Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers at Howrah Station’s Platform 22 successfully rescued 18 minors—including seven girls and eleven boys—from a suspected human trafficking attempt on August 4, 2025. The RPF detained one suspect who confessed to planning to transport the children to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, for child labour. Both the rescued minors and the accused were handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRPS), Howrah, where a case has been registered under Section 143(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This operation was part of the nationwide Operation AAHT targeting trafficking via railways. (PC: India Today)

A massive cloudburst on August 5, 2025, triggered deadly flash floods in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, causing widespread devastation. Among the missing are 11 Indian Army personnel stationed at a transit camp near the affected area. The deluge swept away over 40 homes, 20 shops, and several homestays, leaving at least four confirmed dead and over 60 civilians missing. Rescue operations by Army, NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and local authorities are ongoing under difficult weather conditions. This disaster highlights the increasing climate vulnerability of Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain during intense monsoon episodes. Authorities warn of more rainfall ahead. (PC: Express Photo)  

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved defence proposals worth Rs 67,000 crore to upgrade the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. The Army will procure Thermal Imager Night Sights for BMP vehicles, while the Navy will acquire Compact Autonomous Surface Craft and enhanced missile systems. The Air Force will receive advanced Mountain Radars and upgrades to the SPYDER system for air defence. All three forces will also benefit from long-range drones and support for existing fleets like the C-17 and S-400. The move reinforces India’s focus on surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and indigenous defence preparedness.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, responding to ongoing protests by SSC candidates over technical glitches and cancellations during the Selection Post Phase‑13 examination, has assured that affected students will be permitted to retake the exam at no additional cost. He emphasized that the SSC will not be cancelled, and promised full refunds of the ₹100 challenge fee for invalidated attempts . The SSC Chairman also acknowledged "teething issues" with the exam vendor and affirmed that corrective measures are being implemented to ensure smoother administration going forward. (PC: NDTV)  

On August 5, 2025, a sudden cloudburst near Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, unleashed a flash flood and massive mud‑slide through the hillside settlement. At least four people died and over 50 are missing, with many feared buried under debris. Chilling video footage captured one man crawling out of sludge hours after the deluge struck . Rescue teams—including the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF—were deployed immediately, conducting evacuation and search operations under challenging terrain. Homes, hotels, and infrastructure were swept away, and authorities warn of worsening conditions amid ongoing heavy monsoon rains.

On August 5, 2025, twin cloudbursts hit Dharali and Sukhi Top in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, triggering devastating flash floods and landslides. The sudden deluge swept away homes, shops, and over 20 hotels, damaging infrastructure along the Kheer Ganga river. At least 4 people died, with dozens reported missing or trapped under debris. The Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, and ITBP are carrying out rescue operations, evacuating over 70–130 people. Schools have been closed across affected districts, and the IMD has issued a red alert. Experts cite worsening Himalayan weather patterns linked to climate change.  

During a White House press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he was unaware of American imports of Russian uranium, fertilizers, and chemicals despite recently criticizing India for similar trade ties. “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check,” he responded when asked via ANI . This remark came just days after Trump warned of dramatically increasing tariffs on countries importing Russian energy, notably targeting India . India retaliated by highlighting Western hypocrisy, pointing out that both the U.S. and EU continue substantial trade with Russia in vital commodities such as enriched uranium and fertilizers.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and star all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja delivered memorable dressing‑room moments after India levelled the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy 2‑2 against England . Gambhir’s empowering speech reminded players that while personnel may change, the team’s culture should endure—a culture he believes can help India **“dominate Test cricket for a very long period”** . Jadeja, in a heartwarming gesture, presented the series Impact Player award to Washington Sundar, calling him with a proud smile, **“Washy, idhar aa ja bete”** . These moments encapsulated the unity and depth of India’s rising Test side. (PC: BCCI)

The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that, under Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, the central government **"may compulsorily register every citizen of India and issue a national identity card."** This provision empowers the state to create a National Register of Citizens (NRC) and designate the Registrar General of India as the National Registration Authority. Though national identity cards have not been issued yet, the legal framework exists post the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003. (PC: PTI)

Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s proposed tariff hike on Indian exports over Russian oil purchases. In a post on X, Haley warned against “burning ties” with India while giving China, a major buyer of Russian and Iranian oil a 90-day tariff pause. She emphasized that India is a key democratic ally in countering China’s global influence and urged Trump to avoid undermining strategic partnerships. Her remarks follow Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian goods, with threats of further penalties. Haley’s intervention adds a new dimension to the escalating trade tensions and highlights internal Republican divisions over foreign policy and economic strategy. (PC: India Today)