Indian adventurer Yogesh Alekari, known online as Roaming Wheels, embarked on a solo motorcycle world tour from Mumbai on May 1, 2025, traversing over 24,000 km across 17 countries over 118 days . His adventure hit a tragic roadblock in Nottingham, England, on August 28, when his KTM 390 Adventure—along with passport, camera gear, laptop, cash, and clothing—was stolen in broad daylight at Wollaton Park . CCTV footage shows thieves riding away on mopeds . Shocked and heartbroken, Alekari pleaded for help via social media, as Nottinghamshire Police continue inquiries but have offered only a crime reference number so far. (PC: NDTV)

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for cozying up to Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping during the SCO summit in Tianjin, calling it "shameful" for the leader of the world's largest democracy to embrace two authoritarian figures . Navarro accused India of funding Moscow’s war through continued purchases of discounted Russian crude and implied that Indian refiners profit heavily by exporting refined oil globally . He implored Modi to align with the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine instead, and warned that India must reconsider its strategic choices. (PC: Reuters)

Russia has offered India larger discounts on its Ural crude oil, with rates dropping $3 to $4 per barrel for September and October shipments. This comes as the US doubled tariffs on India to 50% over its continued oil trade with Moscow. Washington accused New Delhi of helping Russia fund its war by refining discounted oil and reselling it. India rejected the criticism, saying no sanctions ban such imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently called Russia a “special” partner at the SCO summit in China. Despite pressure, Indian refiners continue to buy cheaper Russian crude. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended India’s economy after US President Donald Trump called it “dead” during rising trade tensions. Speaking at the Semicon India 2025 conference in Delhi, Modi said India’s GDP grew 7.8% in the first quarter despite global challenges. He stressed that growth was strong across manufacturing, services, agriculture, and construction, pushing India toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Modi also outlined plans for boosting semiconductor production, highlighting the India Semiconductor Mission and critical minerals programme. Over 2,500 delegates from 48 countries joined the event, which focused on chip innovation, digital infrastructure, and India’s expanding global tech role. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump has proposed tariffs of up to 200% on imported medicines, citing national security and the need to boost domestic production. Experts warn the move could raise drug prices by 10–14% and cause shortages, especially for generics that make up most US prescriptions. Low-income and elderly patients may be hit hardest. India, a top supplier of affordable generics, has been excluded from immediate enforcement as its medicines are vital for US healthcare. However, analysts say future policy changes could affect India’s $25 billion pharma exports. Legal battles and industry pushback may delay the tariff plan. (PC: AP)

Russian crude oil has become cheaper for Indian refiners, with discounts widening to $3–$4 per barrel for September and October cargoes, according to a Bloomberg report. This comes as US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s rising oil imports from Moscow. Trump’s adviser Peter Navarro accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war. India now sources nearly 40% of its oil from Russia, compared to less than 1% before 2022. New Delhi defended its trade, saying crude imports are not under sanctions. Trump called US-India trade “a one-sided disaster” and demanded lower Indian tariffs. (PC: AP)

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India's principled approach to trade negotiations, rejecting deadline-driven agreements with the US. "We never negotiate trade deals with a deadline, we only negotiate good trade deals which are mutually beneficial," Goyal stated. India remains in active bilateral trade agreement discussions with Washington, having completed five negotiation rounds since March. However, talks stalled after the US imposed 50% duties on Indian goods from August 27, causing postponement of the sixth round scheduled for August 25. Separately, Goyal highlighted India's renewable energy leadership, delivering 24-hour clean power at ₹4.60-5 per kilowatt hour, unmatched globally. Solar tariffs have dropped from ₹7-8 to just above ₹2 per unit since 2014.(PC: ET Retail)

Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held crucial one-hour talks at the SCO summit in Tianjin, focusing on LAC disengagement progress since their October 2024 Kazan breakthrough. The leaders acknowledged successful disengagements in Depsang and Demchok plains, which restored patrolling rights and reduced border tensions. Over 11 months, extensive bilateral, military, and diplomatic discussions have built momentum toward LAC normalization. Four areas including Pangong, Galwan's PP-14, Gogra, and Hot Springs have completed disengagements, though patrolling hasn't resumed everywhere. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to prevent disputes from escalating and maintain peace essential for bilateral relations. The meeting signals renewed focus on Corps Commander-level dialogue to address remaining issues and restore pre-Galwan status quo along the disputed border. (PC: X)

Russia is considering manufacturing fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets in India amid escalating US tariffs on Indian exports. Russian agencies are "assessing investment levels required" for Indian production as Trump's 50% tariffs strengthen Moscow-New Delhi defense cooperation rather than driving them apart. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which produces Su-30 MKI aircraft in Nashik, emerges as potential manufacturing hub. India previously withdrew from Russia's Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program but sources suggest revival given current global scenario. The country needs two-three fifth-generation fighter squadrons, with Russian Su-57 and American F-35 as contenders. India simultaneously develops indigenous fifth-generation aircraft expected to fly by 2028 and enter service by 2035, while maintaining deep defense partnerships including S-400 and S-500 systems. (PC: X)

Ten Indian-origin men in Singapore were charged on Monday for rioting with deadly weapons after a violent brawl at a coffee shop in Toa Payoh Industrial Park on August 24. A Chinese-origin man, 34-year-old Roy Tan, was also charged. The group allegedly attacked two men, leaving a 21-year-old with arm stab wounds and a 30-year-old with a back injury. Police arrested the accused soon after the fight. Each faces up to 10 years in jail and caning if convicted. The incident has raised concerns about gang violence in Singapore’s industrial estates, where workers often gather in large groups. (PC: iStock)