On August 5, 2025, a sudden cloudburst near Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, unleashed a flash flood and massive mud‑slide through the hillside settlement. At least four people died and over 50 are missing, with many feared buried under debris. Chilling video footage captured one man crawling out of sludge hours after the deluge struck . Rescue teams—including the Indian Army, NDRF, and SDRF—were deployed immediately, conducting evacuation and search operations under challenging terrain. Homes, hotels, and infrastructure were swept away, and authorities warn of worsening conditions amid ongoing heavy monsoon rains.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that, under Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, the central government **"may compulsorily register every citizen of India and issue a national identity card."** This provision empowers the state to create a National Register of Citizens (NRC) and designate the Registrar General of India as the National Registration Authority. Though national identity cards have not been issued yet, the legal framework exists post the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003. (PC: PTI)

India Post will officially discontinue its iconic Registered Post service from September 1, 2025, marking the end of a 50-year legacy. Once a trusted communication method for government offices, courts, and rural citizens, the service has seen a 25% decline in usage due to competition from private couriers and e-commerce logistics. Registered Post will be merged with Speed Post to modernize operations, improve tracking, and enhance delivery speed. However, Speed Post is 20–25% more expensive, raising affordability concerns, especially in rural India. Features like secure handling and proof of delivery will now be offered as value-added services. The move reflects India Post’s push toward operational efficiency and digital transformation.(PC: Flicker)

A devastating cloudburst struck Uttarkashi’s Dharali village in Uttarakhand, triggering flash floods that killed at least 4 people and left over 50 missing. Shocking videos on social media show terrified locals fleeing as torrents of water sweep through streets, homes, and markets. Eyewitnesses are heard screaming “sab khatam ho gaya” as entire areas vanish under water. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured all possible assistance. NDRF and ITBP teams have been deployed for rescue. Officials warn the death toll may rise as the search continues in the flood-hit high-altitude villages.

A devastating cloudburst near Gangotri Dham triggered a massive landslide in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village on Tuesday, killing four and leaving over 50 people missing. The overflowing Kheer Gadh drain destroyed homes, roads, and markets, cutting off access to the sacred pilgrimage site. Shocking videos captured by tourists show water and debris engulfing the area. Rescue efforts by the Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF are underway despite heavy rainfall and blocked roads. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Home Minister Amit Shah assured full support. Uttarakhand and neighboring Himachal Pradesh continue to reel under intense monsoon havoc.

A tragic stampede occurred on Tuesday morning at Kubereshwar Dham in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. Thousands of devotees had gathered to participate in the Kanwar Yatra, leading to overcrowding and chaos. Two women were killed in the stampede, while over 10 others sustained injuries—several in critical condition. The event was organized by spiritual leader Pandit Pradeep Mishra. The incident has raised serious concerns about crowd management at religious gatherings. Despite similar recent tragedies at Haridwar and Omkareshwar temples, safety measures were reportedly inadequate. Authorities have launched an investigation and rescue teams were promptly deployed at the scene. (PC: X)

Satya Pal Malik, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away at 79 on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. He died around 1 PM while undergoing treatment at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where he had been admitted since May with severe kidney-related complications. Malik served as the last Governor of J&K from 2018 to 2019 and oversaw the historic abrogation of Article 370. He also held gubernatorial posts in Bihar and Meghalaya. Known for his outspoken views, Malik later became a vocal critic of the BJP and highlighted security lapses in the Pulwama attack and corruption in public projects. (PC: X)

CRPF officer Kalavathi, posted in Jammu & Kashmir, broke down on camera accusing Tamil Nadu police of inaction after her family’s home in Vellore was robbed on June 24. Stolen items included wedding jewellery, cash, and a silk saree. Kalavathi claimed the police delayed filing the FIR and investigating. The emotional video sparked outrage online, with BJP leader Annamalai criticizing the DMK government. However, Vellore police denied any delay, stating an FIR was filed on June 25, fingerprints and CCTV were collected, and investigation is ongoing. The suspect includes Kalavathi’s ex-husband, as per the family’s revised statement. (PC: India Today)

Thousands in Kolhapur marched 45 km on Sunday demanding the return of Mahadevi, a 36-year-old elephant moved from a Jain shrine to Vantara in Jamnagar after court orders citing health concerns raised by PETA. The Supreme Court upheld the transfer, but residents and leaders from all parties joined a massive protest, calling it a "conspiracy" backed by fake reports. A 200,400-signature petition has been sent to the President. Vantara denied initiating the transfer and defended its welfare record. CM Devendra Fadnavis promised a legal review. The controversy has ignited emotions over tradition, welfare, and custodianship of the beloved elephant. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court will hear a plea on August 8 asking the Centre to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The plea was filed by Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik. They said the Centre has not acted, even after the Supreme Court's 2023 verdict said statehood should return “at the earliest.” The case was mentioned by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan. Chief Justice BR Gavai said it will stay listed. Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood on August 5, 2019. Recent high-level meetings have raised hopes of progress. Congress will also mark August 5 as a “black day.” (PC: AP)