- Monsoon Devastation in Northern India
- At least 30 people were killed by deadly landslides and flooding that occurred in northern India, especially close to the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Jammu. The area was also affected by flash floods, which left 200 people missing and 60 dead in Kishtwar. Due to heavy rainfall, schools had to close and communication was disrupted as rivers like the Tawi, Chenab, and Basantar overflowed. Forecasts for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh point to further rain and the potential for thunderstorms.
2. Flash floods and landslides in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed 34 people, injured 18, and halted pilgrimage operations. Meanwhile, more than 150,000 people had been displaced in Punjab, Pakistan, and relief efforts headed by the military were facilitating mass evacuations, especially in the Lahore area. Monsoon-related disasters in the Himalayan area have been blamed for about 100 deaths in August.
2. U.S.–India Trade Tensions Escalate
- In reaction to India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil, the United States has placed a 50% tax on a variety of Indian commodities, which will take effect on August 27, 2025. The cost of Indian exports to the US is greatly increased by this action.
2. As the effects of these levies become apparent, Indian exporters are becoming alarmed; many are asking the government and RBI for quick assistance to counteract the harm to their ability to compete in international markets.
3. According to official opinion, this tariff hike might represent a turning point even if Prime Minister Modi and former US President Trump have a close personal relationship. Using the phrase “special partnership,” some experts express hope that the relationship could yet result in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
4. While avoiding overt outreach to Washington, India is changing its diplomatic stance by confirming its affiliation with Russia and fortifying its connections with China (resuming flights, lowering economic obstacles). India is still working on domestic reforms, and financial markets are still steady, protecting against the impact of the tariffs.
3. Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations and Market Closures
- Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant celebration that begins on August 27, 2025. Consequently, today’s commodities trading and stock markets (NSE and BSE) are closed.
2. According to the RBI holiday schedule, banks in a number of major cities, including Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai, are also closed today.
4.Cultural Celebrations: Ganesh Chaturthi in Full Swing
Via social media, cricket players and IPL teams shared warm wishes for Ganesh Chaturthi, embracing the festival’s essence and enhancing its cultural significance throughout the nation.
5. Puri Jagannath Temple Management Reconstituted
The 18-member administrative committee of the holy Puri Jagannath Temple has been reorganized by the Odisha government. Girish Chandra Murmu, the former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, is one of the ten newly nominated members. Relocating a donation box and implementing a queue darshan system with a six-lane ramp are top priority in order to improve crowd flow and accessibility for various groups, such as elderly and disabled devotees.
6. CM Launches “Ama Shasana” Digital Outreach Initiative
In order to collect input on government services across 13 services in eight ministries, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi established Ama Shasana (“our governance”), a citizen-centric public outreach effort that makes use of digital resources like chatbots, WhatsApp, and a toll-free number. The initiative is criticized by the opposition BJD, which claims it duplicates their 2019 “Mo Sarkar” campaign, despite being praised for its participatory approach.
7. Heritage Conservation Task Force in the Works
In the first phase of a new heritage policy, 75 heritage structures will be developed, and a special task force will be established to safeguard more than 3,000 monuments throughout Odisha. The plan calls for building a cultural corridor that connects the state’s Shakti Peethas—from Tara Tarini to Biraja Kshetra—as well as geotagging temples and enhancing access infrastructure.
8. Bhubaneswar Residents Protest Illegal Dumping Near Sainik School
Citing significant health and environmental hazards, locals in the Gadakana neighborhood of Bhubaneswar have stepped up their protests against a trash disposal site next to Sainik School. They call for quick cleanup, closure, and sanctions for operations that began as early as 2002. They vow to intensify action starting on September 1 if it is not resolved. The city wants to build a massive material recovery facility and increase decentralized trash processing.
9. Annual Certification for Traffic Enforcement Devices
To guarantee precision and equity in traffic enforcement, the Transport Department of Odisha has required yearly certification for electronic enforcement devices, including as breathalyzers, speed guns, and cameras. Odisha is noteworthy for being the first Indian state to implement this law, which streamlines certification procedures in accordance with the updated MV Act and pertinent federal rules.
10. Odisha Police Preparing Cyber Command Centre (O3C)
Odisha Police have started working on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a new Odisha Cyber Command Centre (O3C) and 20 more cyber police stations in an effort to combat the rise in cybercrime. Financial damages from cybercrime have increased significantly, from ₹8.97 crore in 2018 to ₹154.5 crore in 2024, necessitating improved technical and investigative capabilities.