Trump administration proposes up to 200% tariffs on imported medicines under national security provisions, potentially ending duty-free drug imports. Officials cite COVID-19 pandemic shortages and import dependence as strategic vulnerabilities requiring domestic manufacturing boost. Analysts warn of 10-14% drug price increases even with 25% tariffs, particularly affecting low-income households and generics comprising 90% of US prescriptions. India, a major generic medicine supplier, currently remains "excluded" from immediate enforcement due to crucial role in affordable American healthcare. Legal challenges emerge as appeals court rules Congressional approval needed for sweeping measures. While pharmaceutical giants invest billions in US operations, experts warn rebuilding domestic supply chains will be expensive and slow, ultimately raising patient costs significantly. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Multiple North Indian states closed schools on September 2, 2025, due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Punjab extended closures until September 3 following widespread flooding and landslides. Gurugram's DDMA suspended physical classes after 100mm rainfall in four hours, encouraging online learning and work-from-home arrangements. Uttar Pradesh districts including Kasganj, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Bareilly, Moradabad, Pilibhit, and Aligarh declared holidays. Chandigarh, Jammu division, and Uttarakhand's Chamoli district also shut schools. Himachal Pradesh closed schools in Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kullu districts due to landslide risks. Despite IMD's orange alert for Delhi NCR and continuous rainfall since September 1, the capital maintained regular school operations while authorities monitor conditions for potential closure announcements. (PC: X)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Indore made an emergency landing on August 31 after a fire warning in its right engine. Pilots declared a Mayday, and Delhi airport authorities announced a full emergency. Fire and rescue teams were on standby as the A320neo returned safely after 30 minutes in the air. Over 90 passengers and crew were unharmed and later boarded another aircraft. The affected plane has been grounded for checks, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed. Air India confirmed the flight landed safely, following standard safety procedures. (PC: PTI)

Belgium will officially recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly this month, Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said. He announced “firm sanctions” on Israel, including banning imports from West Bank settlements and possible legal actions. Belgium joins the UK, France, Canada, and Australia in supporting Palestinian statehood. The Israeli foreign ministry has not yet responded, but earlier called such moves a “reward for Hamas.” The UN session starts on 9 September, where more countries may back recognition. Currently, 147 UN member states recognise Palestine. The decision comes as Gaza’s war continues with rising deaths and starvation. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit. Calling it “a shame,” Navarro said, “Modi needs to be with us and not Russia.” He accused India of helping Moscow by buying cheap Russian oil and reselling it abroad, calling India a “Kremlin laundromat.” Navarro also repeated his “Maharaja of tariffs” jibe, saying India’s trade policies were unfair. India has defended its oil purchases, arguing they are vital to keep energy costs low. (PC: AFP)

A 36-year-old Delhi IT professional with 20 lakh savings was denied a US tourist visa along with his elderly parents under Section 214(b), despite strong financial documentation. The family, planning a Christmas vacation to New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, faced an abrupt interview termination when the consular officer questioned language inconsistencies after requesting a Hindi translator. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India as a "bad actor" for Russian oil purchases while dismissing the SCO summit as "performative." Despite acknowledging shared democratic values and expressing confidence in resolving bilateral strains, Bessent argued India's discounted crude imports and refined product resales effectively fund Russia's Ukraine war effort, complicating US-India relations. (PC: BTW Visa Services)  

US President Donald Trump will address a rare White House press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday, sparking intense speculation about his health and future. The 79-year-old leader was recently diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), fueling rumors of illness and even resignation. While the White House insists Trump is in “excellent health,” his weeks-long absence from media appearances has raised questions. Photos of Trump golfing with his grandchildren failed to silence online chatter. The upcoming Oval Office announcement has left the internet buzzing, with many wondering whether he will address health concerns—or make a bigger political move. (PC: AP)

More than 1,000 people are feared dead after a landslide in western Sudan, according to the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM). The disaster struck a village in the Marrah Mountains, Darfur, on 31 August after heavy rain. The SLM said only one survivor has been found and appealed to the United Nations and aid groups for urgent help. The area, already sheltering people fleeing Sudan’s civil war, lacks food and medicine. Fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has left millions displaced, deepening what the UN calls one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. (PC: Sudan Liberation Movement/Army)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India as a "bad actor" for purchasing Russian oil while expressing confidence in resolving bilateral tensions. Despite concerns over PM Modi's SCO summit participation with Putin and Xi Jinping, Bessent dismissed the meeting as "largely performative." He argued India's discounted Russian crude imports and refined product resales effectively finance Moscow's Ukraine war effort. While acknowledging shared democratic values and optimism that "two great countries will get this solved," Bessent stressed slow trade negotiations justified Washington's tariff hikes. Trump separately claimed India offered zero tariffs after imposing 50% duties, calling the relationship a "totally one-sided disaster" due to India's historically high tariffs preventing American businesses from accessing Indian markets. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Delhi faced rising flood danger on Tuesday as the Yamuna crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres and reached 205.68 metres by morning. Water entered homes in low-lying areas, forcing people into relief camps. Officials warned levels could rise to 206.50 metres by evening as water continued to flow from Haryana’s Hathnikund barrage. Authorities closed Loha Pul for traffic from 5 pm. Meanwhile, Gurugram received over 100 mm rain in four hours on Monday, flooding Hero Honda Chowk and the Dwarka Expressway. An orange alert was issued, schools moved online, and offices were asked to allow work-from-home. (PC: India Today)