The European Union is unlikely to impose steep tariffs on India and China despite President Trump's pressure during Washington talks this week. Trump urged 100% tariffs on both nations to squeeze Russia's energy revenues by targeting major Russian oil buyers. EU sources explained that unlike sanctions, tariffs require formal investigations lasting months to establish legal basis. The EU has already tightened Russia sanctions, adding Chinese banks and an Indian refinery in July, but considers sweeping tariffs a separate, higher threshold matter. Brussels is negotiating a trade agreement with New Delhi and won't jeopardize it. Officials warn broad tariffs are risky and overly blunt compared to targeted entity listings. (PC: Mint & News 18)

India strongly rebuked Switzerland's criticism at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th session, with diplomat Kshitij Tyagi calling Swiss remarks "surprising, shallow, and ill-informed." Switzerland had urged India to protect minorities and uphold freedom of expression and media rights. Tyagi, counsellor at India's Geneva mission, countered that Switzerland, currently holding the council's presidency, should avoid "blatantly false narratives" and instead address its own issues of racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia. He emphasized India's status as the world's largest, most diverse democracy with civilizational pluralism, offering to help Switzerland tackle these domestic challenges. The exchange occurred during a general debate, highlighting diplomatic tensions over human rights criticisms between the two nations.

NASA's Mars rover Perseverance discovered rocks in Neretva Vallis, a dry river channel flowing into Jezero Crater, containing potential signs of ancient microscopic life. The sample, collected last summer from reddish clay-rich mudstones, contains organic carbon alongside minuscule "poppy seeds" and "leopard spots" enriched with iron phosphate and iron sulfide. These compounds are commonly produced by microorganisms consuming organic matter on Earth. Lead researcher Joel Hurowitz from Stony Brook University emphasizes that while microbial life is one explanation, non-biological processes could also create these features. Published in Nature journal, this represents the strongest evidence yet for ancient Martian life, though definitive conclusions require sample analysis in Earth laboratories through NASA's delayed Mars sample return mission. (PC: CNET)  

France witnessed nationwide protests on Wednesday as Sébastien Lecornu took office as the country’s new prime minister. The demonstrations were led by grassroots movement Bloquons Tout (“Let’s Block Everything”), which opposes budget cuts and the political class. Protesters blocked streets, set fires, and clashed with police, with 250 arrests reported by morning. In Paris, around 1,000 people gathered near Gare du Nord station, where police used tear gas. Protesters demanded President Emmanuel Macron’s resignation, rent freezes, and higher taxes for the rich. Lecornu, France’s fifth prime minister in under two years, promised dialogue with opposition and trade unions. (PC: BBC)

A total of 112 tourists from Thane district, Maharashtra, are stranded in Nepal due to violent anti-government protests. The group, from Murbad taluka, is divided between Kathmandu and Pokhara. According to MLA Kisan Kathore, 47 tourists are in a hotel in Kathmandu, the worst-hit area, while 65 are in Pokhara. They have appealed to the Maharashtra government for swift evacuation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Thane district collector have been informed. Tourists shared videos describing fear and uncertainty as protests turned violent after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned. Nineteen people have died in the unrest. (PC: X)

India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday said it is “proud of our Constitution” while referring to unrest in Nepal and protests in Bangladesh. Chief Justice B R Gavai highlighted the stability of Indian democracy, contrasting it with violent protests in Nepal where at least 19 people were killed and government buildings, including Parliament, were torched. Justice Vikram Nath also recalled Bangladesh student protests last year. The remarks came during a presidential reference hearing on Governors’ role in clearing state bills. The bench said India has upheld its Constitution and democracy for 75 years, despite challenges in governance and politics. (PC: HT)

India started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a record-breaking nine-wicket win over UAE in Dubai. Chasing only 58, India finished the game in just 4.3 overs, their fastest-ever chase in men’s T20I cricket. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav starred with three wickets in one over, while all-rounder Shivam Dube also took three wickets, dismantling the UAE batting order. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to bowl first worked perfectly. The quick win gave India a huge boost in Net Run Rate and placed them on top of Group A. India will face Pakistan in their next match on September 14 in Dubai. (PC: BCCI)

Delhi Police have arrested a Nepali man for supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistan’s ISI. The accused, 43-year-old Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya from Birganj, Nepal, was caught in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar. Police said ISI lured him with the promise of a US visa and journalism job. He procured 16 SIM cards using Aadhaar credentials and sent them to Nepal. Eleven were found active on WhatsApp from Pakistan, including Lahore and Bahawalpur. Police also seized digital devices and SIM envelopes. Chaurasiya, once a medical representative, turned to espionage after business losses. A case has been registered, and investigations continue. (PC: NDTV)

Nepal’s army is patrolling Kathmandu after anti-corruption protests turned violent. Prime Minister KP Oli resigned as government buildings, parliament, and politicians’ homes were torched. At least 29 people have died since Monday. Gen Z protesters leading the movement said the violence was caused by opportunists and “infiltrators,” not them. They are volunteering to clean up and protect public property. Nationwide curfews are in place, and checkpoints check IDs of all vehicles. Protests began after a social media ban and grew due to anger over corruption and nepotism. Citizens hope for independent leadership and better governance in Nepal. (PC: BBC)

More than 400 Indian citizens are stranded at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport after flights were suspended due to unrest in Nepal. The Indian government is in talks with the Nepal Army to bring them back safely. Special aircraft may be sent by the Indian Air Force. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating with authorities for safe evacuation. Nepal is facing violent protests that forced Prime Minister KP Oli to resign, with the army taking charge. At least 19 people have died, and hundreds are injured. India’s foreign ministry has issued advisories and helplines for stranded nationals. (PC: X)