The Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand experienced devastating flash floods on August 5, 2025, causing at least five confirmed deaths and leaving over 50 people missing, including nine Army personnel. The disaster struck Dharali village, a key stopover on the route to Gangotri, where flash floods and landslides wiped out homes, shops, hotels, and infrastructure. While initial reports cited a cloudburst as the cause, experts now consider heavy rainfall combined with the region’s rugged topography, including landslides and debris flow, as the main triggers. The India Meteorological Department ha…
Read More

Ambience Mall in Gurugram has launched “Humare Rakshak,” an installation honoring the Indian Armed Forces and commemorating “Operation Sindoor” as part of India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations. The exhibit showcases scale models of advanced defense systems like the S-400 missile launcher and aircraft including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale, constructed from upcycled materials, promoting sustainability. This initiative not only pays tribute to the nation’s defenders but also emphasizes values such as precision and resilience. By integrating interactive workshops on sustainability, Ambienc…
Read More

In response to devastating flash floods in Uttarkashi, the Indian Army has rapidly mobilized over 225 troops, including specialized engineers and medical teams, to engage in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. As of now, 70 individuals have been rescued, but more than 50 remain missing, including nine Army personnel who are feared lost. The Army has established an ad-hoc aviation base at Matli Helipad and is deploying Chinook and Mi-17 helicopters for airlifting operations, while drones are being utilized for aerial surveys to locate stranded individuals in inaccessi…
Read More

The Indian government has confirmed that the third satellite launch pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) will be operational by March 2029, enhancing ISRO’s capabilities significantly. Approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2025 with a budget of approximately ₹4,000 crore, the TLP is designed to support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and enable the launch of heavier spacecraft, up to 30,000 tons into low Earth orbit, compared to the current capacity of 640 tons with the LVM-3. The project involves four milestones: completion of civil works by May 2028, establishment o…
Read More

The Indian government has denied misleading reports suggesting that private entities would be allowed to mine atomic minerals like uranium and thorium from offshore regions, asserting that the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025 restrict these rights to government bodies only. The Ministry of Mines emphasized that the statutory framework, including the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2023, mandates strict regulatory control to ensure national security. This reaffirms India’s commitment to a transparent and secure approach to managing…
Read More

The Indian Army’s 19 Infantry Division, known as the Dagger Division, has inaugurated the Sindoor Dwar at its Baramulla headquarters to commemorate successful operations against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This initiative follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the death of 26 civilians, leading to Operation Sindoor, which included precision strikes on May 7 that eliminated around 100 terrorists. The division, responsible for the Line of Control’s security, has also honored notable military figures by naming various sites in Ba…
Read More

The recent flash flood in Uttarkashi, initially attributed to a cloudburst, is now disputed by experts who claim that the rainfall recorded (27 mm) was insufficient for such an event. Meteorologists indicate that factors like landslides or ice chunks could be more likely causes, and further analysis using satellite imagery is pending to confirm the disaster’s origins. Studies highlight an increase in extreme weather events in Uttarakhand post-2010, exacerbated by unstable geology and human activities, including unregulated construction. This situation underscores the need for comprehensive dis…
Read More

The Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, comprising INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, concluded a successful port call in Manila, Philippines, aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, the deployment involved high-level discussions with Philippine officials and a bilateral maritime exercise focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific, enhancing operational synergy between the two navies. The visit included a deck reception and oppo…
Read More

Recent tragic events in Dharali, Uttarkashi, where a cloudburst has caused flash floods, resulted in at least four fatalities and a number of individuals reported missing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has reached out to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to offer condolences and ensure that the central government is providing full support for rescue operations. Modi emphasized that relief teams are actively engaged, and he prayed for the well-being of the victims. Shah confirmed the deployment of three In…
Read More

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Shri Satyapal Malik, offering condolences to his family and supporters during this difficult time. He emphasized his grief and shared heartfelt thoughts, highlighting the important contributions Malik made throughout his life. The Prime Minister’s remarks reflect the unity and solidarity within the nation as it mourns the loss of an influential figure. Such sentiments contribute to strengthening the socio-political fabric of India, showcasing the government’s empathy and recognition of individuals who have played si…
Read More

Farhan Akhtar recently unveiled the teaser for his upcoming war drama “120 Bahadur,” based on the 1962 Battle of Rezang La, where 120 Indian soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiment bravely resisted a much larger Chinese force. Released in early August 2025, the teaser highlights Akhtar’s portrayal of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, emphasizing the soldiers’ unwavering resolve with the iconic dialogue “Hum Peechhe Nahin Hatenge.” Filmed in Ladakh’s harsh high-altitude terrain, the movie aims to authentically depict the intense combat and sacrifice during this significant…
Read More

Pakistan has unveiled plans to land a spacecraft on the Moon by 2035, relying entirely on Chinese assistance. The announcement followed high-level meetings in Beijing between Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese officials. As part of this collaboration, Pakistan’s space agency SUPARCO will contribute a 35-kilogram lunar rover to China’s Chang’e-8 mission, scheduled for 2028. Long plagued by underfunding, military oversight, and limited technological capacity, SUPARCO has struggled to make significant strides in space exploration. While India has gained global recognition for its ind…
Read More

The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning to visa holders about the severe consequences of overstaying their visas, which may include deportation and future ineligibility for US visas. This advisory highlights that violations can lead to strict removal proceedings, especially amid an intensified immigration crackdown. In response, the Indian government has defended its energy policies against US criticisms concerning Russian oil imports, emphasizing its commitment to national interests. The situation reflects a broader trend of tightening immigration regulations impacting Indian natio…
Read More

The UK government has announced a £100 million investment to enhance border security and combat illegal migration, funding up to 300 additional National Crime Agency officers and advanced detection technology. This initiative aims to disrupt organized immigration crime networks, particularly targeting smuggling operations across various regions. The Home Secretary emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to dismantle these networks, alongside increased surveillance capabilities and police powers. Additionally, the government intends to tighten regulations on student visas, addressing conc…
Read More

Dhruva Space is set to launch its first commercial mission, LEAP-1, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 in Q3 2025, showcasing a significant Indo-Australian collaboration supported by the U.S. The mission will use the indigenously developed P-30 satellite platform to deploy Akula Tech’s AI module and Esper Satellites’ hyperspectral imager, addressing applications across defense, disaster response, and environmental management. This marks a pivotal transition from technology demonstration to commercial operations for Dhruva Space, reinforcing India’s advancements in space technology and strategic partners…
Read More

A Joint Expedition Team from three esteemed National Mountaineering Institutes, including JIM&WS Pahalgam, NIM Uttarkashi, and HMI Darjeeling, achieved a significant milestone by summiting the highest peaks in the Pangong Tso region—Mt Merag-III at 6,480 meters and Mt Kangju Kangri at 6,710 meters. Led by Colonel Hem Chandra Singh, this expedition showcased the team’s exceptional courage, resilience, and teamwork under challenging conditions. This achievement not only highlights the increasing capabilities of Indian mountaineers in high-altitude expeditions but also reflects India’s commitme…
Read More

The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) will launch its first Annual Trident Lecture Series (ATLS) at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi, on August 5, 2025, centered on the theme “Dominating the Future Battlespace.” Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan is set to inaugurate the event, highlighting the critical need for joint force integration and technological advancements in India’s evolving defense environment. The program includes the release of a significant study on Manned-Unmanned Teaming, reflecting recent successful demonstrations by the Indian Army and ongoing projects like HA…
Read More

BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery Limited have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to deploy India’s first captive non-public 5G network in the refinery sector, a move formalized on August 2, 2025, during an Industry 4.0 Workshop organized under the Ministry of Finance. This collaboration is expected to significantly boost operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and the uptake of advanced technologies such as IoT, AR/VR, and Big Data Analytics in public sector enterprises, supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India initiatives. While the Indian Armed Forces curren…
Read More

ISRO has inaugurated the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) analog mission in Ladakh, a crucial step towards India’s Human Spaceflight Programme, aimed at extending human presence in space, with a targeted lunar landing by 2040. The mission will simulate conditions akin to Mars, allowing researchers from various institutions to study health and performance risks associated with crewed space missions. This initiative underscores the integration of public-private partnerships in India’s space ecosystem, fostering innovation and collaboration in the sector. Valuable data generated…
Read More

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch its upgraded LVM-3 rocket, equipped with a new semi-cryogenic stage, in 2027. This enhancement will increase the vehicle’s payload capacity from 4,200 kg to approximately 5,200 kg for geosynchronous transfer orbit while reducing launch costs by about 25%. The semi-cryogenic engine, developed with an environmentally friendly propellant combination, showcases India’s growing expertise in advanced launch technologies. This significant upgrade is expected to bolster India’s heavy-lift capabilities in space, promoting efficiency in satel…
Read More

India has not issued directives to its refiners to halt the purchase of Russian oil, as officials navigate the balance between energy needs and maintaining diplomatic relations with Moscow amidst U.S. pressure. Currently, Russian crude constitutes 35-40% of India’s oil imports, significantly aiding the economy by providing discounted prices and keeping inflation in check. Analysts warn that U.S. penalties could increase India’s oil import bill by $9-11 billion, complicating the situation further as Indian refiners face dual pressures from U.S. tariffs and upcoming EU sanctions. Major players l…
Read More

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has granted a visitor visa to Rakshanda Rashid, a Pakistani woman deported after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh High Court dismissed her petition for relief from deportation but acknowledged the Home Ministry’s decision to allow her to return, highlighting the unique circumstances of her case considering her long-term visa status. Rashid’s family expressed relief over this decision, showcasing the Indian government’s sensitivity to humanitarian concerns while maintaining national security protocols. This case…
Read More

India’s imports of U.S. crude oil surged by 51% in the first half of 2025, reflecting a strategic pivot in energy sourcing amidst strengthening bilateral ties with the U.S. The value of these imports more than doubled to $3.7 billion, while discussions for a long-term LNG contract signal deepening energy cooperation. This diversification strategy aids India in reducing dependency on traditional suppliers, including Russia, which remains its top crude supplier. Overall, this development underscores India’s commitment to energy security and resilient partnerships despite geopolitical fluctuation…
Read More

The World Expo 2025 in Osaka saw over 20,000 visitors captivated by India’s cultural heritage and technological advancements showcased at its pavilion. Highlights included artistic masterpieces from various regions, a focus on India’s space endeavors through the Chandrayaan Zone, and wellness activities like yoga sessions. This event not only promoted India’s diverse culture and achievements but also strengthened ties with Japan, reflecting their long-standing strategic partnership. Overall, India’s presence at the expo enhanced global appreciation for its rich traditions and modern contributi…
Read More

Brent crude oil prices are projected to rise to $80 per barrel due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly if Russian oil is removed from the global supply chain, potentially pushing prices to $100-$120. Indian refiners, while not facing immediate supply shortages due to diverse import sources, may struggle with rising consumer prices. The global oil market is sensitive to geopolitical uncertainties and limited spare production capacity, challenging immediate responses from OPEC and other producers. The interplay of U.S. sanctions, trade agreements, and currency fluctu…
Read More