US President Donald Trump has proposed tariffs of up to 200% on imported medicines, citing national security and the need to boost domestic production. Experts warn the move could raise drug prices by 10–14% and cause shortages, especially for generics that make up most US prescriptions. Low-income and elderly patients may be hit hardest. India, a top supplier of affordable generics, has been excluded from immediate enforcement as its medicines are vital for US healthcare. However, analysts say future policy changes could affect India’s $25 billion pharma exports. Legal battles and industry pushback may delay the tariff plan. (PC: AP)

Russian crude oil has become cheaper for Indian refiners, with discounts widening to $3–$4 per barrel for September and October cargoes, according to a Bloomberg report. This comes as US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s rising oil imports from Moscow. Trump’s adviser Peter Navarro accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war. India now sources nearly 40% of its oil from Russia, compared to less than 1% before 2022. New Delhi defended its trade, saying crude imports are not under sanctions. Trump called US-India trade “a one-sided disaster” and demanded lower Indian tariffs. (PC: AP)

Delhi traffic police have closed the Old Iron Bridge (Loha Pul) from Tuesday 4 pm due to rising Yamuna water levels, which crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres. Commuters have been advised to avoid the bridge and nearby routes. Traffic has been diverted through Hanuman Setu, Raja Ram Kohli Marg, and Geeta Colony Road. Police urged people to use public transport and keep extra time for travel. Drone visuals showed the Yamuna flowing above danger levels after heavy rain. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited flood-hit areas and assured relief and support to affected families. Vigil is being maintained. (PC: ANI Grab)

India will host the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi in August 2026, the Badminton World Federation announced. This will be India’s second time hosting the event after 17 years, with Hyderabad staging it in 2009. The announcement came during the closing of the 2025 edition in Paris. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won India’s only medal in Paris, taking bronze in men’s doubles. PV Sindhu reached the quarterfinals, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also impressed in mixed doubles. The Badminton Association of India promised to deliver an event matching the standards of Paris. (PC: PTI)

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India's principled approach to trade negotiations, rejecting deadline-driven agreements with the US. "We never negotiate trade deals with a deadline, we only negotiate good trade deals which are mutually beneficial," Goyal stated. India remains in active bilateral trade agreement discussions with Washington, having completed five negotiation rounds since March. However, talks stalled after the US imposed 50% duties on Indian goods from August 27, causing postponement of the sixth round scheduled for August 25. Separately, Goyal highlighted India's renewable energy leadership, delivering 24-hour clean power at ₹4.60-5 per kilowatt hour, unmatched globally. Solar tariffs have dropped from ₹7-8 to just above ₹2 per unit since 2014.(PC: ET Retail)

Tesla has received disappointing booking numbers in India, with just over 600 Model Y orders since its July launch. The company plans to ship 350-500 cars to India this year, with the first batch arriving from Shanghai in early September. Tesla launched the Model Y at approximately $70,000, reflecting India's high import tariffs on EVs. The company targets a niche market where EVs represent only 4% of total sales, operating in four cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Gurugram. Meanwhile, Tesla faces continued sales declines across European markets, with France down 47.3% and Sweden dropping 84%, though Norway, Spain, and Portugal showed growth amid fierce competition from Chinese rival BYD. (PC: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, describing their relationship as reaching an "unprecedented level." The meeting preceded China's largest-ever military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender. Russia will increase gas supplies to China, while Beijing offers visa-free travel to Russians during a year-long trial. North Korea's Kim Jong Un also attended, marking his first multilateral international meeting and the first time a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade since 1959. The trilateral gathering demonstrates solidarity amid the Ukraine war, as Western leaders boycott the event. Putin defended Russia's offensive while Xi criticized Western "bloc confrontation," signaling opposition to US-led alliances.(PC: High North News)

An FIR has been registered against filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali at Bichwal police station in Rajasthan's Bikaner district following a court directive. Jodhpur-based Radha Films CEO Prateek Raj Mathur filed the complaint, alleging he was appointed as line producer for 'Love and War' but later removed without payment. Mathur accused Bhansali and production managers of misbehavior, pushing, insulting, and threatening him at Hotel Narendra Bhawan on August 17. The charges include cheating and criminal breach of trust.The romantic war drama stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, scheduled for December release after extensive Bikaner shooting.Police are examining allegations from all parties involved. (PC: Wikipedia)

A frustrated Reddit user's viral post about falling into an unmarked drain during Gurugram's heavy rainfall has sparked widespread criticism of the city's infrastructure. The resident, stuck in the "Millennium City" for five months due to work commitments, described living there as "literal hell" after tumbling into knee-deep floodwater concealing an open drain with no safety barriers. Monday's downpour brought over 100mm of rainfall in four hours, causing severe waterlogging across streets. Despite being Haryana's highest tax-paying city, residents complained about poor civic facilities worse than tier-2 cities. Social media users shared similar experiences, with one walking three kilometers through gutter water. The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure failures in India's corporate hub during monsoon season. (PC: Business Today & India Today)

Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held crucial one-hour talks at the SCO summit in Tianjin, focusing on LAC disengagement progress since their October 2024 Kazan breakthrough. The leaders acknowledged successful disengagements in Depsang and Demchok plains, which restored patrolling rights and reduced border tensions. Over 11 months, extensive bilateral, military, and diplomatic discussions have built momentum toward LAC normalization. Four areas including Pangong, Galwan's PP-14, Gogra, and Hot Springs have completed disengagements, though patrolling hasn't resumed everywhere. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to prevent disputes from escalating and maintain peace essential for bilateral relations. The meeting signals renewed focus on Corps Commander-level dialogue to address remaining issues and restore pre-Galwan status quo along the disputed border. (PC: X)