The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday challenged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to either sign its declaration form, required for raising objections to the electoral roll, or apologise for his “absurd” voter theft allegations. Gandhi had claimed over 1 lakh fake voters in Bengaluru Central during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Rejecting the demand, he said he had already taken an oath in Parliament. The ECI cited the Kamal Nath case, asserting legal procedures must be followed. It accused Gandhi of sensationalising the issue instead of using lawful channels, warning repeated disregard for court rulings undermines the electoral process. (PC: India Today)

ISRO has released before-and-after satellite images showing extensive damage caused by recent flash floods in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Triggered by intense rainfall, the floods have led to massive soil erosion, destruction of agricultural land, and infrastructure damage, including washed-away roads and houses. The Indian space agency's high-resolution Cartosat-3 satellite captured clear visual evidence of the landscape transformation. These images are aiding disaster response and recovery efforts by state and national agencies. Authorities are conducting rescue operations, while environmentalists raise concerns over the increasing frequency of such disasters due to climate change and unchecked development. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, discussing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and bilateral cooperation. According to an official statement, Putin briefed Modi on the latest developments in Ukraine. Modi reiterated India’s call for a peaceful resolution, consistent with its diplomatic stance. Both leaders reviewed the progress of the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” and pledged to deepen trade, defence, and energy ties. Modi also invited Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd Annual Bilateral Summit, expected to boost cooperation. Putin’s upcoming talks with Donald Trump on Ukraine peace efforts were also discussed. (PC: HT)

On August 8, 2025, Al Jazeera reported that Israel’s security cabinet has approved a strategic plan to occupy Gaza City amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The decision, confirmed by multiple Israeli media outlets, marks a significant escalation in military operations. The plan reportedly includes deploying ground forces into central Gaza to dismantle Hamas’ command structures. While Israeli officials argue the move is necessary for national security and to weaken militant capabilities, critics warn it could worsen the humanitarian crisis and trigger broader regional instability. International observers have urged restraint and called for diplomatic alternatives. (PC: Al Jazeera)  

India’s senior defence officials on Friday rejected a British media report claiming New Delhi had paused plans to procure US defence systems in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs. Officials called the report “false and fabricated,” stressing that all procurement cases are proceeding under existing procedures. Reuters had reported delays in deals for Stryker combat vehicles and Javelin anti-tank missiles. India, calling Trump’s tariff hike “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” has vowed to protect its national interests. US-India defence trade has grown from under $1 billion to over $18 billion, including major acquisitions like Apache helicopters and C-17 aircraft. (PC: News18)

US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on select Indian goods, raising total duties to as high as 50% effective 21 days after August 7. The move, linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, will impact major export sectors like gems and jewellery, textiles, and some auto components. Industry bodies warn of severe disruption, with competing hubs like Turkey and Vietnam taxed less. Smartphones, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy products remain exempt. The US is India’s largest market for jewellery and textiles, with billions in annual exports. New Delhi has yet to announce its response to the tariffs. (PC: NDTV)

A unique wedding ceremony in Tamil Nadu is gaining attention for drawing inspiration from ancient Tamil literature, particularly Sangam-era texts. Moving away from conventional rituals, this new format emphasizes equality, simplicity, and Tamil cultural identity. Couples recite verses from classical Tamil poetry, symbolizing mutual respect and emotional bonding. The ceremony avoids traditional dowry, caste markers, and excessive rituals, promoting progressive values rooted in Tamil heritage. This revival reflects a growing interest in embracing cultural authenticity while rejecting outdated social norms. Scholars and activists have praised the trend as a meaningful blend of tradition and reform. (PC: The Hindu)  

The US has doubled its reward to $50 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of being “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.” Attorney General Pam Bondi linked Maduro to drug smuggling operations involving Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, claiming the DEA seized 30 tons of cocaine tied to him and associates. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed the move as “political propaganda.” US charges against Maduro date back to Trump’s first term, alleging collaboration with Colombia’s Farc rebels. Maduro, in power since 2013, denies any direct involvement in drug trafficking. (PC: BBC)

China on Friday confirmed it welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the event will be “a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results.” Modi’s trip may also include a Japan visit for a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This will be his first China visit since 2018, amid efforts to normalise ties after the 2020 Galwan clashes. Talks with President Xi Jinping could focus on LAC de-escalation, resuming flights, reopening border trade, and boosting people-to-people exchanges. (PC: HT)

India Today’s fact-checking team investigated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claim of over 10,000 fake votes in Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura constituency. Gandhi had alleged electoral fraud linked to Muni Reddy Garden addresses, accusing the BJP of manipulating EVMs and voter lists. However, India Today’s ground report and official data found no evidence supporting the claim of mass fake votes. Residents at the listed addresses confirmed their identities and eligibility. The report suggests Gandhi’s allegations may be politically motivated amid rising election tensions. The Election Commission has yet to respond officially to the controversy sparked by the viral claims.