Poland Downs Drones Breaching Airspace During Russian Attack on Ukraine
Poland's military shot down drones that entered its airspace from the direction of Ukraine during a massive wave of Russian aerial strikes. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the action, stating the drones posed a direct threat and that he had informed the NATO Secretary General. The incident placed Poland's armed forces on heightened alert and led to a temporary closure of airspace over part of the country, affecting flight operations at Warsaw's Chopin Airport, significantly raising tensions on NATO's eastern flank.
ISRO Transfers Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Technology to HAL
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed an agreement to transfer the technology for its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This marks a major step in involving private industry in India's space sector. The deal, facilitated by IN-SPACe, will enable HAL to independently manufacture and launch SSLVs for domestic and international markets. The technology transfer is expected to be completed within 24 months, boosting India’s position in the global small-satellite launch market.
Activist Umar Khalid Challenges Bail Denial in Supreme Court
Activist Umar Khalid has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Court's decision to deny him bail. Khalid was arrested under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with an alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots. The High Court had rejected his plea, along with those of eight other accused, citing the need to prevent "conspiratorial violence under the garb of demonstrations." The case is a significant test of UAPA's application and civil liberties.
Islamist Student Wing Sweeps Dhaka University Elections
The student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), has won a sweeping victory in the Dhaka University Central Students Union (DUCSU) elections, a first for an Islamist group since Bangladesh's independence. The Jamaat-backed panel won nine of the 12 contested posts. The result signals a significant political shift in Bangladesh, potentially impacting the country's future political landscape. The rival BNP-backed student group rejected the results, alleging manipulation, while observers noted Jamaat's growing influence.
India Arranges Special Flights to Repatriate Citizens Stranded in Nepal
India is operating special flights to bring back citizens stranded in Nepal after violent protests forced the closure of Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in coordination with Air India and IndiGo, has arranged additional flights following the airport's reopening. The move aims to assist hundreds of home-bound passengers, including nearly 190 travellers who were rescued from the airport by the Indian embassy and provided temporary accommodation. Airlines have been advised to maintain reasonable fares.
Fitch Ratings Raises India's FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.9%
Fitch Ratings has revised India's GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026 (FY26) upward to 6.9%, a notable increase from its earlier projection of 6.5%. The upgrade is attributed to a sharp acceleration in economic activity in the April-June quarter, which surpassed expectations with 7.8% year-on-year growth. Fitch cited strong domestic demand, robust real income dynamics supporting consumer spending, and looser financial conditions as key drivers for the positive revision, though it projects a slowdown in subsequent years.
Aadhaar Card Approved as Valid Voter ID Document in Bihar
The Election Commission of India has directed polling authorities in Bihar to accept the Aadhaar card as a valid document for establishing identity during the electoral roll revision process. The directive follows a Supreme Court order and designates Aadhaar as the 12th official identity document for voters. The Commission clarified that the card serves as proof of identity, not citizenship, and warned that any refusal to accept it in accordance with the new directive will be treated with "utmost seriousness."
Two Suspected ISIS Operatives Arrested in Joint Police Operation
In a coordinated operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell and Jharkhand's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have arrested two suspected ISIS operatives. The prime accused, Ashar Danish, was apprehended in Ranchi, while another suspect, Aftab, was caught in Delhi. According to police sources, both individuals were allegedly in contact with a broader ISIS-inspired network and were actively engaged in furthering the terrorist organization's agenda in India. Security agencies had been monitoring Danish for several months prior to the arrest.
Abhishek Bachchan Sues to Protect 'Personality Rights' From AI Misuse
Actor Abhishek Bachchan has petitioned the Delhi High Court to protect his "personality rights" from unauthorised use on digital platforms. His plea seeks to restrain websites and individuals from misusing his name, image, and voice, particularly in AI-generated deepfake videos and for commercial gain without consent. The court is considering the plea, which follows a similar suit by his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, highlighting a growing legal battle for celebrities to control their digital personas against emerging technologies.
Nagaland Fossils Reveal Ancient Link Between Antarctica and Indian Monsoons
A new study of 34-million-year-old fossilized leaves from Nagaland has established a surprising link between the formation of Antarctica's ice sheets and the evolution of the Indian monsoon. Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology found that Antarctic glaciation shifted a major global rain belt northward toward the tropics. This change resulted in exceptionally high rainfall and warmer temperatures in the Indian subcontinent, effectively shaping the monsoon system that is vital to the region today.
MPs Vote to Elect India's Next Vice President
Members of Parliament are voting to elect India's 15th Vice President in a contest between the ruling NDA's nominee, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and the opposition INDIA bloc's candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy. The election was necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The NDA is seen to have a numerical advantage in the electoral college, which comprises 781 MPs from both houses. Several parties, including the BJD, BRS, and SAD, have decided to abstain from voting.
Centre Announces Over ₹3,000 Crore in Aid for Flood-Hit Himachal and Punjab
The central government has announced financial assistance of ₹1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh and ₹1,600 crore for Punjab to aid relief and rehabilitation efforts following devastating floods and landslides. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions. The funds include advance releases from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and will support rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, and providing assistance to farmers in the two states, which have suffered extensive damage.
NDA Candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected as India's 15th Vice President
National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan has been elected as India's next Vice President. The former Governor of Maharashtra defeated the joint opposition candidate, retired Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy, by securing 452 votes to Reddy's 300. Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, will also serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The election was necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July due to health reasons.
Rajasthan Assembly Passes Anti-Conversion Bill with Strict Penalties
The Rajasthan Assembly has passed the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, which introduces stringent measures against religious conversions through force, fraud, or allurement. The new law makes such offences non-bailable and includes penalties up to life imprisonment and fines as high as ₹1 crore. Marriages conducted solely for the purpose of conversion will be declared void. The bill exempts individuals who are reconverting to their "ancestral religion" from its provisions, a move criticized by the opposition.
Himachal Pradesh Becomes India's Fourth Fully Literate State
Himachal Pradesh has been declared India's fourth fully literate state, achieving a literacy rate of 99.3%, which surpasses the national benchmark of 95%. The announcement was made under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme. Himachal Pradesh now joins Mizoram, Tripura, and Goa in achieving this distinction. The state's literacy rate has seen a dramatic rise from just 7% at the time of India's independence, marking a significant developmental milestone for the region.