Supreme Court Shifts Stance on Delhi’s Stray Dogs
India’s Supreme Court has softened its tough August 11 order to round up all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR, sparking heated debate. On Friday, a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath ruled that dogs, except those with rabies or aggressive behaviour, should be sterilised, vaccinated, and released back to their original areas. The court banned public feeding, mandating designated feeding zones by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). This follows protests from animal activists who feared mass neglect in shelters. The ruling aims to balance public safety—after 37 lakh dog bites and 54 rabies deaths in 2024—with animal welfare. All related cases across India will now be unified under this court for a national policy, with a follow-up hearing set for October.
Trump Aide Slams India as ‘Laundromat for Russia’
US White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has stirred controversy, accusing India of being a “laundromat for the Kremlin” over its Russian oil purchases. Speaking to the media, Navarro claimed India’s oil imports, which rose to 30-35% post-Ukraine invasion, fuel Russia’s war efforts. He called it a “profiteering scheme,” despite praising PM Modi as a great leader. This comes as President Trump threatens to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50% by August 27, citing trade deficits and high Indian tariffs. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar countered, noting China and the EU buy more Russian oil and gas. The escalating trade tensions highlight a complex global chessboard, with Navarro arguing that India’s actions indirectly burden Western taxpayers supporting Ukraine.
Intruder Scales Wall in Parliament Security Scare
A man sparked alarm by scaling a tree and jumping the wall of India’s new Parliament building at 6:30 am on Friday, reaching the Garuda gate. Security personnel swiftly detained him for questioning. This breach, just after the monsoon session ended, echoes a similar incident last year when a man entered the Parliament Annexe. In 2023, a more dramatic breach saw two individuals release gas canisters in the Lok Sabha, with accomplices protesting outside. The timing—coinciding with the 2001 Parliament attack anniversary—raised concerns. The intruder’s motives remain unclear, but the incident underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in Parliament’s security. The Delhi High Court is also reviewing a bail plea from a related 2023 case, highlighting persistent scrutiny of safety measures.
ISRO’s Vigilance Averts SpaceX Rocket Disaster
ISRO chief V Narayanan revealed a close call during SpaceX’s Axiom-4 mission, which carried Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. A liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket’s oxidiser lines was initially downplayed by SpaceX. ISRO engineers, leveraging 40 years of experience, insisted on a thorough check, uncovering a crack that could have caused a catastrophic failure during launch. After repairs, the mission safely lifted off on June 25 and returned on July 15. Narayanan credited India’s rigorous training for saving four astronauts’ lives. Shukla praised the transparency of SpaceX, NASA, and ISRO teams. The incident highlights the critical role of meticulous oversight in space missions and India’s growing expertise in global collaborations.
Modi and Macron Tackle Global Conflicts
PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone call on Thursday to discuss peaceful resolutions for conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Modi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-France strategic partnership, while Macron stressed coordination for a just peace in Ukraine. They also planned for the 2026 AI Impact Summit in New Delhi and India’s BRICS presidency. Following Modi’s February visit to France, where he co-chaired the AI Action Summit, the leaders called for UN Security Council reforms to address global challenges. Their talks included regulating veto powers in cases of mass atrocities and boosting defence ties under the 2024 Defence Industrial Roadmap. This dialogue underscores the deepening India-France alliance amid complex global tensions.
