India

Experts say the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement will improve market access for agricultural and processed food products, strengthen automotive exports through lower tariffs, encourage technology adoption and support investment, while enhancing India's competitiveness in the UK market

The TVK government in Tamil Nadu has announced plans to establish 'Arivagam', an AI and innovation city, in the Revised Budget 2026-27. The Budget also proposes a new industrial policy, mobile geriatric healthcare units and welfare measures for transgender persons

United Spirits and Associated Alcohol & Breweries have approached the Bombay and Madhya Pradesh High Courts, respectively, challenging FSSAI notices over alleged use of flavours that mimic alcoholic beverages' natural profiles, while industry bodies have also taken up the issue with the regulator

The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent for the fourth straight meeting, citing inflation uncertainties linked to higher energy prices and geopolitical tensions, while slightly raising its growth forecast and announcing measures for cooperative banks and consumer protection

The Bombay High Court granted interim relief to Union minister Nitin Gadkari by directing Meta, X and Google to remove defamatory and AI-generated deepfake posts targeting him. The court also stressed the need for online platforms to develop quicker mechanisms to remove abusive content

Gold futures rose for the second straight session, gaining Rs 2,165 per 10 grams on the MCX amid strong overseas markets, renewed safe-haven demand, a weaker US dollar and easing inflation concerns, while investors awaited key US economic data and central bank signals

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has registered 19,756 pet dogs and 189 pet cats under its mandatory registration programme. Labrador Retrievers remain the most popular breed, while civic authorities continue awareness campaigns ahead of the September 30, 2026 registration deadline

Protests and clashes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have reportedly increased pressure on militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen. Officials say unrest is affecting their agenda focused on Jammu and Kashmir, while calls for dialogue emerge amid continuing tensions and violence

Yemen condemned the Houthi attack on Indian cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya in the Red Sea, calling it a violation of international maritime law. All 13 Indian nationals among the 14 crew members were rescued, with authorities coordinating safety measures

The Bombay High Court ordered social media platforms to remove defamatory AI-generated deepfake content allegedly linking Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and his family to the E20 ethanol programme. Gadkari’s plea claimed the posts were fabricated and sought damages over reputational harm caused

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said India may introduce polymer currency notes by FY28 after ongoing field trials assess durability and suitability. The pilot involves Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations, with polymer notes expected to complement existing paper currency rather than replace it

A Hyderabad-based company donated Rs 2 crore to TTD’s Sri Venkateswara Pranadana Trust in Tirupati. The trust provides free medical treatment to poor patients suffering from critical diseases including heart, kidney, brain and cancer-related ailments, supporting TTD’s healthcare initiatives

The Calcutta High Court denied Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee permission to travel abroad for eye treatment and dismissed his plea. The court had earlier advised consultation with SSKM Hospital experts, but Banerjee’s counsel declined, leading to rejection of the request

Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan warned MPs against entering the Well and displaying placards during protests, urging cooperation to maintain order. Despite Opposition sloganeering, Question Hour continued with Nitin Gadkari addressing highway projects and Sudha Murthy raising concerns over rising road accidents

A Parliamentary standing committee has sought an apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg over the temporary removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook video. The panel also urged government action against Google India leadership over alleged fraud app losses involving investors 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a breakfast meeting with 37 BJP MPs during the Monsoon Session, discussing governance, parliamentary affairs and constituency feedback. The interaction is part of his regular outreach to lawmakers aimed at strengthening coordination and supporting the government's legislative agenda

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon after repeated sloganeering and protests by Opposition members disrupted Zero Hour proceedings. Amid the disruptions, MPs raised issues ranging from health insurance and generic medicines to hydrogen-powered trains and student protests.

Mumbai Police is investigating a viral X post warning of possible terrorist attacks in August 2026. Cyber teams are verifying the account, source and credibility of the claims, while authorities say no specific threat has been confirmed and urge people to avoid rumours

US President Donald Trump said a Strait of Hormuz agreement could be reached within days as Iran and Oman negotiate reopening vital shipping lanes. Progress has eased oil prices, though key issues over control, security, tolls, and broader regional tensions remain unresolved

Ayodhya's Ram Temple has abolished the special pass system for Ram Darbar darshan, allowing devotees seamless access after Ram Lalla darshan. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is monitoring the temple donation theft probe, with a senior IPS-led SIT investigating alleged embezzlement and security lapses

Maharashtra has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of analogue or artificial paneer following widespread food safety violations. The FDA said over one-third of tested samples failed quality standards, prompting stricter enforcement against adulterated dairy products.

Seven years after Article 370 was abrogated, Jammu and Kashmir has seen changes in security, governance, women's rights, tourism, and investments. While officials cite reduced separatist influence and stronger law enforcement, challenges from Pakistan-backed militant groups and cross-border terrorism continue

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson presented the TVK government's first Budget, praising Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for ending alleged tender "cuts." The Budget reiterated opposition to NEET, urged its abolition, and highlighted financial recovery measures alongside reforms promoting transparency in public tenders