Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has stirred a hornet’s nest by suggesting India should consider smuggling semiconductor chips rather than investing billions in domestic manufacturing. His eyebrow-raising comments, made in an interview, have unleashed a wave of satirical trolling across social media, with critics questioning the practicality and wisdom of such an approach amidst India’s strategic push for tech self-reliance.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated Europe is facing a ‘rude awakening’ due to economic dependence on China, acknowledging India had warned them years ago. He emphasized India as a crucial, trusted partner, signaling a new era of deepened economic, political, and strategic ties, including significant defence cooperation.

A devastating ice-rock avalanche and flash flood in Nepal on August 26 serves as a stark warning for India. Scientists reveal alarming signs across the Indian Himalayas, with retreating glaciers, expanding lakes, and unstable slopes posing a significant threat to downstream communities and infrastructure.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced government plans to allow older diesel vehicles to be fitted with a low-cost emission-control device developed by IIT Delhi. This retrofit technology, costing Rs 4,000-5,000, can reduce particulate matter by up to 90% and nitrogen oxide by 60%, bringing emissions close to BS-VI levels. It offers a cheaper alternative to vehicle replacement, addressing India’s vehicular pollution challenge.

The RBI’s FCNR(B) scheme successfully attracted over $100 billion from NRIs, pushing India’s forex reserves to a record $729.3 billion. The scheme closed early due to overwhelming response, strengthening the Indian Rupee amidst global economic pressures and geopolitical tensions. This strategic move provided crucial support to the nation’s financial stability.

In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring tale from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, seven-year-old Ragini, who lost a leg as an infant, hops 400 metres to school daily, fueled by an unyielding desire for education. Her mother recounts her tears watching other children go to school. Ragini’s emotional plea for a tricycle went viral, prompting AAP MP Sanjay Singh to provide assistance, ensuring her journey to learning continues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly defended India’s 7.8% GDP growth in the April-June quarter, hitting back at critics during the SRCC centenary celebrations. He contrasted India’s current status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy with its ‘Fragile Five’ past, accusing opponents of being unable to accept the nation’s progress and dismissing their pessimism. Modi highlighted achievements like Jan Dhan Yojana and ‘Made in India’ initiatives.

A devastating ice-rock avalanche in Nepal on August 26, 2026, triggered a deadly flash flood and formed a new lake, sending a stark warning across the Indian Himalayas. Scientists highlight increasing risks from retreating glaciers, expanding lakes, and unstable slopes in regions like Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, urging proactive monitoring and preparedness against cascading disasters.

ISRO achieves a monumental success with the launch of EOS-05, India’s first geo-imaging satellite, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This ‘eye in the sky’ will provide real-time imagery for vital sectors like agriculture and disaster management, marking a proud milestone for the nation’s space program and reversing a previous setback. The heaviest satellite launched by GSLV, EOS-05 promises strategic data for India.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor highlights PM Modi as President Trump’s top choice for a G20 meeting, underscoring their personal friendship and the robust India-US partnership. With a $500 billion trade target and frequent high-level visits, bilateral ties are set for significant growth, despite ongoing trade deal negotiations.