Space Race with China for Lunar Resources
The United States is in a new space race with China to claim resource-rich areas of the Moon, NASA's interim administrator Sean Duffy stated. He announced ambitious plans to install a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the lunar surface by 2030 to power a permanent base. Duffy emphasized the strategic importance of securing a specific part of the Moon's south pole, which offers both water ice and continuous sunlight, stating, "We want to get there first and claim that for America."
Rescue Efforts Intensify in Uttarkashi as Flood Toll Rises
Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district following devastating flash floods that have killed at least five people, with over 50 still missing, including nine army personnel. The floods, triggered by intense rain, destroyed homes and infrastructure, cutting off several villages. The Army, NDRF, and SDRF have rescued over 270 people, airlifting many to safety. Efforts are focused on clearing debris and reaching those trapped in the worst-hit areas like Dharali and Harsil.
NDA Authorises Modi and Nadda to Select Vice-Presidential Candidate
Leaders of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have passed a unanimous resolution authorising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda to select the alliance's candidate for the upcoming vice-presidential election on September 9. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The move centralizes the selection process and underscores the BJP's dominance within the coalition, with the chosen candidate expected to be announced around August 12.
Yamuna River Crosses Warning Level in Delhi, Flood Alert Issued
The water level of the Yamuna river in Delhi has crossed the official warning mark of 204.50 metres, reaching 204.88 metres. The rise is attributed to large volumes of water being released from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana following heavy rains. Authorities have issued an alert to all concerned agencies, asking them to take precautionary measures for a potential flood-like situation in low-lying areas near the riverbanks. The danger mark for the river in the national capital is 205.3 metres.
Election Commission Issues Notification for Vice-Presidential Poll
The Election Commission of India has issued the official notification for the election to the office of the Vice-President, formally starting the nomination process. The post became vacant following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. According to the schedule, the last date for filing nominations is August 21, with polling set for September 9 if required. The new Vice-President, who also serves as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, will hold a full five-year term per constitutional rules for a mid-term poll.
NCERT Adds Chapters on War Heroes Manekshaw, Usman, and Sharma to Textbooks
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced new chapters on the lives of three celebrated war heroes into the school curriculum for the current academic year. Students will now learn about Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma. The Defence Ministry stated the initiative, part of a collaboration with the Education Ministry, aims to instill patriotism and provide students with inspirational narratives of courage, sacrifice, and duty to the nation.
US Doubles Tariffs on Indian Goods to 50% Over Russian Oil Imports
The United States has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total to 50%, in response to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. The White House stated the measure addresses national security concerns related to the conflict in Ukraine. India's Ministry of External Affairs called the action "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," asserting its oil imports are market-driven and essential for energy security. The move threatens to strain diplomatic and trade relations and could significantly impact Indian exports to the US.
RBI Holds Key Interest Rate at 5.5% Amid Trade Uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%. The central bank adopted a "wait-and-watch" approach to assess the full impact of past rate cuts and growing global uncertainties, particularly new US tariffs on Indian goods. While the RBI maintained its GDP growth forecast for FY26 at 6.5%, the decision signals a higher bar for future rate cuts, with a focus on price stability as inflation is expected to rise later in the year.
Reserve Bank of India Holds Key Interest Rate at 5.5%
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%, pausing after three consecutive rate cuts. The decision was influenced by concerns over tariff uncertainties. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the central bank has retained its GDP growth forecast for FY26 at 6.5% while lowering the current year's inflation projection from 3.7% to 3.1%. The move aims to balance economic growth with inflation, which has remained below 4% since February.