Digest for 04 August, 2025
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.
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.