India-Nepal border on high alert
Following political unrest in Nepal, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has heightened security across the 1,751-km open Indo-Nepal border, especially in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh. Additional forces have been deployed at 22 SSB outposts, with drone surveillance and joint patrols underway. Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after mass protests-led by Gen Z youth-over a social media ban and corruption. Though the ban was lifted, protests continue over the deaths of 19 people in police action. Communication disruptions affected cross-border families, prompting concern from local leaders about the region’s deeply rooted cultural and familial ties with Nepal.
China-India gold trail exposed
An Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe uncovered a major gold-smuggling operation across the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC), involving over 1,064 kg of gold worth ?800 crore smuggled into India during 2023-2024. The racket, allegedly led by Indian national Tendu Tashi with help from a Chinese smuggler, Tibetans, and locals, used cryptocurrency (USDT/Tether) for payments. The operation came to light after 108 kg of foreign-origin gold was seized by the ITBP in Ladakh. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) also investigated, detaining 10 individuals under the COFEPOSA Act. ED conducted raids in NCR and Ladakh related to the case.
Israel drags war, strikes Qatar
Israel launched a surprise strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar — an unprecedented move against a key US ally and mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks. The attack, which Israel claimed responsibility for, escalated tensions and cast doubt over ongoing negotiations. Qatar condemned the strike as a violation of international law, while the US Embassy issued a shelter-in-place order. The incident occurred as Hamas was reviewing a new US ceasefire proposal.
India-EU FTA talks on Track: Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) talks are progressing rapidly, with 60 per cent-65 per cent of chapters finalised. The 13th round of negotiations is currently underway, aiming for substantial conclusion before EU Trade and Agriculture Commissioners visit India on September 12. Talks resumed in 2022 after an eight-year hiatus and are expected to conclude by the end of 2025. The FTA covers 23 chapters.