India and the United Kingdom have unveiled a 10-year defence roadmap. The focus is on boosting cooperation and strengthening security ties. Both nations will work on co-development and joint research. They will also focus on innovation across defence technologies. Maritime security and military ties will also be strengthened. The roadmap aims for regional stability and a rules-based international order.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman cautions against sharing sensitive personal information with ChatGPT, highlighting the lack of legal confidentiality. He points out that unlike therapists or doctors, conversations with AI are not protected, potentially creating privacy risks in legal situations. Altman suggests users should seek clarity on privacy before extensively using ChatGPT.
The Nisar mission’s primary objectives are to study land and ice deformation, land ecosystems and oceanic regions in areas of common interest to the US and Indian science communities.
India Champions will not play Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends semi-final. The team had earlier refused to play Pakistan in the league stage. A key sponsor, EaseMyTrip, withdrew support for the semi-final. They cited concerns about normalising relations with a country that promotes terrorism. India Champions had a mixed tournament, losing matches to South Africa, Australia, and England.
Amidst TCS layoffs, CP Gurnani urges the Indian tech industry to move beyond headcount obsession and embrace outcome-based models. He emphasizes a shift from the traditional pyramid structure, advocating for enhanced productivity, specialized skills, and advanced technological capabilities. Experts suggest that upskilling and reskilling are crucial for tech professionals in this evolving landscape.
With the US tariff deadline looming, an India-US trade deal appears unlikely, though a last-minute breakthrough remains possible. Trump has hinted at tariffs of 20-25% on Indian goods, while India anticipates these as a temporary measure during ongoing negotiations. Sticking points include agriculture and dairy sectors, with the US seeking greater market access.
A Spanish Air Force pilot averted a potential disaster at the 2025 Festival Aéreo Internacional de Gijón, skillfully maneuvering his EF-18 Hornet to avoid a flock of birds. The quick reaction, described as "exemplary speed and professionalism," prevented a possible impact during a low-altitude flypast witnessed by over 300,000 spectators.
IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi, newly appointed SDM, took a unique approach to address cleanliness issues in Puwaiyan tehsil. Confronted by striking advocates about the dirty premises, Rahi acknowledged the problem and performed sit-ups as a form of accepting responsibility. He had previously made offenders and parents of truant children do sit-ups to deter undesirable behavior.
August 2025 will see several bank holidays across India. Banks will be closed nationwide for Independence Day on August 15th. Various regional holidays, including Tendong Lho Rum Faat, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi, will also lead to closures in specific states.
The Income Tax Department has facilitated online ITR-3 filing for AY 2025-26, benefiting individuals with income from share trading, business ventures, and unlisted shares. Key updates include mandatory Form 10-IEA selection, revised capital gains reporting, and higher asset/liability reporting thresholds. Filers must also provide detailed disclosures on TDS sections and deductions.
Kalyanpur officials ordered immediate evacuation of Araba Purohitan residents. Homes flooded with chemical waste from textile factories. Around 300 people are relocating. This problem has persisted for years. No drains were constructed to divert polluted water. Similar conditions prevail in neighboring villages. Illegal textile units discharge chemical waste into the Jojari River. Farmland is becoming infertile.
