India has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, calling the move “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The additional 25% tariff was imposed due to India’s continued oil trade with Russia. In an official statement, India’s foreign ministry said the imports are driven by market factors and aim to ensure energy security for 1.4 billion citizens. The statement added, “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.” New Delhi also pointed out that other countries continue similar trade practices with Russia, yet India is being unfairly singled out.

A deadly cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district has left 5 dead and 11 Army jawans missing, with over 100 people still stranded. Triggered by heavy rain, the flash floods and mudslides struck Dharali and Sukhi Top, damaging roads and homes. Around 150 people have been rescued by ITBP, Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams, while 413 pilgrims from the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra were also evacuated. A 28-member Kerala tourist group remains missing. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey and assured all help. MI-17 and Chinook helicopters are on standby, awaiting clear weather to continue the rescue operation. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This raises total tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. In a CNBC interview, Trump criticized India as “not a good trading partner,” vowing tougher trade penalties. The White House order cites national security concerns under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and links India's energy trade with Russia to the ongoing Ukraine crisis. The new tariffs take effect 21 days from the order's signing, impacting goods not already in transit before that date. (PC: X)

Nisarg Shah, an Indian‑origin associate professor at the University of California, San Diego, is under investigation following a viral video exposing a vigilante sting by “People v. Preds.” The footage shows Shah confronted in a San Diego supermarket after allegedly arranging to meet a 14‑year‑old boy via the Grindr app for sex. He admitted on camera he “f***ed up” and said he “felt horrible,” calling his actions “abhorrent.” Police seized his phone but did not make an arrest, citing that civilian-led sting operations are not sanctioned. UC San Diego has pledged full cooperation with the ICAC task force investigating the case (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1—his first China visit since 2019 and the Galwan clash in 2020. The visit follows stops in Japan and comes amid US President Donald Trump's criticism of BRICS nations, including India, over oil trade with Russia. Ahead of the summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval visited China, while EAM S. Jaishankar met President Xi. The SCO agenda faces tension, as India opposed China's move to exclude the Pahalgam terror attack from a key SCO counterterrorism document. (PC: India Today)

The Trump Organization’s real-estate footprint in India has expanded nearly four-fold since 2012, reaching 11 million sq ft across six cities. Despite Donald Trump’s past dismissal of India’s economy, his brand has seen aggressive growth since his re-election in 2024. Partnering with Tribeca Developers, the company has launched new luxury projects in Gurugram, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Noida, and Bengaluru, totaling 8 million sq ft. Brand Trump has already earned at least ₹175 crore from past ventures and expects sales from the new projects to exceed ₹15,000 crore. The organization does not invest directly but earns through branding fees and sales commissions. (PC: Indian Express)

Industrialist and Sona Comstar chairman Sunjay Kapur died of natural causes, the Surrey coroner confirmed, citing heart disease as the cause. Kapur, a US citizen, collapsed during a polo match at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor on June 12. Despite allegations by his mother, Rani Kapur, suggesting foul play and a “transnational conspiracy,” Surrey police declared the death non-suspicious. A post-mortem confirmed Kapur died of left ventricular hypertrophy and ischemic heart disease. No inquest will be held. The incident has intensified a family dispute over inheritance and control of Sona Comstar. The US embassy is offering consular assistance. (PC: X)

Amid Donald Trump’s tariff threats, the Indian Army’s Eastern Command posted a 1971 newspaper clip revealing decades of US military support to Pakistan. The article, dated August 5, 1971, highlighted the shipment of $2 billion in arms from the US to Pakistan since 1954. This post follows Trump’s criticism of India’s Russian oil imports. India countered, slamming the US and EU for “unjustified” targeting while they continue trading with Russia. The MEA said India’s energy imports are essential and pointed to the West’s double standards. India vowed to safeguard its economic security and national interest against biased accusations. (PC: HT)

Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s proposed tariff hike on Indian exports over Russian oil purchases. In a post on X, Haley warned against “burning ties” with India while giving China, a major buyer of Russian and Iranian oil a 90-day tariff pause. She emphasized that India is a key democratic ally in countering China’s global influence and urged Trump to avoid undermining strategic partnerships. Her remarks follow Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian goods, with threats of further penalties. Haley’s intervention adds a new dimension to the escalating trade tensions and highlights internal Republican divisions over foreign policy and economic strategy. (PC: India Today)

Ukraine has alleged that components manufactured in India were found in Russian drones used to target civilians and frontline positions. The claim was made by Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukraine’s President, via Telegram, stating that Indian parts were discovered in drones deployed during recent Russian attacks. While Reuters could not independently verify the claim, the allegation adds to growing scrutiny over India’s trade ties with Russia amid the ongoing war. The timing coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on India over its Russian oil purchases, accusing Delhi of profiting while civilians suffer. The discovery could complicate India’s diplomatic positioning in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: Shutterstock & Brookings Institution)