Digest for 29 July, 2025
Security Forces Neutralise Terrorists Behind Pahalgam Attack
Indian security forces have killed three terrorists responsible for the recent civilian killings in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a joint mission named 'Operation Mahadev,' the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police eliminated the perpetrators in the Harwan area of Srinagar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the successful operation in Parliament, condemning the "barbaric act" where civilians were killed based on their religion. The operation is seen as a significant counter-terrorism success, addressing a high-profile attack.
Flash Floods Devastate Himachal's Mandi, Killing Three
A cloudburst triggered severe flash floods in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, resulting in at least three deaths and one person missing. The deluge inundated houses and buried over 20 vehicles in debris, with areas like Jail Road and Saini Mohalla being worst-hit. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has been closed at multiple points due to washed-away sections. The disaster compounds the state's monsoon woes, which have already caused losses exceeding ₹1,500 crore this season. An orange alert for further heavy rain has been issued.
More Negotiations Needed for US-India Trade Deal, Says Top US Official
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stated that more negotiations are required to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with India. With an August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariffs approaching, Greer noted that while discussions have been constructive, India's long-standing policy of protecting its domestic market presents a challenge. The statement suggests that a deal is not imminent, potentially impacting trade relations and markets. Indian officials have maintained that talks are progressing well and an agreement could avert the new tariffs.
Supreme Court Pushes for 'Mass Inclusion' in Bihar Voter Roll Revision
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept Aadhaar and voter ID cards as valid identity documents for Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The court emphasized that the goal should be "mass inclusion, not en masse exclusion," addressing concerns that the exercise could disenfranchise up to 2.9 crore voters in the poll-bound state. While refusing to stay the publication of the draft roll, the court's intervention aims to prevent wrongful exclusion of eligible citizens.
Severe Flooding in Beijing Kills at Least 34 People
Heavy rains have caused devastating floods in and around Beijing, leading to the deaths of at least 34 people. The majority of fatalities occurred in the city's outlying Miyun and Yanqing districts. Authorities have relocated over 80,000 residents as a precautionary measure and released water from a reservoir that reached its highest level since 1959. The severe weather has washed away cars, downed power lines, and prompted a top-level emergency response, with residents urged to stay indoors.