India News Digest: Yesterday, Across India – August 4, 2025

Politics

Supreme Court Stays Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi
The Supreme Court of India halted proceedings in a criminal defamation case against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in a Lucknow court. The case stemmed from remarks made during his Bharat Jodo Yatra regarding reported skirmishes between Indian and Chinese soldiers along the border. The court’s decision provides temporary relief to Gandhi as legal debates continue.

Hemant Soren Mourns Father’s Passing
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren penned an emotional note following the death of his father, Shibu Soren, the founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), who passed away at 81 in New Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Known as ‘Dishom Guru,’ Shibu Soren’s death prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla joining a ceremony to honor his legacy.

Diplomacy

India Rejects Trump’s Tariff Threats Over Russian Oil
India strongly rebuffed U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusations of reselling Russian oil, exposing perceived U.S. hypocrisy in trade policies. The Indian government issued a warning, emphasizing its right to maintain energy trade with Russia despite U.S. threats of additional tariffs, signaling a firm stance on economic sovereignty.

Conflict

Kupwara Cave Raid Yields Arms Cache
A three-day joint operation in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, uncovered Chinese arms and an IED manual, part of intensified anti-terror operations across the region following the Pahalgam attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first visit to J&K since the incident, condemned Pakistan’s actions, stating they targeted “Kashmiriyat” and vowed a strong response.

Sikkim Landslide Claims Army Lives
A tragic landslide hit an Indian Army camp in Sikkim after the Teesta River swelled, killing three personnel and leaving six missing. The incident underscored the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, prompting calls for enhanced infrastructure resilience.

Diplomacy

On August 4, 2025, India faced escalating trade tensions with the U.S. as President Donald Trump threatened to substantially raise tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil as a primary grievance, accusing New Delhi of profiting by reselling it amid the Ukraine conflict. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) swiftly countered, calling the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” and highlighted U.S. and EU hypocrisy, noting their own significant trade with Russia, including U.S. imports of uranium and EU’s €67.5 billion goods trade in 2024. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for a fair, multipolar global order, rejecting dominance by a few nations, while defending India’s Russian oil imports as a necessity driven by global market conditions to ensure energy security. India vowed to protect its national interests, signaling resilience against U.S. pressure as trade talks falter

Economy

VinFast Begins EV Production in Tamil Nadu
Vietnamese automaker VinFast commenced electric vehicle production at its $2-billion plant in Tamil Nadu, marking a significant step in India’s EV manufacturing push. The facility aims to bolster local production capacity and create jobs, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals.

Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra Compete in Auto Sector
Hyundai edged ahead in India’s utility vehicle market, while Tata and Mahindra engaged in a fierce battle for the third spot, according to Vahan data. The competitive landscape reflects growing consumer demand for SUVs and robust market dynamics.

Science and Environment

Cheetah Project Plans Shelved
Discussions on India’s cheetah reintroduction project, including a surrogacy program and relocating older cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar, were abandoned after deliberations between central and state forest departments. The decision followed strategic reviews post-Operation Sindoor, prioritizing resource allocation.

Pulicat Lagoon Designated as Forest Range
Chennai’s Pulicat Lagoon was designated a separate forest range to enhance conservation and promote tourism. The move aims to protect the lagoon’s biodiversity while boosting eco-tourism in Tamil Nadu.

Sports

India Levels Test Series Against England
Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led a dramatic six-run victory in the fifth Test against England at The Oval, leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2. The match, marked by chaos and broken records, was celebrated by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who apologized for doubting the team without Virat Kohli.

Culture and Society

TOI Ecopreneur Honours 2025
The Times of India’s Ecopreneur Honours 2025 celebrated corporate and youth-led sustainability efforts. Leaders like IFFCO MD Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi called for sustainable agriculture, while digital platforms were recognized for driving environmental action, reflecting India’s growing green movement.

Conclusion

August 4, 2025, was a day of significant developments across India, from political and diplomatic maneuvers to military operations and environmental initiatives. The nation mourned a political stalwart, celebrated sporting triumphs, and navigated complex international relations, all while advancing economic and ecological goals. These events underscore India’s dynamic role on the global stage.