External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Moscow on August 21 for the 26th India-Russia Commission meeting. A delegation from the Ministry of Commerce will accompany him to engage in discussions on advancing trade relations. Key topics include initiating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Additionally, the delegation will explore mechanisms for settling transactions in Indian Rupees and Russian Roubles, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and reduce dependence on the US dollar. (PC: Money Control)

On August 14, 2025, India awarded over 1,000 gallantry and service medals to armed forces and paramilitary personnel. 16 BSF personnel were recognized for bravery during Operation Sindoor, responding to the Pahalgam terror attack by neutralizing threats, drone attacks, and replenishing ammunition under fire. 13 IAF officers received the Yudh Seva Medal for key roles in offensive operations, while 26 IAF personnel earned the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), including fighter pilots and S-400 operators defending Indian airspace. These awards highlight courage, dedication, and commitment to national security. (The Economic Times)

The Supreme Court of India, in its written order dated August 14, 2025, expanded upon its August 11 directive concerning stray dogs in Delhi-NCR by emphasizing strict animal welfare protocols. The Court mandated that trained veterinarians must provide timely medical care, and that weak or vulnerable animals be housed separately "as far as possible." It also warned against mistreatment, cruelty, overcrowding, starvation, or neglect at any stage. The order called on the public and animal-welfare organizations to assist authorities in responsibly operating shelters. Additionally, the matter was reassigned to a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath. (PC: HT Photo)  

The Supreme Court on August 14, 2025, criticized a petition seeking a monitoring committee for returning captive elephants held at Vantara—calling it “completely vague.” A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P B Varale observed that allegations were being made against Vantara without even naming it as a respondent. The Court instructed the petitioner, C. R. Jaya Sukin, to formally include Vantara in the case, then return. The plea also sought rescue and release of all wild animals and birds from the facility and release of elephants to their original owners. The matter is now scheduled for a hearing on August 25. 

The Supreme Court on August 14, 2025, ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publicly release the list of approximately 65 lakh individuals removed from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls—along with explicit reasons for each deletion—on the official websites of district electoral officers . The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, also directed wide publicity via newspapers, Doordarshan, radio, and panchayat notice boards to ensure public access . Additionally, those affected may submit claims with Aadhaar as identity proof, with hearings set ahead of the August 22 next hearing.  

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on pleas against removing stray dogs from Delhi-NCR. Justice Vikram Nath said, “Parliament makes rules, but they are not implemented,” blaming civic inaction for the problem. Lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi argued there are no proper shelters, and removing dogs could cause cruelty. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta cited 37 lakh dog bite cases last year, saying dogs should be separated for public safety. The court also questioned why dogs were taken away before the earlier order was made public. The final decision will be announced soon. (PC: NDTV)

A Supreme Court bench led by Justice Vikram Nath criticised civic authorities for failing to enforce animal control guidelines while hearing petitions against the August 11 order to move all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters. Justice Nath remarked, “On one hand, humans are suffering, and on the other, the animal lovers are here,” while Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi warned, “You cannot create a horror situation like this.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta cited rising dog bites, but lawyers Kapil Sibal and Singhvi argued the directive was impractical due to lack of shelters. The court reserved its order on the matter. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on Thursday rapped civic bodies for failing to control the stray dog situation in Delhi-NCR and reserved its order on pleas challenging the August 11 directive to relocate all strays to shelters within eight weeks. A three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath criticised authorities for poor implementation of existing laws but stopped short of staying the order. The Centre backed relocation, citing high dog bite and rabies cases, while petitioners argued it violated Animal Birth Control Rules and lacked adequate shelter facilities. The case has drawn strong public opposition and celebrity support for stray dog rights. (PC: India Today)

Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore has criticised the Supreme Court’s order to relocate stray dogs from Delhi-NCR, calling it “a door closing on the voiceless and defenceless.” In a video shared by NCP spokesperson Anish Gawande, she urged for a “nuanced and calibrated approach” addressing systemic flaws behind the so-called menace. The August 11 ruling mandates relocating strays to 5,000-capacity shelters within 6-8 weeks, with vaccination, sterilisation, and CCTV monitoring. Following public backlash, Chief Justice BR Gavai agreed to review the decision. Celebrities including John Abraham, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Raveena Tandon, and Randeep Hooda have also voiced strong opposition. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court will hear on Thursday a challenge to its earlier order directing the relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters within eight weeks. Chief Justice BR Gavai referred the matter to a three-judge bench after concerns were raised about conflicting rulings and the feasibility of such mass relocation. The original order, aimed at curbing dog bite incidents, bypassed the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which mandate sterilised and vaccinated dogs be returned to their locality. Activists, including Maneka Gandhi, warned of logistical, financial, and ecological challenges, urging adherence to existing compassionate, law-based animal management protocols. (PC: NDTV)