The Election Commission of India (ECI) demands Rahul Gandhi either substantiate his «vote theft» allegations with a signed declaration or apologize for the claims, which ECI deems false. Gandhi refuses to sign, while Sharad Pawar supports Gandhi's concerns. BJP calls for a formal complaint or Gandhi's resignation if he lacks faith in the ECI.

Tejashwi Yadav has strongly criticized Amit Shah for delivering repetitive and unproductive speeches during his Bihar visits, accusing the BJP of engaging in 'politics of negativity'. Yadav emphasized that Shah avoids addressing crucial issues like unemployment, inflation, and migration from Bihar.

NSA Ajit Doval met with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov to discuss military-technical cooperation and joint projects in strategic sectors like defence, civil aviation, and metallurgy. Doval also met with President Vladimir Putin, conveying PM Modi's invitation to visit India, which Putin accepted.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, along with Arvind Kejriwal, launched 'Baaz Akh,' an anti-drone system, making Punjab the first Indian state to deploy such technology in border areas. Aimed at curbing drug and weapon smuggling from Pakistan, the system will be the second line of defense, working with the BSF. Nine units are being established at a cost of Rs 51.

In a tragic incident in Delhi's Khera Khurd village, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy lost his life after falling into an open sewer during heavy rainfall on Saturday morning. The child was playing near his home on Furni Road when the accident occurred.

The Election Commission has delisted 334 registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs) for violating guidelines and statutory obligations. This action reduces the total number of RUPPs to 2,520, preventing them from accessing income-tax concessions. Parties were given opportunities to respond before the delisting, and they have 30 days to appeal the decision.

Rescue teams are working tirelessly in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi to evacuate stranded residents after devastating flash floods hit the Harsil-Dharali region. Hundreds have been rescued, and essential supplies are being delivered by helicopter. The Army has restored mobile connectivity and repaired damaged bridges, while search operations continue for the missing, with the SDRF employing advanced tools.

IAF chief Amar Preet Singh revealed Operation Sindoor inflicted significant damage on Pakistan, including the downing of six aircraft, among them five fighter jets and a high-value surveillance platform. The operation targeted command and control centers, radar systems, and aircraft hangars, effectively addressing the 'ghost of Balakot' by showcasing tangible achievements and losses inflicted on the adversary.

The BJP has criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP), labeling it a «communal party» after former SP MP ST Hasan linked the Uttarkashi flash floods to religious intolerance in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Hasan suggested a lack of respect for other religions contributed to the disaster, while the BJP condemned his remarks as insulting to Sanatan Dharma amidst a natural calamity.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has filed a privilege case against four Jharkhand officials following an FIR against him and others, including MP Manoj Tiwari, for allegedly entering the Deoghar temple's sanctum sanctorum during a VIP entry ban. Dubey, a temple trustee, claims the complainants were improperly allowed inside.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has delisted 334 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) to enhance electoral system transparency. This action follows a review of state CEO reports, revealing violations of registration norms. The delisted parties will lose benefits under RP Act and Income Tax Act, with an appeal window of 30 days.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh revealed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully shot down five Pakistani jets and an AEW&C aircraft during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a memorial lecture in Bengaluru, Singh's statement marks the first official confirmation of the extent of damage inflicted on Pakistani aircraft during the cross-border anti-terror operation.

Delhi was severely affected by incessant heavy rains, leading to widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across key areas like Vasant Kunj and Connaught Place. The India Meteorological Department initially issued a red alert, which was later downgraded to yellow, forecasting continued thunderstorms until August 12. The city recorded significant rainfall, with Safdarjung reporting 78.7 mm.

India's defence production has reached a record high of Rs 1,50,590 crore in FY 2024-25, marking an 18% increase from the previous year, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This represents a significant 90% surge since FY 2019-20. Singh attributed this growth to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Defence Production, DPSUs, public sector manufacturers, and the private industry.

The Congress party has intensified its criticism of the Modi government, citing US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions of having brokered peace between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. Congress highlighted Trump's remarks about intervening to prevent a potential nuclear conflict between India-Pak, questioning «why Narendra Modi compromised the country's honour.»

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh revealed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and an AEW&C aircraft during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a memorial lecture in Bengaluru, Singh's statement marks the first official confirmation of the extent of damage inflicted on Pakistani aircraft during the cross-border anti-terror operation.

An ongoing encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, under Operation Akhal, has resulted in the death of two soldiers, confirmed by the Army on Saturday. The operation, initiated on August 1, has also led to the killing of two unidentified terrorists.

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.