Australia Announces It Will Recognize Palestinian Statehood
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his country will formally recognize a Palestinian state, a decision to be formalized at the UN General Assembly in September. The move, which follows similar signals from France, Britain, and Canada, is predicated on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including no role for Hamas and demilitarization. Albanese described the decision as a practical contribution to a two-state solution and an end to the "humanitarian catastrophe" and cycle of violence in Gaza.
Supreme Court Stays Coercive Action Against Owners of Older Vehicles in Delhi-NCR
In a major relief to millions of vehicle owners, the Supreme Court has ordered authorities not to take coercive action against those plying diesel vehicles over 10 years old or petrol vehicles over 15 years old in the Delhi-NCR region. The court issued the interim directive while hearing a plea from the Delhi government seeking to recall a 2018 order that enforced a blanket ban based on vehicle age. The plea argues for a more scientific, emission-based criteria for vehicle fitness.
India Reaffirms Call for Peace in Modi-Zelenskyy Phone Conversation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India's consistent position for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. During the call, which comes just days before a US-Russia summit on the issue, Modi conveyed India's support for all efforts aimed at restoring peace. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for India's support and stated that the two leaders agreed to a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly session.
Government Tightens Rules, Links OCI Card Status to Criminal Convictions
The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified new rules that make Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders liable for cancellation of their status if they are sentenced to jail for two years or more. The registration can also be cancelled if a person is charge-sheeted for an offense punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more. This policy change significantly tightens the criteria for holding the multi-entry, lifelong visa, linking it directly to criminal proceedings and convictions faced by Indian-origin foreign nationals.
US Designates Balochistan Liberation Army a Foreign Terrorist Organisation
The United States has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, The Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). The BLA was previously listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2019. The State Department said the new designation reflects the group's continued responsibility for terrorist activities, including recent attacks in Karachi and Gwadar, and the hijacking of a passenger train. The designation freezes the group's assets and bans material support to it.
Air India to Suspend Delhi-Washington Flights from September
Air India will suspend its direct flights between Delhi and Washington D.C. starting September 1, citing operational factors. The airline stated the decision is driven by a planned fleet shortfall as it undertakes a major retrofitting program for its Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which will ground multiple planes until at least late 2026. Continued closure of Pakistani airspace also adds to operational complexity. Passengers will be offered alternative travel arrangements, including re-routing through other US gateways or full refunds.
Karnataka Minister Sacked After 'Vote-Theft' Remarks
Karnataka Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna has been removed from the state cabinet by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The sacking follows Rajanna's recent remarks apparently blaming his own Congress-led state government for "vote-theft" irregularities during the Lok Sabha elections. This contradicted the party's national stance, which blames the BJP. The public statement caused significant embarrassment for the party high command, prompting the Chief Minister to recommend Rajanna's removal to the Governor, who accepted it with immediate effect.
World Champion Gukesh Recovers to Secure Joint Third at St. Louis Chess Tournament
Reigning world chess champion D. Gukesh made a strong comeback after an opening-round loss to finish the first day of the St. Louis Rapid and Blitz tournament in joint third place. The Indian grandmaster was outplayed by American Levon Aronian but rebounded with impressive victories against Grigoriy Oparin and Liem Le Quang. Aronian leads the prestigious Grand Chess Tour event with a perfect score, while Gukesh's recovery, including a picturesque checkmate, keeps him in strong contention.
US Considers Tariffs on China for Russian Oil Buys After Hitting India
The US is contemplating imposing tariffs on China for purchasing Russian oil, a move that follows the recent imposition of a total 50% duty on India for similar reasons. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed President Trump is weighing options, noting the complexity of the US-China relationship. India has condemned the tariffs against it as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and plans to take necessary actions to protect its interests, highlighting significant friction in global trade and energy politics.
Australia to Formally Recognise Palestinian State
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his country will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, joining a growing number of Western nations. The decision is contingent on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including no role for Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza. Albanese described the move as a practical contribution to a two-state solution amid the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza. The announcement drew criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Lok Sabha to Debate Landmark Bills on Sports Governance and Ports
The Lok Sabha is scheduled to consider and pass three significant pieces of legislation. The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aim to reform sports administration, promote ethical practices, and align with global anti-doping standards. Additionally, the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, seeks to consolidate laws, promote integrated port development, and establish new regulatory bodies, promising wide-ranging impacts on India's sports and maritime sectors.
Four Al Jazeera Journalists Among Seven Killed in Gaza Airstrike
An Israeli airstrike near Shifa Hospital in Gaza City killed seven people, including four journalists and an assistant from Al Jazeera. Israel's military claimed one of the journalists, Anas Al Sharif, was a Hamas cell leader, an allegation press freedom groups and Al Jazeera reject as unsubstantiated. The killings have been condemned as an attempt to silence reporting from the conflict zone, with the Hamas-run media office stating that 237 journalists have been killed since the war began.
Pakistan Army Chief Renews Anti-India Rhetoric on US Soil
During a visit to the United States, Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir reiterated his country's long-standing claim that Kashmir is its "jugular vein" and an "incomplete international agenda." Speaking to the Pakistani diaspora in Florida, Munir warned that any Indian aggression would be met with a "befitting reply." The remarks, made during high-level engagements with US military leadership, were dismissed by India, which maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country.
Fourth Young Woman Self-Immolates in Odisha in One Month
A 13-year-old girl is fighting for her life after allegedly setting herself on fire in Odisha’s Bargarh district, marking the fourth such incident involving young women in the state since mid-July. The Class VIII student was found on a football ground with severe burns. This disturbing pattern follows the deaths of three other women by burning in separate incidents in Balasore, Balanga, and Kendrapara, raising serious concerns about a growing social and mental health crisis in the region.
Ukraine Rejects US-Proposed Territorial Swap with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected a "territorial swap" proposal floated by US President Donald Trump as a potential peace deal. Zelensky stated Ukraine would not surrender land or reward Russian aggression. His comments came as US and European officials met to discuss diplomatic solutions. The rejection casts doubt on a planned summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which Zelensky declared would be "null and void" if Ukraine is not a participant.