In a fiery Truth Social post, former U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at India and Russia, stating they can “take their dead economies down together.” This comes after Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports, criticizing India’s high tariffs and close trade ties with Russia, particularly over energy and defense. He also dismissed claims of significant U.S.-Russia business, calling it “almost none.” Trump further warned former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to “watch his words.” India responded by saying it has “taken note” and is evaluating implications while reaffirming its trade commitment with the U.S. (PC: NDTV)

A Moneycontrol analysis based on UN COMTRADE data reveals that Vietnam may be competitive in 25% of product lines overlapping with India in U.S. exports, though these account for just 5% of India’s $91 billion exports in 2024. Indonesia and the Philippines similarly hold advantages in smaller shares—covering approximately 1.5% of India’s export value. Reduced U.S. tariffs (around 20%) on these nations versus 25% on Indian goods boost their competitiveness. However, the real economic impact remains limited due to the concentrated value in select categories. (PC: Money Control)

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on six Indian firms for allegedly purchasing, marketing, and facilitating the shipment of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products, violating sanctions under Executive Order 13846. The accused companies—Alchemical Solutions, Global Industrial Chemicals, Jupiter Dye Chem, Ramniklal S. Gosalia, Persistent Petrochem, and Kanchan Polymers—reportedly handled transactions worth over $220 million. The sanctions freeze all U.S.-linked assets and bar American entities from doing business with them. The move is part of broader efforts by the U.S. to curb revenue supporting Iran’s destabilizing activities across the Middle East and beyond. (PC: News 18)

US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff plus penalties on Indian imports starting August 1, citing India’s continued oil and defense trade with Russia and what he called “strenuous and obnoxious” non-monetary trade barriers. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said India is a “friend” but maintains high tariffs and a massive trade deficit with the US. He claimed India's actions contradict global efforts to isolate Russia. The announcement follows stalled trade talks between the two countries. Indian ministers S. Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal met shortly after. Trump earlier imposed a 26% tariff in April, which was later paused. (PC: India Today)

Air New Zealand has named Nikhil Ravishankar as its new CEO. He will take over on October 20, after current CEO Greg Foran steps down. Ravishankar has been the airline’s Chief Digital Officer for nearly four years. Before that, he worked at Vector and Accenture. The airline is dealing with engine issues and global supply delays. It also faces tough competition from Qantas and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand’s Chair, Dame Therese Walsh, said Ravishankar brings a fresh view and strong experience. She added that airlines face big tests like climate change, rising costs, and fast-changing technology in the years ahead. (PC: LinkedIn/Nikhil Ravishankar)

India and the UK have signed a 10-year defence roadmap to work together on weapons, engines, and security. The plan, part of Vision 2035, focuses on making complex weapons, jet and warship engines, and building strong supply chains. Both countries will also do joint research and share new defence ideas. A new maritime security centre will be set up to help Indian Ocean nations. Military training and exercises will increase. They will also work on cyber security, underwater systems, and energy weapons. The deal aims to boost defence ties and ensure safety and peace in the region for years ahead.

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested 30-year-old Shama Parveen from Bengaluru. She is accused of leading a terror module linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Officials say she managed the group’s operations from Karnataka. Her arrest comes after four men were caught earlier from Gujarat, Delhi, and Noida. The suspects used a social media app to stay in touch and were planning major attacks across India. The group had links outside the country. A UN report also warned that Al-Qaeda is trying to grow in South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Investigation is still ongoing. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has announced 25% tariffs and additional penalties on India, effective August 1, accusing New Delhi of maintaining "obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers" and deepening economic ties with Russia. Trump criticised India’s continued oil imports and defence purchases from Russia, calling them contrary to global efforts to isolate Moscow over its actions in Ukraine. “India has always bought the vast majority of military equipment from Russia and is among its largest energy buyers,” he wrote. Trump added that India’s high tariffs have long hindered US trade and promised action. “MAGA,” he concluded in his official post. (PC: India Today)

Jyotishko Biswas, a young adventurer from Karimpur, Nadia, has become the first Bengali to conquer Margherita Peak (5,109m) in Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, known as the real-life “Chander Pahar.” Inspired by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay’s novel, he cycled from Karimpur to the base camp and trekked to the summit, carrying the book and a tribute note. Facing wild animals, poisonous insects, and snowstorms, he fulfilled the dream that fictional Shankar couldn’t. His journey retraced the path from Mombasa’s railway office, echoing the novel’s century-old legacy. Jyotishko’s feat rekindles Bengali passion for adventure and literature, proving that love and determination can turn fiction into reality.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in Rajya Sabha that India and the US have historically differed on Pakistan, emphasizing that this divergence is longstanding and not exclusive to the current government. He recalled being present when the US advocated for General Musharraf and concessions on Kashmir. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s national policy of bilateral dealings and no mediation, adding that “no talks with terror” should also be a national stance. His remarks followed criticism from Rahul Gandhi over US President Trump’s lunch with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. Jaishankar defended India’s diplomatic approach and reiterated that differences with the US on Pakistan have persisted across administrations. (PC: Mint)