Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Varanasi, reaffirmed India’s trajectory toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, directly countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remark calling India a “dead economy.” Modi emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests amid global instability and urged citizens to embrace swadeshi products, stating “we will buy only those things that are made by Indians.” He called for unity across political lines to strengthen India’s economic future. Modi’s remarks came just days after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Indian imports and criticized India’s ties with Russia. The Prime Minister asserted that India’s resilience and self-reliance will drive its rise in the global economic order.

Hossain Ahmed Mazumdar, a gym trainer from Assam, has gone missing after being slapped mid-flight by a co-passenger on an IndiGo Mumbai-Kolkata flight. Mazumdar was reportedly experiencing a panic attack when the assault occurred, captured in a viral video showing crew members escorting him. He was scheduled to board a connecting flight to Silchar but never arrived, and his phone remains unreachable. His family, including a cancer-stricken father, is devastated and demanding answers. IndiGo condemned the assault and confirmed the assailant was handed over to security, but offered no clarity on Mazumdar’s post-flight status. Authorities have launched an investigation amid growing public outrage over passenger safety and mental health protocols.

An encounter broke out on Friday between security forces and terrorists in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation began after intelligence reports said terrorists were hiding in the Akhal forest area. Forces quickly surrounded the area and started a search. The terrorists opened fire, and the forces fired back. More troops were sent to strengthen the cordon. This comes days after two terrorists were killed near the LoC in Poonch. In another recent operation, three Pakistani terrorists linked to the Pahalgam attack were killed near Srinagar. Security forces remain on high alert in the region. The operation is still ongoing. (PC: Waseem Andrabi /Hindustan Times)

A man on a Mumbai-Kolkata IndiGo flight suffered a panic attack after boarding. As crew helped him leave, another passenger slapped him. The shocking moment was caught on video. The crew and another flyer stopped the attacker, who said, “We are facing problems because of him.” The crew gave water to the distressed man and asked the attacker to stop. IndiGo later said, “Unruly behaviour is not acceptable.” The passenger who hit the man was removed from the flight and handed to security. The airline said rules were followed and all authorities were informed. The incident is under review.

Anil Ambani, head of Reliance Group, cannot leave India without court permission. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a lookout notice against him in a ₹3,000 crore loan fraud case. The ED says loans from Yes Bank were wrongly given to Ambani-linked firms between 2017 and 2019. These loans were then diverted. Officials suspect bribery between Yes Bank staff and the companies. The ED also found fake approval documents and loans given without proper checks. After raiding his offices in Mumbai, Ambani has been called for questioning on August 5. The investigation is still ongoing. (PC: India Today)

Oil marketing companies have lowered the price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹33.50, effective August 1, 2025, reducing rates—for example in Delhi—to ₹1,631.50. The cut is expected to benefit restaurants, hotels and small businesses that rely heavily on LPG. Domestic 14.2 kg cylinder prices, however, remain unchanged. This move marks the fifth successive monthly reduction in commercial LPG, with similar cuts in July, April, June and February, driven by softened crude oil prices easing operational costs for businesses. (PC: NDTV)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani for questioning on August 5, 2025, in connection with an alleged ₹17,000 crore loan fraud and money laundering case. The probe involves suspected diversion of loans obtained between 2017 and 2019 by Reliance firms through shell companies and undisclosed entities. Over 35 premises across Mumbai and Delhi were raided recently. The case also includes findings from SEBI and the National Housing Bank. Following the ED’s action, shares of Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure dropped nearly 5%, reflecting growing investor concern. (PC: ANI)

Thousands of SSC aspirants and teachers protested on July 31–August 1 at Jantar Mantar and the CGO Complex in Delhi, under the banner of the "Delhi Chalo" movement, demanding reforms in the Staff Selection Commission’s recruitment process . The protests stem from mass cancellations of SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exams, technical glitches—including server crashes and malfunctioning hardware—and seating candidates at remote centers sometimes over 500 km away . Teachers like Neetu mam were detained, and police also used lathi charges against peaceful protestors, leading to viral videos and growing public outrage.

IIT Kharagpur is taking strong steps to prevent student suicides. After four deaths in 2024, the institute has decided to remove ceiling fans from hostel rooms. The fans will be replaced in phases. Director Suman Chakraborty said, “In a moment of crisis, the absence of a tool can save a life.” The institute also launched new mental health measures. These include 24x7 counselling, permanent psychiatrists, monthly parent calls, and barcoded helpline numbers on doors. They also introduced ‘Campus Mothers’—female staff who offer emotional support. The goal is to create a caring space and stop campus tragedies before they happen. (PC: TOI)

In a first for India, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department acquired 30.41 acres of private patta land situated inside the core area of the recently established Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR). Acquired under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013, seven landowners voluntarily surrendered their plots and were compensated ₹2.33 crore—well above standard rates. This landmark move formalized the state's commitment to wildlife protection and corridor restoration. The region, once coffee and cardamom plantations, forms a crucial corridor for tiger and elephant movements across fragmented forests. (PC: Express)