On August 14, 2025, the Indian government announced gallantry awards for 36 air warriors who played pivotal roles in Operation Sindoor. Nine Indian Air Force officers, including fighter pilots who targeted terrorist groups’ headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur and Pakistan military assets in Operation Sindoor, were awarded the Vir Chakra—the third-highest wartime gallantry medal. One officer received the Shaurya Chakra, and 26 others were honored with the Vayu Sena Medal. These awards recognize exceptional courage and dedication in safeguarding national security. (PC: AFP)  

Nine Indian Air Force officers have been honored with the Vir Chakra, the nation’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal, for their bravery during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation involved precision airstrikes on terrorist camps in Muridke and Bahawalpur, Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack. Additionally, 26 IAF personnel received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for their roles. This recognition highlights the IAF’s commitment to national security and its operational excellence in executing high-risk missions. The awards were announced ahead of Independence Day 2025 as a tribute to their courage and dedication. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three significant metro projects in Kolkata on August 22, 2025, just before the Durga Puja festival. These include the Green Line (Sealdah–Esplanade), the Orange Line extension (Ruby–Beleghata), and the Yellow Line extension (Noapara–Jai Hind Airport), aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and providing faster, more convenient travel for lakhs of commuters across the city. The metro expansions are expected to enhance urban mobility, link key areas, and provide a direct metro connection to the airport, marking a major milestone in Kolkata’s metro network. (PC: PTI)  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Moscow on August 21 for the 26th India-Russia Commission meeting. A delegation from the Ministry of Commerce will accompany him to engage in discussions on advancing trade relations. Key topics include initiating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Additionally, the delegation will explore mechanisms for settling transactions in Indian Rupees and Russian Roubles, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and reduce dependence on the US dollar. (PC: Money Control)

On August 14, 2025, India awarded over 1,000 gallantry and service medals to armed forces and paramilitary personnel. 16 BSF personnel were recognized for bravery during Operation Sindoor, responding to the Pahalgam terror attack by neutralizing threats, drone attacks, and replenishing ammunition under fire. 13 IAF officers received the Yudh Seva Medal for key roles in offensive operations, while 26 IAF personnel earned the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), including fighter pilots and S-400 operators defending Indian airspace. These awards highlight courage, dedication, and commitment to national security. (The Economic Times)

The Supreme Court of India, in its written order dated August 14, 2025, expanded upon its August 11 directive concerning stray dogs in Delhi-NCR by emphasizing strict animal welfare protocols. The Court mandated that trained veterinarians must provide timely medical care, and that weak or vulnerable animals be housed separately "as far as possible." It also warned against mistreatment, cruelty, overcrowding, starvation, or neglect at any stage. The order called on the public and animal-welfare organizations to assist authorities in responsibly operating shelters. Additionally, the matter was reassigned to a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath. (PC: HT Photo)  

The Supreme Court on August 14, 2025, criticized a petition seeking a monitoring committee for returning captive elephants held at Vantara—calling it “completely vague.” A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P B Varale observed that allegations were being made against Vantara without even naming it as a respondent. The Court instructed the petitioner, C. R. Jaya Sukin, to formally include Vantara in the case, then return. The plea also sought rescue and release of all wild animals and birds from the facility and release of elephants to their original owners. The matter is now scheduled for a hearing on August 25. 

The Supreme Court on August 14, 2025, ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publicly release the list of approximately 65 lakh individuals removed from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls—along with explicit reasons for each deletion—on the official websites of district electoral officers . The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, also directed wide publicity via newspapers, Doordarshan, radio, and panchayat notice boards to ensure public access . Additionally, those affected may submit claims with Aadhaar as identity proof, with hearings set ahead of the August 22 next hearing.  

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on pleas against removing stray dogs from Delhi-NCR. Justice Vikram Nath said, “Parliament makes rules, but they are not implemented,” blaming civic inaction for the problem. Lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi argued there are no proper shelters, and removing dogs could cause cruelty. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta cited 37 lakh dog bite cases last year, saying dogs should be separated for public safety. The court also questioned why dogs were taken away before the earlier order was made public. The final decision will be announced soon. (PC: NDTV)

A Supreme Court bench led by Justice Vikram Nath criticised civic authorities for failing to enforce animal control guidelines while hearing petitions against the August 11 order to move all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters. Justice Nath remarked, “On one hand, humans are suffering, and on the other, the animal lovers are here,” while Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi warned, “You cannot create a horror situation like this.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta cited rising dog bites, but lawyers Kapil Sibal and Singhvi argued the directive was impractical due to lack of shelters. The court reserved its order on the matter. (PC: NDTV)