Supreme Court Upholds Misconduct Finding Against High Court Judge
The Supreme Court dismissed a plea from Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, who challenged an in-house inquiry panel's report finding him guilty of misconduct. The case stems from the discovery of burnt cash at his official residence. The Court's decision upholds the panel's recommendation for his removal under Article 124(4) of the Constitution, paving the way for potential impeachment proceedings. The bench noted that Justice Varma's conduct did not inspire confidence and that the CJI has a duty to act on judicial misconduct.
NASA Chief Declares New Space Race with China for Lunar Resources
The United States is in a new space race with China to claim resource-rich areas of the Moon, NASA's interim administrator Sean Duffy stated. He announced ambitious plans to install a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the lunar surface by 2030 to power a permanent base. Duffy emphasized the strategic importance of securing a specific part of the Moon's south pole, which offers both water ice and continuous sunlight, stating, "We want to get there first and claim that for America."
Rescue Efforts Intensify in Uttarkashi as Flood Toll Rises
Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district following devastating flash floods that have killed at least five people, with over 50 still missing, including nine army personnel. The floods, triggered by intense rain, destroyed homes and infrastructure, cutting off several villages. The Army, NDRF, and SDRF have rescued over 270 people, airlifting many to safety. Efforts are focused on clearing debris and reaching those trapped in the worst-hit areas like Dharali and Harsil.
NDA Authorises Modi and Nadda to Select Vice-Presidential Candidate
Leaders of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have passed a unanimous resolution authorising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda to select the alliance's candidate for the upcoming vice-presidential election on September 9. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The move centralizes the selection process and underscores the BJP's dominance within the coalition, with the chosen candidate expected to be announced around August 12.
Yamuna River Crosses Warning Level in Delhi, Flood Alert Issued
The water level of the Yamuna river in Delhi has crossed the official warning mark of 204.50 metres, reaching 204.88 metres. The rise is attributed to large volumes of water being released from the Hathnikund barrage in Haryana following heavy rains. Authorities have issued an alert to all concerned agencies, asking them to take precautionary measures for a potential flood-like situation in low-lying areas near the riverbanks. The danger mark for the river in the national capital is 205.3 metres.
Election Commission Issues Notification for Vice-Presidential Poll
The Election Commission of India has issued the official notification for the election to the office of the Vice-President, formally starting the nomination process. The post became vacant following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. According to the schedule, the last date for filing nominations is August 21, with polling set for September 9 if required. The new Vice-President, who also serves as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, will hold a full five-year term per constitutional rules for a mid-term poll.
NCERT Adds Chapters on War Heroes Manekshaw, Usman, and Sharma to Textbooks
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced new chapters on the lives of three celebrated war heroes into the school curriculum for the current academic year. Students will now learn about Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma. The Defence Ministry stated the initiative, part of a collaboration with the Education Ministry, aims to instill patriotism and provide students with inspirational narratives of courage, sacrifice, and duty to the nation.
US Doubles Tariffs on Indian Goods to 50% Over Russian Oil Imports
The United States has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total to 50%, in response to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. The White House stated the measure addresses national security concerns related to the conflict in Ukraine. India's Ministry of External Affairs called the action "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," asserting its oil imports are market-driven and essential for energy security. The move threatens to strain diplomatic and trade relations and could significantly impact Indian exports to the US.
RBI Holds Key Interest Rate at 5.5% Amid Trade Uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%. The central bank adopted a "wait-and-watch" approach to assess the full impact of past rate cuts and growing global uncertainties, particularly new US tariffs on Indian goods. While the RBI maintained its GDP growth forecast for FY26 at 6.5%, the decision signals a higher bar for future rate cuts, with a focus on price stability as inflation is expected to rise later in the year.
Reserve Bank of India Holds Key Interest Rate at 5.5%
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.5%, pausing after three consecutive rate cuts. The decision was influenced by concerns over tariff uncertainties. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the central bank has retained its GDP growth forecast for FY26 at 6.5% while lowering the current year's inflation projection from 3.7% to 3.1%. The move aims to balance economic growth with inflation, which has remained below 4% since February.
PM Modi Likely to Visit China for SCO Summit, First Trip Since Border Standoff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to China from August 31 to September 1 for the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This would mark his first visit to the country since the military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in 2020. The trip, which may also include a stop in Japan, is being viewed as a potentially significant diplomatic step toward stabilizing relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors after years of heightened border tensions and military disengagement talks.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Modernize Merchant Shipping Laws
The Lok Sabha has passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, which aims to repeal and replace the nearly 70-year-old Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. The new legislation expands the eligibility criteria for vessel ownership in India and introduces updated provisions for investigating marine casualties. It also empowers the central government to detain vessels that are not legally entitled to fly a state's flag. The bill is intended to create a modern, futuristic regulatory framework for India's growing maritime economy.
ED Raids Uncover Global Cyber Fraud Ring Worth ₹260 Crore
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Dehradun, dismantling a global cyber fraud operation. The fraudsters allegedly duped Indian and foreign nationals of crores by impersonating police, agency officers, and tech support from companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The criminal proceeds, estimated at ₹260 crore, were converted into Bitcoin and transferred to the UAE through hawala channels. The money laundering investigation is based on FIRs previously filed by the CBI and Delhi Police.
Rescue Operations Underway in Uttarkashi After Deadly Flash Flood
A massive rescue operation is underway in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, after a flash flood swept away homes and trapped dozens. At least one body has been recovered, with around 50 people, including Army personnel and a 28-member tourist group from Kerala, reported missing. Rescue efforts by the Army, ITBP, and SDRF are being severely hampered by incessant rain and landslides that have blocked major highways, making it difficult for teams and equipment to reach the disaster-stricken area.
Optional Travel Insurance Now Available for Railway E-Tickets at 45 Paisa
Indian Railways passengers booking e-tickets can now opt for travel insurance by paying a nominal premium of just 45 paise per trip. In a statement to the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the scheme is available to all confirmed/RAC passengers who book online. The low-cost insurance is designed to be highly accessible and can be selected with a simple checkbox during booking. Over the last five years, insurance companies have settled 333 claims, paying out ₹27.22 crore to passengers.