India is ramping up its production of essential rare earth minerals, as the government actively pursues trade agreements with Chile and Peru. Encouraging homegrown exploration is a priority, and innovative startups are stepping up to the plate by focusing on recycling and processing these key resources.

In a significant turn of events, Rahul Gandhi finds solace as the Gauhati High Court annulled the ruling of a lower court. The High Court dismissed the decision to permit additional witnesses in a long-standing criminal defamation case that began nine years ago.

Shilpa Shetty has withdrawn her application to travel abroad, citing non-materialization of plans, with her lawyer stating a fresh application will be filed if future travel is desired. The actress and her husband Raj Kundra are involved in a Rs 60-crore cheating case.

India has introduced new rules for industrial emissions. These rules set legally binding targets for 282 major industrial units. Companies must reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of production. This initiative aims to meet India's climate goals. It also prepares Indian businesses for international carbon regulations. Compliance begins soon.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence that India will become a developed nation by 2047, driven by technological adoption, expanded trade, and strong macroeconomic fundamentals. He highlighted the government's initiatives to boost the domestic economy through infrastructure and consumption-led growth, while also emphasizing India's growing role as a trusted global partner in the fintech world.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense detected 10 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels near its waters on Monday, with seven aircraft crossing the median line. This follows similar incursions on Sunday. These frequent activities underscore escalating tensions between Taiwan and China, especially as experts warn of new Chinese weapons designed to counter Taiwan's asymmetric defense strategy.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS head Raj Thackeray are frequently meeting, fueling speculation about a potential alliance for upcoming local body polls. Their recent attendance at Sanjay Raut's grandchild's naming ceremony follows other personal and political gatherings. This increased interaction suggests improved ties, especially after both parties faced setbacks in the 2024 assembly polls.

Chennai Airport received a bomb threat via email late Thursday night. Officials launched a search operation through the night. Bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs checked the premises. Vehicles and passenger baggage underwent checks. No items were found after hours of searching. Authorities declared it a hoax. Police registered a case and began an investigation.

Crimes against women marginally increased to 4.48 lakh in 2023, according to NCRB data, reflecting a national rate of 66.2 incidents per lakh female population. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of cases, while Telangana led in crime rate. Cruelty by husband remained the predominant category. Although the chargesheeting rate was 77.6%, court pendency for these cases alarmingly reached 90.

North Korea and China's foreign ministers agreed to deepen bilateral ties and resist hegemonism, following a recent Kim-Xi summit and a joint appearance with Putin. Both nations expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation against unilateralism, likely targeting the US. This move comes as North Korea seeks to improve relations with its key benefactor, China, amidst global shifts.

BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Malhotra, 94, and the first president of the Delhi unit, passed away on Tuesday. His demise came a day after the Delhi BJP inaugurated its new permanent office. Malhotra was lauded for his simplicity, public service, and significant contributions to expanding Jan Sangh in Delhi.

A large group of Antop Hill residents halted a Mumbai CSMT-bound local train on the Harbour Line near Wadala station on Friday afternoon. The protesters, numbering in the hundreds, were demonstrating against the installation of mobile towers on the rooftops of their slums, claiming they were illegal and posed a radiation risk.

The Congress party wants a judicial inquiry into the deaths of four young people during protests in Ladakh. These deaths occurred during a protest for statehood. Congress leader Nawang Rigzin Jora has written to the Lieutenant Governor. He is asking for an investigation into the incident. The party also denies inciting violence. They are accusing BJP leaders of spreading misinformation.

The Supreme Court has directed the central government to establish a dedicated online portal, overseen by the home ministry, to track missing children and facilitate investigations. This directive addresses the identified lack of coordination among police forces across states and union territories. The portal aims to improve information dissemination and ensure a more coordinated approach to resolving these critical cases.

Russia is set to complete its USD 5.43 billion deal with India by delivering the final S-400 Triumf air defense system in 2026. Four systems have already been delivered, despite earlier US warnings about potential sanctions under CAATSA. India has shown interest in acquiring more missile systems, including the advanced S-500.

The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 65,000, as Israeli forces intensify their offensive in Gaza City. Air strikes and ground troops have toppled buildings and displaced residents, leading to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis and famine. Despite international condemnation and calls for intervention, Israel continues its operation, aiming to control Gaza City.

The Patna High Court has ordered the Congress party to remove an AI-generated video from its social media platforms that features Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his deceased mother. This directive came in response to a petition filed by Vivekanand Singh. Notices have also been issued to Rahul Gandhi, Facebook, Twitter, and Google in connection with the controversial video.

The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has warned that more than 1.4 billion accounts are hacked globally each month due to unsecured digital footprints. It highlighted risks from both passive and active footprints, stressing that weakly protected data can lead to identity theft and phishing. The CSC urged users to use official apps, review permissions, enable two-factor authentication, and stay vigilant.

Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam visited the Ram temple in Ayodhya and was welcomed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. During his visit, UP Cabinet Minister Surya Pratap Shahi highlighted the cultural connection between Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mauritius.

The 67-year-old Radhakrishanan won the vice presidential election on Tuesday, defeating the joint opposition nominee B Sudershan Reddy by a margin of 152 votes.

Piter Navarro, former US President Donald Trump's aide, has again criticized India. This happened after his false claims on X were fact-checked. He accused Indians of manipulating a poll he posted. Navarro alleged foreign interests are using social media to push their agenda. He also attacked X's content moderation policies. Navarro has repeatedly targeted India with jibes and accusations.

Israel's Supreme Court has ordered the government to improve the quantity and quality of food provided to Palestinian detainees, citing a failure to meet basic subsistence needs. This rare rebuke during the Israel-Hamas war follows complaints of malnutrition and starvation in Israeli detention facilities.

Russia's Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) has announced the successful completion of preclinical trials for its cancer vaccine, demonstrating safety and high efficacy. The vaccine, initially targeting colorectal cancer, showed significant reductions in tumor size and improved survival rates. Further advancements are being made in developing vaccines for glioblastoma and melanoma.

The high court on July 15 had dismissed three petitions challenging the construction of the Rs 229 crore passenger jetty and terminal facility proposed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) near the Gateway of India. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran dismissed the appeal filed by one Laura D Souza against the high court verdict, saying the issue fell under the policy domain of the government.

Nepal witnessed a significant decrease in monsoon-related fatalities this year, with 82 deaths reported compared to 227 in 2024. A report by the NDRRMA indicates 22 people are still missing. The country experienced 22% less rainfall than average. Landslides, floods, heavy rain, and lightning affected nearly 3,899 families across Nepal between mid-April and August end.

The Khyber district administration has mandated that all Afghan nationals obtain passports and conduct business legally, setting an August 31 deadline. Simultaneously, a Landi Kotal resident accused a Tehsildar of unlawfully detaining his brother over a monetary dispute.

The Delhi High Court declined to halt trial court proceedings against Gautam Gambhir, his foundation, and others accused of illegally stocking and distributing COVID-19 drugs. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna agreed to hear Gambhir's petition for quashing the FIR on August 29.

Karnataka's Deputy CM D K Shivakumar surprised the Assembly. He sang the RSS anthem during a debate. This followed accusations about his role in a stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium. BJP legislators alleged he caused frenzy. Shivakumar defended his actions. He mentioned his KSCA involvement and Bengaluru minister role. The incident sparked amusement and silence in the House.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a three-day visit to Moscow to reinforce the strong India-Russia partnership amid rising tensions with the US over increased tariffs on Indian goods and Russian oil imports. He will co-chair the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission and hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on bilateral ties and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict.

The US SEC is seeking assistance from India's Ministry of Law and Justice to serve legal documents to Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, regarding a civil securities case. This action is under the Hague Service Convention, as the defendants are based in India.

Donald Trump surprised Senator Lindsey Graham with a phone call during a public gathering, offering his full endorsement for Graham's 2026 re-election bid in South Carolina. Graham, seeking a fifth term, expressed gratitude and pledged to continue delivering the America First agenda.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged with German MP Jurgen Hardt in New Delhi, addressing the expanding bilateral relations and current global affairs. Their discussion highlights the robust strategic partnership between India and Germany, marked by frequent high-level meetings. Jaishankar also bid farewell to Slovenia's Ambassador to India, Mateja Vodeb Ghosh, acknowledging her role in strengthening ties.

A medical transport plane crashed and burned on Tuesday in northern Arizona's Navajo Nation. The incident resulted in the death of four individuals. The victims were medical personnel en route to pick up a patient. The crash involved a CSI Aviation company plane from Albuquerque. Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defence reported increased PLA activity around the island, detecting 17 aircraft and 7 naval vessels, with 8 sorties crossing the median line into Taiwan's ADIZ. These incursions follow a pattern of heightened military operations, reflecting ongoing tensions as China asserts its claim over Taiwan under the One China principle.