PM Modi Likely to Visit China for SCO Summit, First Trip Since Border Standoff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to China from August 31 to September 1 for the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This would mark his first visit to the country since the military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in 2020. The trip, which may also include a stop in Japan, is being viewed as a potentially significant diplomatic step toward stabilizing relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors after years of heightened border tensions and military disengagement talks.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Modernize Merchant Shipping Laws
The Lok Sabha has passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, which aims to repeal and replace the nearly 70-year-old Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. The new legislation expands the eligibility criteria for vessel ownership in India and introduces updated provisions for investigating marine casualties. It also empowers the central government to detain vessels that are not legally entitled to fly a state's flag. The bill is intended to create a modern, futuristic regulatory framework for India's growing maritime economy.
Rescue Operations Underway in Uttarkashi After Deadly Flash Flood
A massive rescue operation is underway in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, after a flash flood swept away homes and trapped dozens. At least one body has been recovered, with around 50 people, including Army personnel and a 28-member tourist group from Kerala, reported missing. Rescue efforts by the Army, ITBP, and SDRF are being severely hampered by incessant rain and landslides that have blocked major highways, making it difficult for teams and equipment to reach the disaster-stricken area.
ED Raids Uncover Global Cyber Fraud Ring Worth ₹260 Crore
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Dehradun, dismantling a global cyber fraud operation. The fraudsters allegedly duped Indian and foreign nationals of crores by impersonating police, agency officers, and tech support from companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The criminal proceeds, estimated at ₹260 crore, were converted into Bitcoin and transferred to the UAE through hawala channels. The money laundering investigation is based on FIRs previously filed by the CBI and Delhi Police.
Optional Travel Insurance Now Available for Railway E-Tickets at 45 Paisa
Indian Railways passengers booking e-tickets can now opt for travel insurance by paying a nominal premium of just 45 paise per trip. In a statement to the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the scheme is available to all confirmed/RAC passengers who book online. The low-cost insurance is designed to be highly accessible and can be selected with a simple checkbox during booking. Over the last five years, insurance companies have settled 333 claims, paying out ₹27.22 crore to passengers.
US Threatens Tariff Hike Over India's Russian Oil Trade, New Delhi Hits Back
US President Donald Trump threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods, accusing New Delhi of profiting from Russian oil and “fuelling the war machine.” In a sharp rebuttal, India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the targeting “unjustified and unreasonable,” pointing out that the US and EU also continue significant trade with Russia. India stated it began importing Russian oil after traditional supplies were diverted to Europe, a move initially encouraged by the US to stabilise global energy markets.
US Proposes Visa Applicants Post Bonds of up to $15,000
The US State Department has proposed a pilot program that could require some business and tourist visa applicants to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The measure targets applicants from countries with high rates of visa overstays or deficient document security. The proposal, part of the Trump administration's broader tightening of visa requirements, aims to ensure visitors comply with the terms of their stay. The move could make travel to the US significantly more expensive and difficult for many Indians.
Dozens Missing, Including Soldiers, After Uttarkashi Flash Floods
Rescue operations are underway in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, after a cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods, killing at least four people. Around 60 people, including 11 soldiers, are reported missing after an Army base and the village of Dharali were hit. The incident ravaged the village, a key stop for Gangotri pilgrims, and buried the ancient Kalp Kedar temple in debris. The Army, ITBP, and SDRF are conducting search and rescue efforts amidst heavy rain, having evacuated around 130 people to safety.
India Post to Discontinue Registered Post Service From September 1
India Post has announced it will discontinue its long-standing Registered Post service from September 1, 2025. The service will be merged with Speed Post as part of a strategy to modernise operations and improve efficiency. Registered Post has been a crucial service for official correspondence, legal notices, and job letters, particularly in areas with poor digital connectivity. The decision follows a 25% decline in usage between 2011 and 2020, attributed to the rise of digital communication and private couriers.
Anil Ambani Questioned by ED in ₹17,000 Crore Bank Loan Fraud Case
Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi for questioning in a money laundering case. The investigation pertains to alleged financial irregularities and loan diversion of over ₹17,000 crore by his group companies, including funds from Yes Bank. The summons followed extensive searches by the agency at multiple premises linked to his business group. The probe marks a major development in one of the country's most high-profile corporate fraud investigations, with significant legal and market implications.
Jharkhand Leader and JMM Founder Shibu Soren Dies at 81
Veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren, founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a three-time former chief minister of Jharkhand, has died at 81 after a prolonged illness. Known as 'Dishom Guru' (Great Leader), Soren was a towering figure in Indian politics and instrumental in the movement for the creation of Jharkhand. His death marks the end of an era for the state, which has declared a three-day period of state mourning. Top national leaders are expected to attend his last rites.
Parliament Extends President's Rule in Manipur by Six Months
Parliament has approved a statutory resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur for an additional six months beyond its August 13 deadline. The resolution was passed by the Rajya Sabha amid protests from Opposition parties over unrelated issues. President's Rule was first imposed in the state on February 13 following the resignation of the chief minister amid severe ethnic violence. The extension signifies continued instability in the state, transferring legislative and executive powers to the Union government to manage the security situation.
Anil Ambani Questioned for 10 Hours in Alleged Bank Loan Fraud Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani for approximately 10 hours in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged bank loan frauds worth over ₹17,000 crore. The probe stems from allegations of fund diversion from loans granted by Yes Bank and other financial irregularities. The ED, which recently conducted searches at 35 locations, is investigating a suspected nexus of bribes and loans, and has issued a Look Out Circular against Ambani.
India's Services Sector Growth Hits 11-Month High in July
India’s services sector registered its strongest growth in 11 months in July, with the HSBC Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) at 60.5. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. The robust performance was driven by a sharp rise in new business, particularly a surge in export orders from Asia, Canada, Europe, the UAE, and the US. While the growth is a strong positive indicator for the Indian economy, the survey noted that inflationary pressures increased and job creation moderated.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Provide ST Reservation in Goa Assembly
The Lok Sabha passed a bill to provide reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the 40-member Goa Assembly. The 'Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025' addresses the significant increase in the state's ST population, which stands at nearly 1.5 lakh according to the 2011 census. Until now, no seats were reserved for the ST community, denying them constitutional representation despite their numbers being considerably higher than the Scheduled Caste population.