Rajnath Singh clears DRDO missile technology transfer to Indian defence industry
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to eligible Indian defence companies. The move is intended to expand domestic manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, create opportunities for smaller businesses and help the armed forces receive required missile systems more efficiently.
Patna TRE-4 protest turns tense as police use water cannon and lathicharge
A student protest in Patna over demands linked to the BPSC TRE-4 examination escalated when police and CRPF personnel blocked a march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Water cannon were used, students were detained and police reported injuries after stone-pelting. The protest has continued in Gardanibagh, while political leaders criticised the government’s handling of the demonstration.
Shatrujeet Brigade showcases helicopter-based combat skills with Mi-17 V5
The Shatrujeet Brigade conducted a specialised exercise focused on advanced helicopter-based combat capabilities. The drill demonstrated rapid soldier deployment techniques and coordination with Indian Air Force assets, with the Mi-17 V5 serving as a key highlight. The exercise also featured an underslung airlift of LSV and RTTS. The Shatrujeet Brigade conducted a specialised exercise demonstrating advanced helicopter-based combat capabilities, including rapid deployment techniques and coordination with Indian Air Force assets.
UPI marks 10 years as digital payments become part of everyday life in India
The Ministry of Finance highlighted UPI’s decade-long shift from a payment option to an everyday habit for millions of Indians. The platform is now associated with routine transactions ranging from morning chai and groceries to splitting a dinner bill and paying local vendors, often through a simple scan. The Ministry of Finance has highlighted UPI’s 10-year journey from a digital payment option to a routine part of everyday life for millions of Indians.
Canada weighs tariffs, energy pressure and boycotts to hit back at the US
Canada is preparing a dollar-for-dollar response to the US trade war, targeting products including steel, dairy, appliances, farm equipment, electronics, pulp and paper. Prime Minister Mark Carney has other potential pressure points, from energy and critical minerals to alcohol sales and tourism, but some measures remain under consideration. Canada is preparing a response to the US trade war even as the two countries remain closely tied by commerce.
Gurugram floods after hours of rain as drainage gaps strand school buses
Gurugram faced widespread waterlogging on 24 August, leaving roads, vehicles and school buses stuck for hours. Rainfall reached 75 millimetres in the Gurugram tehsil between morning and evening, while residents and commentators questioned why the city’s rapid growth has not been matched by drainage capacity and coordinated urban planning. Gurugram was hit by widespread waterlogging on 24 August after several hours of rain, disrupting traffic and leaving vehicles stranded across major roads.
Sonam Wangchuk plans renewed Ladakh agitation as probe into September violence remains unpublished
Sonam Wangchuk has joined a candle march in Leh and said protests over Ladakh’s constitutional demands will intensify after a symbolic start. He is seeking justice and accountability for the violence of 24 September 2025, while questions remain over the delayed report of a judicial inquiry commission formed to examine the deaths and police action.
US expands Iran sanctions to five sectors, putting Indian exports at risk
The Trump administration has launched what it calls Operation Economic Isolation, adding people, companies and vessels to its sanctions list while widening the sectors exposed to secondary penalties. Indian exporters warn that shipments of rice, tea and medicines to Iran could suffer, with much of that trade moving through Dubai.
Sahil Lochab says pellet injuries left him unable to see after Delhi march
Sahil Lochab, injured during the CJP Parliament march in Delhi on 20 July, says two pellet fragments remain in his eye after two surgeries and doctors have given him one month to await possible improvement. He also described repeated attempts to register an FIR before Rahul Gandhi’s intervention on 21 August.
UPI marks 10 years as transaction volume rises to over 24,162 crore
The Unified Payments Interface has completed a decade of digital payments, with annual transaction volume rising from 1.78 crore in FY 2016-17 to more than 24,162 crore in FY 2025-26. The platform is now operational in 11 countries and connected to 703 banks. The Unified Payments Interface has completed 10 years of operation, emerging as a major part of India’s digital payments ecosystem and gaining recognition as the world’s largest real-time payment system.
RBI forex swap raises record $73 billion, FCNR(B) window to close on 31 August 2026
The RBI’s special USD-INR forex swap facility has raised a record $73 billion in 11 weeks, according to the supplied report. The FCNR(B) deposit window will now close early on 31 August 2026, one month ahead of the previously indicated schedule. The RBI’s special USD-INR forex swap facility has raised a record $73 billion in 11 weeks, marking a new high for foreign-currency mobilisation in the country.
Government rejects ethanol link to sugar price rise, cites Red Rot and El Niño
Union minister Prahlad Joshi said India has no shortage of sugar despite retail prices reaching ₹65 a kilogram or more in some places. He attributed the increase to Red Rot disease and El Niño conditions, while the government said it was monitoring prices and considering temporary raw sugar imports ahead of the festival season.