White House trade adviser Peter Navarro criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for cozying up to Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping during the SCO summit in Tianjin, calling it "shameful" for the leader of the world's largest democracy to embrace two authoritarian figures . Navarro accused India of funding Moscow’s war through continued purchases of discounted Russian crude and implied that Indian refiners profit heavily by exporting refined oil globally . He implored Modi to align with the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine instead, and warned that India must reconsider its strategic choices. (PC: Reuters)

Actor-director Anirban Bhattacharya has gone viral with his new satirical song “Tumi Mosti Korbe Jaani” (I know you’ll have fun), performed with his band Hooliganism. The track humorously roasts Bengal’s “three Ghoshs” — Kunal Ghosh of Trinamool Congress, Dilip Ghosh of BJP, and Shatarup Ghosh of CPM. Blending sharp wit with music, Bhattacharya highlights contentious political issues, including the RG Kar case and the special intensive voter list revision. The performance, widely shared on social media, has struck a chord with audiences while stirring debate in political circles, underlining Bengal’s unique blend of politics, satire, and popular culture. (PC: News 18)  

Uttarakhand is grappling with devastating flash floods after recording 273 % excess rainfall in 24 hours, leaving over 300 roads blocked and disrupting lives and rescue operations . A viral video shared on X by Dr PM Dhakate, Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, shows a leopard’s lifeless body floating in a swollen river—highlighting the tragic impact on wildlife . The IMD issued an orange alert for seven districts, and relief efforts are underway: the NDRF, Army, and SDRF rescued people and animals; several families have been moved to relief camps . Meanwhile, another viral clip showed two elephants being swept away in strong currents—but both managed to regain footing and reach safety.   

On September 3, 2025, Beijing staged its largest-ever military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II defeat. Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, presided over a spectacle highlighting advanced weaponry—hypersonic missiles, drones, tanks, and fighter jets—designed to project military strength and diplomatic ambition . Xi’s keynote warned that humanity faces a choice between peace or war, signaling China’s vision of a new global order . The event drew condemnation from Western nations, many of which boycotted, while reinforcing alliances with non-Western powers. (PC: Reuters)

A powerful aftershock of magnitude 5.2 struck eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, two days after a massive quake killed more than 1,400 people and injured 3,000. Most deaths were reported in Kunar province, where many villages remain buried under rubble. Landslides have blocked roads, forcing helicopters to rescue survivors. The Taliban government has appealed for global aid, while the UN and several countries, including the UK, India, China, and Switzerland, have pledged support. Survivors shared stories of losing entire families. Aid groups warned of food, water, and medical shortages, saying the crisis has worsened Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian situation.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday denied bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 riots conspiracy case. The court said their role was “grave” and that a “hurried trial would be harmful” to both the accused and the State. Judges noted they were among the first to act after the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, creating WhatsApp groups and distributing pamphlets in Muslim areas. The bench said their speeches indicated conspiracy. It added that the right to protest is not absolute. Lawyers for the activists plan to challenge the order in the Supreme Court. (PC: India Today)

Russia has offered India larger discounts on its Ural crude oil, with rates dropping $3 to $4 per barrel for September and October shipments. This comes as the US doubled tariffs on India to 50% over its continued oil trade with Moscow. Washington accused New Delhi of helping Russia fund its war by refining discounted oil and reselling it. India rejected the criticism, saying no sanctions ban such imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently called Russia a “special” partner at the SCO summit in China. Despite pressure, Indian refiners continue to buy cheaper Russian crude. (PC: NDTV)

The Australian government has strongly condemned far-right rallies against Indian migration held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other cities. Officials called the movement racist and divisive. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said such campaigns “undermine social cohesion” and are “not Australian.” Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly stressed that multiculturalism is central to Australia’s identity and vowed not to be intimidated by extremist groups. The rallies, organized by “March for Australia,” claimed Indian migration is a cultural “replacement.” Environment Minister Murray Watt said the protests were linked to neo-Nazi groups spreading hate, not unity, across communities. (PC: The Hindu)

A flood alert has been issued in Jammu after heavy rain raised water levels in rivers, including the Tawi and Chenab. Authorities warned people to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas. The meteorological office predicted more heavy rain on September 2 and 3 across several districts. Schools in Jammu and Kashmir were closed for safety. In Samba, land subsidence damaged houses and forced families to move. Since August 14, over 130 people have died and 33 remain missing due to floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. Recent flash floods also damaged homes and property in Jammu plains. (PC: HT)

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Tuesday. Sharif said Islamabad respects Moscow’s ties with India, calling them “perfectly fine.” He praised Putin as a “very dynamic leader” and said Pakistan wants strong relations with Russia. Sharif noted such ties would support peace and prosperity in the region. Both leaders are in Beijing to attend China’s military parade marking 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War II. Putin also met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Earlier, Sharif was seen rushing to greet Putin at the SCO summit. (PC: India Today)