The Ireland embassy in India has strongly condemned the violent attacks against Indian citizens, emphasizing that racism and xenophobia are unacceptable. Ireland's deputy prime minister will meet with Indian community representatives to address concerns.
Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha faced disruptions due to opposition protests demanding a discussion on Bihar's special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha rejected notices for suspending business, leading to uproar and adjournment. Despite the chaos in Lok Sabha, some questions were addressed, and the Income Tax Bill, 2025 was withdrawn for revision.
Niti Aayog's withdrawal of a paper advocating GM soybean and corn imports from the US reveals India's firm stance against transgenic food items due to biosafety concerns. Despite US trade negotiations and Niti Aayog's argument for imports, the government prioritizes domestic production and aligns with opposition from groups like Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.
India is urgently seeking to replace its aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, which are plagued by safety concerns and outdated technology. The Army has issued a request for information to acquire 120 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters, while the IAF needs 80, aiming to modernize its fleet and enhance operational capabilities after decades of delays.
Piyush Goyal asserted India's resilience, stating it won't bow down to anyone and will capitalize on global trade restructuring. He expressed confidence in India's economic strength and ability to find opportunities amidst crises like potential Trump tariffs. Goyal highlighted India's growing global recognition and attractiveness as a market, dismissing concerns about its economic status.
The National Medical Register, a database for allopathic doctors, faces challenges. Launched in August 2024, it has seen low registration numbers. Out of 13.9 lakh doctors, only 996 have registered. Many applications are pending approval. The initiative aimed to strengthen digital healthcare. Registers for nurses and paramedics are also planned. However, progress is slow.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticised Rahul Gandhi's 'vote chori' allegations, dismissing them as a fictional script to mask his failures. Fadnavis highlighted the Election Commission's comprehensive revision efforts, accusing Gandhi of opposing them to conceal his shortcomings. The Election Commission refuted Gandhi's claims as baseless, drawing parallels to past allegations by Kamal Nath.
The Election Commission has declared the EPIC card presented by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as «fake» and demanded its submission by August 16. This action follows Yadav's demand for accountability from the EC regarding the issuance of two EPIC numbers to him.
The Indian Army is gearing up to replace its aging Chetak and Cheetah helicopters with 200 modern light helicopters, as indicated by the defence ministry's recent request for information. This initiative aligns with India's Aatmnirbhar Bharat campaign, emphasising indigenous defence manufacturing through partnerships between Indian companies and original equipment manufacturers.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and others, including Manoj Tiwari, face charges for allegedly forcing their way into the Baba Baidyanath temple's sanctum sanctorum in Deoghar. A priest's complaint alleges the group's actions, violating restrictions during 'Shravan,' hurt religious sentiments and caused a disturbance. Dubey claims he's being targeted for performing 'puja' and intends to surrender.
Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday clarified that its primary site for E-Roll download for all states has been working without any issues.
The Supreme Court declined to hear a PIL seeking an independent safety audit of Air India following a fatal crash on June 12 involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The court questioned the petition's focus solely on Air India, suggesting the petitioner approach the DGCA or Union government with broader safety concerns applicable to all airlines.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his «vote theft» allegations at a Bengaluru rally, demanding the Election Commission (EC) provide the complete electronic voter list and video records. He claimed some state election websites were taken down after Congress's expose. Gandhi warned EC officials of consequences, accusing them of attacking the constitution.
Kiren Rijiju expressed concern about Rajya Sabha disruptions. He urged MPs to follow a 1997 resolution for smooth functioning. The Upper House lost 53 hours of work. Despite protests, the Rajya Sabha passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025. The opposition protested the Bihar Special Intense Revision. The government rejected discussion demands, citing constitutional provisions and a sub judice matter.
The Supreme Court retracted two paragraphs from its August 4th order concerning Justice Prashant Kumar of the Allahabad High Court. This followed concerns raised by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai regarding remarks perceived as demeaning.
The Election Commission confronts Rahul Gandhi over electoral fraud claims. They demand he signs a declaration supporting his allegations. Alternatively, the commission wants an apology. Gandhi alleges vote manipulation in Karnataka. He accuses the EC of colluding with the BJP. The EC denies destroying evidence. They state Gandhi failed to respond to earlier requests for proof.
President Trump declared that the U.S. will not engage in trade negotiations with India until the existing tariff dispute is resolved. This decision follows the U.S. imposing a 50% tariff on Indian exports, citing concerns over India's trade imbalance and continued purchase of Russian oil.
The Centre informed the Supreme Court that lowering the age of consent from 18 to 16 would endanger young girls, making them vulnerable to predators both within and outside their families.
A new report scrutinizes the legal processes of Foreigners Tribunals and the Gauhati High Court in Assam, revealing that over 1.6 lakh people were declared «foreigners» based on minor discrepancies in documents and dismissed oral testimonies. The report highlights how crucial documents were rejected due to formatting flaws and inconsistencies, leading to a burgeoning crisis of rights violations and exclusion.
A Delhi court has granted Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, permission for a phone call with his family. This is specifically to discuss engaging new legal counsel, as his request to speak with family was initially denied. The court had previously addressed Rana's needs by directing jail authorities to provide him with a bed and mattress.
The armed forces in India have released new joint doctrines. These doctrines are for cyberspace and amphibious operations. Cyberspace is now a key part of non-contact warfare. The doctrines were released during a meeting. General Anil Chauhan and the three Service chiefs attended the meeting. The doctrines aim to defend national cyberspace interests.
The government has capped prices for four emergency medicines. Retail prices are now fixed for 37 other drug formulations. This includes antibiotics and painkillers from specific companies. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) issued the order. Companies must lower prices exceeding the ceiling. Manufacturers with lower prices should maintain them. This aims to make essential medicines more affordable.
In a move to inspire students, the NCERT syllabus will now include chapters on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma. These additions, across Urdu and English textbooks for classes VII and VIII, aim to instill values of courage and duty.
Rahul Gandhi alleges that over one lakh fake votes were cast in the Mahadevapura assembly seat, contributing to BJP's narrow victory in Bangalore Central. He accuses the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to manipulate elections, demanding electronic voter data and CCTV footage as evidence. Gandhi urges judicial intervention, claiming a criminal fraud against the Constitution.
BJP leaders have strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi's allegations of poll fraud against the Election Commission, calling it a calculated deceit and part of a larger conspiracy against Indian democracy. They accused Congress of systematically attacking constitutional bodies and highlighted Gandhi's frustration over losing power, dismissing his claims as baseless and irresponsible.