Tariff Tsunami, Vote Feud & Flood Fury Grip India
Economic shocks, electoral clashes, and monsoon disasters collide across the nation.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Today’s India! In this issue, we navigate the tempest of a 50% US tariff surge, the explosive showdown between Rahul Gandhi and the Election Commission, and the devastating monsoon floods sweeping across our states. Stay informed on how these simultaneous crises are shaping India’s path forward.
Trump's Trade War Escalates
President Trump has imposed a crushing 50% tariff on all Indian goods, doubling the previous rate from 25% to penalize India's continued purchase of Russian oil. The additional 25% tariff, effective August 27, threatens India's $86.5 billion in annual exports to the US and could reduce GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points, according to Moody's.
Market Impact: Indian stock markets plunged with both Sensex and Nifty falling 0.95%, marking their sixth consecutive weekly decline. The BSE Sensex closed at 79,857.79, down 765 points, hitting a three-month low amid tariff concerns and foreign fund outflows.
Defense Procurement Halted: India has paused plans to buy new US weapons and aircraft, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's planned visit to Washington called off. This marks India's first concrete sign of discontent following Trump's tariff escalation.
Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Fraud Allegations Ignite Controversy
Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to manipulate voter rolls in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana, citing a Congress study claiming fake voters swayed the 2024 Bangalore Central Lok Sabha results. The ECI has called the allegations “absurd” and demanded Gandhi submit evidence under oath, warning of legal consequences if unproven. Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will address a “Vote Rights Rally” in Bengaluru’s Freedom Park today. The BJP has dismissed the claims as “baseless,” while Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has backed Gandhi, urging a review of electoral processes.
Supreme Court Slams Enforcement Directorate’s Low Conviction Rate
The Supreme Court, led by Justice Bhuyan, criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for its less than 10% conviction rate in over 5,000 cases from 2015 to 2025. The court emphasized that the ED must operate “within the four corners of the law” and improve its investigative processes and witness handling to ensure accountability.
Railway Expansion for Raksha Bandhan
Indian Railways will operate special trains and launch three new Vande Bharat Express trains to meet the Raksha Bandhan 2025 travel demand. Bihar is set to receive 98 new railway stations and eight Vande Bharat trains, enhancing connectivity, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Bihar Teen’s Escape from Forced Labor
A teenager in Bihar escaped forced labor and walked 150 km with a severed arm, highlighting persistent issues of labor exploitation. The incident has prompted calls for stronger enforcement of labor laws.
Technology & Innovation
UPI Service Disruption: The Unified Payments Interface experienced a 45-minute outage on August 7, affecting Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm users nationwide. Over 2,000 complaints were registered during the technical glitch.
Space Achievements: India's space program continues its remarkable journey with the successful NISAR satellite launch and ongoing Gaganyaan preparations for 2027. The country has launched over 400 satellites for 34 nations, establishing itself as a global space power.
Diplomatic Maneuvering: Modi-Putin Call
Prime Minister Modi spoke with Russian President Putin in a significant diplomatic move amid US tariff pressure. The leaders discussed the Ukraine conflict, with Modi reiterating India's position for peaceful resolution, and reviewed bilateral cooperation progress.
Strategic Partnership: Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the India-Russia "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," with Modi inviting Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd Annual Summit. Russia has expressed solidarity with India over US tariffs, with Kremlin spokesman calling attempts to force countries to sever trading relations with Russia "illegitimate"
Market Trends & Commodities
Gold Hits Record High: Gold prices reached an all-time high of ₹114,406 per 10 grams, rising ₹703 in a single day amid global uncertainties. This represents an increase of ₹25,244 for the year, reflecting investor anxiety over trade tensions.
Banking Operations: Banks remained closed in Sikkim on August 8 for the Tendong Lho Rum Faat festival, while digital banking services continued uninterrupted across the country.
Weather & Local Life
Weather Alert in Uttarakhand
Heavy rainfall has disrupted pilgrim travel to sacred sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Yamunotri. A significant portion of the Badrinath highway (around 30 meters) has been washed away, prompting the administration to issue a heavy rainfall alert for nine districts.
Kerala Lottery Results Out
The Kerala Suvarna Keralam SK-15 lottery draws at 3 PM revealed the first prize of ₹1 crore. Winners are encouraged to verify results through official channels.
In the final words of Today’s India, we trust that you have been encouraged by the beautiful stories that have lifted the country. Be it the startups or old practices, to more sociable stories, making sure that no one is left behind, there is always a sense of progress and oneness.
As we take these strides, let’s make sure we promote kindness, creativity, and teamwork. And till the next time, may you take pleasure in bringing happiness and inquisitiveness in your day-to-day activities!
Don’t Miss Out!!! See You Tomorrow!!! ⏰
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