In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2025, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed that 206,378 Indians renounced their Indian citizenship in 2024 . This continuing trend follows 216,219 cases in 2023 and 225,620 in 2022, showing a slight decline in 2024 . The government underscored that individuals’ reasons for renunciation are personal and confidential. It also highlighted the growing importance of the global Indian diaspora—numbering over 34 million, including NRIs and PIOs—and its role as a strategic asset to channel knowledge, networks, and soft power for national benefit. (PC: NDTV)

ICICI Bank has raised the minimum average monthly balance (MAMB) requirement for new savings accounts opened on or after August 1, 2025. In metro and urban branches, the MAMB is now ₹50,000, up from ₹10,000; in semi-urban branches, ₹25,000 (previously ₹5,000); and in rural branches, ₹10,000 (up from ₹5,000). Customers failing to maintain the balance will face a penalty of 6% of the shortfall or ₹500, whichever is lower. The move aims to attract premium customers. Additionally, ICICI revised service charges for cash transactions, ATM usage, and third-party deposits. The bank’s decision contrasts with others like SBI, which have scrapped minimum balance penalties to ease customer burden. (PC: Mint)

Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were disrupted on Saturday due to a third-party data network outage that impacted airline check-in systems. The outage caused delays across multiple carriers, including Air India, which issued an advisory confirming the issue. Although the affected systems were later restored, residual delays continued as operations gradually returned to normal. The disruption led to long queues and slower processing at counters, frustrating passengers. Officials are investigating the source of the outage, which highlights vulnerabilities in aviation IT infrastructure. The incident follows recent global tech glitches that have impacted airports worldwide, raising concerns about digital resilience in critical transport hubs. (PC: Reuters & The Indian Express)

Chaos erupted during a protest march by the parents of the RG Kar rape and murder victim in Kolkata, marking one year since the incident. The march, part of the 'Nabanna Abhiyan', aimed to reach the state secretariat to demand justice. Tensions escalated when demonstrators attempted to breach barricades, prompting police to lathi-charge the crowd. The victim’s mother alleged that police roughed her up and broke her bangles without provocation. “Why are they stopping us? All we want is justice,” she said. The protest highlights ongoing public outrage and calls for accountability in the case that shocked the nation. The incident has reignited scrutiny of police conduct and political response.

In South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh were killed during the ongoing Operation Akhal, which entered its ninth day on August 9, 2025, amid heavy combat with entrenched terrorists . The extended, high-intensity operation involves hundreds of troops and advanced support including drones and helicopters targeting militants in dense forest terrain . The Army also neutralized at least one terrorist in the encounter . This marks one of the longest and most arduous confrontations in the region in recent memory. (PC: NDTV)

To mark Raksha Bandhan, several renowned Indian cricketers shared touching moments with their sisters. Shubman Gill and his sister Shahneel—known for cheering him on from the stands—reaffirmed their strong sibling support. Rishabh Pant and Sakshi Pant showcased resilience and unity; following the emotional tragedy of losing their father in 2017, Sakshi has stood by her brother in both triumphs and recovery from his near-fatal accident in 2023. Meanwhile, Arjun Tendulkar shared festive joy with his sister Sara, a popular public figure, who was seen cheering him on during his IPL matches. (PC: News 18)

India’s Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure 200 modern light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) to replace its 1960s-era Cheetah and Chetak fleet . The allocation includes 120 units for the Army and 80 for the Air Force, aiming to enhance safety and operational capability amid high crash rates and obsolete avionics . The new RSHs will support night and day missions such as troop transport, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and acting in tandem with attack helicopters . This long-overdue modernization is part of a broader push for defense self-reliance and improved aerial readiness. (The Times of India)

A cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods in Uttarakhand’s Dharali village, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and even a temple, leaving only marsh, mud, and boulders where buildings once stood . Four villagers have perished and many remain missing, including workers and guests from local hotels. Over 500 people have been rescued to date . Displaced residents like Sushila—a relief camp volunteer—say they have “no house, no land, no clothes,” while Sushil from Nepal searches desperately for family lost in the calamity.  ( PC: NDTV)  

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has withdrawn the previously proposed Income Tax (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, citing the need for revisions and wider consultations. The withdrawn bill aimed at simplifying tax structures and implementing key reforms. A new version of the bill is set to be introduced on August 11, 2025. The move comes amid concerns raised by stakeholders and MPs regarding potential loopholes and lack of clarity in the earlier draft. The fresh bill is expected to address these issues while aligning with India’s evolving economic and fiscal priorities. (PC: ANI)

CCTV footage has captured the fatal stabbing of Asif Qureshi, cousin of Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi, in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area. The incident occurred on August 7 around 10:30 pm after Asif asked two neighbours to move their scooter blocking his house entrance. A verbal spat escalated into violence when Gautam (18) stabbed Asif with an ice-pick while his brother Ujjwal (19) held him down. Asif’s wife, Shaina, formerly Renu Jaun, was seen trying to intervene. Asif was rushed to the hospital but declared dead. Police arrested both accused and registered an FIR under sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Locals described Gautam as a drug addict with a history of erratic behavior.