India

A catastrophic flash flood struck the Nepal-China border region on August 27, 2026, triggered by a glacier collapse and natural dam burst. The flood swept through the Bhotekoshi River valley in Nepal's Rasuwa district, killing at least 180 people and leaving over 1,300 missing. Hundreds of foreign pilgrims and tourists were caught during the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage season. Rescue operations are ongoing but hampered by damaged infrastructure. The disaster highlights Himalayan vulnerability to climate-induced extreme weather.

26 reports · 9 sources · Updated Sep 2, 08:31 AM UTC

India's GDP grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, surpassing the 7.1% Reuters poll estimate and matching the previous quarter's pace. The growth was driven by a 12.1% expansion in financial, real estate, IT, and professional services, a 9.2% rise in manufacturing, and an 11.9% surge in gross fixed capital formation. Private consumption grew 7.1%. The Reserve Bank of India had forecast 7.0% growth for the quarter.

5 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 1, 06:29 AM UTC

Leaders of China, Russia, and India met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on countering US influence and regional cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping told Putin their bilateral ties will strengthen. Indian Prime Minister Modi urged Putin to end the war in Ukraine for humanity’s sake, a rare public divergence from Russia’s position. The summit also included discussions on security and economic cooperation.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 1, 04:00 AM UTC

OpenAI has begun displaying advertisements to free and Go-tier ChatGPT users in India, one of its largest markets, as part of a broader monetization push. The company announced its advertising business reached a $1 billion annualized revenue run rate, with ads now live in over 40 countries. OpenAI emphasizes that ads are clearly labeled, do not influence model responses, and that advertisers cannot access user data. The move aims to support wider access and justify its $852 billion valuation ahead of a planned 2027 IPO.

16 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 2, 09:29 AM UTC

On August 19, 2026, Pakistan summoned U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad to protest remarks by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who called Jammu and Kashmir an "important part of India" during a Srinagar visit. Pakistan condemned the statement as contradicting the territory's disputed status under UNSC resolutions. The incident sparked mixed reactions among Indian political parties, with some welcoming the remarks and others criticizing U.S. influence. India's MEA viewed Pakistan's protest as a sign of frustration.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 24, 01:14 PM UTC

The Bar Council of India (BCI) briefly froze enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduates after students opposed Chief Justice Surya Kant as convocation chief guest, citing his remarks on police excesses. Within hours, the BCI withdrew the order, allowing all graduates to enrol, while seeking an inquiry into the protest. The incident raised legal questions about the BCI’s authority and sparked criticism from student groups like ABVP.

15 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 22, 08:48 AM UTC

On August 20, 2026, in New Delhi, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation. The pact enhances information sharing, joint exercises, logistics support, and ship repair. Both nations also agreed to fast-track the UNICORN communications system and explore joint naval shipbuilding under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. A new Working Group will coordinate defence efforts. The agreement reflects shared opposition to unilateral actions threatening freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 21, 01:39 PM UTC

India’s Ministry of Defence released its sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), banning imports of 405 defence items valued at ₹3,070 crore ($320.8 million). The list includes components for Su-30MKI, T-72/T-90 tanks, helicopters, and missile systems. Sixteen items are for the Coast Guard, 389 for defence PSUs. Part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the move aims to reduce import dependence. Over 15,700 items have been indigenised since 2020, with import substitution worth ₹9,000 crore and defence manufacturing output reaching ₹1.78 trillion in FY2025-26.

10 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 19, 03:29 PM UTC

On August 17, 2026, India’s Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,943 crore ($200-203 million) contract with General Atomics to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones for the Indian Navy for 30 months. This brings India’s leased MQ-9B fleet to four, bridging the gap until delivery of 31 ordered drones begins in 2029. The advanced HALE UAVs will enhance maritime ISR over the Indian Ocean Region, supporting the P-8I fleet and deepening India-US defence cooperation.

8 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 19, 12:00 AM UTC

On August 12, 2026, India's Defence Ministry issued a ₹1 lakh crore ($10.48-12 billion) tender for 60 multirole transport aircraft to replace the IAF's aging An-32 fleet. The program mandates Indian-led joint ventures with global OEMs, with 20% delivered fly-away and 80% manufactured domestically, targeting over 60% indigenous content. Key contenders include Mahindra Defence with Embraer's C-390 and Tata with Lockheed Martin's C-130J. The aircraft will enhance strategic airlift and may be configured for aerial refueling.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 18, 01:52 PM UTC

On August 14, 2026, Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) and Rolls-Royce announced a strategic intent to jointly design, develop, and manufacture a sovereign combat engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The partnership aims to establish an Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India, creating end-to-end indigenous aero-engine capabilities. This collaboration supports India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) goals, enhancing strategic autonomy in defense technology, though it remains a statement of intent rather than a formal contract.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 17, 04:08 PM UTC

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced it will reconduct the UGC-NET June 2026 exams for English, Sociology, and Commerce after an internal audit revealed factual, typographical, and translation errors, as well as repeated questions. The retest is scheduled for September 9-10, 2026. Political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh, criticized the government, demanding accountability and compensation for affected students, whose admissions and fellowship opportunities face delays.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 21, 05:37 AM UTC

India's state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) obtained a U.S. OFAC license to resume full operations in Venezuela, after sanctions had curtailed its activities. ONGC holds stakes in the San Cristobal and Carabobo oil projects and plans to invest $200 million to boost San Cristobal output tenfold to 50,000 barrels per day. The license could unlock over $500 million in outstanding dividends and allow ONGC to potentially take over operatorship from PDVSA. This move supports India's strategy to diversify crude sources amid the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 26, 02:30 PM UTC

On India’s 80th Independence Day (August 15, 2026), the BJP accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of signaling to stop the full version of the national song 'Vande Mataram' at a Congress event. BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, demanded an apology, calling it an insult. Congress denied the charge, explaining Gandhi was asking for a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. The controversy highlights ongoing political tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, with both sides citing historical precedents and recent legal amendments.

10 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 20, 07:07 AM UTC

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement" on August 7, 2026, committing to collective defense—treating an armed attack on any one as an attack on all. The pact, signed amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, aims to de-escalate regional tensions, protect maritime routes, and enhance defense cooperation. It leverages Saudi financial power, Turkey’s military capabilities, and Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, signaling a shift in West Asian security architecture.

10 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 17, 02:13 PM UTC

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, announced on August 12, 2026, that he will not seek reappointment when his term ends on February 20, 2027, following a board deadlock over his extension. The decision, triggered by one director (Noel Tata) withholding support, ended months of uncertainty. Tata Group stocks fell sharply, with TCS dropping nearly 6% and Tata Motors declining 4.11%. Chandrasekaran, who led the conglomerate since 2017, urged the board to decide on a successor ahead of the August 18 annual general meeting.

10 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 14, 07:39 AM UTC

A U.S. federal judge formally dismissed a 2024 criminal case against Gautam Adani and seven others, who were accused of a $250–265 million bribery scheme for Indian solar energy contracts. The Trump administration’s DOJ moved to drop charges, citing evidentiary challenges and foreign primacy. Judge Nicholas Garaufis criticized the dismissal process as “highly unusual.” Adani denied any deal, though his group had proposed a $10 billion U.S. investment. The SEC settled its civil case for $18 million. Adani’s wealth surged, but stock reactions were muted.

12 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 12, 03:42 PM UTC

A Delhi court acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, along with aide Vinod Tomar, of all sexual harassment charges brought by six female wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik. The allegations, spanning 2016–2019, sparked massive protests in New Delhi in 2023. Following the August 3, 2026 verdict, Vinesh Phogat announced the wrestlers will appeal the decision, vowing to continue their legal battle.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 10, 11:50 PM UTC

The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in an 86-11 bipartisan vote, imposing sanctions on Russia over its Ukraine invasion and granting President Trump authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on top Russian oil and gas buyers, including China, India, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Slovakia. The bill also targets Russian officials, oligarchs, and Iran’s energy sector. It now heads to the House, facing uncertain prospects due to concerns over expanded presidential tariff powers.

18 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 13, 01:12 PM UTC

India’s IT Ministry summoned Meta’s global policy team after an automated error briefly removed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook post addressing exam paper leaks. Meta apologized, restored the content, and implemented enhanced safeguards for prominent accounts. The government, deeming Meta’s explanation inadequate, escalated the issue to a parliamentary panel hearing on algorithmic bias, public order, and social media regulation. Separately, Hyderabad police filed cases against Meta’s India head over alleged morphed posts targeting Modi.

18 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 8, 06:38 PM UTC

On August 4, 2026, the Indian-flagged merchant vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was attacked and sunk in the Red Sea off Yemen, near Hodeidah. All 14 crew members (13 Indians and one Yemeni) were rescued by Yemeni authorities. India condemned the attack, which Yemen’s government blamed on Iran-backed Houthi militants. The incident is part of an escalating Houthi campaign against Red Sea shipping, disrupting global trade and raising security concerns amid broader regional conflict.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 8, 05:22 PM UTC

India proposed extending tax exemptions until 2041 for foreign companies supplying machinery to contract manufacturers, a major win for Apple after lobbying. The move supports Apple's diversification from China, with India expected to produce 26% of iPhones globally by 2026. The draft bill also exempts income from storing electronic components in customs-bonded areas, eases data center tax rules, and offers a 15-year tax break for foreign diamond traders.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 8, 03:25 PM UTC

On July 27, 2026, the Indian government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, proposing harsher penalties including up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹50 lakh. The bill mandates fast-track courts in every state and union territory, with trials completed within three months, and Special Task Forces for investigations. It follows nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak that led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

13 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 7, 06:16 PM UTC

On August 6, 2026, the Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal of raping a junior colleague in a hotel elevator during the 2013 ThinkFest literary festival in Goa. Overturning a 2021 acquittal, the court sentenced him to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under IPC sections for rape, sexual harassment, and disrobing. The case, which spanned over a decade, became a landmark in India’s #MeToo movement and highlighted legal accountability for powerful figures.

11 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 18, 07:17 PM UTC

Severe monsoon floods in Assam, India, have killed at least 41 people and affected over 800,000 across 16 districts, with eastern areas like Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat hit hardest. A cloudburst in neighboring Nagaland triggered flash floods and landslides. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the damage as "unimaginable," with nearly 100 missing. Rescue operations involve the Indian Army and Air Force, while the India Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rain, worsening flooding and landslides.

21 reports · 1 sources · Updated Aug 5, 06:37 AM UTC

In late July and early August 2026, West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force arrested three suspects—Hamim Mondal, Arpita Sarkar, and Aditya Singh—linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Shehzad Bhatti gang. The module allegedly surveilled Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and other VIPs, planned to infiltrate student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi using police uniforms, and used a honey-trap network. The National Investigation Agency joined the probe, uncovering cross-border financing and encrypted communications.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 8, 03:57 PM UTC

At least one person was killed and several injured in violent clashes during the first phase of elections for the legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on July 27, 2026. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of killing its worker, while both parties traded rigging allegations. The banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) led protests over 12 contentious seats, with death tolls rising to at least 20. India condemned the elections as a cover for Pakistan’s illegal occupation and human rights abuses.

13 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 8, 04:32 AM UTC

On July 20, 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a 'Sansad Chalo' march in New Delhi demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET exam irregularities. Police used lathi-charge and tear gas, injuring 38 protesters and 118 officers, with 70 detained. Mobile internet was shut down. The Delhi High Court later sought police and Centre responses on alleged excessive force, while the CJI dismissed media claims of denying an urgent hearing. Activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his hunger strike.

17 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 2, 08:48 AM UTC

Hockey India replaced the traditional blue jerseys of the Indian men's and women's hockey teams with saffron for the upcoming FIH World Cup, citing technical reasons (blue uniforms blending with blue synthetic turf) and player input. The move drew sharp criticism from former players like Viren Rasquinha and Dhanraj Pillay, who called it an attack on team identity, and from politicians like Kapil Sibal, who accused Hockey India of politicizing the sport. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey later said he was not consulted, deepening internal discord.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 8, 04:16 AM UTC

The Indian Parliament’s Monsoon Session (July 20–28, 2026) saw repeated adjournments in both houses as opposition parties demanded a debate under special rules on the NEET exam paper leak and alleged police brutality against student protesters. The government offered to discuss the issue but rejected opposition conditions. No major legislative business was passed for seven days, with key bills stalled amid sloganeering and black-attire protests.

8 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 31, 04:04 PM UTC