Tue Aug 05 12:43:54 UTC 2025: ## India in Brief: Political Protests, Strategic Partnerships, and a National Tragedy

**New Delhi, August 5, 2025 (6:14 PM IST)** – Today’s headlines from India paint a picture of a nation grappling with both domestic political challenges and forging its path on the international stage.

**Uttarakhand Floods Devastate Region:** A cloudburst in the Kheer Gad area of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, has resulted in at least four fatalities, with several others feared missing. The flash floods triggered by the event have swept away numerous homes, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Rescue efforts are underway.

**Political Turmoil:** The political landscape remains active. Several MPs from the INDIA bloc parties, including Sonia Gandhi, staged a protest in Parliament today against the Election Commission’s voter roll revision in Bihar, demanding its immediate rollback. The INDIA bloc also criticized the recent remarks made by a sitting Supreme Court judge regarding Rahul Gandhi, labeling them as “unwarranted.”

**National Mourning:** Jharkhand is in mourning following the passing of former Chief Minister Shibu Soren on Monday. Current Chief Minister Hemant Soren penned an emotional tribute to his late father today.

**Security Concerns:** Intelligence agencies are currently questioning five Bangladeshi nationals who were apprehended attempting to enter the Red Fort on Monday. The individuals, aged between 20 and 25, were stopped by security personnel.

**Government Objections:** The Union government has strongly objected to any proposal to lower the age of consent under child protection laws from 18 to 16, arguing that such a change would create opportunities for child trafficking and abuse.

**Diplomatic Ties Strengthened:** On the international front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and the Philippines have elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. This new level of cooperation will prioritize increased interaction between the armed forces of both nations.

**Russian Concerns:** Russia has accused the United States of exerting undue trade pressure on India. This accusation comes after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to raise tariffs on India over its continued purchase of Russian oil. The Kremlin has condemned these actions as illegal attempts to force countries to sever ties with Russia.

**Passings:** Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik passed away today at the age of 79. Malik also served as the Governor of Meghalaya, Goa, Odisha, and Bihar during his career.

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