As of August 9, 2025, Operation Akhal—launched on August 1 in Kulgam’s dense Akhal Devsar forests—enters its ninth day amid sustained gunfights with entrenched terrorists. The Indian Army confirmed that Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh were killed during intense overnight firing, with two additional soldiers injured. The Chinar Corps paid tribute to the fallen heroes, pledging continued resolve. Security forces have also neutralised one militant and recovered weapons from a hideout in nearby Baramulla. The operation remains underway, with forces employing drones, helicopters, para commandos, and tight cordons to flush out militants. (PC: India Today)

India’s decision to withdraw from the RCEP in 2019—driven by farmers’ and dairy cooperatives’ backlash—now mirrors its current stance in stalled India–US trade negotiations . The United States is pressing India to open its market to American corn, soyabean, ethanol, and dairy products, but New Delhi remains firm, labelling these as “red lines” . With no compromise foreseen in these politically sensitive and livelihood-linked sectors, trade talks have reached a standstill, underscoring India’s commitment to protecting its agricultural and rural stakeholders from external pressures. (PC: AP)  

Kapil Sharma’s Surrey-based Kap’s Café was attacked for the second time in less than a month, with 9–25 shots fired, leaving bullet holes and shattered windows but no injuries. Canadian police are investigating. Soon after, a social media post from gangster Goldy Dhillon, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility and warned “Mumbai next” if Sharma didn’t respond to calls. An audio threat from gang member Harry Boxer also surfaced, targeting anyone collaborating with Salman Khan and vowing to “ruin Mumbai’s atmosphere.” Authorities in both Canada and India are on alert amid heightened security concerns. (PC: AP)

Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton criticized President Trump's steep tariffs—totaling over 50%—on Indian goods tied to its purchase of Russian oil, calling the policy an “enormous mistake.” He argued that such heavy-handed measures, especially when contrasted with leniency toward China, risk reversing decades of U.S. efforts to pull India away from Russia and China, potentially driving New Delhi closer to both . Meanwhile, analysts warn the move could destabilize fragile U.S.–India relations and alter regional geopolitics. (PC: NDTV)

On August 9, 2025, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirmed that during Operation Sindoor in May, the IAF successfully shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and an additional large military aircraft, highlighting the mission’s effectiveness and India’s aerial dominance . He emphasized that the IAF operated without any restrictions, underscoring the force’s strategic freedom during the operation . Singh also lauded India’s advanced S-400 air defense system as a “game changer” in such high-stakes aerial combat scenarios . Meanwhile, Defence Secretary RK Singh refuted claims of Rafale jet losses, asserting that no Rafales were downed, and that the operation inflicted significantly greater losses on the adversary. 

Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell strongly criticized President Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports, warning that it jeopardizes "America's most important relationship in the 21st century" . In an interview with CNBC International, Campbell urged Prime Minister Modi not to “bend the knee” to Trump’s demands, cautioning that forcing India to choose between relations with Russia and the U.S. could provoke a strategic backlash . His remarks underscore growing concern among U.S. policy veterans over the diplomatic fallout from the tariff escalation. (PC: AP)

The Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi strongly condemned the recent violent attacks targeting Indian citizens in Ireland, calling them an affront to the nation’s values of equality and human dignity. Emphasizing that racism and xenophobia have no place in Irish society, authorities reiterated that the actions of a few do not reflect the true spirit of the Irish people . In response, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs will meet with representatives from the Indian community on August 11 to address concerns and strengthen trust . The Indian Embassy in Dublin has already issued a safety advisory urging vigilance amid the rising incidents. (PC: The Times of India)

Experts caution that India can’t simply halt Russian oil imports as it once did with Iran, emphasizing Russia’s indispensability in India’s energy calculus. New U.S. sanctions impose up to a 50% tariff on Indian exports due to its continued Russian oil purchases, intensifying geopolitical and economic pressure. While state refiners retreat from buying Russian crude amid uncertainty, private entities proceed cautiously. India has yet to receive official government directives either to stop or continue such imports. Despite U.S. pressure, New Delhi maintains its energy strategy—balancing affordability and strategic autonomy—highlighting the complexity of disengaging from Russian oil. (PC: The Hindu)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Friday, reaffirming their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” amid heightened US-India trade tensions. The discussion came after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports, citing New Delhi’s ongoing energy trade with Moscow. Modi thanked Putin for his “insightful” updates on Ukraine and extended an invitation to visit India later this year. Both leaders pledged to boost cooperation in defence, trade, and energy, with India condemning the US tariffs as “unfair and unjustified” and vowing to protect its farmers’ and exporters’ interests. (PC: HT)

American comedian Jimmy Fallon roasted US President Donald Trump’s tariff plans affecting over 90 countries, including India, Brazil, and Canada, on The Tonight Show. Fallon joked, “The only places Trump didn’t charge are North Korea and Epstein’s island,” while warning of soaring prices from Brazil tariffs. He also mocked Trump’s support for actor Sydney Sweeney amid backlash over her American Eagle ad, imagining Trump prioritising “building a new ballroom to meet Sydney Sweeney.” Fallon further quipped about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned meeting with Trump, saying other leaders would think, “Oo, you’re in trouble.” His monologue mixed political satire with pop culture humor. (PC: India Today)