Digest for 09 August, 2025
US and Russia to Hold Summit in Alaska on Ukraine Peace
US President Donald Trump announced he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, a move confirmed by the Kremlin. The summit's stated goal is to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. Trump suggested that a potential deal could involve a "swapping of territories" between Russia and Ukraine to the benefit of both. The high-stakes meeting would be the first US-Russia summit since 2021, marking a significant diplomatic effort to end the conflict.
Cabinet Approves ₹30,000 Crore Subsidy for Oil Firms to Offset LPG Losses
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹30,000 crore subsidy for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) to compensate for losses incurred by selling domestic LPG below international market prices. The compensation for Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL aims to ensure their financial stability and maintain uninterrupted fuel supply. Additionally, the Cabinet cleared ₹12,060 crore in support for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for 2025-26, continuing the ₹300 per cylinder subsidy for over 10 crore beneficiary households.
Government Withdraws Income Tax Bill, 2025; Revised Version Due in Parliament
The government has withdrawn the Income Tax Bill, 2025, from the Lok Sabha, with a revised version scheduled to be introduced on August 11. The move allows for the incorporation of recommendations from a parliamentary select committee and other stakeholders. The bill, intended to replace the six-decade-old Income-Tax Act of 1961, aims to simplify tax laws. The committee had suggested several changes, including removing a provision that denies refunds for late-filed returns, which are expected to be included in the new draft.
Rescue Operations Intensify in Flood-Ravaged Uttarkashi
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district following devastating flash floods and landslides. Four helicopters, including a Chinook, have been deployed to evacuate hundreds of stranded people from the cut-off Dharali area. So far, 729 people have been evacuated, while four are confirmed dead and 49 remain missing. The Army has constructed a Bailey bridge over the Limchigad to restore road connectivity, as multiple agencies, including the NDRF and SDRF, continue search operations amid challenging conditions and damaged infrastructure.
Two Soldiers Killed as Anti-Terror Operation in Kulgam Enters Ninth Day
Two Army soldiers, L/Nk Pritpal Singh and Sep Harminder Singh, were killed in an overnight gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. The encounter, one of the longest in recent times, has now entered its ninth day. Two other soldiers were also injured, bringing the total number of injured security personnel in the operation to nine. Security forces have killed two terrorists since the operation began on August 1 and continue to use drones, helicopters, and para commandos to track down remaining militants.