The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir was temporarily suspended on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall and safety concerns. Earlier, helicopter and battery car services had been stopped, but the yatra was later halted fully. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the region as rivers crossed danger levels, flooding low-lying areas. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was also suspended after landslides. Chief minister Omar Abdullah called the situation “serious” and directed officials to stay on high alert. People were advised to avoid water bodies and landslide-prone areas. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Experts say the summit will focus on bloc expansion and act as a message to the United States, highlighting a shift toward a multipolar world order. Analysts suggest India and China may announce troop withdrawals and ease trade restrictions. The summit is expected to project unity against US policies while also strengthening ties among member nations. (PC: India Today)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar apologized to his party colleagues and INDIA bloc leaders following criticism for reciting lines from the RSS anthem during a state Assembly session last Friday . He clarified that his intent was merely to "pull the BJP’s leg" amid a heated debate, not to signal any ideological shift . Emphasizing his allegiance, he reaffirmed that he is “a born Congressman” whose loyalty to the Gandhi family and the Congress party remains unwavering.

Late on the night of August 25–26, 2025, the swollen Beas River in Himachal Pradesh washed away major segments of the Chandigarh–Manali highway between Kullu and Manali, causing severe damage to hotels and restaurants nearby . The Manali–Leh road was also blocked, aggravating travel disruption . A red alert has been issued, and educational institutions across multiple districts remain shut as authorities manage the crisis and assess the damage. (PC: The Times of India)  

India’s Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into Vantara—a wildlife rescue park in Jamnagar run by Reliance Foundation—following Public Interest Litigations over the transfer of the elephant Mahadevi. The allegations include irregular animal acquisition, mistreatment, and financial compliance issues, although no concrete evidence has been presented. The SIT, led by retired Justice J. Chelameswar and including former high court justices and law enforcement officials, must submit its report by September 12, 2025, with a hearing set for September 15. Vantara has affirmed its commitment to transparency, animal welfare, and full cooperation with the investigation. (PC: Mint)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to bring in the rugby-style Bronco Test as a fitness standard. The new test, which includes shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 metres, has sparked debate. Former India batter Manoj Tiwary claimed it may have been introduced to sideline ODI skipper Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Tiwary said Virat Kohli will likely remain in plans, but Rohit must improve fitness to survive the challenge. The decision comes after fitness issues in the England Test series. (PC: NDTV)

Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona inaugurated the Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory on August 16, 2025, at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School in Shi-Yomi district—co-developed by ISRO and the Muskaan Foundation. Named in honour of the minister’s late father, the facility aims to offer hands-on learning in space science and technology, inspiring innovation, critical thinking, and scientific ambition among students . Sona expressed this is more than an educational facility—it's a heartfelt tribute and a beacon for youth in his region to “dream bigger, explore science fearlessly, and reach for the stars”.

From August 27, 2025, the US will enforce steep new tariffs on Indian goods, doubling duties to 50% on several key sectors. The move, tied to Washington’s concerns over India’s surging Russian oil imports, threatens over 55% of India’s $87 billion exports to the US. Exporters warn shipments could drop 20–30% starting September, while the rupee and stock markets have already declined. New Delhi is preparing relief measures for exporters and urging diversification into China, Latin America, and the Middle East. Economists caution the tariffs could cut India’s annual GDP growth by 0.8 percentage points. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV, the eVitara, from Hansalpur, Gujarat. He said EVs made in India will now be exported to more than 100 countries. Modi praised Suzuki Japan for choosing India as a hub for EV production, calling it proof of global confidence in India. He also announced the start of hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing in Gujarat, a big step towards self-reliance. Modi linked the plant’s 13-year journey to “teenage years,” saying it was now ready to spread wings. Suzuki plans to invest ₹70,000 crore in India in coming years. (PC: HT)

A cloudburst struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday, causing flash floods that damaged more than 10 houses. The disaster followed similar events in Kathua and Kishtwar. Authorities said no loss of life was reported, but water levels in several rivers rose above danger marks. The Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed due to landslides, and all schools in the Jammu division were shut because of heavy rain. The weather department has warned of more cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in high-altitude areas until August 27. Rescue teams are on alert, and people have been asked to avoid water bodies. (PC: India Today)