In an effort to pressure Russia amid the Ukraine war, President Donald Trump has raised U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 50% by imposing an additional 25% levy on top of an existing 25%, according to the White House press secretary . The administration frames this move as "secondary pressure" on Moscow due to India's significant purchases of Russian oil . India strongly condemned the decision as unfair and selective, pointing out that other countries buying Russian oil are not similarly penalized . Prime Minister Modi responded defiantly, pledging to bear “a very heavy price” rather than cede ground on national interests. (PC: AP)

A harrowing video has emerged of a hate crime that took place on August 15, 2025, outside Wolverhampton railway station, where two Sikh men were brutally attacked by three teenagers. The footage shows the victims lying on the ground while one attacker kicks them repeatedly; in the turmoil, their turbans were forcibly removed . The individuals were arrested at the scene and later released on bail . The incident has drawn widespread condemnation—from British Transport Police, local officials, and Sikh leaders—highlighting ongoing concerns over racial and religious intolerance.

A 9-year-old Indian-origin boy was injured in a stone attack by a 15-year-old in Cork, Ireland. The child suffered a deep head wound and was rushed to hospital. His family said the assault was racially motivated. Police have identified the teenager, known locally for creating trouble, and started an investigation. The Ireland India Council condemned the attack, saying it would cause lifelong trauma. Recently, the Indian Embassy in Dublin warned of rising attacks on Indians. Irish President Michael D Higgins also condemned such violence, calling it “despicable” and praising the Indian community’s contribution to Irish society. (PC: NDTV)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has again accused India of profiteering from Russian crude oil. He said India’s practice of buying cheap Russian oil and reselling refined products was “unacceptable.” Bessent warned of tougher secondary tariffs if talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed. Trump has already doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50 per cent, targeting buyers of Russian oil. India has rejected the criticism, calling its energy trade a matter of national interest. New Delhi argued Russian oil has helped meet rising demand and control inflation. Washington, however, has not penalised China. (PC: Reuters)

India and China on Tuesday agreed to reopen border trade, restart direct flights, and ease visa rules, marking a reset in ties strained since the 2020 Galwan clash. The decision came after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. Both countries also held the 24th round of boundary talks, co-chaired by Wang and Doval. Modi said relations have made “steady progress” since his talks with Xi Jinping last year. He added that stable India-China ties are vital for peace in the region. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi on Monday. He said, "China and India should view each other as partners, not adversaries or threats." This was only their second meeting since the 2020 Galwan clash. Talks covered trade, border peace, and pilgrimages. Wang also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and said, "Stability has now been restored at the borders." The visit is seen as a step to rebuild ties and prepare for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit later this month. (PC: MEA)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Tuesday. Modi said India and China were making “steady progress” in their ties since his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Kazan last year. During talks, he stressed the importance of peace and stability on the border and called for a fair resolution of disputes. Wang Yi handed over Xi’s invitation for the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin, where Modi will attend. This will be Modi’s first visit to China since 2018. Officials said both sides agreed to keep communication channels open. (PC: X)

Comedian Zakir Khan has made history by becoming the first Indian to perform a Hindi comedy show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The 37-year-old from Indore performed to a sold-out crowd of 6,000 fans on August 17 as part of his North America tour. Known for his “sakht launda” persona and emotional storytelling, Zakir shared his joy on Instagram, calling it a “big day.” His show featured humor, shayari, and collaborations with comedian Tanmay Bhat. Earlier, his poster lit up Times Square. Zakir has also performed at Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House. (PC: X)

Two elderly Sikh men were brutally attacked outside Wolverhampton Railway Station in the UK on August 15. Videos showed one victim lying on the ground without his turban, while another was kicked and punched. British Transport Police confirmed three men, aged 17, 19, and 25, were arrested and later bailed. The attack is being treated as a racially aggravated hate crime. Both victims, local taxi drivers, were taken to hospital and later discharged. Sikh leaders in India and the UK strongly condemned the assault. They urged UK authorities to act swiftly and ensure the safety of the Sikh community.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi for fresh border talks. Yi said past setbacks between India and China were “not in our interest” and stressed that stability had been restored at the border. He welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Doval noted that peace had prevailed at the border for nine months and that both countries had gained since the Kazan BRICS Summit. Both sides agreed that better ties serve long-term interests as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. (PC: News18)