US President Donald Trump claimed that tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil prompted Russia to seek talks with Washington. Ahead of his meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump said India’s reduced oil imports from Russia due to a 50% tariff led Moscow to initiate dialogue. India, however, denied halting Russian oil purchases, citing economic rationale. The Indian Oil Corporation confirmed continued imports based on pricing and processing suitability. The Ministry of External Affairs called the US tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.” Trump emphasized the economic impact on Russia and hinted at broader diplomatic engagements, including with Ukraine. The tariffs, effective August 27, could affect $40 billion in Indian exports to the US. (PC: ABC)

Between January and April 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed a Category A nuclear safety incident—the most severe classification—occurred at HMNB Clyde (Faslane), home to the Royal Navy's nuclear-armed submarines . While the incident carried a high potential for radiological release, authorities emphasized that there was no actual release and no public or environmental harm resulted . The MoD declined to disclose details citing national security, though this marks the second such Category A event in two years, following one in 2023 . Meanwhile, the Coulport facility, which stores nuclear warheads, logged multiple lower-grade incidents, shining a spotlight on lingering concerns over aging infrastructure and asset management at the UK’s nuclear sites. (PC: Getty Images)    

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This marked Putin’s first US visit in a decade. The summit included one-on-one discussions, delegation talks, and a joint press briefing. Trump described the meeting as a precursor to a trilateral summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Highlighting the challenges, he estimated a 25% chance the talks might fail. Key issues included territorial disputes and security guarantees for Ukraine. The talks’ outcome could significantly influence regional stability and global geopolitics. (PC: CNN)

U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of his much-anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025, issued a stark warning: “There will be very severe consequences” if Putin refuses to agree to end the war in Ukraine . The summit aims to explore a ceasefire, potentially followed by a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—provided the initial talks go well . European leaders have urged Trump not to make territorial concessions and reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and involvement in any peace decisions. (PC: AP)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned of increased secondary tariffs on India if Friday’s Trump-Putin peace talks in Alaska fail. Washington has already imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing purchases of Russian oil and weapons, making India the most heavily taxed US trading partner in Asia. Delhi defends buying cheap Russian crude to shield millions from rising costs. The US seeks European support for sanctions on Moscow while urging India to lower duties on agriculture and dairy imports. Experts warn the tariffs could slash India’s growth by 0.5% and hit key exports like textiles and jewellery. (PC: BBC)

More than 100 humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have urged Israel to end the “weaponisation of aid” in Gaza, warning that starvation is worsening. They say Israeli regulations introduced in March have blocked most international NGOs from delivering a single truck of lifesaving supplies since 2 March. Aid worth millions, including 744 tons of rice, remains stuck. Israel says the rules protect national interests and prevent aid theft by Hamas. MSF condemned a “militarised food distribution scheme,” calling it a “death trap.” Gaza’s health ministry reports nearly 62,000 Palestinians killed and hundreds dying from hunger. (PC: BBC)

The Indian Army has begun the first phase of its ‘Decade of Transformation’ (2023-2032), introducing new combat formations such as Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Shaktibaan, and Divyastra batteries. Announced on Vijay Diwas by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, these reforms aim to blend traditional strengths with modern warfare capabilities. Bhairav Battalions will bridge the gap between special forces and regular infantry, while Rudra Brigades combine infantry, artillery, and armoured units. Divyastra batteries integrate artillery with drones and precision-strike systems for deep-strike capability. Drone platoons are being added to all infantry battalions, marking a major shift towards a more agile, technology-driven force. (PC: News18)

The Supreme Court has transferred the Delhi-NCR stray dogs case to a new three-judge bench, set to hear it tomorrow. The court directed civic bodies to establish shelters for 5,000 dogs within eight weeks, ensuring humane care, sterilisation, and constant monitoring. Overcrowding must be avoided, and CCTV surveillance will track compliance. Adoption schemes may be considered but re-release of strays onto streets is banned. Violations will invite strict action against both officials and individuals. The case, now encompassing four related petitions, aims to address animal welfare while managing urban stray populations in a structured, humane manner.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Gaza ceasefire negotiations are now focused on a comprehensive deal to release all remaining hostages simultaneously, abandoning earlier plans for a phased exchange. Hamas leaders are in Cairo for preliminary talks with Egyptian mediators, alongside Qatar and the US. The proposal could involve ending the war and withdrawing Israeli troops in return for the hostages, though Israel insists Hamas must disarm and relinquish control of Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have intensified, with over 120 Palestinians killed in the past day. Netanyahu faces mounting domestic pressure amid growing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

In a rare show of unity, Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi joined BJP’s Maneka and Varun Gandhi in condemning the Supreme Court’s order to permanently shift stray dogs to shelters. Calling it “inhumane” and “impractical,” they warned it would lead to “institutionalisation of cruelty” and strain resources, with insufficient shelters available. Rahul urged humane solutions like sterilisation and vaccination, while Maneka criticised the judgment as financially unviable and ecologically harmful. Varun warned of a moral crisis, and opposition leaders from Trinamool and Shiv Sena also sought a review. The Delhi government has signalled compliance despite widespread criticism. (PC: The telegraph)