Three Days After Munir’s ‘Nuclear Rant’, Pakistan Attempts Infiltration In J&K; And More

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Indian Army Foils Major Pakistani Infiltration Bid in Uri Sector, One Soldier Killed

The Indian Army successfully thwarted a major infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector on Wednesday, August 13, in an operation that resulted in the death of one soldier, according to reports based on inputs from military officials.

The incident, which occurred in the Tikka Post area of Baramulla district, is suspected to have involved Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT), known for supporting cross-border infiltration operations.

The infiltration attempt triggered intense combat as Indian forces responded to prevent unauthorized border crossing. According to an NDTV report, as Indian soldiers retaliated against the infiltration attempt, a gunfight broke out and a soldier succumbed to his injuries.

Military sources referenced in reports on the events indicated that such infiltration attempts are typically carried out with support from Pakistan's Border Action Teams, specialized units known for facilitating terrorist activities across the LoC.

While the Indian Army successfully foiled the infiltration attempt, the intruders managed to exploit adverse weather conditions to escape back across the frontier.

The incident comes just one day after another soldier, Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar, died while on operational duty along the Line of Control in Baramulla district. 

It also comes three days after Pakistani ‘Field Marshal’ Asim Munir’s reported nuclear rant at a private event in America. 

BJP Accuses Congress of Electoral Malpractice, Questions Sonia Gandhi’s Voter Registration

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (13 August) accused the Congress of electoral malpractice and raised questions over the timing and legality of Sonia Gandhi’s inclusion in the voter list. 

At a press conference, BJP leader Anurag Thakur alleged that Congress and other opposition leaders had won seats using “ghuspaithi voters” (intruder voters), countering Rahul Gandhi’s recent “vote chori” (vote theft) charge. He criticised Congress for opposing the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, claiming the party relied on a single community for its vote bank and engaged in “appeasement politics.”

Thakur also cited alleged cases of duplicate voters, fake addresses, manipulated ages, and mass voting in constituencies such as Raebareli, Diamond Harbour, and Kannauj. These constituencies are currently represented by senior-most leaders of the Opposition.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also questioned the legality of Sonia Gandhi’s voter ID, alleging that her name first appeared on the rolls in 1980 — three years before she became an Indian citizen — and while she still held Italian citizenship. He claimed the entry was deleted in 1982 following objections, only to reappear in 1983 before she was granted citizenship on 30 April that year.

The row follows Rahul Gandhi’s 7 August press conference, in which he accused the Election Commission of large-scale irregularities, including “one crore mystery voters,” fake entries, and destruction of CCTV footage.

Other developments

Very Severe Consequences' If Putin Doesn’t Agree To Ceasefire: Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Wednesday he would impose "very severe consequences" if Vladimir Putin doesn't agree to a ceasefire during their planned Alaska summit this Friday. Trump’s remark came after a tele-conference with America’s European allies.

Trump also revealed plans for a follow-up meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after European leaders pressed for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.

"There's a very good chance that we're going to have a second meeting which will be more productive than the first," Trump told reporters Wednesday at the Kennedy Center, adding that he was "setting the table for the second meeting."

"Trump was very clear on the fact that the US wants to obtain a ceasefire at this meeting in Alaska," Macron told reporters in Bregancon, France. "We have reiterated that until there is a ceasefire and a lasting peace, we must continue to support Ukraine, and when I say we I mean Europeans and Americans."

After Four-Year Suspension, Direct Flights Between India-China May Resume 

India and China are preparing to restore direct commercial flights as early as next month, according to a report in a U.S.-based media portal. The report made these claims citing informed officials.

According to the report, India's civil aviation authorities have directed domestic carriers, including flag carrier Air India and budget airline IndiGo, to prepare for flights to China on short notice. An official announcement regarding the resumption is expected during or shortly after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit later this month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China on August 28 for the SCO Summit in Tianjin, his first trip to the country in several years.

Direct flights between India and China have remained suspended since early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread travel restrictions. 

The move to restore direct flights reflects tentative signs of improvement in India-China bilateral relations, which reached their lowest point in decades following the June 2020 border clashes in Ladakh's Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese troops, marking the first deadly encounter between the two militaries in 45 years.

From The States - Maharashtra

Fadnavis Dismisses Alliance Rift Rumors, Confirms United BMC Poll Strategy

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis categorically dismissed speculation about internal divisions within the ruling Mahayuti coalition during a ‘Townhall event’ of a private news channel in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The chief minister's remarks came amid swirling political speculation about potential friction between the Mahayuti coalition partners, particularly between the BJP and the Shiv Sena.

Addressing persistent rumors of internal strife, Fadnavis said: "There is no division in our alliance”. "Eknath Shinde and I are on the same page," he added, and said that "we will together fight the BMC elections”. 

The upcoming BMC elections represent a crucial test for political parties vying for control of India's richest civic body. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, with its massive budget and extensive urban development responsibilities, has long been considered a prestige battleground for Maharashtra's major political forces.

Political Row in Maharashtra Over Closure of Slaughterhouses, Meat Shops on Independence Day

Civic bodies in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Malegaon and Nagpur have ordered slaughterhouses and meat shops to remain shut on 15 August, with some extending the closure to 16 August for Janmashtami. 

The ruling alliance in Maharashtra appeared divided over the orders. BJP leaders defended the move and cited a 1988 state order that allows municipal corporations to impose such restrictions on occasions like Independence Day and Mahavir Jayanti. However, NCP leader, Deputy Chief Minister, and BJP ally, Ajit Pawar, questioned its rationale, saying it was justified only for specific religious occasions.

Opposition parties, including the MNS and Congress, accused the government of attempting to impose vegetarianism. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar called it a “ploy to distract from real issues,” while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray demanded suspension of municipal commissioners issuing such orders. 

BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban countered that similar bans were enforced under previous Congress and Maha Vikas Aghadi administrations. 

You’re all caught up—until next time.