Pakistan has suffered a financial loss of ₹1,240 crore in just two months after closing its airspace to Indian-registered aircraft. The ban, imposed on April 24 following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, affected up to 150 Indian flights daily and slashed Pakistan’s transit air traffic by nearly 20%. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed the revenue drop from overflight charges. The restriction, extended until August 24, applies to all Indian-operated, owned, or leased aircraft, including military flights. Meanwhile, Indian carriers remain unaffected on other international routes. Critics argue the move has backfired economically, further straining Pakistan’s already fragile aviation sector. (PC: Mint & India Today)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a sharp dig at former U.S. President Donald Trump over the recently imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, calling him “Sabke Boss” who “couldn’t accept India’s rise.” Speaking at a public event, Singh criticized Trump’s punitive trade measures, suggesting they stem from discomfort with India’s growing global stature. The comment comes amid escalating tensions following Trump’s announcement of additional penalties targeting India’s energy and defense ties with Russia. Singh’s remarks reflect India’s frustration with what it views as unfair economic coercion. The statement has sparked political debate, with opposition leaders also questioning the Modi government’s handling of foreign relations and trade diplomacy. (PC: NDTV)

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi described Operation Sindoor as a strategic “game of chess” where India delivered a decisive checkmate to Pakistan. Speaking at IIT Madras, he emphasized the mission’s complexity, calling it a “grey zone” operation neither fully conventional nor predictable. The operation, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, was backed by strong political resolve. Dwivedi revealed that the Army was given a “free hand” during high-level meetings with PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He also criticized Pakistan’s narrative manipulation, including the elevation of its Army Chief to Field Marshal. Operation Sindoor, he said, galvanized the nation and showcased India’s strategic clarity and military precision. (PC: PTI)

India has expressed strong support for the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15, 2025, in Alaska. The Indian government views this meeting as a crucial step toward resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and backs peace initiatives. India’s Ministry of External Affairs referenced Prime Minister Modi’s stance that “this is not an era of war,” underscoring India’s diplomatic alignment. Despite recent US-India trade tensions, India remains engaged with both leaders, signaling readiness to support peace efforts through dialogue. (PC: ANI)

Pakistan's Ministry of Defence reported a loss of nearly ₹127 crore in overflying revenue from April 24 to June 30, 2025, following the closure of its airspace to Indian airlines. This action was taken in response to India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. While the Defence Ministry acknowledged the revenue shortfall, it emphasized that sovereignty and national defense priorities outweighed economic considerations. The airspace closure led to a 20% reduction in transit traffic. A similar closure in 2019 resulted in a loss of ₹235 crore. (PC: NDTV)  

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed that India’s air defence systems shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one AEW&C/ELINT aircraft during Operation Sindoor, conducted between May 7 and 10. The operation was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Singh confirmed that surface-to-air missile systems were used to neutralize the airborne threats, while parked F-16 jets were also destroyed at Pakistan’s Jacobabad Air Base. The AEW&C aircraft was targeted at Bholari Air Base. The strikes mark a significant escalation in India-Pakistan tensions and showcase India’s advanced air defence capabilities. The IAF chief’s disclosure underscores the strategic impact of Operation Sindoor on regional security. (PC: India Today)

India has officially welcomed the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, viewing it as a potential breakthrough in ending the Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the summit “holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace.” Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent stance that “this is not an era of war,” India emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. The meeting is expected to focus on ceasefire negotiations and long-term peace strategies, with global attention on whether the two leaders can forge a viable path toward resolution. (PC: ABC & Fox News)

China has warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, scheduled from August 31 to September 1. This marks PM Modi’s first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The summit, expected to be the largest in SCO history, will host leaders from over 20 countries and 10 international organizations. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called it a “gathering of friendship,” signaling a thaw in bilateral ties. The visit follows Modi’s 2024 meeting with Xi Jinping in Kazan and comes amid rising U.S.-India trade tensions. The summit will focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and geopolitical coordination among member states.

Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton warned that President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Indian goods could backfire geopolitically. Intended to penalize India for buying Russian oil and military equipment, the tariffs may instead push India closer to Russia and China. Bolton criticized Trump’s leniency toward China and argued that favoring Beijing over New Delhi undermines decades of U.S. diplomatic efforts. He called the move “entirely counterproductive,” noting that India faces harsher trade penalties despite being a strategic partner. Bolton emphasized that the White House’s approach risks eroding trust and long-term alliances. The Indian government is currently studying the implications of the tariffs and potential retaliatory measures. (PC: BBC & The Times Of India)

Laxman Das, a 51-year-old Indian-origin hotel chef and Irish citizen, was brutally assaulted and robbed by three men in Dublin’s Charlemont Place while cycling to work. The attackers stole his phone, cash, and electric bike, leaving him with injuries to his legs, shoulder, arm, and eye socket. He was hospitalized and discharged the same evening. The incident, though not confirmed as racially motivated, comes amid a surge in attacks on Indians in Ireland, including assaults on children and cab drivers. The Indian Embassy has issued a safety advisory urging citizens to avoid deserted areas and remain vigilant. Das, who has lived in Ireland for 22 years, expressed shock and concern over rising violence. (PC: India Today & Get Your Guide)