Jai Bhagwan, a hotel owner in Dharali, Uttarakhand, narrowly survived Tuesday’s flash flood caused by a cloudburst. While he was at a nearby temple for a local festival, a massive mudslide swept through the area, destroying his 40-room hotel. “My hotel flowed away like a leaf,” he said, describing the video he later saw. Fortunately, his hotel was empty due to low tourist presence during the monsoon. Rescue operations, now in their third day, have saved 190 people, including 11 army personnel. Over 50 remain missing. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Army teams are conducting joint rescue efforts despite communication issues. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in the coming days, the Kremlin confirmed. Trump hinted at a potential three-way summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, with Friday marking his deadline for Russia to agree or face harsher sanctions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said a meeting location has been finalized, though details remain under wraps. Zelensky expressed support, urging clarity on agenda and timing. Despite recent US envoy visits, including Steve Witkoff’s latest Moscow trip, skepticism remains high as Russia continues its attacks. Meanwhile, the US announced $200M more aid to Ukraine. (PC: BBC)

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has alleged massive election fraud in the Karnataka Assembly polls, claiming over 1 lakh “stolen votes” in the Mahadevapura seat. Pointing to discrepancies between Lok Sabha and Assembly results, he accused the Election Commission of manipulating voter rolls and said the agency evaded accountability by not sharing digital data. Gandhi cited fake addresses, duplicate voters, and bulk entries as proof. The poll body responded by challenging him to submit a sworn declaration. BJP leaders, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, dismissed the claims as baseless. Gandhi insists irregularities flipped key results against the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra and beyond. (PC: NDTV)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged the Indian government to retaliate against US tariffs if no changes are seen within three weeks. Highlighting a “hidden message” in the Biden administration’s approach, Tharoor noted that China—despite buying more oil from Russia—was granted 90 days’ relief, while India only got three weeks. He questioned the “reciprocal” nature of Trump’s 25–50% tariffs, calling them unfair and economically damaging. Tharoor warned of major trade losses for India’s $90 billion US market and urged calm but firm action. He also called on Indian-origin Americans and leaders like Nikki Haley to push for fair treatment. (PC: HT)

Three CRPF jawans were killed and 16 others injured after a bunker vehicle carrying 23 personnel overturned and plunged into a gorge near Kandva in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. The mishap occurred around 10:30 am while the troops of the 187 Battalion were returning from an operation in Basantgarh. Rescue efforts were swiftly launched by police and locals. Union Minister Jitendra Singh called the incident “disturbing,” assuring ongoing support. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief and extended condolences to the families. One jawan died en route to hospital, while two died on the spot. (PC: India Today)

A sharp decline in blue whale vocalizations has alarmed scientists, who report a 40% drop linked to marine heatwaves. The heat disrupted key food sources like krill and anchovies, forcing whales to focus on survival rather than communication. The massive warm water patch known as "The Blob" is blamed for sparking toxic algae blooms and food collapse in the Pacific. Experts warn this eerie silence signals deeper ecological damage. “It’s like trying to sing while starving,” said oceanographer John Ryan. Scientists say the crisis reflects climate change's growing impact on oceans and may signal a looming global tipping point. (PC: X)

India’s premier medical institutes, AIIMS, are battling their worst faculty crisis in four years with over 2,500 teaching posts lying vacant across 21 campuses in 2025-26. AIIMS Delhi alone has 462 vacancies, while newer institutes like Awantipora have filled none of their sanctioned posts. The total vacancy rate stands at 40.2%, unchanged from last year but the highest in absolute numbers since 2022. Experts blame poor pay and better private sector opportunities for the crisis. The government claims recruitment is ongoing, with measures like contract-based appointments and visiting faculty schemes being introduced to address the shortfall. (PC: The Telegraph)

Amid escalating US tariffs, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has urged India to view the trade war as an opportunity for radical reform. Reacting to President Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, Mahindra emphasized using the "law of unintended consequences" to India's advantage. He called for bold steps like a single-window clearance system for investments, tourism-focused forex strategies, and enhanced support for MSMEs. Mahindra's remarks come as India faces its highest-ever US tariff rates. He urged swift action to transform global uncertainty into long-term growth and attract global capital. (PC: NDTV)

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned 25 books, including Arundhati Roy’s Azadi and AG Noorani’s The Kashmir Dispute 1947–2012, citing concerns over promoting “victimhood, grievance, and terrorist heroism.” The Home Department’s August 5 notification claims these works distort historical facts and radicalize youth. Books by political scientist Sumantra Bose and top academic publishers like Oxford and Stanford have also been forfeited under Section 98 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. The move coincides with the anniversary of Article 370's abrogation and ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on J&K's statehood restoration. (PC: HT)

U.S. President Donald Trump said there's a "very good prospect" of an upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss ending the Ukraine war. After "productive" talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin in Moscow, Trump hinted at a three-way meeting possibly as early as next week. The Kremlin confirmed “constructive” exchanges but no firm details. Trump warned Russia of severe sanctions if no ceasefire is agreed by Friday. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported more deadly Russian attacks and received $200 million in U.S. military aid. Zelensky remains cautious, urging global pressure on Moscow. (PC: BBC)