India's 65 pc of defence equipment made domestically; 'Made in Bihar' boots used by Russian army

Hardik Pandya will undergo a fitness assessment at the NCA on August 11-12 ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, where India will rely on his all-round abilities. Meanwhile, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is recovering from surgery and will spend another week at the NCA, having showcased his return to practice, as India prepares for the tournament starting September 9 in the UAE. Want More Context? 🔎

After launching the NISAR mission with the US, India plans to launch the 6,500 kg Block-2 BlueBird communication satellite in a few months, enabling direct-to-smartphone broadband connectivity. The satellite, using AST & Science's technologies, will be launched aboard Isro's LVM-3-M5 rocket from Sriharikota, further enhancing Indo-US space collaboration. Want More Context? 🔎

The road transport ministry has mandated regular inspections of highways by officials to prevent encroachments, supported by drone videography for updates. Following a Supreme Court directive, a standard operating procedure requires inspections every three months by regional officers and monthly by project directors, with penalties for encroachers, ensuring compliance with the National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act. Want More Context? 🔎

Seven people died in a wall collapse at a makeshift dwelling in Jaitpur, Delhi, during heavy rain, with a 49-year-old tenant arrested for illegally housing them. The landlord is on the run, and police have initiated a case for negligence and public nuisance after the victims, mostly migrant workers, were trapped under debris from an unsafe structure. Want More Context? 🔎

The BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making baseless allegations against the Election Commission, suggesting he is venting frustration over lost power by undermining constitutional institutions. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized Gandhi's claims regarding voter exclusion and fraudulent ballots, questioning the evidence behind his statements and highlighting a lack of action from the INDIA bloc. Want More Context? 🔎

India's Asiatic lion population surged from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, marking a 32.2% increase, with adult females rising to 330. The latest count, which includes 497 lions in satellite populations and 22 in corridor areas, highlights a significant conservation success, as emphasized by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on World Lion Day. Want More Context? 🔎