1. Indian Rupee Falls Amid US Tariff Concerns
The Indian rupee weakened to an intraday low of ₹87.4850, closing at ₹87.4550—pressured by fears of up to 50% US tariffs on Indian exports, expected from August 27. The strengthening US dollar, ahead of Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech, added further drag. Markets expect a rate cut in September, but Goldman Sachs warns Powell may not commit publicly.
Reuters
2. Nagpur to Propose New Wards Draft
Nagpur Municipal Corporation is set to release a draft for new ward delimitations today. It proposes 38 prabhags (wards), each represented by four corporators, creating a 156-member body including nominated members. Public feedback is invited from August 22 to 28, with hearings scheduled for September 9–15, and final approval expected in early October.
The Times of India
3. India Criticized Over Russian Oil Imports & Online Games Ban
India faces criticism from the U.S.—and especially from Trump’s camp—over continuing oil imports from Russia. Critics label it "sanctions", while defenders highlight hypocrisy given similar energy deals with other countries. Additionally, the Indian government passed sweeping legislation banning all real-money online games over addiction and fraud concerns, raising alarms about job losses and revenue decline in a projected $9.2 billion market.
Financial Times
4. Madras HC Warns MEA to Act Quickly
The Madras High Court has sternly directed the Ministry of External Affairs to file a response by 25 August, regarding assistance for an Indian national (Gopi) imprisoned in Cambodia. The court warned it will summon the Foreign Secretary if no proper response is received—emphasizing the equal rights of all citizens, not just VIPs.
The Times of India
5. PM Modi Visits Bihar & West Bengal
On 22 August, Prime Minister Modi initiated a two-state visit to Bihar and West Bengal to inaugurate key development projects valued at over ₹18,000 crore—aimed at boosting economic and infrastructure growth in both states.
The Times of India
6. Gaya-Delhi Amrit Bharat Express Begins
The inaugural run of the Gaya-Delhi Amrit Bharat Express departed today, with regular services starting 28 August. The biweekly train schedule runs from Gaya to Delhi and back, covering key stations like Sasaram and Ghaziabad. Meanwhile, the Vaishali-Koderma MEMU train commenced its initial journey today, with services beginning 23 August.
The Times of India
7. Odisha Assembly Session Set for September
Odisha’s monsoon legislative assembly session is slated from 18 to 25 September 2025. It will address public concerns including farmers' issues and crimes against women and children. Opposition parties (BJD and Congress) accuse the delay of being strategic, but the government assures all agenda items will be considered.
The Times of India
8. Chhattisgarh Employees Plan Pen-Down Strike
The Chhattisgarh Karmchari–Adhikari Federation (CKAF), uniting 110 employee bodies, announced a pen-down strike on 22 August, demanding overdue dearness allowance, pay parity, medical benefits, promotions, and retirement age adjustments. Despite the government hike to 55%, CKAF insists the raise should have been effective from January 2025 and is preparing for a prolonged strike if their demands aren’t met.
The Times of India
9. Kolkata’s First Underwater Metro to Be Inaugurated
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate three metro projects in Kolkata today, including India’s first underwater metro. The launch marks a major leap in urban transit infrastructure, timed before Durga Puja, to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion in the city.
The Times of India
Index of Topics:
Section Topic
1 Economy & Rupee Slump
2 Local Governance – Nagpur Ward Draft
3 Foreign Affairs – Oil Trade & Gaming Laws
4 Judiciary – Gopi’s Case in Cambodia
5 Infrastructure – PM’s Two-State Visit
6 Transport – Gaya-Delhi Express Launch
7 Legislature – Odisha Monsoon Session
8 Labour Action – Chhattisgarh Employee Strike
9 Urban Transport – Kolkata Underwater Metro
