NDA Names C.P. Radhakrishnan as Vice Presidential Candidate
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has officially announced C.P. Radhakrishnan, the current Governor of Maharashtra, as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election. Radhakrishnan, a veteran Tamil Nadu politician with over four decades of public life and a former two-time Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore, was selected at a BJP Parliamentary Board meeting. The decision was finalized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda, who were authorized by the alliance.
Kathua Cloudburst Claims Seven Lives in Jammu and Kashmir
Heavy overnight rainfall triggered cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Sunday, resulting in a tragic loss of life. At least seven people, including five children, have died, and several others were injured. The incidents occurred in Jodh Ghati and Janglote areas, cutting off access to affected villages. Rescue operations are ongoing, with helicopters deployed to airlift the injured to hospitals.
PM Modi Inaugurates Key Delhi Infrastructure Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated major national highway projects in Delhi, valued at ā¹11,000 crore. The projects include the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) and the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway. These initiatives are aimed at easing congestion and significantly improving connectivity within the National Capital Region.
Uncertainty Over US-India Trade Talks Amid Tariff Tensions
A planned visit by a US delegation to India for bilateral trade agreement negotiations, slated for the last week of August, has reportedly been postponed or cancelled. This development casts a shadow over the sixth round of trade talks, especially as new US tariffs, including an additional 25% on Indian goods (bringing the total to 50%), are set to take effect from August 27. The US had imposed the initial 25% tariff earlier this month, citing India's continued imports of Russian oil. India has maintained that it will not compromise the interests of its farmers and cattle rearers in these negotiations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Visit India for Boundary Talks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit India from August 18 to 20. During his visit, Mr. Wang will participate in the 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of China and India on the boundary question, following an invitation from New Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi Launches 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar on Sunday to highlight alleged issues with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Gandhi has accused the Election Commission (EC) and the BJP of electoral fraud, a claim the EC has countered by explaining its processes and vouching for the sanctity of the electoral rolls.
Six Dead in Delhi Dargah Wall Collapse
Delhi Police have registered a case following the collapse of a wall and roof at a dargah near Humayun's Tomb on August 15, which resulted in the death of six people. The incident occurred at Dargah Sharif Patte Shah.
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Return from ISS
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return to India on August 19 after his historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS). He is expected to meet Prime Minister Modi upon his return, as ISRO prepares for its maiden human spaceflight in 2027.