The war between Russia and Ukraine escalated on Sunday. Russian missiles and drones struck central Kyiv, hitting Ukraine’s cabinet building for the first time. At least three people, including a baby, were killed, and many others were injured. Fires broke out in residential areas as debris damaged high-rise buildings. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko urged allies to act with tougher sanctions and stronger air defence. In response, Ukraine attacked Russia’s Druzhba oil pipeline in Bryansk, disrupting energy supplies to Europe. Strikes also hit Odesa, Kremenchuk, and Kryvyi Rih. Both sides denied targeting civilians, but casualties continue to rise. (PC: India Today)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called for tougher sanctions on Russia and countries buying its oil, including India. He said more tariffs could collapse Russia’s economy and push President Vladimir Putin to peace talks with Ukraine. Bessent stressed that the US needs Europe’s support to increase pressure. India, facing 50% tariffs on many exports, has defended its Russian oil trade as a matter of national interest. The remarks come even as US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi recently showed signs of friendship. The war escalated Sunday after Russia bombed a key Ukrainian government complex. (PC: AFP)

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued a firm directive, dated August 30, mandating that all business, commercial, and institutional signboards in the city must prominently display Bengali at the top—alongside any other languages—by September 30, 2025 . This follows an earlier advisory from December 30, 2024, which only requested compliance but saw limited adherence . Mayor Firhad Hakim criticized slow compliance and warned that failure to comply could result in punitive measures, potentially including removal of non-compliant signs and trade license action . The move reinforces the city’s push to assert and uphold Bengali linguistic and cultural identity. (PC: PTI)

During Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations at Srinagar’s revered Hazratbal Shrine, a marble plaque featuring the Ashoka emblem was vandalized by a mob objecting to sculpted figures. Police registered an FIR and began investigations. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the act, calling Hazratbal a “symbol of peace and unity,” while Waqf Board chief Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi termed it a “terrorist attack.” The BJP demanded strict action, whereas former CM Omar Abdullah questioned placing a national emblem at a religious site, stressing such symbols belong to government institutions, not shrines. The incident has sparked widespread political and religious debate.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on September 7, 2025, less than a year into his tenure, stepping down as both LDP leader and PM to prevent a “decisive split” within the party after consecutive electoral setbacks . His departure follows historic losses in both lower- and upper-house elections and comes at the conclusion of critical US-Japan tariff negotiations—where tariff rates were reduced in exchange for substantial Japanese investment . Ishiba will stay in office until a new LDP leader is chosen amid speculation over successors like Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi. (PC: AP)

Yemen launched drone strikes on Israel with the IDF intercepting three UAVs, two shot down before crossing Israeli territory. Sirens sounded in southern Israel alerting residents to seek shelter. The attack comes one week after Israeli airstrikes killed Ahmed al-Rahawi, prime minister of the Houthi-controlled Sanaa administration, along with other ministers during a government performance review workshop. Al-Rahawi had served as prime minister since August 2024. The Iranian-backed Houthis have repeatedly targeted Israel in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza war, firing missiles and drones that are mostly intercepted. The conflict extends to the Red Sea where Houthis attack commercial ships allegedly linked to Israel. Israel has retaliated with strikes on Sanaa and Hodeida port, including rendering Sanaa's airport unusable in May. (PC: India Today)

Hyundai and Tata Motors announced car price cuts following GST rate reductions effective September 22. The 56th GST Council reduced taxes on small cars from 28% to 18%, while SUVs face 40% tax without cess and electric vehicles remain at 5%. Both companies will pass complete benefits to customers. Hyundai's biggest cuts include Tucson at Rs 2.4 lakh, i20 N Line at Rs 1.08 lakh, and Venue at Rs 1.23 lakh. Tata's reductions range from Tiago at Rs 75,000 to Nexon at Rs 1.55 lakh and Safari at Rs 1.45 lakh. This follows similar announcements by Mahindra and Renault. Both companies emphasized the reform will boost consumer confidence and make personal mobility more accessible across India.

Indian filmmaker Anuparna Roy made history at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, becoming the first Indian director to win Best Director in the Orizzonti section for her debut feature "Songs of Forgotten Trees." The film, starring Naaz Shaikh and Sumi Baghel, follows two women whose lives intertwine in Mumbai. Roy dedicated the award to "every woman who's ever been silenced, overlooked, or underestimated," calling it a tribute to women in cinema and beyond. The film was India's sole entry in the prestigious section and was presented by Anurag Kashyap. Producers Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi, and Ranjan Singh praised Roy's determination despite production challenges. The festival concluded with "Father Mother Sister Brother" winning the Golden Lion. (PC: Times Now)

Russia’s Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Konstantin Mogilevsky, has called for a significant expansion of Hindi language education across Russian universities, citing a growing student interest . Institutions such as MGIMO, RSUH, Moscow State University’s Institute of Asian and African Studies, and Moscow State Linguistic University are witnessing a two- to three-fold increase in Hindi course enrollments . Beyond Moscow, universities in St. Petersburg and Kazan are also seeing rising demand . The move reflects deeper cultural and educational alignment between India and Russia.    

Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian suggests Trump is softening his stance toward India after realizing aggressive trade tactics haven't worked. Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including additional 25% over Russian oil purchases, failed to produce desired outcomes. Despite calling US-India ties "very special" and affirming friendship with PM Modi, Fabian remains skeptical about ending what he calls "Triple T - Trumped-up Trump Tariff." He emphasizes India as a "civilisational state" that wants global friendship and business but "cannot take dictation." Modi reciprocated Trump's positive remarks about their "Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership." Trade talks remain stalled as India maintains red lines on US firm entry into agriculture and key sectors. Another diplomat, Jawed Ashraf, advocates India avoiding alignment with competing global power camps. (PC: Hindustan Times)