Convicted Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Granted 40-Day Parole
Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder, has been released from a Rohtak jail on a 40-day parole. This is his third temporary release this year and the 14th since his 2017 conviction. He will reportedly celebrate his birthday on August 15 at his main ashram in Sirsa. The repeated paroles granted to the controversial and politically influential sect leader continue to draw criticism and raise questions about the legal process.
Satyapal Malik, Former J&K Governor During Article 370 Repeal, Dies at 79
Satyapal Malik, a veteran politician who served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has passed away at 79 after a prolonged illness. A seasoned politician, he held governorships in Bihar, Goa, and Meghalaya and later became a vocal critic of the central government, notably regarding the 2019 Pulwama attack. His tenure in J&K marked one of the most significant political transformations in the region's recent history.
Over 1,500 Baby Crocodiles Hatch in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park
More than 1,500 saltwater crocodile hatchlings have emerged from their nests in and around Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, marking a conservation success. This year, forest officials identified 117 nesting sites for the vulnerable species. Bhitarkanika is home to about 70% of India's estuarine crocodile population, which has grown from just 96 in 1975 to over 1,800 today due to dedicated conservation efforts. The park was closed to tourists for two months to ensure an undisturbed nesting season.
India Rebuffs US Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil Trade
India issued a sharp rebuttal after US President Donald Trump threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on its goods over the purchase and resale of Russian oil. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the threat “unjustified and unreasonable,” noting that the US and EU also continue to trade with Russia. New Delhi asserted it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests. The spat marks a significant escalation in trade tensions, highlighting India's delicate balancing act between Western allies and its strategic partner, Russia.
Over 140 African Migrants Dead or Missing as Boat Capsizes Off Yemen
A boat carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants sank in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen's southern coast, resulting in a major tragedy. The UN's International Organisation for Migration (IOM) confirmed that 68 migrants are dead and 74 are missing and presumed dead, with only 12 survivors. The incident is the latest in a series of deadly shipwrecks on the perilous migration route from East Africa to Gulf countries, which thousands undertake despite the region's instability and dangers.
India and Philippines Conduct Joint Naval Drill in South China Sea, Angering Beijing
The Indian and Philippine navies conducted their first-ever joint maritime exercise in the South China Sea, a move that drew a sharp rebuke from China, which accused the Philippines of interfering in the disputed waters. The drill coincided with the arrival of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in New Delhi for a state visit to deepen strategic and defence cooperation with India. The joint manoeuvres underscore a growing alignment between the two nations to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump Aide Accuses India of Financing Ukraine War Through Russian Oil Purchases
A top aide to Donald Trump, Stephen Miller, has stated it is "not acceptable for India to continue financing" the Ukraine war by purchasing Russian oil. In a Fox News interview, Miller highlighted that India is nearly tied with China as a top buyer of Russian oil, while also criticizing India's high tariffs and alleging "cheating on immigration policies." The comments escalate recent rhetoric from Trump, signaling potential diplomatic and trade friction between the US and India.
Supreme Court Stays Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi Over Army Remarks
The Supreme Court has stayed criminal defamation proceedings against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for alleged derogatory remarks about the Indian Army made during his Bharat Jodo Yatra. The case was filed in a Lucknow court by a retired officer. While granting the stay, the bench issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant. The Allahabad High Court had previously dismissed Gandhi's plea to quash the proceedings, leading to his appeal to the top court.
Shibu Soren, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Founder and Former CM, Dies at 81
Shibu Soren, a veteran tribal leader, former three-time Chief Minister of Jharkhand, and founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has died at 81. He passed away in a New Delhi hospital following a prolonged illness. Revered as 'Dishom Guru', Soren was a pivotal figure in the movement for a separate Jharkhand state and served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament. The state government has declared a three-day period of mourning in his honour.
Bengaluru Set for Major Metro Expansion with New Yellow and Orange Lines
Bengaluru's public transport is set for a significant upgrade with the inauguration of the Namma Metro's 19.15 km Yellow Line, scheduled for August 10. The new line will connect R.V. Road to Bommasandra, easing congestion in key areas like Silk Board and Electronics City. On the same day, the foundation stone will be laid for the 44.65 km Phase 3 (Orange Line). Together, these projects represent a major infrastructure investment aimed at benefiting nearly 25 lakh commuters.
Bihar Announces Domicile Policy for Teacher Recruitment Ahead of Polls
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a new domicile policy that will give preference to state residents in the recruitment of government school teachers. The policy, a long-standing demand of local job aspirants, will be implemented from the next recruitment cycle (TRE-4). The announcement comes just months before the state assembly elections. The move is expected to have significant political and social ramifications, reserving a major source of public employment for locals and limiting opportunities for candidates from other states.
Man Arrested at Mumbai Airport for Smuggling Marijuana in Fake 'Diplomatic Pouch'
Mumbai Customs officials have arrested a passenger at the city's international airport for attempting to smuggle nearly 15 kg of hydroponic weed, valued at approximately ₹14.73 crore. The man, arriving from Bangkok, had concealed the contraband in envelopes marked as a 'Diplomatic Pouch of Ministry of External Affairs' and sealed with fake official tape. The audacious smuggling attempt, which also included fake 'top secret mission' documents, was foiled during a routine baggage check, leading to a case under the NDPS Act.
Congress MP Robbed in Delhi's High-Security Diplomatic Enclave
Congress MP R. Sudha from Tamil Nadu was robbed of her gold chain while on a morning walk in New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri, a high-security zone that houses numerous embassies. The bike-borne assailant snatched the chain near the Polish Embassy. In a letter to the Union Home Minister, the MP expressed shock over the incident, questioning how a public representative could be attacked in such a protected area and raising serious concerns about the safety of women in the national capital.
India Becomes World's 5th Largest Aviation Market, Reports IATA
India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fifth-largest aviation market, handling 241 million passengers in 2024, according to the latest World Air Transport Statistics from IATA. The country's air traffic grew by 11.1% year-on-year. The report also identified the Mumbai-Delhi route as the 7th busiest airport pair globally, with 5.9 million passengers. This milestone highlights the rapid expansion of India's aviation sector and its growing importance as a key hub in the global travel network.
Danish Zoo Asks Public to Donate Pets as Food for Predators
Aalborg Zoo in Denmark has made an unusual public appeal, asking people to donate their unwanted small pets, such as guinea pigs and rabbits, to be used as food for its predators. The zoo argues the practice mimics the natural food chain and enhances the welfare of its carnivores by providing varied and natural nutrition. It assured donors that the pets would be euthanised humanely. The unconventional request has sparked debate and gained significant media attention worldwide for its ethical implications.