US Threatens Tariffs on Countries with Digital Services Taxes
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose "substantial additional tariffs" and technology export restrictions on any country with digital services taxes. In a social media post, Trump argued that such taxes, prevalent in Europe, are discriminatory and designed to harm American technology companies like Google and Meta, while giving a pass to Chinese firms. This move signals a potential new front in global trade disputes, escalating tensions with key allies that have adopted or are considering such levies.
Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Two High Court Chief Justices for Elevation
The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI B.R. Gavai, has recommended the elevation of two High Court chief justices to the apex court: Justice Alok Aradhe of the Bombay High Court and Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi of the Patna High Court. The recommendation aims to fill the two existing vacancies in the Supreme Court. If the appointments are cleared by the central government, the court will function at its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.
ED Raids Former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj in Hospital 'Scam' Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 13 locations in Delhi, including the residence of former Delhi Health Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj. The raids are part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged hospital construction scam. The probe stems from an Anti-Corruption Branch FIR alleging large-scale corruption, inflated costs, and misappropriation of funds in state health infrastructure projects. The Aam Aadmi Party has condemned the action, calling it a politically motivated misuse of central agencies.
Delhi High Court Blocks Disclosure of PM Modi's and Smriti Irani's Academic Records
The Delhi High Court has set aside orders from the Central Information Commission (CIC) that had directed the disclosure of academic records for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Union Minister Smriti Irani. In separate judgments, the court ruled that educational qualifications are personal information and their disclosure, without an overriding public interest, would be an intrusion of privacy. The verdict establishes a significant precedent regarding the scope of the Right to Information (RTI) Act concerning the personal data of public figures.
India Issues Humanitarian Flood Alert to Pakistan Despite Suspended Treaty
On humanitarian grounds, India has alerted Pakistan about a potential flood situation in the Tawi river, which flows from Jammu into Pakistan. The warning was conveyed despite the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) mechanism following recent terror attacks. Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir has caused river levels to rise dangerously. This rare diplomatic communication through India's High Commission marks the first official contact since the military's 'Operation Sindoor' and highlights a continued channel for disaster management cooperation.
Praggnanandhaa Takes Joint Lead at Sinquefield Cup After Defeating Firouzja
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa scored a decisive victory over French player Alireza Firouzja in the seventh round of the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, USA. The win propels the young Indian star into a joint lead with Fabiano Caruana in the prestigious Grand Chess Tour event. Praggnanandhaa outclassed his opponent in just 27 moves, marking his second victory in the tournament and continuing his strong performance against the world's top players, while fellow Indian D Gukesh suffered a loss.
Kerala Opens State's First University Hostel Exclusively for Transgender Students
In a first for the state, Kerala has opened a university hostel exclusively for transgender students on the Mahatma Gandhi University campus in Kottayam. Inaugurated by the State Social Justice Minister, the facility addresses a long-standing demand and aims to provide safe and inclusive accommodation, which is often a major barrier for transgender individuals pursuing higher education. The move is expected to encourage more students from the community to enroll and complete their studies in a supportive environment.
201-Million-Year-Old Fossil of Crocodile-Like Reptile Unearthed in Jaisalmer
Scientists have discovered a nearly complete fossil of a phytosaur, an ancient crocodile-shaped reptile, in a village in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The fossil is estimated to be 201 million years old, placing it in the Early Jurassic period, predating most dinosaurs. This is the first phytosaur fossil found in Jurassic-era rocks in India and one of the oldest fossils ever found in the country. The significant discovery offers valuable insights into the region's prehistoric ecosystem and the creatures that inhabited it.
Eight Pilgrims Killed, 43 Injured in Uttar Pradesh Road Accident
Eight people, including two minors, died and 43 others were injured after a truck crashed into a tractor-trolley carrying pilgrims in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, early Monday morning. The victims, travelling from Kasganj to Rajasthan, were hit from behind, causing their vehicle to overturn. The state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The truck involved has been impounded by police.
Congress Suspends Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The Congress party has suspended Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from its primary membership for six months following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The action follows his resignation as Youth Congress president last week. The accusations include coercion, threats, and a purported audio clip of him forcing a woman into an abortion. The party has opted for suspension over demanding his resignation from the Assembly, a move seen as an attempt to avoid a potentially damaging by-election in Palakkad.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Receives Hero's Welcome in Hometown Lucknow
IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), received a grand welcome upon his return to his hometown of Lucknow. After an 18-day mission conducting experiments for ISRO, Shukla was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, family, and state officials. His journey aboard the Ax-4 mission is hailed as a significant step for India's upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and has inspired youth across the state.
US Cites Tariffs on India as Leverage to End Russia-Ukraine War
US Vice President JD Vance stated that the Trump administration's 50% tariffs on Indian imports are "aggressive economic leverage" intended to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The tariffs target India's purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has rebuffed the criticism, asserting that India will continue to buy oil based on its national interest and market dynamics, noting that both the US and Europe also trade with Russia.
India Suspends Most US-Bound Postal Services Amid Escalating Tariff Dispute
India's Department of Posts has temporarily suspended most postal services to the United States from August 25, a direct response to new US customs rules eliminating duty-free exemptions. The move comes amid a broader trade dispute, with the Trump administration imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods. While letters and small gifts are exempt, the suspension impacts e-commerce and other commercial shipments, signaling a significant downturn in economic relations between the two countries and affecting countless small businesses.
India Successfully Tests Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its new Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The indigenously developed system is a multi-layered defence shield comprising Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). The test establishes a significant advancement in India's capability to defend strategic assets against aerial threats.
Trump Nominates Close Aide Sergio Gor as New US Ambassador to India
US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, his 38-year-old Director of White House Personnel, as the next Ambassador to India. The appointment of a trusted aide comes during a period of strained trade relations. Controversially, Gor will also serve as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, a dual role that has raised concerns in New Delhi about a potential U.S. attempt to re-link its India policy with that of Pakistan and the wider region.