External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Russia. The visit is scheduled from August 19 to 21, 2025. He will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting. The meeting will focus on trade, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation. Jaishankar will also address the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Shukla shared his experiences from the NASA Axiom-4 mission. He highlighted global enthusiasm for India's Gaganyaan mission. Discussions included the challenges of space travel and experiments with food. Modi emphasized the need for more Indian astronauts. Shukla stressed the importance of government support for space research.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for candid and constructive dialogue to improve bilateral relations after a challenging period. Jaishankar stressed maintaining peace and de-escalation at the border as crucial for positive momentum. He raised concerns about trade restrictions and terrorism, advocating for global economic stability.

The INDIA bloc is set to announce its vice-presidential candidate, with discussions focusing on figures like scientist Mylswamy Annadurai and Dalit intellectual Tushar Gandhi. The decision to field a candidate aims to challenge the BJP's nominee and potentially revive memories of APJ Abdul Kalam.

Samajwadi Party (SP) accused the Election Commission (EC) of falsely claiming the party didn't submit affidavits regarding voter deletion in Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav alleged targeted removal of backward class voters, who support SP, at the BJP's behest. SP leaders presented affidavits as evidence, protesting voter roll irregularities and accusing the EC of favoring the BJP.

The Election Commission has announced that individuals in Bihar who were omitted from the draft electoral roll published on August 1st can submit their claims using Form 6, along with a copy of their Aadhaar, before September 1st. Objections regarding ineligible electors can be filed in Form 7 within the same timeframe.

The NDA's choice of C P Radhakrishnan for vice-president has placed DMK in a dilemma. While rejecting a Tamil Nadu native could be seen as disrespecting Tamil pride, supporting a BJP candidate clashes with DMK's stance against the Centre. AIADMK and BJP leaders are urging DMK to support Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the opportunity for a Tamilian to hold high office.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is actively seeking support for NDA's Vice-Presidential candidate, C P Radhakrishnan, by reaching out to key political figures like M K Stalin and Naveen Patnaik. Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to Maharashtra's regional parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP, to support Radhakrishnan, highlighting his connection to the state as a voter.

The Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Court's decision to dismiss a petition challenging the validity of the previous Maharashtra assembly elections based on alleged bogus voting. The High Court had rejected the plea due to a lack of evidence and the improper filing of a writ petition instead of an election petition.

Mumbai and surrounding areas faced severe disruption due to 500 mm of torrential rain over 84 hours, prompting a red alert and school closures. The heavy downpour led to two deaths, widespread flooding, and significant transportation delays, impacting rail, road, and air travel.

Himachal Pradesh experienced a mild tremor in Kangra on Monday night, measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale, with a depth of 10 kilometers. This occurred shortly after Assam was hit by its seventh earthquake this month. The Assam quake, with a magnitude of 4.3, struck Nagaon earlier in the day, marking the third tremor in the district this month.

The Election Commission has announced that individuals omitted from Bihar's draft electoral roll, published on August 1, 2025, can submit Form 6 with their Aadhaar card copy by September 1. Objections to ineligible inclusions can be filed in Form 7 by electors of the same constituency.

The YSR Congress Party, with its 11 MPs, has pledged its support to NDA's vice-presidential candidate, C P Radhakrishnan, bolstering the ruling alliance's prospects. YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy confirmed the party's backing, even as the opposition gears up to nominate its own candidate. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly contacted YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy to secure the endorsement.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to New Delhi marks a renewed effort to improve Sino-Indian relations. Wang's meeting with S Jaishankar and participation in border talks with Ajit Doval, follows agreements made between Modi and Xi in Kazan. China aims to build political trust, expand cooperation, and manage differences for stable bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, celebrating his Axiom-4 mission to the ISS and India's growing space capabilities. Shukla shared pictures from space and received accolades in Parliament, though the Opposition's boycott drew criticism. India's space ambitions, including the Gaganyaan program and a planned space station, were highlighted, with the first module expected by 2028.

Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar has pledged his party's support to NDA's vice-presidential candidate, CP Radhakrishnan. The BJP nominated Radhakrishnan, currently the Governor of Maharashtra, aiming for a unanimous election. Prime Minister Modi lauded Radhakrishnan's dedication and intellect, highlighting his extensive community service. The vice-presidential election follows Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation, with polling scheduled for September 9.

Following Rahul Gandhi's allegations of vote irregularities in Karnataka, the Congress party is considering strong actions against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who demanded an apology or affidavit from Gandhi. Opposition parties are contemplating an impeachment motion against Kumar during the Monsoon Session, accusing him of bias towards the BJP.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla received a grand welcome in Delhi after his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He was greeted by ministers, ISRO chairman, and space enthusiasts. Shukla is scheduled to meet PM Modi and participate in National Space Day celebrations, with Parliament set to discuss his mission and India's space program.

Torrential rain caused widespread flash floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, particularly affecting Mandi and Kullu districts. The deluge washed away houses, blocked over 300 roads including national highways, and disrupted essential services. While significant damage occurred to property and infrastructure, no loss of life has been reported so far.

An Air India flight AI504 from Kochi to Delhi experienced a delay on Sunday due to a technical issue detected during the take-off roll. The pilots aborted the departure as a safety measure, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures. Passengers were safely disembarked, and an alternative aircraft was arranged for the flight.