The United States has accused India and more than 40 countries of helping Chinese exporters bypass high US tariffs by rerouting goods through third countries. A White House report, titled “The Great Transshipment Scam,” alleges that Chinese products are being repackaged, relabelled or minimally processed elsewhere before entering the US market as goods from another country. India, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea and the European Union are among those identified as higher-risk locations. US trade adviser Peter Navarro said Washington will deploy AI-based technology, including “Detective Border,” to detect suspicious shipments and strengthen tariff enforcement. (PC: Reuters)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington has “total control” over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi accused the United States of repeatedly making serious miscalculations because of intelligence failures, warning that Washington could make an even bigger mistake over the waterway. Calling “fake intelligence” more dangerous than fake news, he urged the US to be cautious. Iran’s Basij commander also maintained that the strait remains under Iranian control and management. The confrontation comes amid continuing US-Iran tensions and severely reduced shipping through the crucial global energy route. (PC: X)

Tesla CEO Elon Musk received $158.3 billion in compensation in 2025, more than 2.5 million times the pay of the company’s average worker, according to a new AFL-CIO report. The extraordinary figure dramatically increased the average CEO-to-worker pay ratio among S&P 500 companies to 5,387:1, compared with 312:1 when Musk is excluded. Average CEO compensation reached $22.8 million in 2025, rising sharply when Musk’s package is included. The report highlighted widening economic inequality and declining workers’ share of national income. Tesla did not immediately comment. The findings have renewed debate over executive compensation and worker pay disparities. (PC: Getty Images)

A food-safety inspection at a private hospital in Bengaluru has uncovered expired ingredients and unhygienic food-storage practices, raising concerns about patient safety. Officials found expired rava, icing sugar, maida, bakery products, mixture and packets of paani puri in the kitchen. Stale bread, plastic chopping boards and large quantities of other food items were also recovered, including methi leaves, fried gram, green peas and moong dal. The inspection was conducted by Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration under a city-wide enforcement drive. Authorities warned food businesses to comply with food-safety laws and said strict action would follow violations. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on August 13 strongly criticised the Centre and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for delaying a decision on front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats. A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran stressed that public health, particularly children’s health, should take priority over commercial interests. The Court questioned the government’s reluctance to introduce clearer warnings and indicated it could issue binding directions if authorities failed to act. FSSAI has instead proposed nutritional tables showing recommended daily intake levels for key nutrients. (PC: The Hindu)

Scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for what he describes as India’s “second Independence movement”, seeking peaceful reforms in the country’s political system. In a post on X, Wangchuk urged citizens to identify and support “selfless” and “fearless” leaders with integrity and substance. He raised concerns over the criminal cases faced by many elected representatives, arguing that this contributes to a growing public trust deficit. Wangchuk said India needs a peaceful revolution in the way political leaders are selected if it wants to remain a respected nation by 2047. He also encouraged wider public participation in developing reform ideas. (PC: PTI)

Bangladesh is facing a worsening power crisis, with several areas experiencing electricity outages lasting 8–10 hours. The shortage has disrupted homes, businesses, agriculture and industries, particularly outside Dhaka. To conserve electricity, the government has ordered shopping malls, markets and shops to close by 8 pm, while illuminated billboards must be switched off earlier. The crisis is linked to severe fuel and natural-gas shortages affecting power generation, with wider pressure from disruptions in global energy supplies. Bangladesh has also approached India for additional diesel supplies to ease the situation. Authorities are implementing energy-saving measures as public frustration grows. (PC: AP)

India’s Defence Ministry has issued a major tender worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore to acquire 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force. The programme aims to modernise the IAF’s ageing transport fleet, particularly replacing its Soviet-era An-32 aircraft. The procurement is expected to strengthen India’s strategic airlift, logistics and operational capabilities. Major global manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin and Brazil’s Embraer, are expected to compete, with Indian companies likely playing a key role in the programme. The initiative also supports domestic defence manufacturing through local production and technology partnerships, reflecting India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence. (PC: ANI)

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on August 13 withdrew its directive temporarily blocking enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduates after a controversy over a student campaign opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as convocation chief guest. Around 450 of NALSAR’s 1,400 students had opposed the invitation. The BCI initially sought a three-day report identifying campaign organisers and halted enrolment of the entire graduating batch. Hours later, it reversed the decision, saying most students were not involved and should not suffer for others’ actions. The BCI will await NALSAR’s inquiry report before considering further action.

At least 19 workers were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, after water and debris suddenly entered the tunnel on August 13. Officials said 16 workers were successfully rescued, while three were still feared trapped as rescue operations continued. Some rescued workers suffered minor injuries and were reported to be stable. Police, SDRF, CISF, ITBP, Army and other agencies joined the operation, with an NDRF team also deployed. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed authorities to conduct rescue efforts on a war footing and ensure the safe evacuation of everyone. (PC: PTI)