The Greenwood BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana, US, was vandalised with anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti, allegedly by pro-Khalistan extremists, marking the fourth attack on a Hindu temple in the US this year. The Hindu American Foundation and Coalition of Hindus of North America condemned the act as a hate crime and urged accountability. The Indian Consulate in Chicago denounced the desecration, calling it “reprehensible,” and pressed for strict action by local authorities. Volunteers described the graffiti as “a message of hate against Hindus.” Similar attacks have targeted BAPS temples in California, New York, and Sacramento over the past year. (PC: India Today)

New York City’s 44th Annual Battery Dance Festival will mark India’s Independence Day on August 15 with ‘India Day,’ celebrating ‘Shakti – Divine Energy.’ Running from August 12-16, the festival will feature seven groups performing Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and more. Curated by founder Jonathan Hollander, the programme pays homage to the feminine essence in creativity and life. Artists from India and the US, including Kolkata’s Subhajit Khush Das, will perform works on themes like Goddess Kali. Supported by the Consulate General of India and State Bank of India, the event draws over 22,000 annual in-person and virtual viewers. (PC: NDTV)

The UK has expanded its ‘deport now, appeal later’ policy to include 15 more countries, raising the total to 23, with India among the new additions. Announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the scheme allows foreign criminals to be removed before their asylum or deportation appeals conclude, participating remotely from their home country. India’s inclusion is significant as 320 Indian nationals are currently in UK prisons. The move aims to ease prison overcrowding, free up space, and cut costs, with over 10,700 foreign offenders in England and Wales. Critics warn it could spark diplomatic tensions, particularly with New Delhi. (PC: Instagram)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Moscow on August 20–21 to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, days after the US imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods over continued Russian oil purchases. The move follows Prime Minister Modi’s recent call with President Putin, where both discussed the Ukraine conflict and bilateral ties. The new US tariffs, to be implemented in two phases, will raise duties on Indian imports to 50% by August 27 unless resolved. India’s Foreign Ministry condemned the tariffs as “unfair” and vowed to defend its economic sovereignty against what it called Washington’s double standards. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over India’s purchase of Russian oil. This has strained ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now moving closer to China. Reports say direct flights between India and China may resume next month. Modi could announce the deal during his visit to China for the SCO meet on August 31. China has also eased curbs on urea exports to India. Experts say Trump’s move may push India towards stronger ties with both China and Russia, changing regional power dynamics. (PC: HT)

UK companies will now have unprecedented access to India’s $38bn government procurement market under last month’s India-UK free trade agreement. The deal allows British firms to bid for contracts in strategic sectors like transport, green energy, and infrastructure, treating them nearly on par with Indian suppliers. Goods with at least 20% UK input will qualify, opening opportunities from rural roads to IT systems. However, experts warn of hurdles, including higher pricing, delayed payments, and tough contract enforcement. Despite challenges, the move marks a major policy shift, signalling India’s willingness to open traditionally protected sectors to foreign competition. (PC: BBC)

An Indian man in Dublin’s Fairview Park was assaulted by three teenagers on August 10, sustaining a deep cut above his eye that required eight stitches. The attackers kicked, punched, and struck him with his own metal water bottle. Traumatised, he plans to return to India, joining others in the Indian community fearful after recent racist attacks. The Ireland India Council condemned the “brutal assault” and urged urgent action by police. The Indian Embassy has advised citizens to take safety precautions following rising violence in Dublin. The victim’s parents urged his return, and his university may allow him to finish studies online. (PC: News18)

A Hindu temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was defaced on August 10, marking the fourth such attack on BAPS temples in the US within a year. The Indian Consulate in Chicago condemned the “reprehensible” desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple’s main signboard and urged vigilance against miscreants. Consul General met devotees, local leaders, and the Mayor, calling for unity and solidarity. The temple administration termed it a “hate crime” that strengthened community resolve. US Congressman Nick LaLota condemned the incident, stressing accountability for religiously motivated crimes. The attack comes just days before Krishna Janmashtami, echoing similar desecrations in California earlier this year. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has threatened India over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning New Delhi would not be allowed to take “even one drop” of water meant for Pakistan. Calling the Indus waters Pakistan’s “lifeblood,” Sharif vowed “no compromise” on treaty rights. His remarks follow similar threats from Army Chief Asim Munir, who recently warned of nuclear war, and politician Bilawal Bhutto. India suspended the 1960 treaty in May after the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorism. New Delhi plans to build a major 1,856 MW hydroelectric project on the Chenab without Pakistan’s approval. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet US President Donald Trump in New York next month during the United Nations General Assembly to address escalating trade tensions. The meeting would be their second this year, following Modi’s February White House visit. Key issues include the stalled India-US trade deal, Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods—imposed partly over Russian oil imports—and US pressure on New Delhi to reduce those purchases. Modi is also expected to meet Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. If talks go well, Modi may invite Trump to India for the October QUAD summit with Japan and Australia. (PC: India Today)