On August 21, 2025, Russia successfully launched four small military satellites aboard an Angara-1.2 rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The satellites, designated as OO MKA No. 3, MKA No. 4, MKA No. 5, and MKA No. 6, are part of Russia's Kosmos series and are classified under the "small satellite" category. This launch marks the fifth overall orbital mission for the Angara-1.2 variant and the second in 2025. The payloads are part of Russia’s small, operational-experimental reconnaissance series, indicating a continued emphasis on enhancing its space-based military capabilities. 

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has condemned President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, calling it an “abuse of power” and a manufactured crisis. Trump has already sent 2,000 armed troops to Washington DC, claiming success in tackling crime, and now signals expansion to Chicago and New York—both Democrat-run cities. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson strongly opposed the move, warning it could inflame tensions and undermine progress on crime reduction. Despite federal claims of hundreds of arrests, polls show the deployment remains deeply unpopular among residents, fueling debate over federal overreach and states’ rights. (PC: BBC)

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russia of imposing "massive sanctions or tariffs" unless a resolution to the Ukraine conflict is achieved within two weeks. Expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing war, Trump stated, "I'm not happy about anything about that war — nothing, not happy at all," and emphasized the urgency of a peaceful settlement. This statement follows a recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which yielded no significant progress. Trump's administration is closely monitoring the situation, with decisions on sanctions pending based on developments in the coming days. (PC: AP)

U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed threats of sanctions against Russia amid the absence of a peace deal in Ukraine. Speaking at a campaign event, Trump criticized Moscow’s continued military aggression and warned of “severe economic consequences” if hostilities persist. He emphasized that sanctions would target key sectors of Russia’s economy and could be escalated if diplomatic efforts fail. Trump’s remarks come as international pressure mounts for a resolution to the prolonged conflict. Despite previous sanctions under his administration, Trump claimed new measures would be “unprecedented in scope.” The Kremlin has yet to respond officially, while European leaders cautiously welcomed the renewed U.S. stance. (PC: Responsible Statecraft & CNN)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to block peace talks and prolong the war. He said Ukraine is not afraid of meetings, unlike Russia. US President Donald Trump is pushing for a summit between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, but Moscow insists the agenda is not ready. NATO chief Mark Rutte backed Ukraine’s call for strong security guarantees to prevent future Russian attacks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Putin’s demands for land concessions were a “trap.” Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia launched heavy missile and drone strikes, while Ukraine hit a Russian oil facility. (PC: BBC)

A UN-backed report has confirmed famine in Gaza City and nearby areas, saying it is “entirely man-made.” Over half a million people face “starvation, destitution and death.” Residents described severe hunger. Reem Khader, a mother of five, said her youngest child has never tasted fruit. Rajaa Talbeh, 47, lost 25kg while living in a tent. Another mother, Rida Hijeh, said her daughter’s weight dropped dangerously due to malnutrition. Aid groups say restrictions on supplies are worsening the crisis. Doctors report rising cases of children with swelling, hair loss, and weakness. Families say they are running out of food and hope. (PC: BBC)

NRI industrialist and philanthropist Lord Swraj Paul has passed away at the age of 94 in London. He was admitted to a hospital a few days ago due to illness and breathed his last on Thursday evening. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab, Paul moved to the UK in 1966 while seeking treatment for his daughter, who later died. He went on to build the Caparo Group of Industries. Known as a respected member of the UK House of Lords, Paul worked for business, education, and health causes. Leaders from India and Britain, including PM Modi, expressed grief at his death. (PC: X)

For the first time in Gaza—and the broader Middle East—the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has officially declared famine in the Gaza City region, affecting over half a million people suffering from starvation, destitution, and death . The UN agencies FAO, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO stress that this is a fully man-made crisis and call for an immediate ceasefire and massive humanitarian aid access to halt further deaths . Famine is projected to spread rapidly to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by late September, potentially engulfing up to a third of Gaza’s population . In Gaza’s North, conditions are as severe—or worse—but lack of data has prevented formal classification, underscoring the need for urgent access and comprehensive assessments. (PC: BBC)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Hamas, declaring that “the gates of hell will soon open” if the group does not accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war. Katz stated Gaza City could face destruction similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun. His remarks followed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement of a major military operation to capture Gaza City. Israel demands the release of all hostages and Hamas’s full disarmament. Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators but refuses to disarm without a Palestinian state. Israeli officials remain skeptical, citing past failed negotiations. Humanitarian groups warn of worsening crisis amid escalating tensions. (PC: Al Jazeera)

The Trump administration has suspended the issuance of H-2B worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, citing public safety concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate halt, warning that foreign drivers operating large trucks endanger American lives and undercut domestic truckers. The move follows a fatal Florida crash involving Harjinder Singh, an undocumented driver now charged with vehicular homicide. An investigation is underway into regulatory lapses. Additionally, over 55 million visa holders are being vetted for deportable offenses. The administration also reinstated strict English proficiency enforcement, disqualifying over 3,000 drivers. These actions reflect a broader crackdown on immigration and transportation safety. (PC: Wikipedia)