India

The Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, which replaces the 1958 Act and empowers the Centre to detain stateless vessels. The bill aims to modernise maritime law, even as Opposition protests over Bihar electoral rolls continued

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan, the first of 10 planned Common Central Secretariat buildings under the Central Vista project. It will house several ministries, replacing outdated structures to streamline government operations and enhance administrative efficiency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Japan and China later this month. The trip includes summit talks in Japan and potential participation in the SCO summit in China, marking his first visit there since the Ladakh standoff

Paytm is now fully Indian-owned after Ant Group exited by selling its residual 5.84 per cent stake. The move marks a major shift in the company’s ownership structure, aligning with its long-standing vision of building a homegrown tech champion

WhatsApp has rolled out a ‘Safety Overview’ feature to protect users from being added to unknown groups, as part of a broader anti-scam push. Over 6.8 million scam-linked accounts were banned, with operations disrupted across Southeast Asia

India and Russia have reaffirmed their defence partnership as Deputy Defence Minister Aleksandr Fomin met Ambassador Vinay Kumar in Moscow. The talks come amid tensions with the US over India’s Russian oil imports and Trump’s proposed tariff hikes

Infosys has inaugurated a new Centre for Advanced AI, Cybersecurity, and Space Technology in Hubballi, Karnataka. Part of its global Living Labs network, the facility enhances digital innovation and pushes its local workforce beyond 1,000 employees

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Lok Sabha that confirmed/RAC e-ticket passengers can avail of travel insurance by paying a premium of just Rs 0.45. Over Rs 27 crore has been disbursed in settled claims over five years, he said

The Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Himachal Pradesh has been suspended after heavy rain damaged trekking routes. ITBP and NDRF rescued 413 stranded pilgrims. Statewide, 617 roads are shut due to landslides, and schools have been closed in several districts

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra dismissed US President Donald Trump's "dead economy" jibe, asserting that India is doing well and contributing 18% to global growth—more than the US. Inflation won't be impacted by potential oil-related sanctions, he added

The Assam government will soon launch a dedicated online portal to allow indigenous citizens living in vulnerable regions to apply for arms licences. The scheme aims to ensure their safety through a rigorous verification process and strict compliance with arms law

Oxymorons, Hyderabad’s first cocktail lab, opens in Begumpet with an innovative blend of mixology and storytelling. Founded by hospitality veteran Rehan Guha, the bar offers experimental cocktails crafted using techniques like clarification, fermentation, and fat-washing

After two student suicides in one medical college hostel, RGUHS is planning to install anti-suicide devices in ceiling fans across affiliated colleges. The devices disconnect under pressure and trigger alarms, enabling timely intervention and psychological support for distressed students

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra assured that the central bank will continue to take necessary steps to support India’s economic growth amid global trade uncertainties. He also expressed optimism about an amicable resolution to ongoing trade negotiations

US tariffs on Indian exports, set to take effect August 7, will have a minimal GDP impact of 0.19%, affecting $8.1 billion in trade, says PHDCCI. The think tank has outlined a four-pronged plan to manage the fallout.

A cloudburst in Dharali village, Uttarakhand, killed at least four and left many missing as flash floods and landslides devastated the area. While 150 people have been rescued, efforts continue amid inclement weather and blocked roads. Army and NDRF teams deployed.

A 21-year-old second-year MBBS student from Rajasthan died by suicide in her college hostel at Pune’s B J Medical College. A note was found in which she mentioned undergoing psychiatric treatment and her desire to continue studying. Investigation is ongoing.

The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday kept the repo rate steady at 5.5% after three consecutive cuts, citing global tariff uncertainties. The FY26 growth forecast remains at 6.5%, while inflation projection is lowered to 3.1%.

Rivers across eight Indian states are flowing above danger marks due to continued heavy rainfall in the hills, triggering widespread flood alerts. Ganga, Yamuna, and Mandakini are among the rivers posing serious threats in Bihar, UP, Uttarakhand, and Assam.

Leaders across party lines paid tributes to former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj on her sixth death anniversary. Remembered for her oratory, compassion, and dedication to public service, Swaraj’s legacy was hailed by Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, and others.

Donald Trump claimed ignorance over continued US imports of Russian commodities after India hit back at criticism of its oil purchases from Moscow. The former US President reiterated plans to raise tariffs on India and others buying Russian energy.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Moscow to strengthen India-Russia defence cooperation amid growing US pressure over India’s Russian oil imports. The visit comes as President Trump threatens higher tariffs on Indian goods citing oil trade concerns.

A Tamil Nadu Special Sub-Inspector was hacked to death by a father-son duo at an AIADMK MLA's estate in Tiruppur. The officer was investigating a dispute when the accused, allegedly drunk, attacked him with sickles. A manhunt is on.

The ancient Kalp Kedar Shiva temple in Uttarkashi, discovered in 1945 and known for its Kedarnath-style architecture, has been buried again under debris following flash floods in the Kheer Ganga river. Rescue teams are assessing the damage.