Two bodies have been recovered and over 100 people are missing after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Dharali, Uttarkashi. A second cloudburst hit nearby Sukhi Top, causing further devastation. Rescue efforts, led by the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF, continue despite relentless rainfall. PM Modi met Uttarakhand MPs and assured full support. CM Dhami inspected the area and said relief operations are being carried out on a war footing. Schools in the district have been closed, and drones, helicopters, and tracker dogs are deployed. Bollywood celebrities including Sara Ali Khan and Sonu Sood expressed condolences. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan-3 in New Delhi, the first building of the Common Central Secretariat under the Central Vista project. Spanning 1.5 lakh sq metres, the state-of-the-art complex will house offices of the Home, External Affairs, Rural Development, MSMEs, DoPT, and Petroleum ministries. Designed with green features like solar panels, LED lighting, and rainwater harvesting, the building promises 30% energy savings. It also includes modern conference rooms and security systems. The project aims to replace ageing government buildings and consolidate ministries for efficient governance. Vanijya Bhawan, housing the Commerce Ministry, will be retained. (PC: India Today)

Mohammed Siraj’s relentless performance in the England Test series has prompted Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar to push for stricter workload management rules. The BCCI is reportedly upset over Jasprit Bumrah missing two Tests under workload protocols. A directive will soon be issued to centrally contracted players, discouraging selective participation. Sunil Gavaskar, citing Siraj’s 185.3-over, 23-wicket effort, called workload excuses “mental, not physical.” He said, “You represent 140 crore people. Siraj debunked the workload myth.” The BCCI is also reviewing its Sports Science team's recommendations, especially after Bumrah’s IPL return raised concerns over match availability. (PC: BCCI)

A massive explosion at an oxygen plant in Phase 11 of Punjab’s Mohali city on Wednesday morning killed 2 people and injured 3 others. The blast occurred around 9 AM, prompting a swift response from medical teams, police, and district officials. The injured were rushed to Civil Hospital, Phase 6. SP City Sirivennela confirmed that preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the cause, with concerns over a possible gas leak. Authorities continue to monitor the site. The plant, located in an industrial area, serves a critical role in medical and industrial oxygen supply in the region. (PC: News18)

Industrialist and Sona Comstar chairman Sunjay Kapur died of natural causes, the Surrey coroner confirmed, citing heart disease as the cause. Kapur, a US citizen, collapsed during a polo match at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor on June 12. Despite allegations by his mother, Rani Kapur, suggesting foul play and a “transnational conspiracy,” Surrey police declared the death non-suspicious. A post-mortem confirmed Kapur died of left ventricular hypertrophy and ischemic heart disease. No inquest will be held. The incident has intensified a family dispute over inheritance and control of Sona Comstar. The US embassy is offering consular assistance. (PC: X)

A devastating cloudburst triggered flash floods in Uttarakhand’s Dharali village on Tuesday, leaving over 100 people missing and at least 4 dead. The Kheerganga river overflowed, submerging roads and buildings in Uttarkashi district. Rescue efforts are hindered by continuous rain, damaged roads, power outages, and poor network. At least 130 have been rescued, but 10 Indian Army soldiers remain missing near Harsil. The floods also created an artificial lake, blocking the Bhagirathi river and threatening downstream areas. Schools are closed, and travel advisories are in effect. Uttarakhand, prone to landslides and floods, faces worsening conditions with more rain forecast. (PC: BBC)

ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan inaugurated the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) in Ladakh to simulate life on Mars. Located at 4.3 km altitude in Tso Kar Valley, the HOPE facility mimics Martian conditions—extreme cold, low pressure, and UV radiation. The 10-day analogue mission from August 1-10 involves institutions like IIST and IIT Bombay, studying psychological and physiological responses in isolation. The Rs 1 crore project by private firm Protoplanet, with Mahindra as mobility partner, is part of India’s push for human spaceflight. India aims for a space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar landing by 2040. (PC: X)

Amid Donald Trump’s tariff threats, the Indian Army’s Eastern Command posted a 1971 newspaper clip revealing decades of US military support to Pakistan. The article, dated August 5, 1971, highlighted the shipment of $2 billion in arms from the US to Pakistan since 1954. This post follows Trump’s criticism of India’s Russian oil imports. India countered, slamming the US and EU for “unjustified” targeting while they continue trading with Russia. The MEA said India’s energy imports are essential and pointed to the West’s double standards. India vowed to safeguard its economic security and national interest against biased accusations. (PC: HT)

After a deadly cloudburst in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village, flash floods and landslides have killed 4 and left 9 Army personnel missing. Rescue operations are severely hampered as 163 roads, including 5 national highways, remain blocked. Heavy rain continues, grounding helicopters and prompting a red alert in multiple districts. CM Pushkar Dhami returned to Dehradun, urging urgent relief efforts. The NDRF is deploying cadaver dogs for the first time to locate bodies under debris. The Kedarnath pilgrimage has been halted due to rising river levels. Schools are shut in several districts as Uttarakhand reels under persistent extreme weather conditions. (PC: India Today)

Nasa aims to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to power future lunar bases, US media reports. The plan, fast-tracked by acting Nasa head Sean Duffy, follows warnings that China and Russia could establish "keep-out zones" on the Moon. The reactor would generate 100 kilowatts—small, but vital for surviving long lunar nights. While experts call nuclear energy "inevitable" for Moon missions, concerns remain over Nasa’s budget cuts and political motivations. China and Russia plan a lunar reactor by 2035. Scientists warn against a new geopolitical space race overshadowing global scientific cooperation and long-term exploration goals. (PC: BBC)