US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on select Indian goods, raising total duties to as high as 50% effective 21 days after August 7. The move, linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, will impact major export sectors like gems and jewellery, textiles, and some auto components. Industry bodies warn of severe disruption, with competing hubs like Turkey and Vietnam taxed less. Smartphones, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy products remain exempt. The US is India’s largest market for jewellery and textiles, with billions in annual exports. New Delhi has yet to announce its response to the tariffs. (PC: NDTV)

The US has doubled its reward to $50 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of being “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.” Attorney General Pam Bondi linked Maduro to drug smuggling operations involving Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, claiming the DEA seized 30 tons of cocaine tied to him and associates. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed the move as “political propaganda.” US charges against Maduro date back to Trump’s first term, alleging collaboration with Colombia’s Farc rebels. Maduro, in power since 2013, denies any direct involvement in drug trafficking. (PC: BBC)

Labour MP Mark Sewards has launched the UK’s first AI prototype of a British Member of Parliament to interact with constituents. Developed in collaboration with Neural Voice, “AI Mark” offers 24/7 support, allowing residents of Leeds South West and Morley to share concerns, seek help, and engage on policy issues. Sewards emphasized that the AI tool complements not replaces his work, aiming to strengthen connections between MPs and the public. All conversations are reviewed by his team for follow-up. While Sewards hailed the initiative as embracing the AI revolution, critics raised concerns over data privacy, reduced human contact, and accessibility for older citizens. The project remains a prototype and will evolve based on user feedback. (PC: X)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Israel’s decision to take control of Gaza City, calling it “wrong” and urging immediate reconsideration. The move, approved by Israel’s security cabinet under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal, aims to dismantle Hamas and establish a security perimeter before handing governance to unspecified Arab forces. Starmer warned the action would escalate violence, worsen the humanitarian crisis, and hinder hostage negotiations. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a diplomatic solution based on a two-state framework. The UK has pledged to recognize a Palestinian state by September unless Israel takes substantive steps toward peace. (PC: Vox & India Today)

The planet experienced its third-warmest July on record in 2025, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. While cooler than July 2023 and 2024, the global average temperature was still 1.25°C above pre-industrial levels. Turkey hit a record 50.5°C, battling wildfires. Experts warn climate change hasn’t paused—greenhouse gas emissions must fall to avoid worsening extremes. The 12-month period ending July 2025 exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold set in the Paris Agreement. Europe is warming at twice the global rate. Scientists say extreme weather will persist unless fossil fuel use, deforestation, and emissions are curbed immediately. (PC: NDTV)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called Indian PM Narendra Modi to express support against US President Donald Trump’s 50% “unilateral” tariffs on Indian and Brazilian goods. Lula said both nations are “most affected” and must defend multilateralism. The leaders discussed strengthening ties, increasing bilateral trade to over $20 billion by 2030, and integrating digital platforms like India’s UPI and Brazil’s PIX. Lula confirmed a state visit to India in 2026, with Vice-President Alckmin visiting in October. Lula also slammed Trump, stating Brazil won’t “take orders from a gringo,” and vowed to regulate US tech companies operating in Brazil. (PC: HT)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel plans to take full control of Gaza. In an interview, he said Israel does not want to rule Gaza but wants to create a security zone. Netanyahu said Arab forces should run Gaza without threats to Israel. His comments came as Israel’s security cabinet met to approve the plan. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said nearly 12,000 children in Gaza are now suffering from malnutrition. Aid is still not enough. Photos also showed aid being dropped into Gaza by air. The situation remains tense as leaders discuss the next steps. (PC: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India later this year, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval confirmed during talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Moscow. Doval said India is “excited and delighted” about the visit, calling past India-Russia summits “watershed moments.” This will be Putin’s first visit to India since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. The visit comes amid US-India trade tensions over New Delhi’s continued Russian oil imports. Last year, PM Modi met Putin twice—once in Moscow and again at the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The Kremlin also confirmed Putin may soon meet Donald Trump. (PC: India Today)

Jai Bhagwan, a hotel owner in Dharali, Uttarakhand, narrowly survived Tuesday’s flash flood caused by a cloudburst. While he was at a nearby temple for a local festival, a massive mudslide swept through the area, destroying his 40-room hotel. “My hotel flowed away like a leaf,” he said, describing the video he later saw. Fortunately, his hotel was empty due to low tourist presence during the monsoon. Rescue operations, now in their third day, have saved 190 people, including 11 army personnel. Over 50 remain missing. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Army teams are conducting joint rescue efforts despite communication issues. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in the coming days, the Kremlin confirmed. Trump hinted at a potential three-way summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, with Friday marking his deadline for Russia to agree or face harsher sanctions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said a meeting location has been finalized, though details remain under wraps. Zelensky expressed support, urging clarity on agenda and timing. Despite recent US envoy visits, including Steve Witkoff’s latest Moscow trip, skepticism remains high as Russia continues its attacks. Meanwhile, the US announced $200M more aid to Ukraine. (PC: BBC)