Delhi Mandates Anti-Smog Guns on All High-Rise Buildings by November 29
The Delhi government has ordered all government and private buildings taller than five floors to install anti-smog guns by November 29 to combat winter air pollution. The directive applies to commercial complexes, malls, hotels, and educational institutions with a built-up area over 3,000 square metres, but exempts residential properties. The number of required guns will scale with the building's size. This policy aims to mitigate high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter ahead of the peak pollution season.
Brazil's Supreme Court Convicts Former President Bolsonaro in Coup Case
Brazil's Supreme Court has reached a majority vote to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in plotting a coup after his 2022 election defeat. The far-right leader was found guilty of leading a "criminal organization" to overthrow the government of his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. With the conviction all but certain, Bolsonaro faces a potential prison sentence of over 40 years. He has maintained that the trial is a form of political persecution.
RJD Leader Shot Dead in Patna
Rajkumar Rai, a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), was shot and killed by two assailants on a motorcycle in Patna's Munnachak area late Wednesday night. Rai, who was also involved in real estate, sustained six gunshot wounds and died at a local hospital. Police are investigating the murder, with preliminary findings suggesting a property dispute as a possible motive. The incident has heightened tensions in the city, raising concerns about political violence in the state.
Supreme Court Refuses to Cancel India-Pakistan Cricket Match
The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing for a petition seeking to cancel the upcoming India-Pakistan Asia Cup T20 match scheduled for September 14. A bench observed, "The match should go on!" The Public Interest Litigation, filed by law students, argued that playing against Pakistan after recent terror attacks was against national dignity and demoralised the armed forces. The court’s refusal ensures the high-profile cricket fixture will proceed as planned in Dubai.
Bengaluru Woman Loses ₹3.75 Crore to Investment Scam Using Sadhguru Deepfake
A 57-year-old retired woman in Bengaluru was defrauded of nearly ₹3.75 crore after falling for an investment scam that used an AI-generated deepfake video of spiritual leader Sadhguru. The victim saw the video on social media, where the deepfake endorsed a trading firm. After clicking a link and investing, she was contacted by fraudsters who guided her to transfer large sums into various accounts via a trading app. The cybercrime police have registered a case, highlighting the growing threat of sophisticated AI-driven scams.
World's First Tri-Service All-Women Circumnavigation Expedition Flagged Off
In a historic first, an all-women tri-service team from the Indian armed forces has embarked on a sailing expedition to circumnavigate the globe. The mission, named 'Samudra Pradakshina,' was flagged off from Mumbai's Gateway of India. Over the next nine months, ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will sail nearly 26,000 nautical miles aboard the indigenously built vessel IASV Triveni. The expedition is being hailed as a landmark moment for women's empowerment and military jointness.
US Urges EU to Impose Up to 100% Tariffs on India and China
US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and China for purchasing Russian crude oil. The move is intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, a US official stated Washington was prepared to "mirror" any tariffs imposed by the EU. This demand comes amid a downturn in US-India trade relations and challenges India's policy of buying discounted Russian oil to meet its energy needs.
Political Crisis in Nepal Escalates as PM Resigns and Army Takes Control
Nepal is facing a constitutional and administrative vacuum after Prime Minister K.P. Oli resigned amid violent, youth-led anti-corruption protests that have left at least 19 dead. Demonstrators torched major government buildings, including Parliament and the Supreme Court. The Nepal Army has taken control of security in Kathmandu, imposing a curfew and deploying personnel across the capital. India has issued emergency contact numbers for its stranded nationals, while several airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended flights to Kathmandu.
Indian Markets Surge on Renewed Hopes for India-US Trade Deal
India's benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, rallied following positive remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump about ongoing trade negotiations. Trump stated he was certain of a "successful conclusion" to talks aimed at addressing trade barriers. This signals a potential thaw in bilateral economic relations after recent tariff tensions. The optimism spurred a market rally, particularly in IT stocks, with the BSE Sensex jumping over 440 points and the NSE Nifty crossing the 24,900 mark in early trade.
Poland Downs Drones Breaching Airspace During Russian Attack on Ukraine
Poland's military shot down drones that entered its airspace from the direction of Ukraine during a massive wave of Russian aerial strikes. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the action, stating the drones posed a direct threat and that he had informed the NATO Secretary General. The incident placed Poland's armed forces on heightened alert and led to a temporary closure of airspace over part of the country, affecting flight operations at Warsaw's Chopin Airport, significantly raising tensions on NATO's eastern flank.
Fitch Raises India's FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.9%
Global ratings agency Fitch has upgraded India's economic growth forecast for the 2025-26 fiscal year to 6.9%, up from its previous estimate of 6.5%. The revision follows a stronger-than-expected GDP expansion of 7.8% in the second quarter of 2025. Fitch cited strong domestic demand as the primary driver of growth but warned that trade frictions with the US could dampen business sentiment. This optimistic forecast positions India's projected growth as the highest among its peers.
ISRO Transfers Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Technology to HAL
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed an agreement to transfer the technology for its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This marks a major step in involving private industry in India's space sector. The deal, facilitated by IN-SPACe, will enable HAL to independently manufacture and launch SSLVs for domestic and international markets. The technology transfer is expected to be completed within 24 months, boosting India’s position in the global small-satellite launch market.
Activist Umar Khalid Challenges Bail Denial in Supreme Court
Activist Umar Khalid has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Court's decision to deny him bail. Khalid was arrested under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with an alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots. The High Court had rejected his plea, along with those of eight other accused, citing the need to prevent "conspiratorial violence under the garb of demonstrations." The case is a significant test of UAPA's application and civil liberties.
Islamist Student Wing Sweeps Dhaka University Elections
The student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), has won a sweeping victory in the Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) elections, a first for an Islamist group since Bangladesh's independence. The Jamaat-backed panel won nine of the 12 contested posts. The result signals a significant political shift in Bangladesh, potentially impacting the country's future political landscape. The rival BNP-backed student group rejected the results, alleging manipulation, while observers noted Jamaat's growing influence.
Fitch Ratings Raises India's FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.9%
Fitch Ratings has revised India's GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026 (FY26) upward to 6.9%, a notable increase from its earlier projection of 6.5%. The upgrade is attributed to a sharp acceleration in economic activity in the April-June quarter, which surpassed expectations with 7.8% year-on-year growth. Fitch cited strong domestic demand, robust real income dynamics supporting consumer spending, and looser financial conditions as key drivers for the positive revision, though it projects a slowdown in subsequent years.