Oil marketing companies have lowered the price of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹33.50, effective August 1, 2025, reducing rates—for example in Delhi—to ₹1,631.50. The cut is expected to benefit restaurants, hotels and small businesses that rely heavily on LPG. Domestic 14.2 kg cylinder prices, however, remain unchanged. This move marks the fifth successive monthly reduction in commercial LPG, with similar cuts in July, April, June and February, driven by softened crude oil prices easing operational costs for businesses. (PC: NDTV)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal rainfall for the second half of the 2025 monsoon season, with expected precipitation reaching 106% of the long-period average during August and September. While August rainfall is likely to remain normal (94–106%) in most parts, some regions—particularly the Northeast, East, Central, and southwestern Peninsula—may see below-normal rain. September, however, is predicted to bring surplus rainfall, which could positively impact kharif crop sowing, groundwater recharge, and reservoir levels. IMD has also launched a real-time rainfall monitoring system across 7,200 administrative blocks to aid local planning. (PC: PTI)

Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has claimed that her Christian Dior bag, containing jewellery worth ₹70 lakh, was stolen from the baggage belt at London Gatwick Airport while she was in the UK to attend Wimbledon. The bag was reportedly checked in from Mumbai on Emirates. Despite tagging Emirates and the Gatwick Airport Police, she says she received no meaningful support. Expressing her frustration on Instagram, she shared photos of the baggage tag, flight ticket, and the missing bag, raising concerns about airport security protocols. (PC: Instagram)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani for questioning on August 5, 2025, in connection with an alleged ₹17,000 crore loan fraud and money laundering case. The probe involves suspected diversion of loans obtained between 2017 and 2019 by Reliance firms through shell companies and undisclosed entities. Over 35 premises across Mumbai and Delhi were raided recently. The case also includes findings from SEBI and the National Housing Bank. Following the ED’s action, shares of Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure dropped nearly 5%, reflecting growing investor concern. (PC: ANI)

Over 1 lakh jobs in India’s gem and jewellery industry are at risk following the US’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian jewellery exports starting August 1, 2025. The United States is a key market, accounting for nearly 30% of India’s jewellery exports, worth around $9.9 billion. Industry experts warn that the new tariffs will significantly reduce demand from US buyers, increase costs by 15%, and lead to mass order cancellations. Handmade and small-scale jewellery units are expected to be worst hit, with fears of factory shutdowns and large-scale unemployment looming. (PC: ANI)

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order on July 31, imposing “reciprocal tariffs” ranging from 10% to 41% on nearly 70 countries—effective August 7, 2025 . India is hit with a 25% tariff, along with unspecified additional penalties tied to its defense and energy ties with Russia . In contrast, Pakistan’s tariff rate was sharply reduced to 19%, down from a previously proposed 29% . The announcement rattled markets, triggering declines in Asian equities and a dip in the rupee, while opposition parties in India criticized the Modi government for diplomatic mismanagement. Analysts warn the tariffs could fuel inflation and disrupt global trade, as Delhi now reevaluates its strategic autonomy amid rising economic and geopolitical friction with Washington. (PC: Reuters)

Over 300 precious jewels—believed to have been buried with Lord Buddha over 2,200 years ago—have been returned to India after 127 years abroad. The relics, unearthed in 1898 at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, were once held by British colonialist William Peppé’s family. When the collection was set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, the Indian government intervened diplomatically and legally to stop the sale. Eventually, Godrej Group acquired the artifacts and handed them over to India. Prime Minister Modi called the return a "joyous day" for Indian heritage, marking a victory for cultural repatriation efforts. (PC: The New York Times)  

Following former U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a sudden 25% tariff on Indian imports—citing concerns over India’s continued defense and energy ties with Russia—the Indian government has decided not to pursue the F-35 stealth fighter jet deal with the U.S. The government is now evaluating steps to address the tariff blow, including increasing imports of American natural gas, gold, and tech equipment to balance the trade equation. Rather than relying on high-end U.S. arms, India is doubling down on joint defense development and domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” strategy. (PC: Reuters)

Thousands of SSC aspirants and teachers protested on July 31–August 1 at Jantar Mantar and the CGO Complex in Delhi, under the banner of the "Delhi Chalo" movement, demanding reforms in the Staff Selection Commission’s recruitment process . The protests stem from mass cancellations of SSC Selection Post Phase 13 exams, technical glitches—including server crashes and malfunctioning hardware—and seating candidates at remote centers sometimes over 500 km away . Teachers like Neetu mam were detained, and police also used lathi charges against peaceful protestors, leading to viral videos and growing public outrage.

Magnus Carlsen advanced to the Esports World Cup semifinals with a dominant 2.5–0.5 win over Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin in their quarterfinal clash . After the first game ended in a draw, Carlsen offered a draw by repetition—an offer Sarin declined, prompting a visible smile from the world champion . Carlsen then won the second and third games convincingly to seal the match. Sarin admitted post-game, “Of course, I just got completely crushed today… I for sure could have played better,” while expressing gratitude to face his inspiration for the first time in a match. (PC: X)