US Threatens Tariff Hike Over India's Russian Oil Trade, New Delhi Hits Back
US President Donald Trump threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on Indian goods, accusing New Delhi of profiting from Russian oil and “fuelling the war machine.” In a sharp rebuttal, India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the targeting “unjustified and unreasonable,” pointing out that the US and EU also continue significant trade with Russia. India stated it began importing Russian oil after traditional supplies were diverted to Europe, a move initially encouraged by the US to stabilise global energy markets.
Dozens Missing, Including Soldiers, After Uttarkashi Flash Floods
Rescue operations are underway in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, after a cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods, killing at least four people. Around 60 people, including 11 soldiers, are reported missing after an Army base and the village of Dharali were hit. The incident ravaged the village, a key stop for Gangotri pilgrims, and buried the ancient Kalp Kedar temple in debris. The Army, ITBP, and SDRF are conducting search and rescue efforts amidst heavy rain, having evacuated around 130 people to safety.
US Proposes Visa Applicants Post Bonds of up to $15,000
The US State Department has proposed a pilot program that could require some business and tourist visa applicants to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The measure targets applicants from countries with high rates of visa overstays or deficient document security. The proposal, part of the Trump administration's broader tightening of visa requirements, aims to ensure visitors comply with the terms of their stay. The move could make travel to the US significantly more expensive and difficult for many Indians.
Anil Ambani Questioned by ED in ₹17,000 Crore Bank Loan Fraud Case
Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi for questioning in a money laundering case. The investigation pertains to alleged financial irregularities and loan diversion of over ₹17,000 crore by his group companies, including funds from Yes Bank. The summons followed extensive searches by the agency at multiple premises linked to his business group. The probe marks a major development in one of the country's most high-profile corporate fraud investigations, with significant legal and market implications.
India Post to Discontinue Registered Post Service From September 1
India Post has announced it will discontinue its long-standing Registered Post service from September 1, 2025. The service will be merged with Speed Post as part of a strategy to modernise operations and improve efficiency. Registered Post has been a crucial service for official correspondence, legal notices, and job letters, particularly in areas with poor digital connectivity. The decision follows a 25% decline in usage between 2011 and 2020, attributed to the rise of digital communication and private couriers.
Jharkhand Leader and JMM Founder Shibu Soren Dies at 81
Veteran tribal leader Shibu Soren, founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a three-time former chief minister of Jharkhand, has died at 81 after a prolonged illness. Known as 'Dishom Guru' (Great Leader), Soren was a towering figure in Indian politics and instrumental in the movement for the creation of Jharkhand. His death marks the end of an era for the state, which has declared a three-day period of state mourning. Top national leaders are expected to attend his last rites.
Parliament Extends President's Rule in Manipur by Six Months
Parliament has approved a statutory resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur for an additional six months beyond its August 13 deadline. The resolution was passed by the Rajya Sabha amid protests from Opposition parties over unrelated issues. President's Rule was first imposed in the state on February 13 following the resignation of the chief minister amid severe ethnic violence. The extension signifies continued instability in the state, transferring legislative and executive powers to the Union government to manage the security situation.
India's Services Sector Growth Hits 11-Month High in July
India’s services sector registered its strongest growth in 11 months in July, with the HSBC Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) at 60.5. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. The robust performance was driven by a sharp rise in new business, particularly a surge in export orders from Asia, Canada, Europe, the UAE, and the US. While the growth is a strong positive indicator for the Indian economy, the survey noted that inflationary pressures increased and job creation moderated.
Anil Ambani Questioned for 10 Hours in Alleged Bank Loan Fraud Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani for approximately 10 hours in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged bank loan frauds worth over ₹17,000 crore. The probe stems from allegations of fund diversion from loans granted by Yes Bank and other financial irregularities. The ED, which recently conducted searches at 35 locations, is investigating a suspected nexus of bribes and loans, and has issued a Look Out Circular against Ambani.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Provide ST Reservation in Goa Assembly
The Lok Sabha passed a bill to provide reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the 40-member Goa Assembly. The 'Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2025' addresses the significant increase in the state's ST population, which stands at nearly 1.5 lakh according to the 2011 census. Until now, no seats were reserved for the ST community, denying them constitutional representation despite their numbers being considerably higher than the Scheduled Caste population.
Convicted Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Granted 40-Day Parole
Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder, has been released from a Rohtak jail on a 40-day parole. This is his third temporary release this year and the 14th since his 2017 conviction. He will reportedly celebrate his birthday on August 15 at his main ashram in Sirsa. The repeated paroles granted to the controversial and politically influential sect leader continue to draw criticism and raise questions about the legal process.
Satyapal Malik, Former J&K Governor During Article 370 Repeal, Dies at 79
Satyapal Malik, a veteran politician who served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has passed away at 79 after a prolonged illness. A seasoned politician, he held governorships in Bihar, Goa, and Meghalaya and later became a vocal critic of the central government, notably regarding the 2019 Pulwama attack. His tenure in J&K marked one of the most significant political transformations in the region's recent history.
Over 1,500 Baby Crocodiles Hatch in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park
More than 1,500 saltwater crocodile hatchlings have emerged from their nests in and around Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, marking a conservation success. This year, forest officials identified 117 nesting sites for the vulnerable species. Bhitarkanika is home to about 70% of India's estuarine crocodile population, which has grown from just 96 in 1975 to over 1,800 today due to dedicated conservation efforts. The park was closed to tourists for two months to ensure an undisturbed nesting season.
India Rebuffs US Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil Trade
India issued a sharp rebuttal after US President Donald Trump threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on its goods over the purchase and resale of Russian oil. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the threat “unjustified and unreasonable,” noting that the US and EU also continue to trade with Russia. New Delhi asserted it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests. The spat marks a significant escalation in trade tensions, highlighting India's delicate balancing act between Western allies and its strategic partner, Russia.
Over 140 African Migrants Dead or Missing as Boat Capsizes Off Yemen
A boat carrying 154 Ethiopian migrants sank in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen's southern coast, resulting in a major tragedy. The UN's International Organisation for Migration (IOM) confirmed that 68 migrants are dead and 74 are missing and presumed dead, with only 12 survivors. The incident is the latest in a series of deadly shipwrecks on the perilous migration route from East Africa to Gulf countries, which thousands undertake despite the region's instability and dangers.