Rupee Breaches 88 Mark, Closes at All-Time Low Against US Dollar
The Indian rupee fell to a historic low, breaching the 88 mark for the first time to close at 88.09 against the US dollar. The sharp 51-paise decline is attributed to heightened trade tensions following the imposition of steep US tariffs on Indian goods, significant foreign fund outflows, and strong dollar demand from importers. The depreciation puts pressure on India's import-dependent sectors and could fuel inflation, impacting the broader economy and household costs.
US President Trump No Longer Plans to Visit India for Quad Summit, NYT Reports
US President Donald Trump has reportedly cancelled his plans to visit India for the upcoming Quad Summit, according to a New York Times report. The article claims the decision follows a souring of the relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The alleged friction stems from disagreements over US tariffs, differing accounts of America’s role in de-escalating the recent India-Pakistan military conflict, and Trump's reported suggestions that India should nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Indian Economy Grows 7.8% in Q1, Fastest Pace in Five Quarters
India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.8% in the April-June quarter of the 2025-26 financial year, marking its fastest pace in five quarters. The growth, which surpassed the RBI's projections, was primarily driven by a strong performance in the agriculture sector. With this result, India maintains its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy, significantly outpacing China's 5.2% growth during the same period, according to data from the National Statistical Office.
Supreme Court Bar Association Flags 'Disproportionately Low' Number of Women Judges
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has passed a resolution expressing grave concern over the poor representation of women in the higher judiciary. The lawyers' body noted that no woman has been appointed to the Supreme Court since 2021 and that several High Courts, including Uttarakhand and Meghalaya, have no women judges. Of approximately 1,100 sanctioned High Court posts, only 103 are held by women. The SCBA has urged the Chief Justice of India and the Collegium to prioritise women's elevation.
Opposition-Ruled States Demand 5-Year Compensation for Proposed GST Reforms
Finance ministers from eight opposition-ruled states have collectively demanded a five-year compensation package from the central government over proposed GST reforms. They estimate that consolidating the current four-tier structure into a two-tier system could cause an annual revenue loss of up to ₹2 lakh crore. The group plans to formally present its proposal, which also suggests an additional levy on sin and luxury goods to protect state finances, at the upcoming GST Council meeting.
Karnataka High Court Seeks Centre's Reply on Challenge to New Online Gaming Act
The Karnataka High Court has asked the Union government to respond to a petition challenging the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Petitioners argue the law was enacted without consultation and threatens the livelihoods of over two lakh employees in the sector. They contend that a blanket ban on skill-based games involving stakes is unconstitutional and violates the fundamental right to trade. The court will hear arguments for an interim stay on the Act's implementation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin to Visit India in December
The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will make an official visit to India in December for the annual bilateral summit. The announcement signals deepening ties between the two nations, particularly amid ongoing trade frictions between India and the United States. Preparations for the high-level visit will be discussed during a meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.
PM Modi Discusses Ukraine Conflict with President Zelenskyy Ahead of Putin Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone, reaffirming India's support for all efforts toward a peaceful settlement of the conflict. The conversation took place ahead of Modi's scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit. In a social media post, Zelenskyy said he and Modi coordinated positions and that he was told "India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia" during the summit.
Landslide and Cloudburst Kill 10 in Jammu and Kashmir
At least ten people were killed and three remain missing after a landslide and a cloudburst struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi and Ramban districts. The disasters were triggered by intense overnight rainfall. In Reasi, a landslide flattened a house, killing a couple and their five children, while a separate cloudburst in Ramban killed three others. Rescue operations are ongoing as heavy rains continue to cause widespread damage across several districts in the Jammu region.
Marriage Not Invalidated by Lack of Registration, Allahabad High Court Rules
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a marriage solemnised under the Hindu Marriage Act is not invalid simply because it was not registered. Justice Manish Nigam observed that while state governments can make rules for compulsory registration, its purpose is merely to provide convenient evidence of the marriage. The court clarified that the validity of the marriage itself is not affected by the failure to make an entry in a register, setting aside a family court order that demanded a registration certificate.
Maratha Quota Activist Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike in Mumbai
Activist Manoj Jarange-Patil has launched an indefinite hunger strike at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, demanding reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Accompanied by thousands of supporters who marched from Jalna district, Jarange-Patil accused the Maharashtra government of non-cooperation and vowed not to end his protest until the demand is met. The stir has caused significant traffic disruptions in the city and has reignited the contentious reservation debate in the state.
RCB Announces ₹2.75 Crore Financial Aid for Stampede Victims' Families
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cricket franchise has announced financial aid of ₹25 lakh each for the families of the 11 people who died in a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The tragedy occurred on June 4 during the team's IPL 2025 victory celebrations. The compensation is part of a new 'RCB CARES' initiative, which the franchise described as a long-term commitment to its fan community, launched following public criticism over its prolonged silence on the matter.
Trailer for 'Do You Wanna Partner' Explores Female Entrepreneurship
Amazon Prime Video has released the trailer for its upcoming comedy-drama series, 'Do You Wanna Partner'. Produced by Karan Johar's Dharmatic Entertainment, the show stars Tamannaah Bhatia and Diana Penty as two best friends who navigate the challenges of launching their own craft beer startup in India. The series, which also features Nakuul Mehta and Jaaved Jaaferi, celebrates female friendship and the spirit of entrepreneurship in a male-dominated world. It is scheduled for release on September 12.
Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods in Uttarakhand; Many Feared Trapped
Cloudbursts in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts have triggered flash floods and debris flows, trapping several families. The incidents occurred in the Bareth Dungar Tok area of Rudraprayag and the Deval area of Chamoli. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing. Incessant rainfall has raised river levels to dangerous heights and caused widespread disruption, prompting authorities to close schools and urge residents near riverbanks to move to safer locations.
Former RBI Governor Urjit Patel Appointed as IMF Executive Director
The government has appointed former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel as India's Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a three-year term. Patel, who served as RBI Governor from 2016 to 2018, will represent a constituency of countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan on the IMF's executive board. This marks Patel's second stint at the IMF, where he previously worked from 1990 to 1995.