A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Harshil region has hit an Army camp, leaving eight to ten soldiers reportedly missing, according to Army sources. The sudden deluge swept through the camp, causing chaos and damage in the high-altitude area near the India-China border. Rescue operations are underway, with teams racing against time to locate the missing personnel amid challenging terrain and weather conditions. The incident adds to the growing toll of natural disasters in Uttarakhand, which has witnessed multiple cloudbursts and landslides in recent days. Authorities have issued a red alert for further rainfall, while the Army coordinates with disaster response teams to manage the crisis. (PC: X)

A horrifying cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi, has triggered deadly flash floods, killing at least four people and leaving several others missing or buried under debris. Viral videos show locals running for safety as powerful water currents sweep them away, with one clip capturing a man crawling through slush and rubble. The disaster struck around 1:45 pm, devastating homes, hotels, and markets in high-altitude villages en route to Gangotri. Uttarkashi District Magistrate confirmed the death toll, which may rise. Home Minister Amit Shah has deployed ITBP and NDRF teams for rescue operations. Locals described the destruction as total, with entire villages and marketplaces washed away in minutes.

A massive cloudburst in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, has triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving multiple people injured and several reportedly buried under debris. Torrential water and mud have entered hotels and residential areas, causing widespread panic and destruction. Rescue operations are underway, with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed to locate missing individuals and clear blocked roads. The Yamunotri National Highway has been severely damaged, disrupting travel and pilgrimage routes. Authorities have issued a red alert for further rainfall and landslides. Local officials confirmed injuries and ongoing evacuations, while efforts continue to assess the full scale of damage. The disaster highlights the vulnerability of hill regions to extreme weather events.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that mercenaries from Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and several African nations are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. During a visit to frontline troops in Kharkiv, Zelensky stated that Ukrainian soldiers reported foreign fighters actively participating in combat. He vowed retaliation, saying, “We will respond.” The claim intensifies global scrutiny amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to impose severe tariffs on Russia if it fails to agree to a ceasefire within 10–12 days. Zelensky also discussed battlefield dynamics, drone deployment, and troop funding. The presence of foreign mercenaries adds a new layer of complexity to the already volatile Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: CNN)

A devastating cloudburst near Silai Bend on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, triggered flash floods and landslides, killing two labourers and leaving seven others missing. The victims were part of a hotel construction crew; 20 were rescued, while search operations continue for the missing, including workers from Nepal and Dehradun. The disaster washed away 10 meters of highway and disrupted the Char Dham Yatra, which was temporarily suspended. Rescue teams from NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities are working on a war footing. The bodies of two labourers were recovered 18 km downstream. A red alert remains in effect as officials warn of further landslides and heavy rainfall.

Ukraine has alleged that components manufactured in India were found in Russian drones used to target civilians and frontline positions. The claim was made by Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukraine’s President, via Telegram, stating that Indian parts were discovered in drones deployed during recent Russian attacks. While Reuters could not independently verify the claim, the allegation adds to growing scrutiny over India’s trade ties with Russia amid the ongoing war. The timing coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on India over its Russian oil purchases, accusing Delhi of profiting while civilians suffer. The discovery could complicate India’s diplomatic positioning in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: Shutterstock & Brookings Institution)

India Post will officially discontinue its iconic Registered Post service from September 1, 2025, marking the end of a 50-year legacy. Once a trusted communication method for government offices, courts, and rural citizens, the service has seen a 25% decline in usage due to competition from private couriers and e-commerce logistics. Registered Post will be merged with Speed Post to modernize operations, improve tracking, and enhance delivery speed. However, Speed Post is 20–25% more expensive, raising affordability concerns, especially in rural India. Features like secure handling and proof of delivery will now be offered as value-added services. The move reflects India Post’s push toward operational efficiency and digital transformation.(PC: Flicker)

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee resigned as the party’s chief whip in Lok Sabha following fellow MP Mahua Moitra’s controversial “pig” jibe during a podcast. Moitra, reacting to Banerjee’s comments on her marriage to Pinaki Mishra, said, “You don’t wrestle with a pig because the pig likes it and you get dirty.” Banerjee condemned the remark as dehumanising and abusive, asserting that such language reflects toxic double standards. His resignation was accepted by the party, which appointed Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar as the new chief whip and Satabdi Roy as deputy leader. The episode has triggered a leadership reshuffle and exposed deep fissures within Trinamool’s parliamentary ranks.

Following the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force and Navy are set to place massive orders for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. These missiles, developed through an Indo-Russian joint venture, were pivotal in striking Pakistani air bases and Army cantonments during the four-day conflict. The Navy plans to deploy them on Veer-class warships, while the Air Force will equip its Su-30 MKI fighter jets. A high-level defence ministry meeting is expected to approve the procurement soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the indigenous systems, highlighting BrahMos as a symbol of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The move marks a strategic boost to India’s defence capabilities and regional deterrence posture. (PC: BrahMos Aerospace & Defence News)

Sholay, the iconic Bollywood film that initially flopped but became a cultural phenomenon has marked its 50th anniversary recently. Released on August 15, 1975, Sholay was a cinematic gamble with Rs 3 crore budget, India’s first 70mm format, stereophonic sound, and a star-studded cast. Despite its grandeur, critics panned it and audiences were silent on opening day. Trade papers called it a disaster. Yet, writers Salim-Javed boldly advertised its potential, and word-of-mouth revived it. Gabbar Singh, Jai-Veeru, and Thakur became legends. Today, Sholay is hailed as a timeless masterpiece, with its restored version set for a world premiere in Italy, reaffirming its place in cinematic history. (PC: Prime Video)