UK companies will now have unprecedented access to India’s $38bn government procurement market under last month’s India-UK free trade agreement. The deal allows British firms to bid for contracts in strategic sectors like transport, green energy, and infrastructure, treating them nearly on par with Indian suppliers. Goods with at least 20% UK input will qualify, opening opportunities from rural roads to IT systems. However, experts warn of hurdles, including higher pricing, delayed payments, and tough contract enforcement. Despite challenges, the move marks a major policy shift, signalling India’s willingness to open traditionally protected sectors to foreign competition. (PC: BBC)

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday said he would “look into” the stray dog issue after a petition seeking regular sterilisation and vaccination was mentioned before his court. The remarks come amid widespread protests over the Supreme Court’s recent directive ordering civic bodies in Delhi-NCR to round up all stray dogs within eight weeks and send them to shelters. Animal welfare groups argue the order violates Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which mandate sterilised and vaccinated dogs be returned to their original locations. Protests erupted in Delhi, with dozens detained, as activists condemned the ruling as “inhumane.” (PC: India Today)

A deadly heatwave exceeding 40°C is fuelling massive wildfires across southern Europe, killing at least three and forcing thousands to evacuate. Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia are battling dozens of blazes. In Spain, 4,000 people fled Castile and Leon, while nearly 2,000 evacuated near Tarifa. Portugal deployed 1,300 firefighters with aid from Morocco. Greece faces over 150 fires, prompting mass evacuations on Zakynthos and Chios. Italy recorded a child’s death from heatstroke, while France issued widespread heat alerts. Scientists warn climate change is making Mediterranean summers hotter and drier, intensifying wildfire seasons and destruction. (PC: BBC)

An Indian man in Dublin’s Fairview Park was assaulted by three teenagers on August 10, sustaining a deep cut above his eye that required eight stitches. The attackers kicked, punched, and struck him with his own metal water bottle. Traumatised, he plans to return to India, joining others in the Indian community fearful after recent racist attacks. The Ireland India Council condemned the “brutal assault” and urged urgent action by police. The Indian Embassy has advised citizens to take safety precautions following rising violence in Dublin. The victim’s parents urged his return, and his university may allow him to finish studies online. (PC: News18)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday issued a bird flu alert, ordering heightened vigilance across zoos, bird sanctuaries, national parks, wetlands, and cow shelters. The directive includes regular sanitisation, blow-torching where necessary, and mandatory health checks for all animals and birds. Staff will receive PPE kits, safety training, and duties assigned based on risk levels. Poultry farms will be closely monitored, with strict controls on poultry product movement. The Health Department has been tasked to assess bird flu’s potential human impact and submit preventive measures. Coordination with central agencies and veterinary institutes will ensure timely response and containment. (PC: HT)

The BJP has accused Congress MP Sonia Gandhi of being listed on India’s electoral rolls three years before gaining citizenship. BJP MP Anurag Thakur claimed Sonia, born in Italy, was added to the 1980 New Delhi constituency voter list while still holding Italian citizenship. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya shared a photocopy of the roll from polling station 145, showing her name alongside Indira, Rajiv, Sanjay, and Maneka Gandhi. Malviya alleged “glaring violations” of electoral law, linking it to Rahul Gandhi’s stance on voter eligibility. Congress has yet to respond to the claims, which have reignited political tensions over voter fraud. (PC: India Today)

A Hindu temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was defaced on August 10, marking the fourth such attack on BAPS temples in the US within a year. The Indian Consulate in Chicago condemned the “reprehensible” desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple’s main signboard and urged vigilance against miscreants. Consul General met devotees, local leaders, and the Mayor, calling for unity and solidarity. The temple administration termed it a “hate crime” that strengthened community resolve. US Congressman Nick LaLota condemned the incident, stressing accountability for religiously motivated crimes. The attack comes just days before Krishna Janmashtami, echoing similar desecrations in California earlier this year. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Army on Wednesday foiled a major infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector, Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, suspected to involve Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT). The attack, near Tikka Post in the area of 16 Sikh LI, led to the death of an Indian soldier during an exchange of fire. Operations were ongoing as of Wednesday morning. This comes a day after Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar died on operational duty in Baramulla, and follows recent casualties in South Kashmir’s Kulgam during anti-terror operations. Officials said further details of the Uri encounter are awaited. (PC: HT)

The UN’s human rights office has condemned a targeted Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed four Al Jazeera journalists, including renowned correspondent Anas al-Sharif, calling it a grave breach of international law. Israel claimed Sharif led a Hamas cell, but provided limited evidence. Media groups, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, denounced the attack as an assassination. The strike also killed two other journalists and another civilian. Funerals drew large crowds in Gaza. Since October 2023, at least 186 journalists have been killed in the conflict, the deadliest period for the profession since records began in 1992. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has threatened India over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning New Delhi would not be allowed to take “even one drop” of water meant for Pakistan. Calling the Indus waters Pakistan’s “lifeblood,” Sharif vowed “no compromise” on treaty rights. His remarks follow similar threats from Army Chief Asim Munir, who recently warned of nuclear war, and politician Bilawal Bhutto. India suspended the 1960 treaty in May after the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorism. New Delhi plans to build a major 1,856 MW hydroelectric project on the Chenab without Pakistan’s approval. (PC: NDTV)