India and Japan finalized a significant human resources action plan on Friday targeting 500,000 people exchange over five years, including 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled Indian personnel to Japan. The Ministry of External Affairs announced this bilateral workforce mobility initiative during ongoing diplomatic engagements between both nations. This agreement represents a major expansion of labor cooperation, addressing Japan's aging workforce needs while providing Indian workers with international employment opportunities. The plan encompasses various skill levels, suggesting comprehensive workforce integration across multiple sectors. This human resource partnership complements existing India-Japan strategic cooperation in technology, defense, and infrastructure development. The five-year timeline indicates sustained commitment to deepening people-to-people connections through structured employment exchanges, potentially benefiting both countries' economic growth and demographic challenges. (PC: X/@Narendramodi)

Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Ravi river have isolated Bada Bhangal village in Chamba district, stranding nearly 300 residents without access routes. The swollen river has created dangerous conditions preventing rescue operations from reaching the affected community. Located in a remote mountainous area, Bada Bhangal faces severe connectivity challenges during normal conditions, making flood-induced isolation particularly critical. Rescue teams are struggling against the river's fury to establish contact and provide assistance to trapped villagers. The situation highlights the vulnerability of remote Himalayan communities during monsoon season, where single access routes can be completely severed by sudden water surges. Emergency response efforts continue as authorities work to restore communication and evacuation possibilities for the stranded population.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare Tibet visit marking the region's 60th anniversary as an autonomous region, addressing 20,000 people in Lhasa while emphasizing tighter Beijing control. Xi demanded Tibetan Buddhism "adapt to socialist society" without mentioning the Dalai Lama, signaling religious restrictions. The visit showcased China's strategic infrastructure investments including the Tibet-Xinjiang railway and the world's largest dam project, demonstrating long-term territorial consolidation. This high-profile appearance underscores Beijing's campaign to strengthen political and cultural dominance over Tibet through economic development and religious adaptation policies. The timing coincides with China's broader efforts to integrate autonomous regions more closely into the centralized state system while suppressing traditional religious and cultural independence. (PC: Council Of Foreign Relations)

Israeli airstrike killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several ministers during a government workshop in Sanaa on Thursday. Al-Rahawi served as PM of the Iranian-backed rebel government since August 2024. The strike targeted officials evaluating government performance over the past year. Israeli forces confirmed hitting "Houthi terrorist regime military target" in Sanaa area. Earlier strikes killed 10 people, wounded 102 according to Houthi health ministry. The attack represents significant escalation in Israel-Houthi conflict, with rebels launching missiles and drones toward Israel while targeting Red Sea shipping in Gaza solidarity. Israel and US-led coalition have responded with sustained bombardment of rebel-held areas including Sanaa and Hodeida, previously knocking Sanaa airport offline. (PC: The New York Times)

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called Prime Minister Modi on Saturday, two days before Modi's scheduled meeting with Putin at the SCO Summit in China. This marks their second conversation about Ukraine conflict resolution, following their August 11 discussion. Zelenskyy shared perspectives from recent Trump administration talks in Washington, emphasizing coordinated diplomatic positioning ahead of SCO meetings. Modi reiterated India's consistent stance supporting peaceful settlement and earliest peace restoration. Zelenskyy stressed immediate ceasefire necessity, noting Russia's continued civilian strikes despite diplomatic opportunities. The call aimed at coordinating positions before Modi's Putin meeting, with Ukraine expressing readiness for Russian leadership dialogue. Both leaders discussed enhancing India-Ukraine partnership cooperation and planned future bilateral visits including Joint Intergovernmental Commission meetings. (PC: South China Morning Post & AFP)

Trump's 50% tariffs on India threaten $45 billion in exports, potentially reducing GDP growth by 60-80 basis points. India faces higher duties than competitors: China (30%), Vietnam (20%), Indonesia (19%), Japan (15%), making Indian products less competitive. Economists advise against reciprocal tariffs, citing India's $140 billion IT services dependence on the US market. SBI Research estimates US GDP could drop 40-50 basis points from tariff impacts. Analysts recommend diplomatic solutions over retaliation, suggesting strengthened domestic demand and aggressive free trade agreements with UK, UAE. India's punitive 25% duties stem from Russian crude purchases. Experts propose targeted, symbolic responses on politically sensitive US products while avoiding full-scale trade war escalation. (PC: Bloomberg & The New York Times)

Yemen’s Houthi movement confirmed on 30 August 2025 that an Israeli airstrike launched earlier this week in Sanaa killed their Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi along with several cabinet ministers during a routine government workshop . The Israeli military stated it targeted a “Houthi terrorist regime military target” in the capital but did not elaborate on casualties . Al-Rahawi had served as the prime minister since August 2024, and his death marks the highest-ranking Houthi casualty to date, emphasizing a significant escalation in Israel’s campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. (PC: Reuters)

On August 30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a strategic phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just ahead of his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China . Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing support for diplomatic efforts and humanitarian concerns . Zelenskyy conveyed updates on recent developments, while both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and maintaining close communication as global tensions escalate. (PC: The Times of India)

Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric has declared that a mass evacuation of Gaza City is currently "impossible" due to dire humanitarian conditions. As Israel intensifies its military campaign to dismantle Hamas, the civilian population faces severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and shelter. Many residents are unable to evacuate due to injury, illness, or starvation. International law mandates that Israel ensure civilian access to safety and basic needs during evacuations, but these conditions cannot be met under the current circumstances, making any evacuation not only unfeasible but incomprehensible. (PC: Reuters)    

The phrase "Trump Is Dead" has gone viral on social media platform X, sparking widespread confusion and concern. The trend was ignited by Vice President JD Vance's recent interview with USA Today, where he discussed the line of presidential succession and mentioned being prepared for a "terrible tragedy" affecting President Donald Trump. Although Vance emphasized Trump's good health and energy, the comment fueled speculation. Additionally, Trump's chronic venous insufficiency, a condition causing visible leg swelling, and recent assassination attempts have added to public anxiety. The situation was further amplified by remarks from "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening. (PC: NDTV)