U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed that all tariffs imposed on foreign countries will remain in effect, calling their removal a “total disaster.” His remarks followed a U.S. appeals court ruling that many of his tariffs were illegal, though they remain temporarily in place. Trump vowed to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, arguing that tariffs protect American workers and manufacturers. He warned that lifting them would weaken the U.S. financially and undermine national security. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed concerns, stating that removing tariffs could derail foreign policy and trigger retaliation. Trump’s administration continues to defend sweeping import taxes, including 50% tariffs on India and Brazil. (PC: History)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected proposals for a 40km buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces. He said such ideas ignore the reality of modern warfare, where drones already create a “dead zone” near the front line. Zelensky warned any deal could force Ukraine to give up territory, which he will not accept. He said Russia is not ready for real peace talks and only wants delays. European leaders, including Germany’s Friedrich Merz and France’s Emmanuel Macron, vowed stronger pressure on Moscow after Russia’s latest missile strikes killed 23 civilians in Kyiv. (PC: BBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in December, his first trip since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022, AFP reported. The Kremlin confirmed he accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation earlier this year, but a date is now set as both leaders prepare to meet at the September SCO summit in Tianjin, China. The visit comes as Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, accusing New Delhi of indirectly funding Moscow’s war through oil imports. India dismissed US criticism, citing market priorities, while Russia called Washington’s actions “unjustified” and pledged deeper energy and defence cooperation. (PC: India Today)

Israel has declared Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone” and suspended humanitarian pauses that earlier allowed aid deliveries. The Israeli military said it is now operating “with great force” on the city’s outskirts, striking Hamas targets in preparation for a larger assault. Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, calling it a Hamas stronghold and a possible location of remaining hostages. Families of hostages warned such actions risk their lives. The UN said the offensive will cause a “horrific humanitarian impact.” Around one million Palestinians are expected to be forced south as fighting escalates. (PC: Sky News)

Japan has announced $68 billion (10 trillion yen) in private investment in India over the next 10 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed on a 10-year roadmap to boost ties in technology, space, mobility, and rare earths. They launched the Economic Security Initiative to strengthen supply chains in key sectors like semiconductors and telecom. Japan will also support the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project with Shinkansen technology. Both leaders stressed defence cooperation and securing the Indo-Pacific. Modi said, “Japanese technology and Indian talent are a winning combination.” The plan includes student and skilled worker exchanges. (PC: HT)

A 36-year-old Sikh man, Gurpreet Singh, was shot dead by Los Angeles police on July 13 near Crypto.com Arena. Police said Singh abandoned his car in the middle of the road and began performing Gatka, a Sikh martial art, with a sword. Witnesses reported him swinging the blade at people. Officers said they gave repeated orders to drop the weapon, but Singh refused, threw a bottle, and later charged at police with the sword. He was shot and taken to a hospital, where he died. No civilians or officers were hurt. The case is under investigation.

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris, the Democratic rival he defeated in the 2024 election. Reuters reported that Harris’s security was extended by Joe Biden until January 2026, but Trump has ended it early. A White House letter said her additional protection will stop on September 1, 2025. Former vice presidents normally get six months of security after leaving office. Harris thanked the Secret Service for their dedication. The move comes as she prepares for her multi-city book tour to promote her memoir 107 Days, releasing September 23. (PC: HT)

Russia has carried out its first confirmed maritime drone strike, successfully sinking Ukraine's largest naval vessel since 2014—the reconnaissance ship Simferopol—in the Danube River delta . The attack resulted in the death of one crew member and left several injured or missing; rescue operations and damage assessments are currently underway . The sinking marks a new phase in unmanned maritime warfare, signaling a strategic shift in Russia’s combat tactics .  

A report by Jefferies Bank said the 50% US tariffs on India were linked to Donald Trump’s failed attempt to mediate in the India-Pakistan conflict. The report described the move as a result of Trump’s “personal pique” after India rejected foreign involvement in Kashmir talks. India has always opposed third-party mediation. The White House earlier claimed Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for ending conflicts worldwide. The report also noted agriculture was another reason, as India refuses to open its sector to US imports. India called the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.” Jefferies warned this could push India closer to China. (PC: NDTV)

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been removed from office by the Constitutional Court. Judges ruled she violated ethics during a leaked June phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. In the call, she called him “uncle” and criticised the Thai army, sparking anger amid border tensions. The court said her actions “appeared to align with Cambodia” and damaged public trust. Paetongtarn, daughter of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, insisted she was trying to save lives. She is the third Shinawatra leader forced out of power. Parliament will now choose her successor from registered candidates. (PC: BBC)