Economist Richard Wolff sharply criticized Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs on India as misguided and strategically harmful to the U.S. Calling the U.S. posture akin to a “mouse hitting an elephant,” he warned the move will alienate India and accelerate trade realignment toward the BRICS bloc. By shutting off the American market, India will increasingly rely on BRICS for trade, thereby strengthening the alternative economic grouping. Wolff highlighted that BRICS now produce 35% of global output—overtaking the G7, which stands at 28%—signaling a transformative shift in the global economic order.  

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II crashed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, on January 28, 2025, after the pilot engaged in a tense 50-minute mid-air conference call with Lockheed Martin engineers to resolve a landing-gear malfunction. Efforts to troubleshoot included two "touch and go" attempts, but hydraulic icing—caused by water-contaminated fluid—caused the nose and right main landing gear to freeze in a skewed position, triggering false "on-ground" sensors. The jet spiraled uncontrollably, compelling the pilot to eject safely. Investigators cited poor oversight of hazardous-material handling and crew-and-engineer decision-making as contributing factors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tokyo today (August 29, 2025) to kick off a two-day diplomatic tour centered on the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit—his first standalone visit in nearly seven years and first summit with Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba. Summit talks will deepen the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” spanning defense, high-speed rail (E10 Shinkansen), AI, semiconductors, and QUAD cooperation. Japan may pledge up to $68 billion in investments. Cultural warmth greeted Modi’s arrival, with Japanese followers chanting the Gayatri Mantra and performing folk songs. The visit precedes his journey to China for the SCO Summit in Tianjin beginning August 31. (PC: X)  

The Indian Army has deployed the newly inducted ATOR N1200 amphibious Specialist Mobility Vehicle (SMV) for flood rescue efforts in Amritsar. With its floating capability, low-pressure tires, and robust design, it navigates waterlogged and rugged terrain to evacuate stranded villagers and deliver essential supplies. Developed by JSW Gecko Motors, the vehicle was first showcased during the 2024 Republic Day Parade. The government has ordered 96 units under a ₹250-crore deal. Deployed in multiple Punjab districts, the ATOR N1200 highlights the Army’s rapid humanitarian response and technological readiness during natural disasters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on Sunday during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. This is Modi’s first visit to China since the 2020 border standoff. Talks will focus on keeping the border peaceful, resuming exchanges like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and strengthening trade ties. Both sides want to avoid new trade barriers and rebuild trust. China recently promised to address India’s concerns over export restrictions. With US tariffs creating global turbulence, India and China share an interest in protecting the world economic order. The meeting aims to advance normalisation of ties. (PC: X)

American economist Richard Wolff criticized US tariffs on India, calling them “a mouse hitting an elephant.” He said Washington is hurting itself by pressuring India over Russian oil imports. US President Donald Trump recently doubled tariffs to 50% on many Indian goods. Wolff warned the move will push India closer to BRICS, which already accounts for 35% of global output, compared to the G7’s 28%. He argued India will find other buyers if the US market closes. Wolff said the US is acting like a “tough guy” but only strengthening BRICS as an alternative to Western dominance. (PC: NDTV)

Russian missile strikes on Kyiv killed 21 people, including 4 children, and damaged the European Union’s mission office. A five-storey building collapsed, and dozens were injured. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed outrage, saying missiles landed within 50 meters of the EU delegation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Russia of “sabotaging hopes of peace,” while Ukraine’s President Zelensky called for tougher sanctions. Germany, the UK, and the EU summoned Russian diplomats. The strikes followed massive drone attacks on Ukraine’s power grid. Zelensky said Russia had chosen “ballistics instead of the negotiating table.” EU sanctions are being expanded. (PC: BBC)

American economist Richard Wolff said the United States is “shooting itself in the foot” by imposing 50% tariffs on Indian exports. Speaking to TV host Rick Sanchez, he warned that Washington’s move will only push India towards other markets and strengthen the BRICS bloc. Sanchez called the tariff decision a “world-changing” moment, saying historians will note the shift. Wolff added that India, now the world’s most populous country, is not a small player the US can pressure. He argued that shutting India out will accelerate BRICS’ rise as a powerful economic counterweight to the West. (PC: X)

Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro has criticised India over its ties with Russia and China. “India, you are getting in bed with authoritarians. China invaded Aksai Chin and all your territory. They are not your friends,” Navarro told Bloomberg TV. He also claimed the Ukraine conflict is “Modi’s war”, adding, “The road to peace runs, in part, through New Delhi.” Navarro accused India of feeding Russia’s war machine by buying discounted oil and selling it abroad. He said US tariffs on India, now at 50%, will be lifted only if New Delhi stops importing Russian crude. (PC: Reuters)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has denied claims that leaders must retire at 75. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I never said I will retire or that someone else should retire when they turn 75.” His remarks came amid speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 on September 17, may step down. The BJP has also rejected such rumours, pointing out that its ministers above 75, like Jitan Ram Manjhi, remain in office. Opposition leaders have often used the ‘75-year rule’ to target the BJP, but both Bhagwat and the party insist no such rule exists. (PC: NDTV)