In the aftermath of a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar district, J&K, search efforts for the missing persons have entered their fifth day, with rescuers bravely navigating difficult terrain and heavy rains to recover victims buried under debris. The tragic incident, which struck Chisoti village on August 14, resulted in at least 61 confirmed deaths, including three CISF personnel, with around 50 individuals still reported missing. Noteworthy is the quick thinking of a local teacher who …

The Indian military currently holds nearly 12,600 animals, including horses, mules, camels, and dogs, as revealed by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth in a Rajya Sabha response. The government emphasizes that the health and welfare of these animals are overseen by military veterinarians, with detailed management policies in place. Specialized Army trainers conduct operations involving these animals, ensuring they receive scientifically designed rations and regular medical examinations. Additionally, research projects are undertaken in …

The Indian Parliament will hold a special session on August 18, 2025, to discuss the impact of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s landmark mission aboard the International Space Station, following his return to Delhi on August 17. Shukla, the second Indian to visit space and selected through the Gaganyaan program, spent 18 days on the ISS as part of the NASA-SpaceX Axiom-4 mission, conducting experiments critical for India’s own human spaceflight goals. His journey, marked by …

The timings for the Beating the Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah joint check-post on the Indo-Pak border have been adjusted due to changing weather conditions. The ceremony will now commence at 6 pm and conclude at 6.30 pm, a shift from the previous schedule of 6.30 pm to 7 pm, as stated by Border Security Force (BSF) authorities. This alteration reflects the Indian government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of events while adapting to …

An Indian Air Force officer, Wing Commander Robin Sebastian, was duped of over Rs 1 crore by fraudsters through a fake trading app after joining a WhatsApp group. The deception began when he was lured to download an app for IPO trading, leading to substantial transfers from his bank account. Upon trying to withdraw his funds, he discovered additional demands for payments, prompting him to report the fraud. The Sriganganagar Cyber Police swiftly intervened, managing …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) band recently performed at the Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Nagpur, marking the 79th Independence Day with a blend of patriotism and melody. The event, highlighting Operation Sindoor, showcased India’s progress in indigenous defense under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, emphasizing self-reliance and innovation within the IAF. Junior Warrant Officer Pratap Kumar Nanda remarked on the dual identity of band members as both air warriors and artists, resonating …

A total of 1,440 MW of nuclear power capacity in Southern India is currently shutdown, with 1,220 MW expected to resume operations this year. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) units affected include the Kudankulam Unit 1, MAPS in Kalpakkam, and Kaiga Unit 1, which are undergoing maintenance and refuelling. Notably, the Kudankulam Unit 1 will restart by September 25, 2025, while MAPS Unit 1, inactive since January 2018, is expected to resume …

Nayara Energy Ltd, partly owned by Russian Rosneft, is negotiating with India’s UCO Bank to process payments for Russian crude oil imports, circumventing EU sanctions. After facing reluctance from foreign banks post-sanctions, Nayara aims to leverage UCO Bank’s limited exposure to global markets to facilitate these transactions. The Indian refiners, benefiting from discounted Russian crude, have established alternative mechanisms for trade, including settling payments in rupees through special vostro accounts. This situation highlights India’s strategic …

A cloudburst in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, has resulted in a death toll of 61, with search and rescue operations ongoing for the fourth day. The Indian Army engineers are working to establish a bailey bridge to restore connectivity to Chisoti village and expedite rescue efforts. The flash floods caused significant destruction, impacting multiple structures and leaving over 100 injured. Despite the challenging conditions, the efforts to locate and assist the missing individuals continue, …

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is returning to India after a successful 18-day mission at the International Space Station (ISS), where he conducted various experiments for ISRO. He expressed a mix of emotions about leaving behind his colleagues but is eager to share his experiences, which will contribute to India’s future space endeavors, notably the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission targeted for 2027. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Shukla’s achievement, emphasizing India’s ambition for self-reliance in the …

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite achieved a major milestone with the successful deployment of its 39-foot (12-meter) radar antenna reflector on August 15, 2025. Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, NISAR represents the first joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and ISRO. The mission’s primary focus is to use advanced dual-frequency L-band and S-band radar systems to monitor Earth’s surface changes, track disturbances from natural disasters such as earthquakes and …

A retired Indian Army Captain, Narsaram Jajra, was tragically killed in Jaipur when a speeding car struck him and dragged him for nearly 10 feet. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows the driver fleeing the scene after the collision, which occurred as Jajra was cycling to Chitrakoot Stadium. The driver, identified as a woman with her child in the car, has not yet been arrested, leading to protests from the victim’s family and local residents. …

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for expert consultations to address the rising risks of natural calamities like glacial lake bursts and cloudbursts in the Himalayan region, following a devastating incident in Kishtwar that resulted in significant casualties and missing persons. He highlighted the importance of regulating pilgrimages in these vulnerable areas due to changing weather patterns while acknowledging the emotional significance of these religious practices. Abdullah’s remarks underscore the urgent …

The Indian Army, in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and district administration, is actively conducting rescue operations in Chasoti village, Kishtwar district, following a devastating cloudburst that resulted in at least 60 fatalities and 82 people reported missing. The rescue efforts have been intensified with the deployment of additional troops, specialized equipment, and even explosives to clear giant boulders obstructing access to affected areas. Chief …

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty, urging Indian youth to develop indigenous social media platforms to secure the nation’s technological independence. He highlighted success stories like the UPI platform, which accounts for 50% of real-time transactions in India, as evidence of the country’s potential. Modi’s call for self-reliance in technology aims to reduce dependence on foreign systems and retain wealth within the country. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for a …

Pakistan’s recent attempt to undermine Austrian military analyst Tom Cooper has intensified scrutiny on the country’s information strategy, especially following a series of reported Pakistan Air Force (PAF) losses. The controversy escalated after Pakistani commentator Ali K. Chishti accused Cooper of seeking $3,000 for interviews and asking for scripted questions—a claim Cooper immediately denied, reiterating his independence and transparency in military reporting. Despite efforts to discredit him, Cooper’s reputation among defense watchers has remained unshaken. …

India is on the brink of becoming a space superpower, as highlighted by experts following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech. The country’s space industry has expanded significantly over the past five years, driven by the government’s supportive policies and the emergence of 300 space startups. Notable missions like Gaganyaan and the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station demonstrate India’s capabilities and ambition. The collaboration with international space agencies, including NASA and JAXA, showcases India’s growing …

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army organized a three-day Ayurveda Medical Camp in Keegam from August 13-15, 2025, aimed at promoting holistic health through traditional healing methods. The camp offered free consultations and personalized health assessments, attracting 161 local participants who appreciated the initiative’s focus on side-effect free healthcare and preventive measures. This endeavor not only addressed immediate health concerns but also empowered the community with knowledge about their health, strengthening bonds between the …

INS Tamal, the latest stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, visited Naples, Italy, on 13 August 2025, following her commissioning in Russia. This port call reflects the strengthening of India-Italy relations, now a Strategic Partnership since 2023, focusing on enhanced defense cooperation. During her visit, INS Tamal engaged in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy’s ITS Trieste, highlighting joint operational capabilities. The ship’s activities included cultural exchanges and celebrations of India’s Independence Day, …

India is set to launch its first made-in-India semiconductor chips by the end of this year, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s technological journey. He highlighted that six semiconductor units are already operational, and four additional units have received approval, with a total investment commitment of around Rs 1.6 lakh crore for ten chip plants across various states. This push comes after decades of stagnation in semiconductor development, …

India is poised to permit private firms to mine, import, and process uranium, breaking a long-standing state monopoly to facilitate a significant expansion of nuclear power capacity by 2047. This initiative aims to meet the projected surge in demand for nuclear fuel, with the government estimating that existing domestic resources will only cover 25% of the increased needs. The proposed regulatory framework will also enable private players to provide essential equipment for nuclear plants. This …

India’s crude oil imports from Russia surged to 2 million barrels per day in August, accounting for 38% of total imports, despite U.S. tariff announcements. Indian refiners prioritize economic considerations, with no government directives to alter Russian purchases, which now represent about 35-40% of India’s crude intake, up from less than 0.2% pre-Ukraine conflict. While the discounts on Russian oil have narrowed, refiners are exploring diversified sources for energy security without significantly replacing Russian barrels. …

A devastating cloudburst struck Chashoti village in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday, resulting in at least 60 fatalities and injuring over 100 individuals, with reports suggesting that more than 500 people may still be trapped under debris. The incident occurred during a pilgrimage to the Machail Mata shrine, with numerous victims being Hindu pilgrims. Rescue operations are ongoing, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and …

Pixxel CEO Awais Ahmed clarified the consortium’s zero bid for the IN-SPACe PPP satellite program, aimed at establishing India’s first indigenous Earth Observation satellite constellation. The consortium, which includes Satsure Analytics, Dhruva Space, and Piersight Space, plans to invest over ₹1,200 crore, emphasizing self-funding and national data sovereignty. Ahmed highlighted the project’s strategic importance for national security and various applications like agriculture and disaster management, while addressing concerns about transparency in funding. The initiative showcases …

India has marked a significant achievement in ocean exploration, with two aquanauts successfully diving to depths of over 5,000 meters in the North Atlantic Ocean, part of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). This mission, backed by the Union Cabinet and aimed at harnessing ocean resources, will ultimately lead to the deployment of India’s indigenous submersible, Matsya 6000, by 2027. The initiative reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to advancing India’s capabilities in both space and ocean …